ISS stands for "Ignition Interlock System" and it means your license has a restriction requiring you to use a breath-testing device before your car will start
An ISS restriction on your driver's license is a court-ordered requirement, not a suggestion or recommendation. It appears as a code or note on your license document itself. If you have this restriction and drive without the device installed, you are driving with a suspended or invalid license, even if you are otherwise following traffic laws.
The restriction is almost always tied to a DUI or DWI conviction (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated). Some states also impose it for refusing a breath test during a traffic stop. The device measures your blood alcohol content through your breath before allowing the engine to turn over. If the reading shows any alcohol, the car will not start.
Key Takeaways
- ISS on your license means you are required by court order to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle before you can legally drive.
- The device tests your breath alcohol level each time you start the car and periodically while driving; if alcohol is detected, the engine will not start or will shut down.
- You must pay for the device installation and monthly monitoring fees yourself, which typically range depending on your state and the service provider.
- Tampering with, bypassing, or removing the device is a separate criminal offense and will result in additional penalties beyond your original conviction.
- The restriction period varies by state and by your specific conviction, but typically lasts from several months to several years.
How the ignition interlock device actually works
When you get in your car, you blow into the device's mouthpiece before starting the engine. The device analyzes your breath and displays a result within seconds. If your blood alcohol content is below the legal threshold (usually 0.02 percent, which is lower than the legal driving limit), the car will start normally.
Once you are driving, the device will ask you to provide breath samples at random intervals — typically every 5 to 15 minutes. This is called a "rolling retest." You have a set amount of time to provide the sample, usually a few minutes. If you fail a rolling retest or do not provide a sample in time, the device logs the violation and may trigger a warning horn or flashing lights, though it will not shut down the engine when ready while you are moving (for safety reasons).
Every violation — a failed test, a missed test, or an attempt to tamper with the device — is recorded and reported to the monitoring company. That company sends reports to the court or your state's Department of Motor Vehicles on a regular schedule, usually monthly. Too many violations can result in an extension of your restriction period or additional criminal charges.
Who installs and monitors the device
You do not get the device from the court or the DMV. Instead, you must contact an approved ignition interlock service provider in your state. Each state maintains a list of certified vendors. Your state's DMV website or your court paperwork will tell you which companies are approved where you live.
Common national providers include LifeSafer, Smart Start, and Draeger, but availability and pricing vary by location. You call the provider, schedule an appointment, and they install the device in your vehicle. The installation usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. You pay for installation upfront, and then you pay a monthly monitoring fee — typically between $60 and $150 per month, depending on the provider and your state.
The provider also handles the reporting to the court or DMV. You do not submit reports yourself. However, you are responsible for keeping the device in working order, showing up for required maintenance appointments, and paying all fees on time. Missing a payment or skipping a maintenance visit can result in a violation report.
How long you will have the restriction
The length of time you must use an ignition interlock device depends on your state's laws and the specifics of your conviction. Some states impose a mandatory minimum period — for example, six months for a first offense, one year for a second offense. Other states give judges discretion to set the length.
You cannot straightforward remove the device when you think the time is up. Your state's DMV or the court will notify you when you are may be able to access to have it removed. You then contact your service provider to schedule a removal appointment. The provider removes the device, provides documentation of the removal to the court or DMV, and your restriction is lifted. Until you receive official notice, the restriction remains in effect.
What happens if you violate the restriction
Driving without the device installed when your license has an ISS restriction is a separate criminal offense. Depending on your state, this can result in additional fines, jail time, license suspension, or an extension of your original restriction period.
Tampering with the device — disconnecting it, trying to bypass it, or asking someone else to blow into it for you — is also a criminal offense. These actions are recorded by the device itself, and the violation is reported to authorities. The penalties are typically more severe than straightforward driving without the device.
If you accumulate too many violations during your restriction period (failed breath tests, missed rolling retests, missed maintenance appointments, or tampering attempts), the court or DMV may extend your restriction period by months or even years. In some cases, your license can be suspended entirely.
Removing the device and lifting the restriction
Once your required restriction period is complete, you do not automatically get the device removed. You must take action. Contact your service provider and ask for a removal appointment. Bring any documentation they request — usually your court order or DMV paperwork showing the original restriction.
The provider will remove the device and provide you with a removal certificate or letter. You may need to submit this to your state's DMV or to the court to officially lift the restriction from your license. Check your state's DMV website or call them to confirm what paperwork you need to submit and where to send it.
Once the restriction is lifted, your license will be reissued without the ISS code. You can then drive any vehicle without the device. However, if you are convicted of another DUI or DWI in the future, a new ISS restriction can be imposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive someone else's car if I have an ISS restriction?
No. The restriction applies to you as a driver, not to a specific vehicle. You cannot legally drive any car unless it has an approved ignition interlock device installed. Some people install devices in multiple vehicles they own, but you cannot borrow or drive an unequipped vehicle.
What if I cannot afford the monthly fees?
Contact your service provider and ask about payment plans or hardship options. Some providers offer reduced fees for low-income drivers, though this varies by company and state. You can also ask the court that imposed the restriction whether fee waivers or reductions are available in your jurisdiction. Failure to pay fees is treated as a violation and can extend your restriction period.
Do I have to tell my insurance company about the ISS restriction?
Yes. You are required to disclose the restriction to your insurance company. Failing to do so can result in your policy being cancelled or claims being denied. Some insurers charge higher premiums for drivers with ISS restrictions; others may require you to use specific providers. Contact your insurer before installing the device to understand their requirements.
Can the restriction be removed early?
In some states, you can petition the court for early removal after serving a portion of the required period, usually at least half. This requires filing paperwork with the court and sometimes attending a hearing. Success depends on your state's laws and the judge's discretion. Contact the court that imposed the restriction or speak with an attorney about whether early removal is an option where you live.
What if the device malfunctions or gives a false reading?
Report the malfunction to your service provider when ready. They will troubleshoot the issue and may recalibrate or replace the device. Document the date and time of the malfunction. If you receive a violation for a false reading, you can dispute it with your provider and potentially with the court, but you must act quickly and have documentation of the malfunction. Do not ignore the violation — report it right away.