District of Columbia ignition interlock & DUI requirements

What District of Columbia law requires

District of Columbia's ignition interlock, SR-22, and reinstatement rules are set by the statute and agency rules cited below. The values in the tables on this page are taken from those sources and are not interpretations of how they apply to any particular case.

Primary source: D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a

Ignition interlock requirement

D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a(b) requires a District license holder who commits a covered offense (DUI/DWI/OWI under §§ 50-2206.11, .12, .14, or an out-of-jurisdiction equivalent) to enroll in the Ignition Interlock System Program for 6 months on a first offense. DC DMV states enrollment is mandatory for DUI citations issued after 12/19/2022 (optional before that date) and for refusal citations after 3/16/2023. Test refusal carries a one-year first-offense period under § 50-2201.05a(b-3).

Approved interlock providers

Vendors listed here appear on the District of Columbia licensing agency's approved-device list. Listing order is alphabetical and is not a ranking or endorsement. Installation locations are on each vendor's own locator.

Official approved-vendor list: District of Columbia agency vendor list

SR-22 requirement

An SR-22 is a certificate an insurer files with the state to confirm that a driver carries the liability coverage the state requires. Some states use an FR-44 or a different form for alcohol-related offenses; where District of Columbia does, the sources below say so.

DC DMV lists 'Obtain and maintain SR-22 Insurance' as an IID Program enrollment requirement; the policy must be maintained for three years from the date of conviction.

Compare SR-22 rules in every state

Program costs

Fees set by the state are cited to the fee schedule. Vendor charges vary by vendor and are shown as published ranges with the month they were checked.

Frequently asked questions

Is enrollment in the DC ignition interlock program mandatory after a first DUI?

Yes for current offenses. D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a(b) requires a District license holder who commits a covered offense to enroll in the Ignition Interlock System Program for 6 months on a first offense. DC DMV's IID FAQ states enrollment is mandatory for DUI citations received after 12/19/2022 and for refusal-to-test citations after 3/16/2023.

How long does the DC IID requirement last for repeat offenses?

Under D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a(b), the program period is 6 months for a first covered offense, one year for a second, and 2 years for a third or subsequent offense. Under subsection (b-3), refusing chemical testing carries one year, 2 years, or 3 years depending on prior offenses or refusals.

Does DC require an SR-22 to enroll in the IID program?

Yes. The DC DMV IID Program Enrollment Requirements page lists 'Obtain and maintain SR-22 Insurance,' which can be purchased from any insurance provider and must be maintained for three years from the date of conviction.

What DC DMV fees apply to the IID program?

DC DMV lists a $50.00 program enrollment fee and a $115.00 reinstatement fee (required if the license has been revoked). Under D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a(e), participants pay all program costs unless the Department determines they are indigent, in which case the Department pays those costs.

Which vendors are approved for the DC IID program?

The DC DMV enrollment page states the device must be installed by one of four approved vendors: Smart Start, Alcohol Detection Systems, Roadguard (formerly Draeger), and LifeSafer. The device must be installed in all vehicles registered in the participant's name with DC DMV.

Sources

1. D.C. Code § 50-2201.05a (Establishment of Ignition Interlock System Program) — D.C. Law Library (Council of the District of Columbia)
2. DC DMV — IID Program Enrollment Requirements (approved vendors, SR-22, fees)
3. DC DMV — IID Program Frequently Asked Questions
4. DC DMV — Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program overview