Section 80. Ignition interlock device installation

A. No offender who has a case pending in the court system shall have an interlock installed in Virginia unless enrolled in and monitored by the ASAP program in the area where the case originated. Offenders subject to a DMV ignition interlock requirement shall not have an interlock installed in Virginia unless first authorized by the ASAP. Prior to installation of the device, the vendor must receive written or electronic authorization from the ASAP. This section also applies to out-of-state offenders who have a Virginia ignition interlock requirement. This enables the commission to maintain consistency in policy and use of ignition interlock devices in the Commonwealth of Virginia and allows for a consistent pattern of instruction to the service provider.

B. The ignition interlock device shall be installed by a commission-approved manufacturer or authorized service provider within 30 days of the date of the court order; if not, the service provider shall notify the ASAP. Once the ignition interlock has been installed, the service provider shall send an authorized installation report to the ASAP, via a method established by the commission, documenting that the ignition interlock device has been installed. Once verification of an authorized installation has been received by the ASAP, DMV shall be notified that the offender has successfully installed the interlock device.

C. All agreements between the service provider and the offender shall be in the form of a contract and signed by the service provider and the offender. Copies of the written contract shall be retained by the service provider with a copy given to the offender.

D. Prior to installation of the ignition interlock device, offenders shall provide to the service provider:

1. Photo identification. If no photo identification is available at the time of installation, other adequate proof of identification may be accepted to avoid delay of the installation. However, photo identification must be presented prior to the first calibration appointment;

2. A copy of the registration or title containing the vehicle identification number (VIN) of all motor vehicles owned or routinely driven by the offender and a statement disclosing the names of all other operators of the motor vehicles owned or driven by the offender;

3. A notarized affidavit, approved by the commission, from the registered owner of the vehicle granting permission to install the device if the car is not registered to the offender. If the owner is present at installation, provides valid identification, and signs the consent to install form in the service provider technician's presence, notarization of the consent to install form is not required; and

4. Written authorization from the commission if the air volume requirement, blow pressure, or anti-circumvention features of the ignition interlock device are to be lowered or disabled in order to compensate for an offender's diminished lung capacity, when applicable.

E. Under no circumstances shall an offender or anyone accompanying the offender be permitted to observe installation of the ignition interlock device.

F. The service provider shall inspect all motor vehicles prior to installation of the device to ensure that they are in acceptable mechanical and electrical condition. Under no circumstances shall staff of the authorized service provider install a device until and unless the motor vehicle is approved following the inspection. A commission-approved pre-inspection checklist documenting the vehicle's condition at installation shall be completed and placed in the offender's file.

G. The installation shall include tamper-resistant features at all ignition interlock electrical connections so as to make evident all attempts to circumvent or otherwise alter the normal functioning of the ignition interlock. At a minimum, the service provider shall ensure that the vehicle starter wire connected to the ignition interlock is secured with uniquely identifiable heat shrink tubing or its equivalent and that all connected wires are wrapped with uniquely labeled service provider tape.

H. An oral, written, or video orientation to the ignition interlock device shall be developed and delivered by the service provider to the offender and other persons who may drive the motor vehicle, including information on the use and maintenance of the device as well as all service center locations, and procedures for regular and emergency servicing. A demonstration interlock will be available at the installation site for use in the training of customers.

I. If, during the installation, the offender fails to pass the initial breath test, the installation shall be halted and the ASAP notified.

J. The manufacturer or service provider shall maintain a toll-free 24-hour emergency phone service that may be used to request assistance in the event of failure of the ignition interlock device or motor vehicle problems related to operation of the ignition interlock device. The assistance provided by the authorized service provider shall include technical information and aid in obtaining towing or roadside service. The expense of towing and roadside service shall be borne by the offender unless it is determined by the commission that the ignition interlock device failed through no fault of the offender. If this is the case, the manufacturer or service provider shall be responsible for applicable expenses. The ignition interlock device shall be made functional within 48 hours of the call for assistance or the ignition interlock device shall be replaced.

K. At the time of device installation, a service provider may charge an installation fee. The maximum permissible cost for installation shall be set by the commission, and service providers shall not be permitted to exceed the maximum fee established by the commission. A portion of these fees shall include costs for offender indigency funds. In addition to the maximum fee permitted, service providers may collect applicable taxes and charge for optional insurance to cover device theft or accidental damage. Optional insurance shall be offered by the service provider, and a written copy of the insurance policy stating clearly the applicable coverages, coverage amounts, conditions, and exclusions shall be given to offenders who purchase the insurance. When the ignition interlock is installed on a motorcycle or moped, service providers may require offenders to provide a saddle bag or similar waterproof container in which the device components may be stored as a condition of eligibility for the optional insurance.

L. The manufacturer or the service provider shall provide service to those offenders who are eligible for a reduction in fees based upon a declaration of indigence by the court and approval by the commission.

M. No later than the first service appointment, the offender shall provide to the service provider a statement from the licensed drivers who will be driving the offender's motor vehicle acknowledging their understanding of the requirements of the use of the ignition interlock device.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 05, eff. January 1, 2010; amended, Virginia Register Volume 32, Issue 21, eff. July 18, 2016.

Statutory Authority

§§ 18.2-270.1 and 18.2-270.2 of the Code of Virginia.