An alcohol ignition interlock device (IID) is a breath-test device that is connected to a vehicle’s ignition. A vehicle with an IID installed will not start unless the driver blows into the interlock and has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below a limit set by the court—usually .02 BAC. IIDs must be installed by a certified technician approved by the state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV). The IID will collect data (engine starts and stops, breath test results, and tampering attempts) and report it to the monitoring company, which will report it to the court.

IIDs reduce repeat offenses for DUI/DWI by approximately 70% when installed. Laws vary from state to state and courts have significant discretion, but a judge may order a person convicted of a first DUI/DWI offense to install an IID and will order a person convicted of a second or third DUI/DWI to install an IID. Courts will often order an IID installed on the defendant’s vehicle as a condition of bond (to be released from jail) and of probation (following jail or prison time, or in lieu of any or more jail or prison time). The court may order the defendant’s IID to remain on the vehicle for 1-3 years or more.

Despite these laws and programs, only about one-fifth of those arrested for DUI/DWI have an IID installed.

In Arkansas, the use of an alcohol ignition interlock device (IID) is regulated under state law as a measure to prevent repeat offenses of driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). Arkansas law mandates the installation of an IID for all offenders convicted of DUI/DWI, including first-time offenders, as a condition of their driver's license reinstatement. The device must be installed by a certified technician approved by the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. The length of time the IID must be installed varies depending on the number of offenses, with a minimum period typically set by the court. For a first offense, the IID is generally required for six months, while multiple offenses may result in longer periods. The IID must be calibrated and inspected regularly, with data reported to the appropriate authorities to ensure compliance. The goal of the IID program is to reduce the likelihood of repeat DUI/DWI offenses by ensuring that drivers maintain a BAC below the court-set limit before their vehicle can start.