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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.

Mass. RMV Lawyers is not a government agency or affiliated with the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles or any DMV. You can reach the suspension section of the Mass. RMV at 857-368-8200 and you can reach the Mass. Board of Appeal at 617-521-7794.

This web site presents general information about Massachusetts RMV Lawyers and it is not intended as legal advice and it should not be considered or relied upon as such. Contacting Mass. RMV Lawyers by email or telephone will not establish an attorney-client relationship, which can only be established through mutual agreement and with written communication of the legal fee and terms of representation. Absent current confirmation of engagement, any information or documents transmitted by you to us will not be treated as confidential, secret, or protected in any way. The contents of this web site is considered attorney advertising and Attorney Brian E. Simoneau is responsible for its content. Mass. RMV Lawyers is not a state agency or affiliated with the Registry of Motor Vehicles. We are private practice attorneys who assist clients with Massachusetts License Reinstatement and Hardship License cases. If you are attempting to reach the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles Driver Control Unit (Suspension Department), you can call the RMV at 857-368-8200. You can reach the Board of Appeal of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance at (617) 521-7794.