09.08.2019
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What Is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?

California restricted driver license with code 99-interlock device.What does the 99 mean? - Answered by a verified Criminal Lawyer. CDL Endorsements & Restrictions In order to drive certain types of vehicles with a commercial driver's license (CDL), it may be necessary to add an endorsement or remove a restriction. In either case, additional testing and fees will be required.

An IID is about the size of a cell phone and wired to your vehicle's ignition. After installation, the IID requires your breath sample before the engine will start. If the IID detects alcohol on your breath, the engine will not start. As you drive, you are periodically required to provide breath samples to ensure the continued absence of alcohol in your system.

Can IIDs Prevent Drunk Driving?

Yes. The International Council on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety maintains that IIDs, when combined with a comprehensive monitoring and service program, lead to a 40–95 percent reduction in the rate of repeat drunk driving offenses among offenders as long as the IID remains on the vehicle.

Court-Ordered IID Restriction

When the court orders the use of an IID, you must have one installed by an authorized installer and provide proof of installation to the court. The court has special forms and procedures to monitor drivers ordered to have an IID installed. After the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is notified by the court, DMV places a restriction on your driver license (DL) and marks your driving record so law enforcement officers are aware of the IID requirement if you are stopped. If you fail to comply with a court-ordered IID restriction, the court will notify DMV and your driving privilege may be suspended until you comply with the court order.

DMV-Ordered IID Restriction

DMV is required to impose an IID restriction on your driving privilege when you are convicted of driving with a suspended or revoked DL for a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction (California Vehicle Code (CVC) §§14601.2, 14601.4, or 14601.5).

This restriction does not allow you to drive without a valid DL.

You must submit either a Verification of Installation Ignition Interlock (DL 920) or Exemption for Ignition Interlock Device (DL 4054B) form to DMV within 30 days from the date the Order of Installment of an Ignition Interlock Device (DL 4054A) form was mailed. These forms ensure that you and the installer agree to the terms of the IID restriction.

Optional DMV IID

If you were convicted of a DUI (CVC §§23152 or 23153) or “wet reckless,” (CVC §23103.5) you may be eligible for an IID-restricted DL. In addition to any other specified restriction requirements, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Clear all other outstanding suspensions/revocations on your driving record.
  • Comply with a DUI program's requirements and have the program provider submit the appropriate Proof of Enrollment Certificate (DL 107) or Notice of Completion Certificate (DL 101) form to DMV (whichever applies to your case).
  • Submit to DMV a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR 22) form issued by your auto insurance company that establishes proof of financial responsibility.
  • Install an IID on your vehicle and provide DMV with a DL 920.
  • Pay all required fees.

All required forms and fees may be submitted to any local DMV office or mailed to:

Department of Motor Vehicles
PO Box 942890

NOTE: Call DMV at (916) 657-6525 for assistace to determine eligibility for obtaining a restricted DL.

Multiple DUI Violations

If you were convicted of a second or subsequent DUI violation and have completed at least one year of your DUI suspension/revocation, you may qualify for a restricted DL if you meet the restriction requirements.

Second and Third DUI Violations–Alcohol Only

If your violation occurred on or after July 1, 2010, you may receive a shorter suspension/revocation period if you have a second or third DUI conviction under CVC §23152 that involved alcohol only. For example, if you have a second DUI violation that involved alcohol only, you may reinstate driving privileges after a 90-day suspension. If you have a third DUI violation that involved alcohol only, you may reinstate after a 6-month revocation.

In addition, you will need to meet the restriction requirements.

If your violation occurred on or after January 1, 2012, and you were convicted of a 'wet reckless' as a substitute for a DUI conviction, you may opt to end your 1-year administrative per se (APS) suspension after 90 days.

In addition, you will need to meet the restriction requirements.

If your violation occurred on or after January 1, 2012, you have three or more separate DUI convictions, and are revoked for 10 years under CVC §23597, you may be eligible for early reinstatement of your driving privilege with an IID-restricted DL. To be eligible for early reinstatement, you must serve five years of the revocation period, have no alcohol or drug offenses during the revocation period, and must provide a DL 101 for an 18 or 30-month DUI program, and provide a DL 920.

