Out of State Ignition Interlock Programs

Under Melanie’s Law, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles requires those with 2 or more DUI convictions on their records to use a certified ignition interlock device while on any hardship license and for 2 year after getting a full license reinstatement.

Some other states, such as Arizona, require first DUI offenders to use the ignition interlock device. Some states require interlock for 6 months and others, such as Arizona, require first offenders to use the ignition interlock device for one (1) year.

When a Massachusetts license holder is convicted of an out of state DUI in a state which requires ignition interlock devices for 1st offenders, the Registry has refused to reinstate the OUI defendant’s Massachusetts license unless and until the defendant satisfies the ignition interlock requirement.

In some circumstances, it is possible to serve out of state ignition interlock requirements here in Massachusetts. Likewise, it is possible to serve Massachusetts ignition interlock restrictions in other states. When a driver participates in an out of state ignition interlock program, the driver must select an interlock vendor which operates both in Massachusetts and the other state. Special arrangements with the Registry need to be made for participation in an out of state ignition interlock program.

Incidentally, legislation has been proposed here in Massachusetts to require first offenders to use the ignition interlock for 180 days. This is likely to pass, as it has received strong support from Mothers Against Drunk Driving and it is consistent with what numerous other states with strong anti-drunk driving reputations are doing.