The passing of Senate Bill 85 on July 1, 2020, introduced significant changes to the DUI and ignition interlock laws. Now, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet delivers a fixed suspension period based on the offense. After serving a specified portion of the suspension period, offenders can apply for an ignition interlock license. Once suspended, offenders may apply for an ignition interlock device. If approved they can operate the approved vehicle(s) equipped with the device for the allowed timeframe. To view more information regarding DUI laws, please click
here.
WHAT IS AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE (IID)?
An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a device certified by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) that connects a motor vehicle ignition system or motorcycle ignition system to a breath-alcohol analyzer. This device will prevent a motor vehicle ignition or motorcycle ignition from starting and operating if a driver's breath alcohol concentration exceeds 0.02, as measured by the device.
ABOUT KIIP
Under the new program, individuals will no longer apply to the court for interlock privileges but will apply directly to KYTC using the Ignition Interlock Application, TC 94-175. Additionally, KYTC is now the monitoring authority for program participants.
Before SB 85, the court system denied DUI 1st offenders (with non-aggravating circumstances) access to the program. As of July 1, 2020, the KIIP is available to all drunk driving offenders.
Drivers who apply and are approved in the KIIP are eligible for a possible reduction of their license suspension period.
The ignition interlock program is compliance-based, meaning offenders will have to complete a 90-120 consecutive day period of driving sober within their incentive period to be eligible for a possible reduction of their suspension time.
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Court will report the conviction or suspension to KYTC. Note: This can take a couple of days. A letter of Withdrawal or Suspension will be sent.
Either E-mail
KIIP@ky.gov or Fax (844-535-7209) the following information:
-
Ignition Interlock Application (TC94-175)
- Proof of a valid Kentucky vehicle registration (out of state drivers will need to provide valid registration from their state)
-
Note; If registration is NOT in the driver's name, a notarized letter is required from the owner giving permission to install the device in their vehicle. This statement must include the description of the vehicle as well as the VIN#.
- Proof of Kentucky insurance (out of state drivers will need to provide proof of insurance from their state)
- Any other documentation required for the forms to be submitted
A
$40.00 Reinstatement fee is required and can be paid at a Driver Licensing Regional Office.
You will be provided a Letter of Approval by either mail or E-mail.
- Take your Letter of Approval to a Vendor/Ignition Interlock Provider to set up an appointment for installation.
- A list of Kentucky-approved vendors is located at the bottom of this page, or you may call (502) 564-1257 for further assistance.
- The Service Center will provide a Certificate of Installation once the device has been successfully installed.
- Take your Certificate of Installation to a license issuing location to have a Restricted License issued. **Credit for participation in KIIP will only begin at the time of issuance.**
- The cost of the license will depend on the type of license issued. A list of costs can be found here.
- Upon completion of the required compliance time, KYTC will mail or email a Letter of Removal to schedule the removal of the device. The Service Center will provide you with a Certificate of Removal.
- Take your Certificate of Removal to a Driver Licensing Regional office to have a Non-Restricted License issued. The cost of the license will depend on the type of license issued.
VIOLATIONS
To qualify for a possible reduction of suspension time, participants must be violation-free for 90 or 120 consecutive days, based on their offense. Violating one (or more) of the following violations will result in the consecutive counting of days to start over:
Failure to take any random breath alcohol test unless a digital image review confirms that a driver did not occupy the motor vehicle or motorcycle at the time of the missed test.
Failure to pass any random retest with a breath alcohol level of 0.02 or lower unless a subsequent test performed within 10 minutes registers a breath alcohol concentration lower than 0.02 and the digital image confirms the same person provided both samples.
Failure of the person, or their designee, to appear at the ignition interlock device provider when required for maintenance, repair, calibration, monitoring, inspection, or replacement of the device.
Failure to pay statutorily required fees (KRS 189A.340).
Tampering with an installed ignition interlock device with the intent of rendering it defective.