IID Pilot Program

Effective July 1, 2010, legislation requires DMV to conduct an IID pilot program. If you are a pilot program participant, refer to the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Pilot Program (FFDL 44) Fast Facts brochure for additional information.

IID Providers

A list of DMV-certified IID manufacturer contact information is available at www.dmv.ca.gov.

Check the License of an IID Installer

All IID installation facilities doing business in California are required to have a valid license issued by the Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) or the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI), which are part of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA). To ensure that an IID installer is properly licensed, see the BAR website at www.dca.ca.gov.

IID Calibration and Monitoring

Once installed in your vehicle, the IID must be calibrated and inspected by a certified installer at intervals not to exceed 60 days. Your installer ensures the device is working properly and that no violations, such as failing to take random retests, have been logged. Noncompliance with IID requirements are reported to the court or DMV (whichever applies) and you may have your driving privilege suspended or revoked.

Certain violations require DMV to immediately suspend or revoke your driving privilege if you have an optional IID restriction (for example, an attempt to remove, tamper with, bypass, or failure to comply with any requirement for IID maintenance or calibration). DMV may restore the IID-restricted driving privilege upon receipt of a new DL 920.

Installation and Monitoring Fees

IID installation and monitoring fees vary among IID service providers. Call IID manufacturers for price quotes.

FFDL 31 (REV. 8/2017)

$92.73 - $160.32

Average rating from 17,525 customers who received a Change Oil and Filter.

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Nokia

California has a variety of laws that govern the modifications you can make to vehicles driven on the roadways. Whether you are altering your current vehicle or are moving to the state, make sure your vehicle is street legal by following the regulations listed below.

Sounds and noise

California has laws in place to promote a quiet environment and some of them cover sound system and muffler systems on your vehicle.

Sound system

  • Sound systems can’t be heard 50 feet or over from a vehicle driving on the highway.

Nokia Restriction Code Sim Card

Mufflers

California muffler laws include the following:

  • Exhaust systems can’t be modified in a way that increases or amplifies the amount of sound that the vehicle makes beyond that produced by factory equipment.

  • Vehicles (except for motorcycles) with a gross vehicle weight less than 6,000 pounds must produce sound that is 95 decibels or less.

Tip: Also check with local county laws in California to make sure you are following any municipal noise ordinances that may be more stringent than state-level laws.

Frame and suspension

California also has limitations on the frame and suspension heights:

  • Body lifts can be no more than five inches.

  • Vehicles can’t exceed 14 feet in height.

  • Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) less than 4,500 can’t exceed a frame height of 27 inches.

  • GVWR between 4,501 – 7,500 can’t exceed 30 inches in frame height.

  • GVWR between 7,501 – 10,000 can’t exceed a frame height of 31 inches.

    Engine

California also has regulations concerning engine modifications. These include:

  • All engines must be certified for use in California (49-state or federal Environmental Protection Agency certified engines are not permitted).

  • Emission control systems must be certified as for the same or newer model year vehicle to ensure compliance with emissions certification standards.

  • External and internal engine modifications (intakes, cams, pistons, etc) must use parts that are EPA certified or ARB-exempted for use in the particular engine.

  • Vehicle must pass a Smog Check provided by the Bureau of Automotive Repair Referee Station.

Lighting and windows

Lights

  • Vehicles can only have two fog lamps.

  • No more than two spotlights with white lamps are permitted.

  • Spotlights must be 32 candlepower or less and can’t illuminate the roadway more than 300 feet from the vehicle.

  • No more than four lamps can be lit at a single time.

Window tinting

  • Non-reflective tint is allowed on the top four inches of the front windshield.

  • Front side windows must allow over 70% of the light through.

  • Rear window and back side windows can have any tint darkness.

  • Mirrored or metallic tint on front and back side windows can’t be any more reflective than a standard window.

Antique/classic car modifications

California requires that kit vehicles be registered by:

  • Completing an Application for Title or Registration
  • Having a completed Statement of Construction form
  • Undergoing a vehicle verification through the California Highway Patrol
  • Obtaining official light and brake adjustment certificates from a brake and light station
  • Having a completed Smog Check

If you’re considering modifying your car to be within the laws in California, YourMechanic can provide the mobile mechanics to help you install the new parts. You can also ask our mechanics what modifications may be best suited to your car using our free online Q&A system, Ask a Mechanic.

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