Ignition Interlocks and the Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs Maureen Perkins Impaired Driving Division National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

What is an Ignition Interlock? An ignition interlock is a device installed in a DWI offender’s vehicle that requires a breath sample from the driver before the car will start If the breath alcohol content of the driver is above the set point, usually .02, it will not start www.nhtsa.gov

Benefits of Ignition Interlocks Benefits the DWI offender Reduction in recidivism among first and repeat offenders Allowed to maintain driving privileges Benefits families DWI offender able to continue working Effect of interlock on DWI offender’s drinking Predictor of future DWI behavior www.nhtsa.gov

Who Pays for the Cost of Ignition Interlocks? Fees are borne by the offender Installation fee $70-$90 Monthly fee $70 Cost is roughly $3-4 a day Indigency Funds Eligibility criteria www.nhtsa.gov

Ignition Interlocks in Use All States allow or require the use of ignition interlocks There are an estimated 1.4 million DWI arrests each year An estimated 305,000 interlocks installed www.nhtsa.gov

Types of Ignition Interlock Programs Administrative- licensing agency requires as a condition of license reinstatement Judicial – Courts mandate interlock either pre- trial or post-conviction Hybrid- include features of both www.nhtsa.gov

Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs Ensure consistent and effective interlock programs nationwide Provide states with practical strategies based on successful programs in key program areas: Legislation Education Program administration Devices Vendors Data Licensing www.nhtsa.gov

Legislative Require interlocks for all DWI offenders Designate one agency with authority for the program Eliminate barriers to enrolling in the interlock program Minimize the ability for offenders to opt out Establish the minimum length of time for offenders to be on the interlock www.nhtsa.gov

Education Agencies involved with the interlock program should be educated about the device and the program DWI offenders need to be trained in how to use the device, what the program rules are, and consequences for violations www.nhtsa.gov

Program Administration One agency in charge Ensure all offenders in the state have access to ignition interlock service providers Establish eligibility for indigency funds Plan and implement strategies to become self- sustaining Establish rules on offender monitoring and program violations Increase sanctions with multiple violations Performance-based requirements for removal www.nhtsa.gov

Ignition Interlock Devices Approval process for interlocks used in the state Requirements to meet or exceed NHTSA model specifications Testing procedures Proposed modifications to the devices Evaluate new technology www.nhtsa.gov

Vendors Create a vendor oversight and management plan Define vendor violations Methods of monitoring Penalties Violation definitions Establish standards for licensing and operation of service providers www.nhtsa.gov

Data Ownership and security of the data Roles and Responsibilities of Agencies Where is the data housed Submission of data Who can access the data Who is responsible for monitoring the data Link data systems www.nhtsa.gov

Licensing Require the ignition interlock restriction be marked on the license Establish procedures to notify offenders of the requirement and status in the program Coordinate with courts, offenders, and service providers Establish reciprocity with other states www.nhtsa.gov

NHTSA Resources Ignition Interlock Toolkit Ignition Interlock Curriculum Model Specifications for Ignition Interlocks Model Guideline for State Ignition Interlock Programs www.nhtsa.gov

Contact Information Maureen Perkins National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey Ave SE Washington, DC 20590 (202) 366-9781 Maureen.perkins@dot.gov www.nhtsa.gov