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Ignition interlock in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the Department of Motor Vehicles runs the ignition interlock program. Most people get an interlock order as a condition of getting a suspended license back, after a DUI conviction, a high-BAC test result or a refused test.

Checked Oct 23, 2026Sources
Required after a first conviction
First offense, to drive during the post-conviction suspension
no option for driving during suspension, which lasts 45 days, after which interlock required to reinstate
First offense, as a penalty or to get the license back
yes
Repeat offense, as a penalty or to get the license back
yes
IIHS, October 20261

    171 locations in Connecticut from the companies' own locators. Distances are straight-line; call to confirm the location services your device.

    Each dot is a service location listed by an interlock company. Orange rings mark your search.Company locators, Oct 2026

    Who has to install one in Connecticut

    Your situationInterlockHow longLaw
    First DUI convictionRequired to reinstate1 year after restorationC.G.S. 14-227a(g)2
    First admin suspension, elevated blood alcohol, age 21 or olderRequired6 monthsC.G.S. 14-227a(g)2
    First admin suspension, elevated blood alcohol, under 21Required1 yearC.G.S. 14-227a(g)2
    Second or third admin suspension, age 21 or olderRequired1 year for a second, 2 years for a third or laterC.G.S. 14-227a(g)3
    You refused the chemical testRequired1 year, 2 years or 3 years for a first, second or third or later refusalC.G.S. 14-227a(g)4
    Admin suspension and a DUI conviction from the same arrestLonger period appliesThe longer of the two periodsC.G.S. 14-227a(g)5

    A judge can order an interlock in other cases too. Your court order or DMV letter is what binds you.

    Where each company can install in Connecticut

    You'll go back to the same company's locations for service for the whole order, so check that one is close to where you live and work before you book.

    Locations as each company lists them on its own locator (Smart Start, Intoxalock, LifeSafer, Low Cost Interlock, RoadGuard), pulled Oct 2026. Some shops serve more than one company. Alcohol Detection Systems doesn't publish a locator we could read.

    Interlock companies approved in Connecticut

    Also on the Connecticut list
    • Simple Interlock
    • LifeSaver

    From the state's approved list (read it). Use a company on this list, or the install won't count. 12-month figures are lease, install and removal from each company's filed or published fee schedule, not Connecticut prices; see how we add them up.

    How much an interlock costs in Connecticut

    Estimated total for your order

    1. Low Cost Interlock
    2. RoadGuard
    3. Intoxalock
    4. Smart Start

    Lease times the months you pick, plus install, removal and any enrollment fee, from each company's filed or published schedule (National schedule, Sept 2026; New York filing, 2021; New York filing, Feb 2021; New York filing, Apr 2025). Connecticut prices can differ; calibration visits and lockout fees come on top.

    If you can't afford it

    The DMV runs no fund for interlock costs. Some vendors discount for low-income drivers, and to qualify you provide a letter from the Connecticut Department of Social Services showing you take part in SNAP or LIHEAP.

    Financial help in other states

    The rules in Connecticut

    Program run by
    The Connecticut DMV Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program handles the requirement, and its web page explains how to install a device to restore your license.6
    License you get
    Connecticut has no separately named interlock license. You get your regular license restored with the interlock requirement attached, and the requirement starts on the date your license is restored, which can be later than the date the device was installed.7
    Reinstatement fee
    The license reinstatement fee is $175.8
    State fees
    The state charges a $100 IID administration fee. The DMV sets no fixed price for the device itself, so what you pay depends on the vendor.9
    Vendors
    The DMV lists 9 approved vendors on its IID page: Sensolock of America, Simple Interlock, Smart Start, Alcolock, Alcohol Detection Systems, RoadGuard Interlock, Low Cost Interlock, LifeSaferInc. and Intoxalock.10
    Help paying
    The DMV runs no fund for interlock costs. Some vendors discount for low-income drivers, and to qualify you provide a letter from the Connecticut Department of Social Services showing you take part in SNAP or LIHEAP.11
    Getting it removed
    Taking the device out without written authorization from the DMV counts as a violation. The DMV page describes no removal procedure or form.12
    Violations
    The DMV adds 30 days to your interlock requirement for each violation, and some violations can also lead to a license suspension. Violations include a tampering conviction, having someone else blow into the device, driving without one, removing it without authorization, and vendor-reported problems such as skipping service for more than 5 days, failing a rolling retest or a startup BAC of 0.05 or higher.13
    Retests and service
    The device asks for random retests while you drive, and it needs calibration every 25 to 30 days.14
    Start-up limit
    The device keeps the vehicle from starting until your blood alcohol content reads below 0.025.15
    Out-of-state license
    Interlock terms from another state carry over to Connecticut. You submit that state's terms, a certified driving history less than 60 days old when the DMV receives it, and a $100 fee.16

