Ignition Interlock Device Compliance and Monitoring
Preliminary report | January 2026
Zack Freeman, Aaron Cavin, Vivien Chen, Sydney Romero, research analysts
Ryan McCord, audit director; Eric Thomas, legislative auditor
Legislative Auditor's conclusion
Half of the drivers required to install ignition interlock devices earn less than $28,000 per year. Installation rates increase with income. The state offers financial assistance, but its reach is limited.
Key points
- Drivers who are convicted of driving under the influence must install an ignition interlock device in any vehicle they drive.
- Overall, 41% of drivers who are required to install an ignition interlock device do so.
- The installation rate among the lowest earners was 30%; it was 74% among the highest.
- A device costs about $2,700 per year. Fines and insurance can increase the total to $5,000.
- The state’s financial assistance program struggles with customer service, inefficiency, and lack of strategy.
- The Department of Licensing and Washington State Patrol can improve interagency coordination and advise the Legislature on ways to improve the installation rate.
Legislative Auditor’s recommendations
The Legislative Auditor makes three recommendations.
Recommendation #1
Licensing should establish clear objectives, responsibilities, and performance goals for the financial assistance program.
In doing so, Licensing also should:
- Fully enforce its contracts with the device manufacturers. This includes the provisions on timely reporting, auditing compliance data, and performance monitoring.
- Determine—and communicate to the Legislature—whether the current appropriation level is sufficient to achieve the program’s objectives and desired outcomes.
Legislation required: None
Fiscal impact: Indeterminate
Implementation date: January 2027
Agency response: To be included in proposed final report.
Recommendation #2
Licensing and State Patrol should create a formal agreement to jointly administer their ignition interlock responsibilities.
The interagency agreement should include program objectives, defined roles and responsibilities, and performance goals.
Legislation required: None
Fiscal impact: None
Implementation date: January 2027
Agency response: To be included in proposed final report.
Recommendation #3
Licensing and State Patrol should develop a coordinated strategy to increase the installation rate and report back to the Legislature.
In developing the approach, the agencies should include:
- Outreach to drivers required to install ignition interlock devices.
- A system to track and monitor device requirements and compliance.
- Lessons learned from recent compliance pilot projects in Snohomish and Yakima counties.
- Ways to streamline access to the financial assistance program.
- Any statutory changes or resources needed.
Legislation required: None
Fiscal impact: None to develop plan
Implementation date: June 2027
Agency response: To be included in proposed final report.
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To be included in proposed final report