The Machine That Owns Your Car: Ignition Interlock Rules & Costs

By: John Guidry

Our government never ceases to find new ways to punish those convicted of a DUI in Florida. Enter the Ignition Interlock Device (IID).

• The Function: You must blow into the machine to start your car. If it detects a Breath Alcohol Level (BAL) above 0.05, the car is a brick.
• The Annoyance: It doesn’t stop there. The machine requires “rolling re-tests” while you are driving. It will beep (annoyingly), giving you three minutes to pull over safely and blow again.

The Financial Hit: If you are required to have an Interlock, you are also required to have FR-44 Insurance.

• The Limits: You must carry Bodily Injury liability of 100/300/50.
• The Cost: This is expensive. If you don’t own a car, you still need a “Non-Owner’s Policy” to satisfy the DMV.

Are you facing a mandatory Interlock requirement?

Don’t let the government dictate your driving future. Call John today at (407) 423-1117.

Who is Required to Have an Interlock?

Depends. A Judge can order it for anyone, but for certain people, it is Mandatory:

• First DUI: Mandatory for 6 months if your BAL was .15 or higher OR if a minor (under 18) was in the car.
• Second DUI: Mandatory for 1 Year minimum. If BAL was >.15 or a minor was in the car, it jumps to 2 Years.
• Third DUI: Mandatory 2 Years, regardless of BAL.

Warning: Even if you aren’t convicted, the DMV can administratively require an Interlock just to get a Hardship License.

The Cost & The Medical Trap

How Much Does It Cost?

• Installation: ~$70 + $100 deposit.
• Monthly Fee: ~$67.50 (for monitoring and calibration).
• The Kicker: You must install it on every car you drive (unless you have a specially permitted employer vehicle).

What If I Can’t Physically Blow? Lung capacity varies. These machines require a strong volume of air.

• The Old Law: Used to allow a “Medical Waiver” for people with lung issues (like cancer survivors) to drive without the device.
• The New Law (Since July 2013): The Legislature decided to pick on disabled folks. There is no longer a medical waiver to drive.
  • The Consequence: If you physically cannot blow into the machine, you cannot drive. You must wait out the entire revocation period (1 or 2 years) before getting your license back. It’s harsh, it’s bullying, but it’s the law.

John’s 2026 Update: Facial Recognition & Passive Sensors

Note: In 2013, the machine just checked for alcohol. In 2026, it checks your identity.

1. Facial Recognition Interlocks The old trick of “having a sober friend blow to start the car” is dead.

• The 2026 Tech: Modern Interlocks have a built-in camera. When you blow, it takes a photo and uses Biometric Matching to verify it is you (the registered offender).
• The Trap: If the camera detects a different face blowing, it locks the ignition and instantly reports a “Circumvention Attempt” to your Probation Officer via 5G.

2. DADSS (Passive Sensors) Following the Infrastructure mandates, many 2026 vehicles come equipped with Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS).

• The Tech: These are touch sensors in the start button or breath sensors in the door panel that passively detect alcohol.
• The Result: You don’t even have to “blow.” If the cabin air detects alcohol or your skin touch shows a high BAC, the car simply won’t start.

3. The “Smart” License Restriction The “P” restriction on your license is now digital.

• The Enforcement: If you are pulled over in a car without an Interlock, the officer scans your digital license. It immediately flags that you are driving a non-compliant vehicle. With Digital Plates, police can sometimes tell you are driving a non-interlock car before they even stop you.

Fight the Requirement

The Interlock is expensive, intrusive, and embarrassing. If we can fight the DUI charge or the BAL enhancement, we might be able to avoid the machine entirely.

Call me at (407) 423-1117. Let’s keep your car stock.

About John Guidry II

John Guidry II is a seasoned criminal defense attorney and founder of the Law Firm of John P. Guidry II, P.A., located in downtown Orlando next to the Orange County Courthouse, where he has practiced for over 30 years. With more than three decades of experience defending clients throughout Central Florida since 1993, Guidry has successfully defended thousands of cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Lake, and Volusia counties. He has built a reputation for his strategic approach to criminal defense, focusing on pretrial motions and case dismissals rather than jury trials.

Guidry earned both his Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from St. Louis University in 1993. He is a member of the Florida Bar and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. His practice encompasses the full spectrum of Florida state criminal charges, with a particular emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes through thorough pretrial preparation and motion practice.

Beyond the courtroom, Guidry is a prolific legal educator who has authored over 400 articles on criminal defense topics. He shares his legal expertise through his popular YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok accounts, where he has built a substantial following of people eager to learn about the law. His educational content breaks down complex legal concepts into accessible information for the general public.

When not practicing law, Guidry enjoys tennis and pickleball, and loves to travel. Drawing from his background as a former recording studio owner and music video producer in the Orlando area, he brings a creative perspective to his legal practice and continues to apply his passion for video production to his educational content.