Nevada will suspend your license if you don't install an ignition interlock device when ordered to do so

Nevada law requires you to install an ignition interlock device (IID) as a condition of keeping your driving privileges after certain DUI convictions or arrests. If you fail to install one when the court orders it, or if you remove it before the required period ends, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend your license. This suspension stays in place until you comply with the interlock requirement.

The suspension is separate from any other penalties you may face. It is automatic — you do not need a hearing or additional court action for the DMV to suspend your license once you miss the installation important date or violate the interlock terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Nevada suspends your license when ready if you do not install an ignition interlock device by the important date set by the court or DMV.
  • The suspension remains in effect until you install the device and provide proof of installation to the DMV.
  • Removing an interlock device before the required monitoring period ends also triggers automatic suspension.
  • You can request a hearing to challenge the suspension, but you must do so within a specific timeframe after receiving notice.
  • Once you comply with the interlock requirement, you must contact the DMV to have the suspension lifted.

When Nevada orders an ignition interlock device

The court orders an ignition interlock device in several situations. If you are convicted of DUI, the judge typically makes the interlock a condition of your restricted or full driving privileges. If you refused a breath or blood test after a DUI arrest, Nevada law may require an interlock even before trial. Some first-time DUI convictions carry a mandatory interlock requirement; repeat offenses almost always do.

The court will tell you the exact important date by which you must have the device installed. This important date is usually 30 to 60 days from the date of sentencing, though it can vary. The order will also specify how long you must keep the device in your vehicle — typically six months to three years depending on the offense and your record.

How the suspension happens

The suspension is triggered automatically when the important date passes and the DMV has no record that you installed the device. You do not receive a separate suspension notice before this happens in most cases — the suspension takes effect based on the court's order. However, you should receive written notice from the DMV after the suspension is in place, explaining what happened and how to challenge it.

If you install the device but fail to report the installation to the DMV, or if the interlock vendor does not submit the required paperwork, the suspension may still occur. This is why it is critical to confirm with both the interlock vendor and the DMV that your installation has been recorded in the system.

What happens if you remove the device early

Removing or tampering with an ignition interlock device before the required monitoring period ends is a violation of your court order. The interlock vendor reports any removal, tampering, or missed calibration appointments to the DMV. Once the DMV receives this report, your license suspension takes effect.

Removing the device is treated seriously because it shows you are not complying with the terms of your driving privileges. The suspension will remain until you reinstall the device and complete the full monitoring period without violations.

How to lift the suspension

To have the suspension removed, you must first install the ignition interlock device if you have not already done so. Contact an approved interlock vendor in Nevada — the DMV maintains a list of certified providers. The vendor will install the device and submit proof of installation to the DMV.

After installation, contact the Nevada DMV directly to confirm they have received the installation documentation. You may need to provide your case number, driver's license number, and the vendor's confirmation. Once the DMV verifies that you have complied, they will lift the suspension and restore your driving privileges, usually within a few business days.

If you removed the device early, you must reinstall it and complete the full remaining monitoring period without violations before the suspension will be lifted.

Requesting a hearing to challenge the suspension

You have the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension. You must submit your request in writing to the DMV within 10 days of receiving the suspension notice. The hearing gives you a chance to present evidence that you installed the device on time, that the vendor failed to report it correctly, or that there are other circumstances the DMV should consider.

Send your hearing request to the Nevada DMV at the address listed on your suspension notice. Include your driver's license number, case number, and a brief explanation of why you believe the suspension is incorrect. The DMV will schedule a hearing and notify you of the date and time. You can attend in person or by phone, and you may bring documents or witnesses to support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive at all while my license is suspended for not having an interlock?

No. A suspension for failing to install an interlock device is a full suspension — you cannot drive for any reason. Driving on a suspended license is a separate criminal offense in Nevada and can result in additional fines, jail time, and a longer suspension.

What if the interlock vendor made a mistake and did not report my installation?

Contact the vendor when ready and ask them to resubmit the installation documentation to the DMV. Request written confirmation from the vendor that they have sent the paperwork. Then contact the DMV yourself with the vendor's name and the date of installation. Bring the vendor's receipt or installation paperwork to the DMV office if possible.

How much does an ignition interlock device cost in Nevada?

Installation typically costs between $100 and $300, and monthly monitoring fees range from $50 to $100, depending on the vendor. Some vendors offer payment plans. The court may order you to pay these costs as part of your sentence, or you may be responsible for them yourself.

If I install the interlock late, will my license still be suspended?

If you install the device after the court's important date has passed, the suspension will already be in effect. Installing it late does not prevent the suspension, but it is the first step toward having the suspension lifted. Contact the DMV after installation to request removal of the suspension.

What if I cannot afford the interlock device?

Contact the court that ordered the interlock and explain your financial hardship. Some judges will grant a continuance of the important date or allow you to make a payment plan with the vendor. The DMV may also have information about vendors who offer reduced rates for people with financial difficulty. Do not ignore the important date — that will only result in suspension.