Restoration Eligibility with Ignition Interlock Device
Effective December 1, 2013, (with violations occurring on that date or after) the Secretary of State may reinstate the driving privileges of a person convicted of an intoxicant-related offense if that person satisfies all other conditions for license reinstatement and installs an approved ignition interlock device.
Installation of the device is voluntary for early restoration.
- The license of a person with one Operating Under the Influence (OUI) offense may be reinstated after serving 30 days of the 150-day suspension if the person installs and maintains an approved ignition interlock device for the remaining term of suspension in the vehicle the person operates.
- The license of a person with two OUI offenses may be reinstated after serving nine months of the three-year suspension if the person installs and maintains an approved ignition interlock device for a period of two years in the vehicle the person operates.
- The license of a person with three OUI offenses may be reinstated after serving three years of the 6-year suspension if the person installs and maintains an approved ignition interlock device for a period of three years in the vehicle the person operates.
- The license of a person with four or more OUI offenses may be reinstated after serving four years of the eight-year suspension if the person installs and maintains an approved ignition interlock device for a period of four years in the vehicle the person operates.
For violations occurring prior to September 1, 2008, the length of suspension time may be different than what is indicated above. Please contact the OUI/HO Section (207-624-9000, ext. 52104) to obtain additional information regarding the conditions and restrictions regarding restoration with ignition interlock.
A person who qualifies for restoration with an ignition interlock device must file a petition (see the form below) with the Secretary of State and receive written approval prior to having the device installed. There is a $50 application fee to apply for ignition interlock.
Ignition Interlock Petition Form (PDF)
Once approval is received from the Secretary of State to have the device installed, participants must select an ignition interlock vendor to install the device. There are currently four vendors in Maine with installation sites throughout the state. The following links provide information for those vendors and qualified interlock ignition sites in your area.
For more information regarding the Ignition Interlock Device Program please call or send your specific request in writing to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029
207-624-9000, ext. 52104
TTY Users Call Maine relay 711
Please include your full name, date of birth or Maine driver's license number, and current mailing address.
Rules governing Ignition Interlock Devices (Word) may be obtained online or by sending a written request to:
Bureau of Motor Vehicles
Driver License Services Division
29 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0029