Ignition Interlock Device Compliance and Monitoring
April 2026
26-01 final report
Zack Freeman, Aaron Cavin, Vivien Chen, Sydney Romero, research analysts
Ryan McCord, audit director; Eric Thomas, legislative auditor
Contact information
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.
Read the full reportKey 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
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.
Indeterminate
January 2027
Licensing concurs.
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.
None
January 2027
Licensing and State Patrol concur.
Washington State Patrol (State Patrol)
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.
None to develop plan
June 2027
Licensing and State Patrol concur.
Washington State Patrol (State Patrol)
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Legislative mandate