This is educational content and does not constitute legal advice.
Introduction California’s DUI regulations have undergone several significant changes in the last two years. In January 2024, the legislature advanced ignition interlock device requirements under Assembly Bill 2210, although the bill stalled in the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 16, 2024. More recently, Assembly Bill 366 passed the Assembly on June 3, 2025, and is now awaiting Senate and gubernatorial approval. Once enacted, AB 366 will require ignition interlock devices for all DUI convictions and introduce income-based state fees. This article explains each legislative update, outlines current requirements for drivers, and offers a step-by-step compliance guide to help individuals meet interlock obligations without unnecessary stress.
Background on Ignition Interlock in California Ignition interlock devices were introduced in California in 1991 for repeat offenders. Over time, state law has expanded device requirements to cover a broader range of DUI convictions and blood alcohol thresholds. By 2019, first-time offenders with a BAC of 0.15 or higher faced interlock mandates. The 2024 proposal in AB 2210 sought to extend those requirements to all repeat offenders and first-time offenders with extremely high BAC readings, but it did not become law. AB 366 represents the most ambitious expansion to date, aiming for universal interlock treatment across all DUI cases.
Quick Recap: January 2024 Updates Ignition interlock mandate expansion under Assembly Bill 2210 was designed to apply IIDs to repeat DUI convictions and first-time offenders with BAC readings of 0.15 or higher. Although the proposal met bipartisan support, it did not advance out of the Appropriations Committee on May 16, 2024. Under-21 zero tolerance continues to be among the strictest in the nation. Any BAC reading of 0.01 or above now triggers an eight-month interlock requirement for drivers under 21. This rule helps educators and lawmakers emphasize safe driving habits among young adults. DMV portal improvements rolled out early in 2024 allow providers to upload service and calibration logs directly. This modernization has reduced review time from roughly 30 days to about 7 to 10 business days, easing administrative burdens for both providers and drivers.
Spotlight on Assembly Bill 366 (Pending) Assembly Bill 366, awaiting final approval, will expand ignition interlock requirements and financial support mechanisms in three major ways:
- Universal Interlock Requirement All DUI convictions, regardless of BAC level or prior record, will require an ignition interlock device. This change closes gaps that previously allowed certain low-BAC first offenders to avoid interlocks.
- Income-Based State Fees The state will assess installation and monitoring fees based on household income as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level. For individuals at or below 100 percent of FPL, the state fee is zero. Those between 101 and 150 percent of FPL pay 25 percent of the standard fee; between 151 and 200 percent pay 50 percent; and above 200 percent pay the full fee. Providers will absorb any unpaid balances so that no one is denied a device.
- Pilot Program Permanency and Reporting The existing IID pilot program, which tested income-based fees and universal requirements, will become permanent. The DMV must publish annual reports detailing usage statistics, compliance rates, device reliability, and demographic data to inform future policy decisions.
Who is Affected Now and Under AB 366 First-time offenders currently install an IID for a minimum of six months; repeat offenders face a twelve-month requirement. Under-21 drivers with any BAC reading must maintain an IID for eight months. Occupational and medical exemptions remain available but must be approved by both the court and the DMV. AB 366 will remove exemptions based solely on BAC level, ensuring all convicted drivers receive the same treatment, while preserving necessary medical or occupational exceptions.
Detailed Device Requirements By law, every ignition interlock device installed in California must meet the specifications in Title 13, Section 404.18 of the California Code of Regulations. Required features include:
- A breath-alcohol analyzer calibrated to lock the vehicle’s ignition at readings of 0.03 BrAC or higher.
- Secure, tamper-evident data logging to record start attempts, rolling retests, blood alcohol readings, and any tampering events.
- Certified maintenance and calibration at least every 60 days by an authorized provider, with service logs uploaded to the DMV portal.
- An IP54-rated enclosure that protects the device from dust and moisture.
Navigating the DMV Interlock Process Step 1: Your IID installer submits form DL 920 to the DMV, confirming the date of installation and device serial number. Step 2: You pay the standard DMV installation fee of 125 dollars and a removal fee of 50 dollars. Income-based state fees adjust automatically when you provide proof of household income. Step 3: Your provider calibrates the device every 60 days and uploads service logs within 5 business days of calibration. Step 4: The DMV reviews each calibration within 7 to 10 business days. Keep copies of all logs in case of discrepancies. Step 5: Once you complete the required IID period, log into the DMV portal to schedule a removal inspection. Upon passing, you regain unrestricted driving privileges.
Cost Considerations and Estimated Expenses Budgeting for an ignition interlock program requires accounting for multiple fees:
- Installation fee: zero to $350, depending on vehicle type and installer labor rates.
- Device rental and service: $100 to $165 dollars per month, totaling $600 to $990 over six months.
- State fees: zero to $175, scaled by income tier after credits.
- DMV removal fee: $50 dollars.
- County sales tax: 7.25% to 10.25% on device rental and service charges.
Total estimated cost for a six-month program ranges from $890 to $1,565 plus sales tax. Under AB 366, individuals at or below 100% of FPL could see total fees under $940, while higher-income participants would pay up to $1,740 including tax.
Comparing IID to Probation-Only Ignition interlocks allow you to maintain driving privileges while fulfilling court requirements. The total cost is predictable and spread over time. In contrast, selecting a probation-only path typically results in fines, classes, and potential license suspension, with total expenses around $600 to $900 and no ability to drive legally during that period.
Best Practices for Compliance
- Enroll with a provider that offers flexible appointment scheduling and multiple calibration locations.
- Keep digital and paper copies of all calibration logs and DMV correspondence.
- Set calendar reminders two weeks before each calibration due date.
- Review your court and DMV orders carefully for any special conditions or deadlines.
Next Steps and Resources Keep track of AB 366 by visiting the California Legislative Information website and checking bill status daily. Watch for related legislation such as AB 1480 (remote testing technology), SB 540 (funding for rural service centers), and AB 890 (improved data-sharing and analytics). For more information visit the Clear2Drive California page or contact our support team at (855) 261-3944.
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