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Ignition interlock in Maryland

In Maryland, an interlock is required after a DUI or DWI conviction or probation before judgment, and some eligible drivers can choose one instead of a suspension. The program is run by the MVA's Ignition Interlock Program, part of Driver Wellness & Safety.

Checked Oct 23, 2026Sources
Required after a first conviction
First offense, to drive during the post-conviction suspension
yes, if license suspension imposed
First offense, as a penalty or to get the license back
yes, for "driving under the influence" violations
Repeat offense, as a penalty or to get the license back
yes
IIHS, October 20261

    281 locations in Maryland 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 Maryland

    Your situationInterlockHow longLaw
    DUI or DWI conviction, or probation before judgmentRequiredNot statedmva.maryland.gov2
    Eligible driver who prefers an interlock to a suspensionOptionalNot statedmva.maryland.gov2
    Test result BAC 0.08 to under 0.15Length set by BAC180 daysmva.maryland.gov3
    Test result BAC 0.15 or higherLength set by BAC1 yearmva.maryland.gov3
    Refused a breath or chemical testRequired1 yearmva.maryland.gov4
    Second or third interlock requirementLonger each time1 year (2nd), 3 years (3rd+)Md. Code, Transportation 16-404.15

    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 Maryland

    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, Guardian, 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 Maryland

    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 Maryland prices; see how we add them up.

    How much an interlock costs in Maryland

    Estimated total for your order

    1. LifeSafer
    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 (New York filing, Feb 2025; New York filing, 2021; New York filing, Feb 2021; New York filing, Apr 2025). Maryland prices can differ; calibration visits and lockout fees come on top.

    If you can't afford it

    If you are on assistance, approved providers must offer 50% off their rental rates, and the $47 enrollment fee can be waived.

    Financial help in other states

    The rules in Maryland

    Program run by
    The Maryland MVA runs the Ignition Interlock Program through its Driver Wellness & Safety unit. Enrollment goes through the MVA, so that is the office to contact with questions about your case.6
    License you get
    You drive on an Interlock Restricted License, which carries code J. Ask for it by that name when you enroll.6
    State fees
    The MVA lists a $47 enrollment fee, and it can be waived. State law says the program fee is set to cover the cost of the program and is waived for indigent individuals.7
    Help paying
    If you are on assistance, approved providers must offer 50% off their rental rates, and the $47 enrollment fee can be waived.8
    Who qualifies
    The MVA may waive the enrollment fee for people on medical or food assistance.9
    Waiver form
    The waiver request is Form DC-212, the Ignition Interlock Participation Fee Waiver Application, which you can find at mva.maryland.gov/media/190.10
    Choosing a provider
    Maryland approves six providers: Alcohol Detection Systems, RoadGuard Interlock, Guardian Interlock / LifeSafer, Intoxalock, Sens-O-Lock and Smart Start. All of them install within 10 days of your request and offer 24-hour emergency support.11
    Getting it removed
    When you finish your required time, including any extensions, the device's final data is downloaded and the MVA reviews it. If there are no violations you receive a completion letter, which you take to an MVA office to remove the restriction, and only then is the device taken out. Form AJ-013 proves installation and does not prove removal.12
    Violations
    Each month with a violation can add 30 days, and some violations in the last 3 months can add 90 days. Serious violations can lead to removal from the program, and coming back after a 30-day suspension means serving the full original time.13
    Camera
    The device has a camera, and the footage is reviewed to confirm that the enrolled driver is the one driving.14
    Random retests
    The device asks for random retests while you drive, and you do not need to pull over to take one.15
    Out-of-state license
    Maryland law applies if you are stopped in Maryland, and convictions are reported to your home state.16

    Questions about interlocks in Maryland

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

    It depends on your test result and your history. A BAC from 0.08 to under 0.15 means 180 days, a BAC of 0.15 or higher means 1 year, and refusing a test means 1 year. State law also sets 6 months, 1 year or 3 years for a first, second or third requirement.3

    How much does an interlock cost in Maryland?

    The MVA lists a $47 enrollment fee, which can be waived. State law says the program fee is meant to cover the cost of running the program and is waived for indigent individuals. The amount of the restricted-license fee is not on the MVA page, so ask the MVA when you enroll.7

    Is there help paying for an ignition interlock in Maryland?

    Yes, if you are on assistance. Approved providers must offer 50% off their rental rates for people on assistance, and the MVA can waive the $47 enrollment fee. The MVA may waive that fee for people on medical or food assistance, so bring proof of the benefit you receive.8

    How do you get an interlock removed in Maryland?

    You finish your required time, including any extensions, and the MVA reviews the final data download. With no violations you receive a completion letter. Take that letter to an MVA office to remove the restriction from your license, and after that the device can be taken out of your vehicle.12

    What happens if you violate your interlock rules in Maryland?

    Each month with a violation can add 30 days to your time, and some violations in the last 3 months can add 90 days. Missed monthly service, unpaid fees, tampering and a skipped or failed retest all count. Serious violations can lead to removal, and re-entry after a 30-day suspension means the full original time.13

    Does a Maryland interlock have a camera?

    Yes. The device is camera-enabled, and the footage is reviewed to confirm that the enrolled driver is the person driving. The device also asks for random retests while you drive, and you do not need to pull over to take one, so it can ask for a test during a normal trip.14

    Related guides

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

    Sources

    1. Maryland: first offense, post-conviction suspension: yes, if license suspension imposediihs.org/research-areas/alcohol-and-drugs/alcohol-interlock-laws-by-state
    2. Required for people with Probation Before Judgment or a conviction for DUI or DWImva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    3. BAC 0.08 to under 0.15 | 180 days; BAC 0.15 or higher | 1 yearmva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    4. Refused test | 1 yearmva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    5. (3)(i) 6 months; (ii) 1 year; (iii) 3 years (summary)mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText
    6. Ask for an "Interlock Restricted License" at enrollment.mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    7. The page lists a $47 enrollment feemva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    8. offer 50% off for customers on assistancemva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    9. MVA may waive the $47 enrollment fee for people on medical or food assistance.mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    10. Form DC-212, "Ignition Interlock Participation Fee Waiver Application"mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    11. All approved providers install within 10 days of request, offer 24-hour emergency support, offer 50% off for customers on assistancemva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    12. If there are no violations, you receive a completion letter.mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    13. Each month with a violation can add 30 days.mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    14. Camera footage is reviewed to confirm the enrolled driver is driving.mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    15. Random retests while driving. No need to pull over.mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program
    16. Maryland law applies if stopped in Maryland.mva.maryland.gov/your-mva-guide/ignition-interlock-program