IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICES AND DUI CHARGES IN MISSOURI

What You Need to Know if You’ve Been Charged with  DUI/DWI

If you’ve been charged with or convicted of a DUI/DWI in Missouri, chances are you’ve heard the term ignition interlock device (IID). It’s not just a high-tech breathalyzer for your car, it’s often the key to getting back on the road legally after a DUI conviction.

But how do they work? Who has to use one? And what happens if you fail a test?

At Speeding Ticket KC, our experienced Kansas City DUI/DWI attorneys near me can help you to understand everything Missouri drivers need to know about ignition interlock requirements after a DUI, and how Speeding Ticket KC can help you navigate the legal process from start to finish.

WHAT IS AN IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE?

An ignition interlock device (IID) is a small, court-ordered breathalyzer installed in your vehicle. Before your car starts, you must blow into the device.

If it detects alcohol above a set limit — usually .02% BAC or higher — the vehicle won’t start.

In most cases, you’ll also be required to submit random rolling re-tests while driving.

WHEN IS A IID REQUIRED IN MISSOURI?

The Missouri Department of Revenue and the courts require IIDs in a variety of DUI-related situations, including:

Second DUI conviction or more

• Mandatory IID installation for a minimum of 6 months
• Required before license reinstatement

First DUI with a high BAC (0.15% or more)

• Some courts may impose IID even on first offenses if BAC was significantly elevated

Refusal to submit to chemical testing

• If you refused a breath/blood test and later apply for limited driving privileges (LDP), IID is required for the duration of your LDP

Hardship or Restricted Driving Privileges

• If you apply for a hardship license to drive during your suspension, the court or DOR will likely require an IID as a condition

HOW LONG DO YOU HAVE TO USE AN IID AFTER A DUI CONVICTION IN MISSOURI?

The time period varies, but common IID durations include:

• 6 months for second-time offenders
• 1 year for third or subsequent offenders
• Entire length of restricted license period (if on LDP)

Some individuals are required to use the device for an additional 6 months after completing their suspension before receiving full driving privileges.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Unfortunately, the cost of an IID is entirely your responsibility. Sorry, but the State of Missouri isn’t going to make it easy — or cheap — to get through the DUI conviction process.

Expect to pay:

• $75–$100 for installation
• $60–$90/month for monitoring and calibration
• Additional fees for violation resets, device maintenance, or early removal

Over six months or a year, it adds up fast, making it even more important to fight DUI charges from the start if possible.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU FAIL AN INTERLOCK TEST?

If your IID detects alcohol:

• Your car won’t start
• A violation is reported to your monitoring agency or the court
• You may face extension of IID requirements, re-suspension of your license, or even new criminal charges for tampering or repeat violations

Multiple violations can result in revocation of limited driving privileges, court sanctions, or a longer IID term.

HOW THE KANSAS CITY DUI/DWI DEFENSE ATTORNEYS AT SPEEDING TICKET KC CAN HELP

If you’re facing DUI charges, already convicted, or unsure whether you qualify for a hardship license or IID removal, we can help.

Our expert Missouri DUI defense team can:

• Fight to avoid a conviction (and IID requirements entirely)
• Negotiate shorter IID timeframes during sentencing
• Help you apply for limited driving privileges with IID
• Guide you through reinstatement paperwork and compliance
• File appeals if your IID violation was due to a false positive or device error

We’ve helped drivers across Kansas City, Independence, Liberty, Lee’s Summit, and beyond manage the DUI process and get back on the road legally and confidently.

HIRE THE RIGHT MISSOURI DUI DEFENSE LAWYER FOR YOUR CASE

Research is everything. At Speeding Ticket KC, our knowledgeable and affordable Kansas City DWI lawyers near me can help you navigate the often rocky waters of the Missouri DUI/DWI legal system.

If you’ve been told you need an ignition interlock device, don’t guess your way through it. The process is strict, expensive, and full of pitfalls, but you don’t have to handle it alone.

Call Speeding Ticket KC today for a free case evaluation. We’ll help you understand your options, protect your license, and take the right steps toward driving legally again.

Cities we serve: Adrian, Archie, Bates City, Belton, Blue Springs, Buckner, Butler, Cameron, Claycomo, Cleveland,  Drexel, Fairview,  Ferrelview,  Gladstone, Grain Valley, Grandview, Greenwood, Houston Lake, Independence, Kansas City Missouri, Kearney, , Knob Noster, Lake Lotawana, Lake Tapawingo, Lake Waukomis, Lake Winnebago, Lawson, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, North Kansas City, Oak Grove, Oakview,  Parkville, Peculiar,, Platte City, Platte Woods, Plattsburg, Pleasant Hill,  Raymore, Raytown, Riverside, Smithville, Sugar Creek, Tracy,  Warrensberg, Weatherby Lake, and Weston.

Statewide: Missouri State Highway Patrol and Sheriff Counties we serve: Bates County, Cass County, Clay County, Jackson County, Platte County, Ray County.

Contact us if your ticket is not on this list so our experienced Kansas City traffic defense lawyers in Missouri can be of assistance.