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Ignition Interlock Device Compliance Rules
Also called: Ignition Interlock Device Program Handbook (DL 919), Notice of Non-Compliance (DL 921), 37 TAC Chapter 10 Vendor Standards
Last reviewed 2026-07-12
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What this notice usually means
Some DUI and DWI sentences require an ignition interlock device. This is a breath tester wired into your car. It must approve you before the car will start. California and Texas both regulate these devices. Each state also sets rules for what happens when something goes wrong. In California, your installer must check your device every 60 days at most. It must report you to DMV within 3 working days if it finds tampering, bypassing, a removed device, or 3 or more missed visits. Texas focuses on the installer's own duties. Texas rules describe a 48 hour window for a vendor to report tampering or a court order violation. The same window applies to fixing a broken device. Texas DPS also cancels driving privileges tied to a court ordered device. This happens on the 30th day after DPS sends notice, unless the device and a restricted license are in place by then. This page covers only California and Texas.
See every source line for this notice
“An IID is required to be serviced at intervals not to exceed 60 days.”
“If a participant fails to keep the first appointment for recalibration and does not contact the installer to reschedule the appointment for service, the installer must schedule another appointment within seven days of the missed appointment.”
“If the participant fails to keep the third appointment, the installer must report the participant’s noncompliance to DMV within three days.”
“An installer must report to the court and/or MAU within three working days any evidence of the following: • Removing the IID. • Attempting to remove the IID. • Bypassing the IID. • Tampering with the IID. • Failing three or more times to comply with any requirements for the maintenance or calibration of the IID.”
“If the participant is unable to return the vehicle for recalibration within 60 days due to military service, a family death, or similar event beyond the control of the participant, and the participant can provide adequate documentation to the satisfaction of the installer prior to reporting noncompliance, the recalibration appointment may be rescheduled at the discretion of the installer.”
“Evidence of tampering with an IID shall be reported to the judicial authority responsible for ordering the specific installation involved, to the supervising officer if any, and to the department, not later than 48 hours after the vendor discovers the evidence of tampering”
“Submit a written report of any violation of a court order to the appropriate judicial authority, including the issuing court and the person's supervising officer, if any, not later than 48 hours after the vendor discovers the violation.”
“Repair or replace a device within 48 hours after receiving notice of a complaint regarding the operation of the device, if device is confirmed to have malfunctioned;”
“When the Department receives a court order restricting your ability to operate a motor vehicle equipped with an IID, your driving privilege will be cancelled unless an IID is obtained and installed on your vehicle and/or any vehicle you use, and restricted interlock license is obtained. The cancellation takes effect on the 30th day from the date the Department provides you with notice.”
“Texas Administrative Code Ignition Interlock Device (37 TAC Part 1, Chapter 10)”
What to do now
- 1
Keep your calibration appointments
California requires service at least every 60 days. Missing an appointment starts a countdown toward being reported to DMV.
- 2
Reschedule right away if you miss one
In California, you get 2 more chances to reschedule. Each new date must come within 7 days. After that, your installer reports you.
- 3
Never tamper with or bypass the device
Both states treat tampering and bypassing as serious violations. Both must be reported quickly to the court or the state.
- 4
Get your restricted license installed in time
Texas cancels driving tied to a court order 30 days after its notice. Install the device and get your restricted license before then.
- 5
Get free legal help
A violation report can affect your case. Legal aid or a public defender's office can help you respond.
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California: Your device must be serviced at least every 60 days. If you miss your first appointment and do not reschedule, your installer must offer you another one within 7 days. The same rule applies if you miss the second one. If you miss a third appointment, your installer must report you to DMV within 3 days. Removing the device, trying to remove it, bypassing it, or tampering with it are separate violations. Your installer must report any of these within 3 working days of finding out. It reports to the court or to DMV's Mandatory Actions Unit. Military service, a death in the family, or another event beyond your control can excuse a missed appointment. You must document this for your installer before noncompliance is reported. Texas: DPS's own Laws and Regulations page confirms 37 TAC Part 1, Chapter 10 as the current rule. Under it, a vendor must report tampering within 48 hours of discovering it. It reports to the court, your supervising officer, and Texas DPS. The same 48 hour window applies to reporting a court order violation. It also applies to repairing a device confirmed to be broken. Separately, DPS cancels driving privileges tied to a court ordered device. This happens on the 30th day after DPS gives notice. You can avoid this by installing the device and getting a restricted license first. This 30 day rule is a different clock from the 48 hour vendor rules. This page covers only California and Texas. If your state is not one of these two, check with your own state's DMV.
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Sources
- California Department of Motor Vehicles, Ignition Interlock Device Program Handbook (dmv.ca.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-11
- Texas Department of Public Safety, 37 TAC Part 1 Chapter 10 Ignition Interlock Device vendor standards (dps.texas.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-11
- Texas Department of Public Safety (dps.texas.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-11
- Texas Department of Public Safety, Ignition Interlock Device Laws and Regulations (dps.texas.gov)Retrieved 2026-07-12
Last reviewed 2026-07-12
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