In my decades of work in the ignition interlock industry, I have seen how serious the consequences can be when someone drives without an interlock device after a DUI.
Many people do not realize that once the DMV or the court requires an interlock, driving without one is treated as a major violation. This mistake can extend your penalties, increase your costs, and delay your ability to get your license back and depending on the situation, jail time.
My goal here is to explain what happens when you drive without an interlock and why it is so important to stay compliant during your interlock requirement.
Why Driving Without an Interlock Is a Serious Violation
When the DMV or the court orders an ignition interlock device, it becomes a condition of your driving privilege. This means you are only allowed to drive a vehicle that has a properly installed and functioning interlock device.
Driving without one is seen as driving outside the terms of your restriction. California takes this violation seriously, much more than a general suspension.
How the Violation Is Discovered
There are several ways authorities find out someone is driving without an interlock.
- traffic stops
- accidents or insurance reports
- calibration or monitoring failures
- court or probation checks
Even if the violation is unintentional, it can still lead to serious consequences.
Penalties for Driving Without an Interlock
If you are caught driving without an interlock, you may face:
- an extended interlock requirement
- a longer license suspension
- higher fines
- probation violations
- additional criminal charges
The DMV may also place a new hold on your license until you complete all added requirements.
How This Affects Your License
The biggest impact is often on your license reinstatement timeline. A violation can move you backward in the process.
This may result in:
- restarting your interlock period
- losing restricted license privileges
- needing to refile documents with the MAU
These setbacks can add months to your penalty.
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
We talk with many people who did not understand the rules fully. Some common mistakes include:
- driving a second vehicle without an interlock (rentals)
- borrowing a friend’s car
- moving a car in the driveway or street
- assuming short trips are safe
California law does not make exceptions for these situations. If you are under an interlock requirement, every vehicle you drive must have an interlock installed.
What To Do If You Made a Mistake
If you have already driven without an interlock, you should
- stop driving immediately until you understand your status
- contact your interlock provider for guidance
- review your DMV or court requirements
- prepare for possible added penalties
Acting quickly can help reduce the impact of the violation.
Simple Way’s To Think About Interlock Compliance
- If you are required to have an interlock, every car you drive must have one
- Violations lead to longer penalties
- Even small mistakes can create big delays
- Staying compliant keeps you on track to get your license back
Understanding these rules early helps you avoid setbacks and move forward with confidence.
Closing Thoughts
Driving without an interlock can undo a lot of progress. Once you understand why the interlock is required and how violations affect your case, it becomes much easier to stay on track. With careful attention and the right support, you can complete your interlock requirement successfully.
Sources
California Vehicle Code Section 23247
California DMV Ignition Interlock Compliance Rules
Local County Court DUI Sentencing Guidelines