If you’ve been convicted of a DUI in San Bernardino County or Riverside County, you’ve probably heard about California’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) requirements. The laws around IIDs have expanded significantly in recent years, and understanding when you’re required to install one – and how it affects your DUI program completion – is critical to staying compliant.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An Ignition Interlock Device is a breathalyzer installed in your vehicle that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. Before you can start your car, you blow into the device. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the preset limit (typically 0.02% or 0.04%), the car won’t start.
The device also requires periodic “rolling retests” while you’re driving to ensure you haven’t consumed alcohol after starting the vehicle. All IID activity is recorded and reported to the DMV and courts.
California’s IID Pilot Program Became Permanent
California used to have a pilot IID program that only applied to certain counties. As of January 1, 2019, that pilot program became permanent and expanded statewide under Senate Bill 1046. This means IID requirements now apply to all DUI convictions throughout California, including in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
Who Is Required to Install an IID in California?
First-Time DUI Offenders:
If this is your first DUI conviction, you may be required to install an IID for 6 months if:
- Your BAC was 0.15% or higher
- You refused a chemical test
- You caused an injury while driving under the influence
- The court orders it as a condition of probation
Even if the court doesn’t require it, you may choose to install an IID voluntarily to regain your driving privileges sooner through the DMV’s restricted license program.
Second DUI Conviction:
If this is your second DUI within 10 years, you’re required to install an IID for at least 1 year.
Third or Subsequent DUI:
A third DUI conviction requires an IID for 2 years. Fourth or subsequent offenses may require 3 years.
DUI with Injury:
If your DUI resulted in injury to another person, IID requirements can be significantly longer, potentially up to 3 years depending on the severity.
How the IID Requirement Works in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties
When you’re convicted of a DUI in San Bernardino Superior Court or Riverside Superior Court, the judge will typically include IID installation as part of your sentencing terms. You’ll also receive notification from the California DMV about their separate IID requirement for license reinstatement.
Important: Court-ordered IID requirements and DMV-ordered IID requirements can overlap but are separate. You must comply with both.
Can You Get a Restricted License with an IID?
Yes. One of the major benefits of California’s expanded IID program is that it allows first-time offenders to avoid a full license suspension by installing an IID and obtaining an IID-restricted license.
With an IID-restricted license, you can drive:
- To and from work
- To and from your DUI program classes
- To and from IID service appointments
- For work-related driving (if required for your job)
To qualify for an IID-restricted license, you must:
- Enroll in a state-licensed DUI program (like Jackson Bibby Awareness Group)
- File an SR-22 insurance certificate
- Pay DMV fees
- Install a state-certified IID in any vehicle you operate
How Much Does an IID Cost?
IID costs vary by provider, but you should expect:
- Installation fee: $70-$150
- Monthly monitoring fee: $60-$90
- Calibration/service visits: $20-$40 every 30-60 days
- Removal fee: $50-$100
Over a 6-month period, total costs typically range from $500 to $1,000. Some providers offer financial assistance programs for low-income individuals.
Where Can You Get an IID Installed in San Bernardino or Riverside County?
California requires that IIDs be installed by state-certified providers. You cannot install one yourself. Some of the major certified providers serving the Inland Empire include:
- Smart Start
- Intoxalock
- LifeSafer
- Guardian Interlock
Most providers have installation centers throughout San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Your DUI attorney or program coordinator can provide referrals.
What Happens If You Violate IID Requirements?
IID violations are taken seriously and can result in:
- Extension of your IID requirement period
- Additional license suspension
- Violation of probation (if court-ordered)
- Criminal charges in severe cases
Common violations include:
- Failing to install the IID within the required timeframe
- Attempting to start the vehicle with alcohol on your breath
- Missing scheduled calibration appointments
- Tampering with or removing the device
- Driving a vehicle without an IID installed
Every violation is recorded and reported. If you’re struggling with your IID requirements, contact your DUI program counselor or attorney immediately rather than risking further legal consequences.
How Does the IID Requirement Affect Your DUI Program?
Your IID requirement and DUI education program are separate legal obligations, but they often run concurrently.
For example, a first-time offender might be required to:
- Complete a 3-month or 6-month DUI program (like AB541 or AB762)
- Install an IID for 6 months
- Maintain SR-22 insurance for 3 years
At Jackson Bibby Awareness Group, we help clients understand how their IID requirement fits into their overall DUI compliance plan. Completing your DUI program is a separate requirement from the IID – you must do both.
Can You Remove the IID Early?
Generally, no. The IID must remain installed for the full court-ordered or DMV-ordered period. However, in some cases, you may petition the court for early removal if:
- You’ve completed the required period without violations
- You’ve completed all other DUI program requirements
- Your attorney successfully argues for modification of your probation terms
This is rare and typically requires legal assistance.
Getting Started: What You Need to Do Now
If you’ve been ordered to install an IID as part of your DUI sentence in San Bernardino or Riverside County, here are your next steps:
- Enroll in your court-ordered DUI program immediately. Jackson Bibby Awareness Group offers programs at three convenient locations in Redlands, Victorville, and Barstow, with both in-person and virtual options available.
- Contact a state-certified IID provider and schedule installation within the required timeframe (typically 30 days from conviction).
- File SR-22 insurance with the California DMV.
- Apply for your IID-restricted license through the DMV if you’re eligible.
- Attend all calibration appointments and DUI program sessions to remain compliant.
Questions About IID Requirements?
Navigating California’s IID laws can be confusing, especially when combined with DUI program requirements, court probation, and DMV obligations. If you need help understanding your specific requirements in San Bernardino or Riverside County, the team at Jackson Bibby Awareness Group can provide guidance.
Contact us today to enroll in your DUI program and get clear answers about how the IID requirement fits into your path to license reinstatement and compliance.
Redlands: (909) 792-6925
Victorville: (760) 241-3300
Barstow: (760) 256-6114
We serve individuals convicted in, living in, or working in San Bernardino County and Riverside County. Classes available in English and Spanish, with flexible scheduling options including evenings and weekends.
Recent Comments