ISS stands for "Ignition Interlock System" and appears on your license when you've been convicted of a DUI or DWI
ISS is a notation the DMV adds to your driver's license after a drunk or impaired driving conviction. It means you are legally required to install and use an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you drive. The device prevents your car from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
The ISS requirement is not optional — it is a court-ordered condition of your driving privileges. Driving without the device installed, or tampering with it, can result in license suspension, fines, and criminal charges. The length of time you must use the device depends on your state, the severity of your conviction, and whether it was a first or repeat offense.
The ISS notation stays on your license for the entire period you are required to use the device. Once you complete the interlock requirement and the court or DMV removes the restriction, the notation is removed from your license.
Key Takeaways
- ISS on your license means you must install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle you operate as a condition of your driving privileges.
- The device is court-ordered following a DUI or DWI conviction and is not something you can choose to skip or delay.
- Ignition interlock requirements typically last between six months and three years, depending on your state and the details of your conviction.
- You are responsible for paying the installation, monthly monitoring, and removal fees for the device, which usually total between $1,000 and $2,500 over the requirement period.
- Removing or disabling the device, or driving a vehicle without one installed, can result in criminal charges and permanent license revocation.
How the ignition interlock device works
An ignition interlock device is a small breathalyzer installed in your vehicle's dashboard or steering column. Before the engine will start, you must blow into the device. If it detects alcohol above a set threshold — usually 0.02% blood alcohol content — the vehicle will not start.
The device also requires rolling retests while you are driving. At random intervals, it will alert you to provide another breath sample. If you fail a rolling retest, the vehicle will not shut off when ready, but the device will log the failure and alert your monitoring company. Repeated failures or refusals to test can trigger a license suspension.
All test results are recorded and sent to your monitoring company and the court. These records are reviewed regularly to confirm you are complying with the requirement. Some devices also include a camera to verify that you are the person providing the breath sample and prevent someone else from blowing into the device for you.
How long you must use an ignition interlock device
The length of your ISS requirement varies by state and depends on factors including whether this is your first DUI conviction, your blood alcohol content at the time of arrest, and whether anyone was injured. Most states require a minimum of six months to one year for a first offense.
A second or subsequent DUI conviction typically results in a longer interlock requirement — often two to three years or more. Some states also impose a mandatory waiting period before you can even install the device. For example, you might be required to serve a period of hard suspension (no driving at all) before becoming may be able to access for the interlock program.
Your court order or DMV paperwork will specify the exact start and end dates of your requirement. You cannot remove the device early without a court order, even if you believe you have complied fully. When the requirement period ends, you must have the device professionally removed and return it to the monitoring company.
Who installs and monitors the device
Your state's DMV or court will provide you with a list of approved interlock service providers in your area. You must use one of these approved vendors — you cannot install a device from an unapproved company or attempt to install one yourself. Common national providers include SCRAM, Draeger, and LifeSafer, though regional companies operate in many states.
Once you contact a provider and schedule installation, they will install the device in your vehicle at a cost that typically ranges from $100 to $300. You will then pay a monthly monitoring fee, usually between $60 and $100, for the duration of your requirement. When your requirement ends, the provider will remove the device, usually for another $100 to $150 fee.
The monitoring company sends all test results to the court and your state's DMV. If you miss a test, fail a retest, or attempt to tamper with the device, the company reports this when ready. The court can then schedule a hearing to determine whether to extend your requirement or suspend your license.
What happens if you violate the ISS requirement
Driving a vehicle without an ignition interlock device installed when you are required to have one is a criminal offense in most states. Penalties can include fines ranging from $500 to $2,000, jail time, and automatic license suspension or revocation.
Tampering with, disabling, or attempting to circumvent the device — such as having someone else blow into it for you — is also a criminal offense. This can result in felony charges in some states, particularly if you have prior violations. A conviction for tampering can lead to permanent revocation of your driving privileges.
Failing multiple breath tests or missing scheduled tests triggers a report to the court. The court may extend your interlock requirement, suspend your license, or order you to serve additional jail time. Each violation is documented in your driving record and can affect your ability to restore your license in the future.
How to remove the ISS notation from your license
The ISS notation is removed automatically once your interlock requirement period ends and you have the device professionally removed. You do not need to take additional action — the monitoring company notifies the DMV when the device is removed, and the DMV updates your license record.
However, you must complete the full requirement period without violations. If your requirement is extended due to failed tests or missed appointments, the ISS notation remains on your license until the new end date passes and the device is removed.
In some states, you can request a hearing to have your requirement shortened if you demonstrate consistent compliance over a period of time. This is not automatic and requires you to petition the court. Your attorney or the monitoring company can advise whether your state allows early termination requests and what documentation you will need to present.
ISS requirements vary significantly by state
Every state has different rules about when an ignition interlock is required, how long you must use it, and what violations trigger extended requirements. Some states require an interlock for all DUI convictions, while others only require it for repeat offenses or high blood alcohol content cases.
A few states allow you to choose between a hard suspension period and an interlock program — meaning you can either not drive at all for a set time, or install the device and drive with restrictions. Most states do not offer this choice and mandate the interlock as the only way to maintain any driving privileges.
Because the rules differ so widely, you should review your specific court order and contact your state's DMV to confirm your exact requirement. The DMV website for your state will have a list of approved interlock providers and information about the installation process in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's car if I have an ISS requirement?
No. The ISS requirement applies to you as a driver, not to a specific vehicle. Any vehicle you operate must have an approved ignition interlock device installed. If you drive a car without one, you are violating the court order and can face criminal charges.
What if I cannot afford the installation and monthly fees?
Some states and counties offer fee waivers or reduced fees for people with low income. Contact your local DMV or the court that issued your order to ask about financial hardship programs. Some approved providers also offer payment plans. However, cost is not a legal reason to delay or skip installation.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about the ISS requirement?
Yes. You are required to disclose the DUI conviction and the interlock requirement to your insurance company. Failing to disclose this information can result in your policy being cancelled and may prevent you from obtaining coverage in the future. Your rates will increase significantly.
Can the ISS requirement be removed early if I move to another state?
No. Your requirement is tied to the court order in the state where you were convicted. If you move, you must continue to comply with the original requirement. Some states have reciprocal agreements, but you cannot straightforward abandon the requirement by relocating.
What if the device malfunctions or gives a false positive?
Contact your monitoring company when ready and report the malfunction. The company can review the test results and may be able to determine whether the device was working correctly. Document the date, time, and circumstances of the malfunction. If the device is faulty, the company will repair or replace it at no cost to you.