Ignition Interlock

• All persons who received a minimum one-year suspension/revocation for a D.U.I. conviction (75 §3802) or refusal to summit to a chemical test for D.U.I. (75 §1547) are required by law to serve one-year on the Ignition Interlock program prior to receiving their unrestricted license back.
• Approximately 30-days prior to the end of your license suspension, you should receive a “Restoration Requirements” letter from PennDOT.
• This letter will indicate the date that the D.U.I. suspension ends and that you are eligible to restore your driving privilege with an Ignition Interlock restriction.
• Please read this letter carefully and thoroughly as each person’s requirements are different.
• The letter will advise you of the requirements that must be completed prior to the restoration of your driving privilege. This may include ACT 122 requirements such as payment of fines and costs, AHSS classes or Drug and Alcohol Treatment.
• If you have completed some or all these requirements and the letter indicates that they are still required, then contact your probation/parole officer to ensure the paperwork was submitted to PennDOT.
• If the letter does not indicate the date that you are eligible to restore your driving privilege, then you have an ACT 151 (Jail time completion) or an indefinite suspension. The restoration requirements letter should indicate what items need to be satisfied.  If you have an outstanding ACT 151 requirement, you should contact your parole officer to ensure the documents is submitted to PennDOT.  If you have an indefinite suspension you should call PennDOT to at 1-800-932-4600 to find out what requirements need to be satisfied.
• In order participate in the Ignition Interlock program you must obtain an Ignition Interlock license whether you own a vehicle or not.
• If you do not own a vehicle, you must contact one of the Approved Ignition Interlock Vendors to obtain a certificate of non-ownership.
  • The vendors are required to check PennDOT’s records to verify that you do not own a vehicle.
  • The term own a vehicle refers to any vehicle that is owned, financed, leased or registered in your name including co-ownership with another person.
  • If you meet any of the criteria for owning a vehicle then you must have an Ignition Interlock installed in your vehicle during the Ignition Interlock period.
• You will need a DL-21SC form to complete the non-ownership process. You must fill out all pertinent information in sections A, B and C on the DL-21SC form.  Do not fill out section D “Statement of Vendor”.  The vendor will need a copy of your completed and signed DL-21SC form.
• The vendor will also need a copy of your restoration requirements letter before they can proceed.
• Vendors will charge a fee for this service. Each vendor sets the price for the non-ownership certificate.  PennDOT does not regulate vendor pricing.
• Once the vendor verifies that you do not own a vehicle, they will sign section D “Statement of Vendor” on the DL-21SC form and electronically submit the form to PennDOT.
• In addition to the DL-21SC, PennDOT will require the following forms be completed and submitted prior to the issuance of your restricted interlock license.
  1. DL-3731APPLICATION FOR IGNITION INTERLOCK

LICENSE/RETURN OF REGULAR DRIVER LICENSE

PennDOT will send this form with your Restoration Requirements letter.  If you did not receive the form you can click the link above to get a blank version.

 DL-17 STATEMENT OF NON-OWNERSHIP OF VEHICLE(S)

• Once all paperwork has been processed by PennDOT, they will mail you a camera card to go to a photo license center to obtain your restricted ignition interlock license.
• The vendor is required to check PennDOT’s records every month to see if you purchase r register a vehicle. If it is discovered that you purchase and/or register a vehicle you must install an Ignition Interlock device.  Failure to do so will cause your license to be recalled.

• If you own a vehicle or have a vehicle available to you to install an Ignition Interlock, you must contact one of the Approved Ignition Interlock Vendors to schedule an installation appointment.
  • The Ignition Interlock must be Installed before PennDOT will issue the Ignition Interlock license.
  • The vendor will need a copy of your Restoration Requirements Letter before they can proceed.
  • You will also need a DL-21SC form to complete the non-ownership process. You must fill out all pertinent information in sections A, B and C on the DL-21SC form.  Do not fill out section D “Statement of Vendor”.  The vendor will need a copy of your completed and signed DL-21SC form.
  • After you have the Ignition Interlock installed at one of the vendor’s local installation facilities, the vendor will sign section D “Statement of Vendor” on the DL-21SC form and electronically submit the form to PennDOT.
  • In addition to the DL-21SC, PennDOT will require the following forms be completed and submitted prior to the issuance of your restricted interlock license.
    1. DL-3731APPLICATION FOR IGNITION INTERLOCK

LICENSE/RETURN OF REGULAR DRIVER LICENSE

PennDOT will send this form with your Restoration Requirements letter.  If you did not receive the form you can click the link above to get a blank version.

