It’s almost the end of your court or state order, which means it’s nearly time to remove your Ignition Interlock Device. Congratulations on completing your program! Now let’s talk about getting your Ignition Interlock Device removed fast.

Uninstall Ignition Switch

In the first blog of this series, we will show you a general overview for the process in removing your Interlock Device. In the remaining parts of this series, we break down the removal process state-by-state.

The ignition lock is one of the weakest areas of the F-series line of trucks, often wearing out well before the key itself. Symptoms of a worn ignition switch lock are difficulty in turning the key and severe misalignment in the lock position, making it difficult to remove the key. The ignition interlock device must remain in the vehicle for at least 12 months, unless otherwise permitted by the court. What is an 'ignition interlock device'? An ignition interlock device connects to a motor vehicle ignition system and measures the alcohol content in the breath of the operator.

If you have completed your program, you need to go through a couple of steps first before visiting your Smart Start service center to remove your device.

Each state is different with Ignition Interlock laws. Check with your monitoring authority first about proper procedures and/or paperwork for removal.

Updated: January 2018

Get the Right Paperwork to Remove Your Ignition Interlock

Make sure you receive the proper Interlock Device removal paperwork through the mail from your court or DMV/state. Some states, however, may not send you any formal paperwork. In any case, you should confirm with your monitoring authority regarding when you can remove your Interlock Device.

Smart Start’s Customer Care Center

Now you need to simply send an email to our team at removals@smartstartinc.com, or call (800) 831-3299. Make sure to include your full name, your driver’s license number, date of birth and any removal documents.

Please keep in mind that all fees are due at the time of your device removal appointment.

Additional Ignition Interlock Removal Process Tips

• If your vehicle was repossessed or totaled, you can reach out to our Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 to expedite this process and we can assist you quickly.
• Keep in mind that your lease end date with your Interlock Device vendor does not mean that is the date you can remove your Interlock!
• Do not attempt to remove your Ignition Interlock Device yourself! This will leave you a lot of headache, and on a more serious note, this could mean additional costs and legal charges.
• Some videos and articles online say the Ignition Interlock vendor and monitoring authority won’t find out if you do remove your device. This is a myth! Your Interlock reports will easily show what is going on to your vendor and monitoring authority.

Smart Start highly recommends complying with your court or state orders to successfully and easily complete your program.

Ignition Interlock Removal Series

Uninstall Ignition Linux

Part 1: A general Ignition Interlock removal guide.

Part 2: The proper removal process for your Interlock program broken down by state: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida and Georgia

Part 3: Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine and Maryland

Part 4: Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey

Part 5: New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Carolina

Part 6: South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

Do you still need an Interlock Device? Feel free to call us today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form to receive a quote.

If you’ve completed your ignition interlock term, and are eligible to have the device removed, then congratulations! You’ve stuck to the law and been sober behind the wheel for the prescribed amount of time. Now it’s time to get the device removed.

If you’re handy with wire cutters and soldering irons, you might be tempted to save a few bucks and Google “remove my ignition interlock.” Then it’s just a matter of spending some time under the dashboard, right?

Don’t do it.

Ignition Interlock Removal – A Job For Professionals

Removing an ignition interlock is not a DIY project – not even close, for a number of reasons:

• De-installation requires proprietary computer software not available to the public. Removal usually includes collecting data form the device for a final report.
• The provider is required to notify authorities – either the DMV, court, or other entity – that the de-installation has been made.

It also is worth noting that ignition interlock device removal requires a good knowledge of automotive electronics. So unless you have a 1955 Rambler, you’ll run into problems restoring the electrical system to its former condition.

Most important, removing the device yourself will be considered tampering with the device. That is an offense in most states, which can result in fines and even an extension of your interlock term – exactly what you don’t want at this stage.

So if your time is up, just call your provider and say, “It’s time to remove my ignition interlock.” They’ll make you one last appointment for your interlock removal. And then you can enjoy a life of interlock-free, sober and safe driving.