Ignition Interlock Program
An ignition interlock is a device wired into the vehicle’s ignition system that requires the driver of the vehicle to provide a breath sample before attempting to drive. The sample must register an alcohol-free breath or the vehicle will not start. The device records all activity, including attempts to disconnect, bypass or tamper with it.
Note: Any vehicle a driver in the ignition interlock program drives must have an ignition interlock device installed. Should someone else wish to drive the car in which the device is installed, they too will have to provide a breath sample in order for the car to start up.
Research shows that many habitual impaired drivers continue to drive even when prohibited from doing so. The Ignition Interlock Program helps drivers separate their drinking from their driving and research has proven that interlock devices help reduce impaired driving.
Once driving, and at random times, the device will require the driver to provide his or her breath sample into the device, again, to ensure the driver has not consumed alcohol. If the sample shows alcohol is present, it will require the driver to cease operating the vehicle.
The driver enrolled in the program will have to attend the installation centre 30 days after initial installation, and every 60 days thereafter, for maintenance and to download the data recorded by the device.
For further information on how the device works, making arrangements to get your vehicle outfitted with the ignition interlock device, or any other questions regarding Ignition Interlock, contact Guardian Interlock Systems – http://guardianinterlock.ca/ (see Installation Centres for a location near you).
The following events on your driving record may result in the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles referring you to the Ignition Interlock Program:
- One alcohol-related impaired driving conviction under the Criminal Code of Canada or the Motor Vehicle Act;
- One Administrative Driving Prohibition;
- One 90-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP);
- One 30-day Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP);
- Three alcohol-related 24-hour Prohibitions (within 5 years);
- A combination of any three of the following (within 5 years): Alcohol-related 24-hour prohibition, 3-day IRP or 7-day IRP.
If you wish to seek a reconsideration of a referral to the Responsible Driver Program, see Reconsideration of a Referral to Remedial Programs.
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Resources
- For more information about program requirements, evaluation, and completion evaluation – refer to the Ignition Interlock Program
- See also, Guardian Interlock Service – www.guardianinterlock.ca
- Your driving record shows when your original licence was issued and any driving offences and infractions from the last five years. You can get a copy of your driver’s abstract or an abstract for each driver in your fleet by calling or writing to ICBC – www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/driving-record
- See Fees for Services for cost of the Ignition Interlock Program.
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