    Questions about interlocks in Connecticut

    How long do you have to have an interlock in Connecticut?

    It depends on how you got here. After a first DUI conviction, the requirement runs 1 year after your license is restored. For an admin suspension at age 21 or older, it is 6 months for a first, 1 year for a second and 2 years for a third or later. A refusal carries 1, 2 or 3 years.5

    How much does an ignition interlock cost in Connecticut?

    The DMV sets no fixed cost for the device, so the price depends on the vendor you choose from the approved list. The state adds a $100 IID administration fee, and the license reinstatement fee is $175. Compare vendor quotes before you commit.9

    Is there help paying for an interlock in Connecticut?

    The DMV runs no assistance fund, but some vendors offer discounts to low-income drivers. To qualify, you provide a letter from the Connecticut Department of Social Services showing that you participate in SNAP or LIHEAP. Ask each vendor about its discount before you sign.11

    Can you remove an interlock early in Connecticut?

    Removal without written authorization from the DMV counts as a violation, which extends your interlock requirement by 30 days. The DMV page describes no removal procedure or form, so contact the DMV IID Program before you ask a vendor to take the device out.13

    What happens if you violate your interlock rules in Connecticut?

    The DMV extends your interlock requirement by 30 days for each violation, and some violations can lead to a license suspension. Counted violations include tampering, having someone else blow, driving without the device, removing it without authorization, and vendor-reported issues such as a failed rolling retest.13

    Can you use an out-of-state interlock record in Connecticut?

    Yes, interlock terms from another state carry over. You submit that state's terms, a certified driving history that is less than 60 days old on the date the Connecticut DMV receives it, and a $100 fee.16

    Related guides

    InterlockCompare is independent and doesn't make, sell or install interlocks. Not legal advice.

    Sources

    1. Connecticut: first offense, post-conviction suspension: no option for driving during suspension, which lasts 45 days, after which interlock required to reinstateiihs.org/research-areas/alcohol-and-drugs/alcohol-interlock-laws-by-state
    2. suspended for forty-five days and, as a condition for the restoration of such license, be required to install an ignition interlock devicecga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm
    3. (ii) for a second suspension under this section, one year; and (iii) for a third or subsequent suspension under this section, two yearscga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm
    4. a person, regardless of age, who refused to submit to a test or nontestimonial portion of a drug influence evaluation shall install and maintain an ignition interlock devicecga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm
    5. for the longer of either (A) the period prescribed in subdivision (2) of this subsection for the present arrest and suspension, or (B) the period prescribed in subdivision (1), (2) or (3) of subsection (g) of section 14-227acga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm
    6. you'll be required to install an IID in order to reinstate (or "restore") your licenseportal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    7. The IID requirement starts the date your license is restored, NOT the date that you had the device installed.portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    8. license reinstatement fee: $175portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    9. There is no fixed cost for an IID.portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    10. Approved vendors list on DMV IID page (9 vendors)portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    11. you will be required to provide a letter from the state Department of Social Servicesportal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    12. proof of written authorization from the DMVportal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    13. the DMV extends your IID requirement by 30 days for each violation.portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    14. every 25-30 days for calibrationportal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra
    15. until the blood alcohol content of such operator is less than twenty-five thousandths of one per centcga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_248.htm
    16. The history must be less than 60 days old by the date the Connecticut DMV receives it.portal.ct.gov/dmv/licenses-permits-ids/license-suspension/ignition-interlock-progra