Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

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​An ignition interlock device (IID), also known as a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) or a breathalyzer, is a tool that measures breath-alcohol concentration (BAC) and prevents drivers from operating a vehicle if they have a BAC over 0.02.  
  • ​Each device includes a handset with a mouthpiece for sampling, a mounted camera, a cellular modem for wireless reporting of results, and a control unit which is installed under the vehicle dash. 
  • IIDs are leased from and installed by an IID service provider for the duration of the restriction time requirement, typically a minimum of 12 months, as determined by the convicting court.​
  • IIDs use alcohol-specific sensors to measure the BAC of the driver. A breath sample result below the device's setpoint (0.02 g/210L) is required to start the vehicle. 
  • IIDs require the driver to provide multiple breath samples at random intervals during vehicle use to monitor their BAC.
IID requirements
Judges in Wisconsin are required to order an IID for the following and an IID must be installed on every vehicle owned by or registered by the driver convicted of OWI unless the judge makes exemptions (see Wisconsin Act 100):
  • ALL repeat OWI offenders
  • ALL first time OWI offenders​ with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or higher
  • ALL drivers who refuse to provide a breath or blood sample for a chemical test at a traffic stop

  • Your driving privilege is restricted so that you can operate only IID-equipped vehicles during the duration of the order. 
  • IIDs are required to be installed on every vehicle owned by or registered to you, regardless of what type of vehicle (car, truck, motor home, etc.).
    • An IID is not required on motorcycles, mopeds or autocycles.
  • If you no longer own or operate a vehicle that is currently in your name, you must contact the convicting court to have the vehicle exempt from the IID requirement. The court will fill out and electronically submit the form to the DMV. You will receive a copy of the exemption form from the court for your records.
  • The convicting court will determine how long you are required to have an IID installed in your vehicle. The court electronically submits this information to the DMV. The duration of the IID requirement will be on the conviction status report that was provided to you by the court.
  • After you have been convicted of the OWI, your IID time requirement will start once you have been issued either a Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin occupational license. See Occupational License page for more information on obtaining an occupational license.
    • The IID Restriction time requirement will only begin when a license is issued on or after the date of conviction. This means that you can choose not to drive, however you cannot “wait out” the IID time requirement.
    • Courts may order the IID restriction to begin immediately, however the time requirement will not start until a Wisconsin license has been issued.
  • Failure to install, early removal, or tampering could result in your driver license privileges being cancelled.
  • Anyone subject to an IID order may not operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.02.

To find the closest approved IID service provider, view the interactive map below.

View larger map

Product information and pricing

The following vendors have one or more IID models that are approved for use in the state of Wisconsin.

Note: The state of Wisconsin does not endorse any manufacturer, service center or device. Their appearance on this page confirms only that the devices have been certified by the state of Wisconsin and meet federal and state rules for breath alcohol ignition interlock devices. 

If you have an annual income less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), you may qualify for a reduced price, but you must work with the convicting court to determine if you are eligible.

There are no exceptions for individuals with medical or other conditions from a mandatory IID order.

  • If you are unable to provide an acceptable sample, you may be able to change to a different IID. Call your IID installer for assistance.
  • State law requires that all drivers meet minimum physical standards to be eligible for a driver license. If you assert that you are incapable of providing successful breath samples, you may be required to comply with the medical evaluation requirements detailed in ch. Trans 112, Wisconsin Administrative Code. This requires that you pay for a medical examination and may include behind-the-wheel testing by DMV.

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​Questions?

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