One of the most popular search terms on the Internet concerning the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is, “How to beat an Ignition Interlock Device?”

This page and this article aren’t mean to mislead or tease you: There will be no direct advice on how to disable, beat, or cheat the device. Rather, this article will attempt to cover why you would be foolish to attempt to unlawfully drive while legally required to use an Ignition Interlock Device. We do however have information on exemptions to the Ignition Interlock Device (IID). Also, for a list of Oregon IID installers, please see our list of Ignition Interlock Device installers.

Obviously, no want wants the expense and humiliation of an IID in their car or truck. However, if it’s required, it’s required because of one of two reasons:

You received a DUI charge and you’re now in the DUI diversion program, or
You received a DUI charge and you were convicted of a DUI.

How to beat an Ignition Interlock Device While on Diversion

Sit out the entire length of diversion and don’t drive. If you are caught driving without an IID while on diversion, your diversion will be revoked.

How to beat an Ignition Interlock Device While Suspended

Sit out the entire length of the suspension and don’t drive. If you are driving on a hardship permit without an IID, you could be charged with Driving While Suspended.

How to beat an Ignition Interlock Device While on Probation

Sit out the entire length of probation and don’t drive (or at least, during the time when you are required by the DMV and/or the probation department to have an IID installed in your vehicle. If you are caught driving without an IID while on probation, your probation can be revoked.

In addition to a possible revocation of diversion or probation, driving without an IID when required to can result in a violation of ORS 813.602, which states:

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, when a person is convicted of driving while under the influence of intoxicants in violation of ORS 813.010 or of a municipal ordinance, the Department of Transportation, in addition to any other requirement, shall require that the person install and use an approved ignition interlock device in any vehicle operated by the person:

(a) Before the person is eligible for a hardship permit. The requirement is a condition of the hardship permit for the duration of the hardship permit.

(b) For a first conviction, for one year after the ending date of the suspension or revocation caused by the conviction. Violation of the condition imposed under this paragraph is a Class A traffic violation.

(c) For a second or subsequent conviction, for two years after the ending date of the suspension or revocation caused by the conviction. Violation of the condition imposed under this paragraph is a Class A traffic violation.

(2) When a person is convicted of a crime or multiple crimes as described in this subsection, the department, in addition to any other requirement, shall require that the person install and use an approved ignition interlock device in any vehicle operated by the person for five years after the ending date of the longest running suspension or revocation caused by any of the convictions. Violation of the condition imposed under this subsection is a Class A traffic violation. A person is subject to this subsection when the person is convicted of:

(a) Driving while under the influence of intoxicants in violation of ORS 813.010 (Driving under the influence of intoxicants) or of a municipal ordinance and any of the following crimes as part of the same criminal episode:

(A) Any degree of murder.

(B) Manslaughter in the first or second degree.

(D) Assault in the first degree.

(b) Aggravated vehicular homicide.

(c) Driving while under the influence of intoxicants in violation of ORS 813.010 or of a municipal ordinance and the persons driving privileges are revoked under ORS 809.235(1)(b) and later ordered restored under ORS 809.235(4).

(3)(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, the court shall require as a condition of a driving while under the influence of intoxicants diversion agreement that an approved ignition interlock device be installed and used in any vehicle operated by the person during the period of the agreement when the person has driving privileges. In addition to any action taken under ORS 813.255 (Termination of diversion), violation of the condition imposed under this subsection is a Class A traffic violation.

(b) A court may exempt a person from the condition in a diversion agreement to install and use an ignition interlock device if the court determines that the person meets the requirements for a medical exemption in accordance with rules adopted by the department under this section. A person granted a medical exemption under this paragraph shall carry proof of the medical exemption with the person while operating any vehicle.

(4) Except as provided in subsection (5) of this section, if an ignition interlock system is ordered or required under subsection (1), (2) or (3) of this section, the person so ordered or required shall pay to the provider the reasonable costs of leasing, installing and maintaining the device. A payment schedule may be established for the person by the department.

(5) The department may waive, in whole or in part, or defer the defendants responsibility to pay all or part of the costs under subsection (4) of this section if the defendant meets the criteria for indigence established for waiving or deferring such costs under subsection (6) of this section. If the defendants responsibility for costs is waived, then notwithstanding ORS 813.270 (Intoxicated Driver Program Fund), the costs described in subsection (4) of this section must be paid from the Intoxicated Driver Program Fund.

(6) The department, by rule, shall establish criteria and procedures it will use for qualification to waive or defer costs described under subsection (4) of this section for indigence. The criteria must be consistent with the standards for indigence adopted by the federal government for purposes of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

(7) At the end of the suspension or revocation resulting from the conviction, the department shall suspend the driving privileges or right to apply for driving privileges of a person who has not submitted proof to the department that an ignition interlock device has been installed or who tampers with an ignition interlock device after it has been installed.

(8) If the department imposes a suspension under subsection (7) of this section for failing to submit proof of installation, the suspension continues until the department receives proof that the ignition interlock device has been installed. If the department does not receive proof that the ignition interlock device has been installed, the suspension shall continue for:

(a) One year after the ending date of the suspension resulting from the first conviction;

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, two years after the ending date of the suspension resulting from a second or subsequent conviction; or

(c) Five years after the ending date of the longest running suspension or revocation resulting from a conviction described in subsection (2) of this section.

(9) If the department imposes a suspension under subsection (7) of this section for tampering with an ignition interlock device, the suspension continues until:

(a) One year after the ending date of the suspension resulting from the first conviction;

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, two years after the ending date of the suspension resulting from a second or subsequent conviction; or

(c) Five years after the ending date of the longest running suspension or revocation resulting from a conviction described in subsection (2) of this section.

(10) A person whose driving privileges or right to apply for privileges is suspended under subsection (7) of this section is entitled to administrative review, as described in ORS 809.440 (Hearing and administrative review procedures), of the action.

(11) The department shall adopt rules permitting medical exemptions from the requirements of installation and use of an ignition interlock device under subsections (1), (2) and (3) of this section.

(12) When a person is required to install an ignition interlock device under subsection (2) or (3) of this section, the provider of the device shall provide notice of any installation or removal of the device or any tampering with the device to the court that ordered installation of the device or to the courts designee, including but not limited to an agency or organization certified by the Oregon Health Authority under ORS 813.025 (Designation of agency to perform screening, diagnostic assessment and treatment).