When scheduling an appointment for installation, keep in mind that the installation itself typically takes about 1-2 hours of bay time. However, the time from the court’s order for compliance to the time that a compliant reporting device is installed typically will take 7-10 days or more. Knowing where this time goes can help set accurate expectations to prevent rescheduling and late installation violations.
What the installation window actually covers
A technician typically cuts wire and performs an installation within a standard amount of ‘bay time’ which varies depending on the vehicle’s electrical architecture and the installed device model. However, the amount of time between a court order and the actual installation of a compliance device can extend to several days or weeks.
Once the wiring has been completed the device will need to be calibrated, paired to the monitoring account and tested through a live start sequence. As previously mentioned the rough time frame for completion of an install on a typical passenger vehicle would be roughly as follows
| Stage | Typical duration | What drives variation |
|---|---|---|
| Paperwork and account setup | 15 to 25 minutes | Missing court order or state referral form |
| Wiring and mounting | 45 to 90 minutes | Push-button start, hybrid systems, aftermarket alarms |
| Calibration and system test | 10 to 20 minutes | Cellular signal strength at the shop |
| Client training and test samples | 20 to 40 minutes | Client comprehension, language needs |
When it runs long
Additional time is required for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles as they do not have a conventional Starter Circuit to interrupt. Some Hybrid and Electric Vehicles require manufacturer specific interface harnesses that must be ordered in advance from the distributor. Older Vehicles with corroded grounds or wiring previously spliced by others also take additional time to complete the installation. It would be bad to complete the installation only to find out that the vehicle has a dead battery or failing alternator as this would result in False Tamper Flags within a short period of time.
Preparing the appointment so it finishes in one visit
Paperwork required for installation typically needs to be collected in advance to ensure all necessary documentation is provided. An install cannot proceed if a client has not collected the full package of documentation required prior to the install from the licensing authority.
- Court order, DMV restricted license notice, or state monitoring referral with the correct case number
- Valid driver’s license or permit matching the name on the order
- Vehicle registration and proof the client has permission to modify the vehicle if it is titled to someone else
- Payment method for installation and the first monitoring period
- Any prior interlock history, including removal paperwork from another provider
Leased, financed, and employer vehicles
In addition, lessors and employers of the offender may require written consent from the third party prior to installation. Depending on the third party’s response time to your request for consent, this can be the longest part of the process. So it is vital that you flag up whether the offender is a company car driver as soon as possible. Some companies have fleet policies which prohibit the installation of an ignition alcohol interlock. In these cases the offender would need to obtain access to a personal vehicle for installation to take place and for scheduling purposes, you would start the process all over again.
Testing and training before the client drives away
Most High-Tech ignition interlock systems require some training with the breath tester to outline the full procedure of providing an initial breath sample, completing a retest, reading any Lockout Warning Messages and keeping track of the service interval for the full period of time required for an offender’s completion of their court ordered sentence. Many High-Tech systems include a full 25 page user’s manual which should be explained to the offender in great detail as well.
Most Interlock installations include 2-3 live samples and 1 simulated retest of the interlock while the vehicle is stationary. The client will receive instruction on what an early recall notice looks like and the serious consequences of ignoring a recall notice issued by the Ignition Interlock Manufacturer.
Common first-week errors worth preempting
- Blowing into the handset before clearing the mouth with water, producing a false positive
- Shutting off the engine during a retest countdown and triggering a tamper record
- Letting a second driver use the vehicle without the same training
- Missing the first scheduled calibration date, which can lock the vehicle out entirely
Building a realistic timeline for the client
Note that the availability to schedule installation varies greatly from metropolitan to rural areas. Typically in metropolitan areas with multiple certified installers, next business day install time is often available, so a Ventura County client is usually best served by booking DUI interlock installation in Oxnard, CA rather than waiting for a mobile technician to come to them. In rural counties with only one certified installer in the area, installers often travel long distances and the schedule is 3 to 7 days or more. Installation of specialty vehicles (such as Hybrid or Electric) often requires additional time to receive a required harness from a distributor.
Tell your client to schedule an installation as soon as the court order is received. In addition to the time required for the installation, there are several items outside of the installation itself that must fall into place prior to the appointment time to ensure that the client is operating legally by their compliance deadline.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, technical, or professional advice. Ignition interlock requirements, installation procedures, timelines, and state regulations vary by jurisdiction and provider, and may change without notice. Readers should verify all compliance requirements, documentation, and scheduling details directly with their licensing authority, court, and certified installer before installation. Any mention of specific providers, locations, or services does not imply endorsement. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for decisions made based on this content.
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