Once all paperwork has been processed by PennDOT, they will mail you a camera card to go to a photo license center to obtain your restricted ignition interlock license.

• If you have additional questions you may refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Page or PennDOT’s Ignition Interlock Fact Sheet and IGNITION INTERLOCK “THE LAW” FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PDF’s.

• All persons who received a suspension/revocation for a D.U.I. conviction (75 §3802) or refusal to summit to a chemical test for D.U.I. (75 §1547) are required by law to serve one-year on the Ignition Interlock program prior to receiving their unrestricted license back.
• The process to obtain your restricted interlock license is outlined in the tab the left.
• Those who meet the criteria* may petition for an Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL) to drive during all or part of their suspension period.
• Those who have a 30-, 60- or 90-day suspension as a result of acceptance into the A.R.D. program may petition for the Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL) to drive during the term of their suspension period.
• The petition process is the same for all persons petitioning for the Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL).
• To determine if you are eligible to petition please review the Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL) eligibility chart. Note this chart is used to help determine eligibility to petition, not a guarantee of approval by PennDOT.
• You MUST install an Ignition Interlock device in at least one vehicle prior to petitioning PennDOT for the Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL).
• Contact one of the approved Ignition Interlock Vendors to schedule an appointment to have an Interlock Device installed at one of the local (independent) installation facilities.
• Prior to installing the Interlock device, the Ignition Interlock Vendor will require a copy of your “notice of suspension” letter and/or your “restoration requirements” letter.
• Only after the Interlock is installed can you petition PennDOT for the IILL.
• In order to petition for the Ignition Interlock Limited License, you will need to carefully read the instructions for the DL-9108/DL9108SC form(s)
  • DL-9108 is the IGNITION INTERLOCK LIMITED LICENSE (IILL) PETITION
  • DL-9108SC is the SELF-CERTIFICATION OF VEHICLE(S) TO BE OPERATED
• Complete all applicable sections of the DL-9108 and DL-9108SC. DO NOT enter information or sign section D “Statement of Vendor” in the DL-9108SC.  This can only be signed by authorized persons at the main office(s) of the Vendor after the Interlock is installed in your vehicle.
• The DL-9108/DL-9108SC form has thorough instructions and a checklist on what items needs to be completed and submitted with the petition. This will include additional PennDOT forms and fees.
• Once you have completed the DL-9108 and the DL-9108SC you will need to send the petition to PennDOT via certified mail to the address listed on petition.

1. What is an Ignition Interlock?

An Ignition Interlock is a device installed into a vehicle that prevents the vehicle from starting or operating until the driver first provides a breath sample.  If the breath sample measures a breath alcohol content of 0.025% (0.020% for those under 21) or greater, the vehicle will not be able to start.

2. How do I obtain my PennDOT Restoration Requirements Letter?

PennDOT will mail your Restoration Requirements Letter approximately 1-month prior to the end of your suspension.  You can also obtain a current copy of your Restoration Requirements Letter on PennDOT’s website.  Your restoration date will be in the top right corner.  Link to Restoration Requirements page.

3. Why is the restoration date not on my Restoration Requirements Letter?

If the restoration date is not listed on the Restoration Requirements Letter, then you may have ACT 122 requirements that are not satisfied.  The requirements that are not satisfied will be listed in the Restoration Requirements Letter.  They may include but are not limited to:

• Payment of all court ordered fees fines costs and restitution.
• Failure to complete a Drug and Alcohol Evaluation or Recommended Treatment.
• Failure to complete Alcohol Highway Safety School (A.H.S.S.).

4. How long will I be required to have an Ignition Interlock installed in my vehicle?

All DUI Convictions that result in a 12-month or greater suspension being imposed have a 1-year Ignition Interlock Requirement.  Participating in the Ignition Interlock Program is the ONLY way to get your unrestricted license back.

