Pennsylvania law makes the Ignition Interlock requirement mandatory for first-time and repeat DUI offenders with high blood alcohol levels and for individuals who receive an operating privilege suspension as a result of a chemical test refusal violation or conviction for illegally operating a motor vehicle not equipped with an Ignition Interlock system. An individual with an Ignition Interlock requirement who seeks a restoration of operating privileges is required, as a condition of issuing a restricted license, to either have any motor vehicle to be operated equipped with an Ignition Interlock system and remain so for the duration of the restricted license period or, if there are no motor vehicles owned, registered, or to be operated, so certify in accordance with PennDOT’s regulations.
IGNITION INTERLOCK SYSTEM
An Ignition Interlock system is a device that is installed in a motor vehicle to prohibit an individual under the influence of alcohol from operating the vehicle. An individual is required to blow into the device before starting the vehicle. If the device detects alcohol, it will prevent the vehicle from starting. In addition, at periodic times during the operation of the vehicle, the individual will be prompted to blow into the device to ensure they are not under the influence. An Ignition Interlock system is leased from the Ignition Interlock vendor. Currently, the average costs associated with leasing an Ignition Interlock system is between $900 to $1,300 per year.
IGNITION INTERLOCK LICENSE
Thirty days prior to an individual’s restoration eligibility date, PennDOT will mail them a restoration requirements letter. The letter will include an application for an Ignition Interlock License and information on how to contact an Ignition Interlock vendor. An Ignition Interlock License permits an individual to only operate a motor vehicle equipped with an Ignition Interlock system. The fee for an Ignition Interlock License varies (See FEES chart at the bottom of this page). An Ignition Interlock License displays a red banner behind the word “Pennsylvania”, the words “LIMITED LICENSE” towards the top of the license, and the words “IGNITION INTERLOCK” in the yellow map of Pennsylvania. From the date the Ignition Interlock License is issued to the time an unrestricted driver’s license is issued, an individual may not drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of the movement of any motor vehicle which is not equipped with an Ignition Interlock system.
APPLYING FOR AN IGNITION INTERLOCK LICENSE
An individual must complete an Ignition Interlock License application and send it with the required fee to PennDOT to the address listed on the application. For information on duplicate license and renewal fees, please see PennDOT’s Driver Licensing Fee Chart Fact Sheet.
CONTACTING AN IGNITION INTERLOCK VENDOR
For a list of approved Ignition Interlock vendors, go to the Pennsylvania DUI Association webpage at www.padui.org and select the Ignition Interlock Vendors link in the middle of the homepage. If an individual does not have access to the internet, Ignition Interlock vendor information can be obtained by calling the Pennsylvania DUI Association at 1-800-627-2384.
EMPLOYMENT EXEMPTION
An individual who holds an Ignition Interlock License and is required to drive an employer-owned vehicle for employment purposes, may have their employer complete an Ignition Interlock Employment Exemption Affidavit (DL-3805). The affidavit will allow an individual to operate an employer-owned vehicle not equipped with an Ignition Interlock system for employment purposes. An exemption will not be granted in cases where the employer-owned vehicle is a school bus, school vehicle, vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, employer-owned motor vehicle owned by an entity which is wholly or partially owned or controlled by the individual holding the Ignition Interlock License, or an employer-owned vehicle which is made available to the employee for personal use. The affidavit must be completed in its entirety and be in the individual’s possession while operating an employer-owned vehicle not equipped with an Ignition Interlock system. Failure to possess the affidavit will result in the individual being cited for driving without an Ignition Interlock system.
ENFORCEMENT/PENALTIES
If PennDOT receives a report of a conviction for an offense for which the penalty is a cancellation, disqualification, recall, suspension or revocation of operating privileges for an individual who has been issued an Ignition Interlock license, PennDOT will recall the Ignition Interlock License and require that it be surrendered to the department. Following the completion of the cancellation, disqualification, recall, suspension or revocation which resulted in the recall of the Ignition Interlock license, PennDOT will require the individual to complete the balance of the Ignition Interlock License period previously imposed prior to the issuance of a replacement license under 75 Pa.C.S. Section 1951(d) (relating to replacement license or card) that does not contain an Ignition Interlock restriction. In addition, an individual convicted of driving a motor vehicle not equipped with an Ignition Interlock system or tampering with an Ignition Interlock system is subject to fines and imprisonment. For a first offense, an individual’s Ignition Interlock period is extended for one-year from the date of conviction. Second and subsequent offenses will result in the recall of the Ignition Interlock License and a one-year suspension. Upon restoration, the individual will be required to hold an Ignition Interlock License for one year.
OTHER PENALTIES
After an Ignition Interlock system is installed, if an individual fails to make their vehicle available for maintenance to the Ignition Interlock vendor or requests an unauthorized removal of the Ignition Interlock system prior to the date the individual is eligible to obtain an unrestricted driver’s license, the Ignition Interlock vendor will notify PennDOT. Upon notification, PennDOT will recall the individual’s Ignition Interlock License. The recall will remain in effect until such time that the individual is back in compliance with the Ignition Interlock License requirements.
OBTAINING AN UNRESTRICTED DRIVER’S LICENSE
If an Ignition Interlock requirement is imposed as a condition of restoration, thirty days prior to being eligible to receive an unrestricted driver’s license, PennDOT will mail a notice to the individual that contains the date of their eligibility and an application to apply for an unrestricted driver’s license. The notice will provide instructions on how to go about obtaining an unrestricted driver’s license.
DECLARATION OF COMPLIANCE
The Declaration of Compliance is a department-controlled form that Ignition Interlock vendors will utilize to certify that an individual has not had any incidents, as defined by law (see 75 Pa.C.S. Sections 3805(c)(2) (relating to issuance of unrestricted license) and 3805(h.2)(relating to declaration of compliance)), occur in the two consecutive months prior to the date entered on the certificate. Before PennDOT can issue an unrestricted driver’s license, a Declaration of Compliance must be received from the Ignition Interlock vendor.
FEES
| DUPLICATE | FEE |
| Class A, B, or C | $29.50 |
| Class A, B, or C with Motorcycle Endorsement | $34.50 |
| RENEWAL * | FEE |
| Non-Commercial License | $30.50 |
| Non-Commercial License with Motorcycle Endorsement | $50.50 |
| Commercial License | $94.50 |
| Commercial License with Motorcycle Endorsement | $114.50 |
| Commercial License with Hazmat Endorsement | $110.50 |
| Commercial License with Hazmat and Motorcycle Endorsement | $130.50 |
* If your driver’s license expires within the next 6 months, it is recommended that you complete and submit a renewal application at the time of petition in order to avoid paying another fee once the duplicate driver’s license you are issued expires.
Organ Donation Awareness Trust Fund (ODTF): You have the opportunity to contribute $1 to the Fund. The additional $1 contribution must be added to your payment. The ODTF provides for the development and implementation of donor awareness programs and funds shall be appropriated subject to the approval of the Governor.
Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF): You have the opportunity to make a tax-deductible contribution to the VTF. Your contribution will help support programs and projects for Pennsylvania veterans and their families. Since this additional $3 is not part of the fee, please add the donated amount to your payment.
For more information visit PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website at www.dmv.pa.gov.
