Ignition Interlock
Glossary of TermsTake a look at our brochure below (click to view).
In June 2007, The Prevention of Underage Drinking and Access to Alcohol Act was signed into law. This law set the parameters for developing the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program requiring the South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Service (SCDPPPS) to administer the program. The IID Program was developed in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) and the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (SCDAODAS). SCDPPPS administers the program and monitors all active participants. In April 2014, Emma’s Law was signed by Governor Haley and became effective October 1, 2014. This law greatly enhances the existing IID Program by:
- Requiring DUI first offenders with a Breath Alcohol Content (BAC) of .15 or greater to complete the program.
- Requires a camera IID.
- Removed the hard suspension period associated with DUI second and subsequent offenders.
- Removed the option of non-participation in the IID Program; requiring completion of the program before obtaining a non-restrictive license.
- Provides stiff penalties for driving a vehicle without the IID.
In May, 2015, the General Assembly further amended the law. Effective on the Governor’s signature on June 1, 2015, the IID Program may now penalize drivers enrolled in the Program when they:
- Tamper with the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installed in their vehicles in order to prevent the BAIID’s proper operation, or to obscure or cover the lens of the camera attached to the BAIID.
- Allow a third party who is not driving the car to blow into the BAIID on their behalf in order to start the vehicle or to conduct a running retest.
As of May 19, 2024, the All Offender Law signed by Governor McMaster became effective. As of this date, all individuals convicted of Driving Under the Influence, are required to have a device installed if they want to drive. Drivers convicted of DUI 1st with a BAC of less than .15, with an offense date prior to May 19, 2024, participation is optional.The program participants are required to have their breath alcohol ignition interlock devices (BAIID) inspected and the data downloaded at least every 60 days by the service center providers.
Drivers with an offense date between January 1, 2008 and September 30, 2014 who decide not to enroll will remain suspended for three years beyond the initial suspension period. Such drivers who decide to enroll in the IID Program must complete the full term required by the Program.
Drivers with an offense date on or after October 1, 2014 will not have the option of getting their driver’s license until successful completion of the IID Program. Those drivers who decide not to enroll will remain suspended indefinitely.
If your license was suspended because of an alcohol-related offense, you may be eligible to participate in the IID Program. Please contact the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to determine your eligibility.
Ignition Interlock Driver Educational Video
This video provides additional information for drivers who are enrolled in the South Carolina Ignition Interlock Program.
