Ignition Interlock Device (“Blow & Go”) Requirements In Washington State

If you are facing a DUI or a related offense in Washington, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for several different reasons. The requirement can come from either the criminal court process or the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL). Understanding when and why an IID is required can help you avoid further penalties and keep your driving privileges.

At arraignment (your first court appearance), a judge may require you to install an IID before your case is even resolved. This can happen if:

You had a high BAC (typically over 0.15).
You were involved in an accident related to the DUI.
You have prior DUI offenses on your record (even if reduced or dismissed via Deferred Prosecution)

If the court orders an IID as a condition of release, you must install it to remain compliant while your case is pending. Some courts will schedule a review hearing shortly after your Arraignment date to make sure you have complied with the IID condition of release and have proof of installation. If you are not in compliance, you may be taken back into custody and your bail increased.

Regardless of what happens in criminal court, DOL automatically starts a license suspension 30 days after your arrest if:

You BAC was over a .08 or you refused the breath test.
You do not successfully challenge the suspension through a DOL hearing (you have 7 days post-arrest to request the hearing).

If you want to continue driving during this suspension, you must apply for an Ignition Interlock License (IIL), which requires you to install an IID in your vehicle.

If you are convicted of DUI, Physical Control, or Negligent Driving First Degree (or enter into a plea agreement that results in one of these on your record), you will likely be required to install an IID.

Length of IID Requirement is typically 6 months up to 10 years, depending on:

• Your criminal history (prior DUIs).
• The specific charge and resolution of your case. 
• If you want to drive during this time, you must obtain an Ignition Interlock License (IIL)

If you remove the IID before completing the full requirement period, your license will be suspended again. If you then drive on a suspended license, you could face an additional criminal charge.

Driving After A DUI – The License Suspension

When in doubt about your Ignition Interlock Device requirements, always contact your attorney regarding any IID required as part of your conditions of release and contact the Washington Department of Licensing (360-902-3900) for any administrative suspensions and IID requirements. If you have a Washington license, you should set up an account on License eXpress account and check your status daily.

If you do not understand what is required of you, do not drive. Driving without an ignition interlock device when it is required can result in an additional criminal charge!