Altering, concealing, hiding, or attempting to alter, conceal, or hide the person's identity from the ignition interlock device's camera while providing a breath sample.
CERTIFIED IGNITION INTERLOCK PROVIDERS
1. LowCost Interlock
2. Lifesafer
3. Smart Start
4. Intoxalock
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Eligibility is based on activity in your five (5) year driver history record. You may not be eligible for an Ignition Interlock license if any convictions appear on your driver history record pursuant to KRS 186.56.
You may be rendered ineligible for an Ignition Interlock license or subject to revocation of an existing Ignition Interlock License pursuant to a violation of KRS 186.570.
Contact the Division of Driver Licensing, Court Records section at
502-564-1257.
Device and service fees are paid directly to the device or service provider in accordance with a contract between the device provider and user of the device. Costs may include, but are not limited to:
- Initial device installation fee
- Monthly monitoring and calibration fee
- $40.00 Reinstatement fee
- Cost of a new credential will be determined by the type of license being issued
- Valid KY vehicle registration
If you do not own the vehicle you plan to install the Ignition Interlock device into, a written notarized statement from the vehicle’s owner will be required at the time of applying and installation of the device.
The Certified Ignition Interlock Device Providers list will direct you to a location and technician to have your device installed.
You are only required to install a device on your primary vehicle; however you may choose to install devices on additional vehicles. The holder of an Ignition Interlock License is only authorized to drive a vehicle with an ignition interlock device installed.
Yes. Anyone can operate a motor vehicle with an Ignition Interlock device installed so long as he or she complies with the device requirements.
CDL license holders must comply with federally mandated hard suspension periods for operating with a CDL under the influence of alcohol.
You should never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. In case of an emergency, call 911.
You will be considered in violation of the Interlock Program, and subject to removal from the program, for any program violations which include, but are not limited to:
- Failure to report for device monitoring every 30 days, or as scheduled;
- If convicting court receives notice from any law enforcement officer or Interlock service provider that indicates you operated a vehicle not equipped with an ignition Interlock device;
- Failure to abide by the service agreement with the Interlock service provider;
- If the participant or anyone else, aside from the Interlock service provider, is found tampering with, bypassing, or removing the Interlock device;
- Attempting to start, or operate, the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol;
- Failure to submit to and pass any retests prompted by the Interlock device after the vehicle has been started;
- Failure to use an ignition Interlock equipped vehicle;
- Accumulation of Interlock Demerit system points in accordance with DMV policy; or
- if you fail to enroll in, have no progress in, or withdraw yourself from the DUI Safety and Treatment Program.
Complete the
KIIP Affordability Application
TC 94-188 (include Federal Tax returns and/or paychecks, W-2 or 1099). Submit to KYTC for review.
You will need to contact the Division of Driver Licensing at (502) 564-1257.
No, documents must be e-mailed to KIIP@ky.gov or mailed to:
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
Division of Driver Licensing
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622
The list of Certified Ignition Interlock Device Providers will direct you to a location and technician to have your device installed.
TENNESSEE IID WAIVER
When a driver resides in Kentucky but has the ignition interlock device as a reinstatement requirement in Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Safety offers a waiver for the driver. When this occurs, KYTC can sign for TN to waive the TN IID requirement. If KYTC does not agree to sign the waiver, the driver must comply with the reinstatement requirement before the hold will be lifted in TN.
TN judges are aware that the Department offers a waiver when the driver meets specific criteria as TN statute specifies. Tennessee imposes both a one-year hard suspension (365 consecutive days) and a one-year IID requirement; the waiver only waives the one-year IID requirement.
If a driver has a Tennessee waiver, they will need to visit a Driver Licensing Regional office and
Have their signature notarized on the official waiver form issued by Tennesse
Apply for Kentucky Ignition Interlock Program (KIIP); and
Provide proof of KY Insurance, registration, authorization to install the IID device, make, model and VIN of vehicle.