Participants in this program are required to have an Alcohol Breath-Analyzed Ignition Interlock Device installed in their vehicle's ignition system.  The driver must blow into the device and if his or her breath alcohol level exceeds the accepted level set on the device, the vehicle will not start.

The determinations of whether a driver is eligible for or must participate in the program and for how long are usually made by one of the following entities:

• Maryland District Court
• Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)
• Medical Advisory Board (MAB)

In addition, the MVA's Administrative Adjudication Division (AAD) may offer or require a driver to participate if he or she has accumulated sufficient "points", is a "repeat offender", or violates a previously imposed alcohol-related driving restriction.

Participants in the Ignition Interlock Program are responsible for all costs associated with program participation.  This includes the installation and monthly maintenance costs of the ignition interlock device and the cost for obtaining a restricted driver's license.  You should also be aware that the time period specified by the referring entity could be extended due to a violation of program rules or other driving-related events.

What should I do if I decide or am required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program?

Your first step should be to carefully review all of the materials that you received.  Then contact one of the MVA authorized Ignition Interlock Service Providers and schedule an appointment to have the ignition interlock device installed on the vehicle that you will be driving.  When the device is installed, the provider will show you how to use it, advise you about the monthly maintenance and reporting requirements, and provide you with written proof that the device was installed.

Next, take the written proof of installation and your current driver's license to any MVA branch office and request a "restricted" driver's license.  The license will look like your old one but it will have the code letter "J" under the heading "RESTR".

What happens next?

Once you have the ignition interlock device installed and you obtain the restricted license, you will be expected to return every 30 days to the Ignition Interlock Service Provider who installed the device.  The provider will collect information captured by the device and forward that information to the MVA.  The provider also will make sure the device is operating correctly.

What information is reported to the MVA by the Ignition Interlock Service Provider?

Typically, the provider prepares a report for the MVA each month that includes information about:

• You the driver, your vehicle and other program information;
• Any instances where you had a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC);
• Any instances where you tried to start the vehicle without taking the test;
• Any instances where you failed the rolling retest or refused to take it;
• Any bypass of the device, which is if you tampered with or disconnected the device;
• The number of times your vehicle was started and stopped;
• The distance traveled by your vehicle.

How long must I participate in the Ignition Interlock Program?

When you receive information about the program, you should be advised of the minimum length of time that you must participate.  However, this time period could be extended if you violate any of the program rules or if you have other driving-related problems.  Also, it is important to understand that you will not begin receiving credit for participating in the program until you have had the ignition interlock device installed AND obtained the restricted driver's license.

When you are near the end of your required participation period, the MVA will send you a letter explaining what to do next.  Typically, you will need to take the MVA letter and your restricted license to any MVA branch office and apply for an "unrestricted" license.  Then, take the MVA letter to your Ignition Interlock Service Provider and have the device removed.  Until both of these actions are completed, be sure to carry the MVA letter with you when you drive.

Fees:

• There are fees associated with the use of an Alcohol Breath-Analyzed Ignition Interlock Device.
• There is a fee for a corrected driver's license that includes a restriction.
• There is a fee for a corrected driver's license on which the restriction has been removed.

Contact Information:

MVA
Driver Wellness and Safety (DW&S) Division
6601 Ritchie Highway, NE
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

For telephone questions:

MVA Customer Service Center:	1-800-950-1MVA(1682)
TTY/Hearing Impaired:	1-800-492-4575
Out-of-State:	1-301-729-4550
Interactive Voice Response (IVR) System:	1-800-950-1682