5. My DUI case was dismissed in court or I am in A.R.D. why is PennDOT saying I have an Ignition Interlock requirement.

If you are in A.R.D. your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you still may have an Ignition Interlock requirement because you refused your chemical test of blood or breath at the time of arrest.  Refusal to submit to the chemical test at the time of arrest is a violation of the Implied Consent law which carries a license suspension of at least 12-months and a 12-month Ignition Interlock requirement.

6. I own a vehicle but do not want to have an Ignition Interlock device installed in my vehicle. Is there any way to not install an Ignition Interlock device?
7. If you own a vehicle, you must Install an Ignition Interlock device in at least 1 vehicle.

7. I do not own my vehicle, it is financed or leased, do I still have to install an Ignition Interlock?

YES, the term “own” refers to any vehicle that is registered in your name in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  This includes vehicles in which you are a co-owner or co-registrant as well.

8. I own more than one vehicle; do I have to get an Ignition Interlock installed in every vehicle I own?

NO, as of 2017 you are only required to install an Ignition Interlock in at least one vehicle.  If you wish to drive any other vehicle during your restricted Interlock period, an Interlock device must be installed in that vehicle.

9. I own a motorcycle; do I have to install an Ignition Interlock on my motorcycle.

YES, if you wish to ride your motorcycle, you MUST install an Ignition Interlock on that motorcycle.  Furthermore, if a motorcycle is the only vehicle you own, you do not qualify for the non-ownership process and you MUST install an Ignition Interlock device.  The only Vendor within the Commonwealth that installs Ignition Interlock devices on motorcycles is RoadGuard.

10. I do not own or have a vehicle available to me to install an Ignition Interlock device. How do I satisfy my Ignition Interlock requirement?

Even though you do not have a vehicle to Install an Ignition Interlock, you still must obtain the Ignition Interlock License and hold it for 1-Year.  This is done through a process call non-ownership.  You must contact an Approved Ignition Interlock Vendor and request a DL-21SC for Non-ownership.  You must Complete Section A, B and sign section C and provide the form to the Ignition Interlock Vendor so they can complete the vehicle registration check to verify that you do not own a vehicle.  The Ignition Interlock Vendor will perform an independent check of PennDOT’s vehicle registrant database then sign Section D “Statement of Vendor” and electronically submit the DL-21SC form to PennDOT.  You will also need your PennDOT Restoration Requirements Letter, if you do not have one you can obtain an updated letter through PennDOT’s website.  Click Here to access you PennDOT Restoration Requirements Letter.

The Ignition Interlock Vendor is required to check PennDOT’s records every month to ensure that you have not registered a vehicle in your name.  If you are found to have a vehicle registered in your name, you will be required to install an Ignition Interlock system in that vehicle.

11. Is there a fee for the Ignition Interlock Vendor to process the DL-21SC non-ownership paperwork?

Each Ignition Interlock Vendor can set their own fee(s) for processing and completing the DL-21SC non-ownership paperwork.

12. Am I able to get an Ignition Interlock installed to drive during suspension?

YES, the law does allow you to petition for an Ignition Interlock Limited License prior to the end of your suspension.  The qualification and petition process are very specific.  It is not the Ignition Interlock Vendor’s responsibility to determine if and when you are eligible to Petition for the Ignition Interlock Limited License.  Please refer to PennDOT’s Ignition Interlock Limited License Frequently Asked Questions form. Click on this link.

13. Am I able to drive out of state with my Ignition Interlock Limited License?

NO, the Ignition Interlock Limited License is granted to those individuals who have petitioned PennDOT to drive with an Ignition Interlock device while under suspension.  Your license status will remain “suspended” until your original restoration date.  Therefore, if you are pulled over out of state, your license status will show that your are suspended and could be charged with driving under a suspended license in that state.

14. What is the difference between an Ignition Interlock Vendor and an Authorized Service Center?

The Ignition Interlock Vendor is the company that is approved by PennDOT to lease their brand of Ignition Interlock device to those who are required by law to have an Ignition Interlock installed.  The Ignition Interlock Vendor(s) are also the only ones who are authorized to sign PennDOT forms or documents.  The Authorized Service Centers are independent businesses that are contracted by the vendor to Install, remove, service, monitor and calibrate their Ignition Interlock system.  The Authorized Service Centers CAN NOT sign any PennDOT paperwork.

