How Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program Works
If you’ve received an IRS Fail or have been convicted of impaired driving in Alberta, you may hear the words “ignition interlock” as you begin working toward getting back on the road.
But what is an ignition interlock device? When is it required? And where does insurance fit into the process?
Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program allows eligible drivers to operate a vehicle under restricted driving privileges while completing certain impaired-driving requirements. Here’s how the process works and what you should know before you begin.
What Is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An ignition interlock device is installed in a vehicle and measures the alcohol concentration in the driver’s breath.
Before the vehicle can be started, the driver must provide a breath sample. If the device detects alcohol above the specified threshold, the vehicle will not start. Alberta’s program also requires the device to be serviced and its activity records to be submitted for monitoring.
The purpose is straightforward: to separate drinking from driving while allowing qualifying drivers to regain restricted driving privileges.
Who May Need Ignition Interlock in Alberta?
Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program includes different participation streams.
One applies to drivers who received an IRS Fail for criminal-level impaired driving for occurrences on or after December 1, 2020. There is also a mandatory stream for drivers convicted of impaired driving under the Criminal Code as part of their reinstatement requirements.
Your individual requirements depend on your circumstances, so the paperwork associated with your suspension and reinstatement is important.
If ignition interlock applies to you, there are several steps to complete before you can legally drive again.
Step 1: Complete Your Initial Suspension and Other Requirements
An ignition interlock device does not allow you to simply begin driving immediately after receiving an IRS Fail.
For an IRS Fail, the process begins with an immediate 90-day driving suspension. Depending on your circumstances, additional requirements may also need to be completed before you can move forward with restricted driving privileges.
These can include an education program and other reinstatement conditions.
Step 2: Apply for the Ignition Interlock Program
If ignition interlock is part of your path back to driving, you will need to complete the applicable program requirements and receive approval.
Your particular requirements depend on the type of suspension or conviction involved.
It’s important not to assume that being eligible for ignition interlock means you can drive. You must continue through the process and obtain the appropriate restricted driver’s licence before operating the vehicle yourself.
Step 3: Arrange Your Auto Insurance
This is the part of the process where DND Insurance can help.
Drivers entering the Ignition Interlock Program still need auto insurance, but not every insurer is willing to provide coverage following an impaired-driving incident or interlock requirement.
For DND Insurance clients entering the program, insurance is generally put in place before the interlock device is installed and before the registry issues the restricted licence.
The exact coverage you need will depend on factors such as:
- The vehicle you are insuring
- Whether the vehicle is financed
- Other drivers listed on the policy
- Your driving and insurance history
- Your DUI, IRS Fail, or other impaired-driving incident
If you are shopping for new coverage, make sure replacement insurance is confirmed before cancelling an existing policy. This can help prevent an unnecessary gap in your insurance history.
Step 4: Have the Ignition Interlock Device Installed
Once you have been approved for the program and have reached the appropriate stage in the process, you can arrange to have an approved ignition interlock device installed.
There is one important detail to remember: you cannot drive the vehicle to the installation appointment while you are still suspended.
Alberta’s installation instructions state that someone with a valid driver’s licence must transport the vehicle to the installation centre. After installation, the participant and others who may operate the vehicle receive training on using the device.
Step 5: Obtain Your Restricted Driver’s Licence
Having the device installed does not by itself give you permission to drive.
You must complete the applicable registry requirements and obtain your restricted driver’s licence.
Once issued, the licence indicates that you are restricted to operating a vehicle equipped with an alcohol-sensing ignition interlock device. Until that restricted licence has actually been issued, you cannot legally operate the vehicle.
That distinction is important:
Interlock installed does not automatically mean licence reinstated.
Make sure every required step has been completed before getting behind the wheel.
Step 6: Follow the Program Requirements
Ignition interlock is not simply an installation-and-forget-it program.
The device requires ongoing servicing, and information recorded by the device is reviewed as part of the program. Alberta’s terms and conditions include requirements surrounding servicing, device use, and attempts to tamper with or circumvent the device.
Anyone operating the interlock-equipped vehicle must also use the device as required.
Following the program requirements carefully is an important part of continuing to work toward full licence reinstatement.
Does Ignition Interlock Change Your Insurance?
The device itself is only one part of the picture.
An impaired-driving incident can significantly affect your insurance options and premium, and that insurance impact does not necessarily disappear when your interlock requirement ends.
Your licence suspension, ignition interlock requirement, and insurance rating are separate matters. Completing the interlock program or having the device removed does not automatically mean your insurance rate will immediately return to what it was before the incident.
As time passes and you maintain a clean driving and insurance record, your options may improve.
What Do You Need to Get an Insurance Quote?
If you’re preparing for ignition interlock and need insurance, two of the most helpful things to have ready are:
- Your 5-year driver’s abstract
- Your driver’s licence number
Your driver’s licence number is different from your MVID number. DND Insurance may also need information about your vehicle, household drivers, previous insurance, and any DUI, IRS, or interlock paperwork you have.
If you don’t have everything ready, you can still call. An advisor can explain what information is needed for your situation.
Need Insurance Before Ignition Interlock?
DUI Insurance is a division of DND Insurance, specializing in helping Alberta drivers with impaired driving insurance, including drivers participating in Alberta’s Ignition Interlock Program.
For qualifying drivers, DND Insurance has access to an exclusive Impaired Driving Insurance program through Peace Hills General Insurance Company.
Our team can review your situation, explain where insurance fits into the ignition interlock and licence reinstatement process, and help you arrange the coverage you need to move forward.