15. How much does the Ignition Interlock System cost?

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania does not regulate the prices Ignition Interlock Vendors charge for lease and monitoring fees.  Use our vendor search page to find out which vendors have installation facilities near you and compare which vendor works best for your needs.

16. Am I allowed to drive a work vehicle without an Ignition Interlock device?

YES, the law does allow you to drive a work vehicle without an Ignition Interlock under certain circumstances.  This is known as an Ignition Interlock Employment Exemption. Please refer to PennDOT form DL-3805.

17. I had my Ignition Interlock installed over a month ago, why have I not received my Ignition Interlock License?

There are several reasons why you have not received your Ignition Interlock License.  In most cases PennDOT has not received the proper paperwork or appropriate fees.  Please ensure that you have submitted all necessary paperwork to PennDOT or the Ignition Interlock Vendor.

18. How does the removal process work once I am done with my Ignition Interlock restriction?

Approximately 30-days prior to the end if your Ignition Interlock restriction, you will receive a removal notice from PennDOT.  In this letter you will be notified of the date that you are eligible to have your final data download.  You must provide a copy of this letter to the Ignition Interlock Vendor.  Once your final download is completed, the Ignition Interlock Vendor must review the last 60-days of data to verify that you have not committed any one of the enumerated violations listed:

• An attempt to start the vehicle with a breath alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more, not followed within 10 minutes by a subsequent attempt with a breath alcohol concentration lower than 0.08%.
• Failure to take or pass any required retest.
• Failure of the driver to appear at the ignition interlock system vendor when required for maintenance, repair, calibration, monitoring, inspection or replacement of the device such that the ignition interlock system no longer functions as required under subsection (h).

19. What does it mean if I received a notice from PennDOT that my license was restored but I have not completed my 1-year Ignition Interlock period?

If you petitioned and received your Ignition Interlock Limited License (IILL) that means you were permitted to drive with an Ignition Interlock device during a portion of your license suspension.  Even though you were granted the Ignition Interlock Limited License your license was still classified as suspended.  Once your suspension period has ended your license status will be changed from suspended to restored (valid) however, you will still have the Ignition Interlock restriction and need to complete your 1-year Ignition Interlock period before you can receive your unrestricted license.

1. What Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) is considered a failed test?
   1. The law requires that any Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) that measures a 0.025% or above is considered a failed test.
   2. For an “Minor” under the age of 21, any Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) that measures a 0.020% or above is considered a failed test

2. How often do I have to provide a breath sample?
   1. The ignition Interlock device will ask for a test prior to starting your vehicle. Once you pass the initial test and start your vehicle the device is required by PA Law to ask for Random Rolling Retests.
   2. The Ignition Interlock device will prompt you to provide a breath sample between 5-15 minutes after starting your vehicle. After that, the Ignition Interlock device will prompt you to provide a breath sample between 15-45 minutes and will continue to do so until you shut your vehicle off.
   3. You must provide a breath sample every time the Ignition Interlock device prompts you for a breath sample. Failure to provide a breath sample including turning off your vehicle is considered a violation of Ignition Interlock program rules and will result in an early recall.

3. What if I do not feel comfortable providing a breath sample while driving in heavy traffic?
   1. Once the Ignition Interlock device prompts you to provide a breath sample, you are allotted 6-mintues to provide the test so you can have time to pull over if desired in a safe area to provide the breath sample.

4. Why is there a camera installed in my vehicle with the Ignition Interlock device?
   1. ACT 33 of 2017 requires that all Ignition Interlock devices installed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by equipped with a camera. The camera is required to be installed in the cabin of the vehicle to take a picture at the time a breath test is taken to ensure the driver of the vehicle is providing the breath sample.

5. I am concerned about my privacy with the camera in my vehicle.
   1. The camera systems are required to take a picture while a breath test is provided or after a Random Rolling Retest is missed. The camera systems to do not record audio, video or take pictures at any other time.

6. What is a monitoring appointment?
   1. The law requires you to return to one of the vendor’s authorized service centers within specific intervals to have the device inspected, calibrated and the data downloaded. This is commonly referred to as a monitoring or calibration appointment.

7. How often do I have to return to the service center for a monitoring appointment?
   1. The law states that you must have your first monitoring appointment 30-days after the Ignition Interlock device was installed. After your first monitoring appointment, service intervals can be extended to no more than 60-days

8. I missed my scheduled monitoring appointment, what should I do?
   1. Immediately contact your Ignition Interlock vendor to reschedule the appointment A.S.A.P. The Law requires the device to allow a 5-day grace period if you did not have your monitoring appointment within 60-days.  If you do not make your vehicle available for monitoring prior to the end of the 5-day grace period, the device will enter a permanent lockout.

9. I still have time before my next scheduled monitoring appointment, why is the Ignition Interlock telling me I must return to the service center early?
   1. The law requires the device to enter an early recall mode and display a 5-day countdown if a violation is detected. You must return to the service center for a Reset in which the device will be inspected, downloaded and reset to your original monitoring appointment date.  If you do not return to the service center within 5-days, the device will enter a permanent lockout.

10. What violations will cause my device to enter an early recall mode?
    1. Providing 3 or more failed startup samples within a monitoring period.
    2. Failing to provide a Random Rolling Retest within 6-minutes of the device requesting a breath test.
    3. Failing the Random Rolling Retest
    4. Any indication of tampering is detected.

11. What happens if my device is in a permanent lockout?
    1. Once the Ignition Interlock is in permanent lockout, you will not be able to start your vehicle. You must have your vehicle towed to an Authorized Service Center to have the device reset or obtain a one-time code that will unlock the Ignition Interlock device to allow you to drive directly to the service center.  The Ignition Interlock vendor may charge a fee for this code.

12. What does Tampering mean?
    1. “Tampering” means an overt or conscious attempt to physically disable or otherwise disconnect the device from its power source or bypass the interlock components of the device and thereby allow the vehicle to be operated without taking and passing the requisite breath test.

13. What happens if I Tamper with the Ignition Interlock Device?
    1. If it is determined that you tampered with your Ignition Interlock device, misdemeanor charges can be filed. If convicted PennDOT may suspend your driver’s license and impose additional Ignition Interlock restriction(s).

Starting on August 25, 2017, all individuals who had an ignition interlock system installed, and whose one-year ignition interlock period ends on or after August 25, 2017, will be required to have the ignition interlock vendor send the department a declaration of compliance to be eligible to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license or learner’s permit without the ignition interlock restriction.

The Declaration of Compliance is a PennDOT-controlled form that Ignition Interlock vendors will utilize to certify that an individual has not had any incidents, as defined by law (see 75 Pa.C.S. Sections 3805(c)(2) (relating to issuance of unrestricted license) and 3805(h.2)(relating to declaration of compliance)), occur in the two consecutive months prior to the date entered on the certificate. Before PennDOT can issue an unrestricted driver’s license, a Declaration of Compliance must be received from the Ignition Interlock vendor.

Act 24, Chapter 38, Section 3808 provides the following:
Illegally operating a motor vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock

1. An individual driving without an ignition interlock commits a misdemeanor offense and upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $300 and not more than $1000 and imprisonment for not more than 90 days.

2. An individual driving without an ignition interlock and has a .025 BrAC at the time of testing and/or has a controlled substance in the blood commits a misdemeanor of the third degree and upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of $1000 and imprisonment for not less than 90 days.

Tampering with an ignition interlock system – An individual tampering with an ignition interlock system commits a misdemeanor of the third degree and upon conviction shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $300 nor more than $1000 and to undergo imprisonment for not more than 90 days. “The term “tampering” in addition to any physical act which is intended to alter or interfere with the proper functioning of an ignition interlock system required by law shall include attempting to circumvent or bypass or circumventing or bypassing an ignition interlock system by using another individual to provide a breath sample, providing a breath sample for the purpose of bypassing an ignition interlock system required by law.”

 please click to view the full set of Ignition Interlock Specifications

If you have any other questions, comments or concerns, please contact the Pennsylvania Ignition Interlock Quality Assurance Program at:

PA DUI Association
2413 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 238-4354
(717) 238-6211 fax