Frequently Asked Questions
SIMPLE IS HERE TO ANSWER YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
What is an ignition interlock device?
An ignition interlock device is a piece of electronic equipment that tests your level of alcohol consumption and prevents you from driving your car, truck, SUV, or crossover vehicle until you can pass a test. It is installed in your vehicle’s electrical system and interrupts the starter in the event of a failed test. In cases of a DUI or a DWI charge, an ignition interlock device and restricted driver’s license can often take the place of a suspended license.
How do I know if I’m eligible for an ignition interlock device (IID)?
You can always call Simple at 844-432-4775, and we’ll help you determine your eligibility. (Calling us first might also save you time.) You can also check with your alcohol monitoring authority or your local department of motor vehicles (DMV), department of public safety (DPS), or related institution for specific eligibility requirements. In some cases, if your license is suspended due to a DUI or DWI charge, you can get an ignition interlock device, and a restricted driver’s license will allow you to get back on the road.
Will a blow-and-go or IID ever shut off or stop my car while I’m driving?
Never. Let us repeat that: NEVER. In fact, our devices have a safety feature where, if your vehicle does shut off or stall, you’ll have a full two minutes to restart your vehicle without first taking a test. We’re also constantly updating features to make our Co-Pilot safer and easier to use.
How do I know what kind of IID to get?
Your court documents will specify exactly what is required of your ignition interlock device. Simple is a certified ignition interlock provider, so we’re able to meet all of the monitoring authority’s requirements to ensure that you’re compliant within your state or county. Just make sure that you have your court documents when you contact our Simple Team, and a friendly advocate will make sure your device fits your program. Call us today at 1-844-432-4775—or fill out the online form, and we’ll call you.
How much does an ignition interlock system cost? What are the fees?
The overall cost of an ignition interlock device is a combination of installation fees, monthly service fees, and removal fees. Exact pricing is state-specific. To find out the exact ignition interlock price in your state, call 1-844-432-4775. A Simple customer care advocate will help you determine the exact amount for your area of residence, but know that we always strive to give you the best value and the lowest cost in your total ignition interlock package.
Where is the nearest Simple location or service center?
Visit our locations page and enter your zip code to find a list of locations nearest you. At Simple Interlock, we’ve partnered with the industry leader in ignition interlocks to provide you with over 1400 points of service across the continental United States; we did this to make your experience with us . . . simple.
Do I need to schedule an appointment to install my ignition interlock device (IID)?
Yes. You can either fill out our online form to have a customer care advocate contact you to schedule an appointment, or call 1-844-432-4775 to speak with a trusted Simple adviser today. In some cases, same-day installation appointments may even be available.
What should I bring to my installation appointment?
Bring a photo ID, proof of residence, and a copy of your vehicle registration in the form of a document verifying your address. You may also be asked to bring any documents that pertain to your case, depending on the state in which you or your program are located. If any other documents are required, one of our friendly customer service team members will let you know.
What is the difference between a suspended license and a restricted driver’s license?
In many states, you cannot drive on a suspended license. In other states, your travel with a suspended license is significantly restricted. However, with a restricted driver’s license, you can drive anytime and anywhere as long as you have an ignition interlock device installed.
Do I require special insurance during my ignition interlock program?
Some states do require you to get special insurance during your program. Unfortunately, Simple does not work with your insurance company—we only work with you. We know that each case can be completely different in the eyes of your insurance company, so you should contact them directly with any questions about their requirements during your program.
How much can I drink before I blow a violation?
It varies, depending on a person’s constitution and metabolism. Make sure to rinse your mouth out with water before taking a test to ensure maximum accuracy.
Will I have to take a test while I’m driving?
NO. You are encouraged to make a full stop before taking any test. There will be times when your device will prompt you to take a rolling test (or a test while the car is running), but you will always have plenty of time—roughly six minutes—to pull over comfortably and safely before taking your test. Taking your time to stop safely will not incur a violation.
I need to take my vehicle to my mechanic. Can he/she work around my IID? What do I do?
We have very special instructions for your mechanic. Have your mechanic call us from the business line at 1-844-432-4775 for advice.
How can I learn how to use my device properly?
You can always ask our friendly service technicians for instructions at your installation appointment.
CO-PILOT™ QUESTIONS
What does “SLOCK@2d” or “SvcLock48hr” mean?
This means you are in service grace period countdown and you have 2 days remaining before you lock out. You must take your vehicle to the nearest service center to have it calibrated before the countdown ends. You can find the location nearest to you here.
What does “VLOCK@2d” or “ViolLck48hr” mean?
This means you are in your violation grace period countdown and you have 2 days remaining before you lock out. You must take your vehicle to the nearest service center to have it calibrated before the countdown ends. You can find the location nearest to you here.
What does “LOCKOUT VIOL” mean?
This means you have lost all your points and have exceeded the violation grace period. You must now call 1-844-432-4775 to obtain a one-time unlock code in order to take the vehicle to a Simple service center. You must take your vehicle to a service center within 6 hours of entering the code to regain the use of your device. If you fail to take your vehicle to the nearest service center within 6 hours, you will unfortunately have to tow your vehicle at your own expense.
What does “LOCKOUT SRVC” mean?
This means you have missed your monthly service and have exceeded the service grace period. You must now obtain a one-time unlock code to take the vehicle to a Simple service center. Call the Simple corporate office to obtain this code.
How do I check my appointment time?
Press the # key, then the 1 key on the keypad to display your appointment time.
What do “Blow Harder,” “Hum Stronger,” “Blow Softer,” “Don’t Inhale,” and other prompts mean?
“Blow harder” means that your breath sample did not last long enough for your test to register. “Hum stronger” means that you began humming either too late or too soon. It might also mean that your hum was not strong enough to register. “Blow softer” means that your breath sample was too strong. “Don’t inhale” means that you might have inhaled while your lips were still around the mouthpiece, therefore sucking air into the unit. “Abort tamper” means that you covered the vent on the back of your IID while blowing. “Mouth closer” means that you’ll need to hold the ignition interlock device more firmly against your mouth to avoid letting the device pull away as you blow.
“Abort lock” means that you have exceeded the allowed number of aborts during a 15-minute period and will need to wait until the countdown completes before you attempt another test.
How do I check my remaining violation points?
Press the # key and then the number 3 on the keypad.
Can someone else blow into my device?
Yes. Whoever is driving the vehicle MUST take a breath test and pass before driving. Any failed test will still be your responsibility, and you will be held accountable.
What does each violation mean?
“Initial BAC” means that the device has detected alcohol during your initial test. “RRTEST” means that the device detected alcohol during your rolling re-test. “CIRC” means that circumvention has occurred in the form of you disconnecting your handheld while driving. “Templock” means that your test detected a low level of alcohol, and your device has been temporarily locked based on your state’s limits. “RRSkip” means that a rolling re-test skip has occurred because you did not take a test when prompted after your initial test. Even if you are at your destination, you must test again if your device prompts you to do so.
What does “MISSED TEST” mean?
A test with the result of “PASS” was not provided during a test window.
What are violations?
Violations are breath sample which contains alcohol and missed test windows. You have a limited number of violations each month. If you exceed your maximum number of violations, your unit will begin a violation countdown. You will be required to take your device to the nearest service center before the countdown completes.
What does “WAIT mm:ss” mean?
This message is displayed after a failed test is provided. You will not be able to provide a test during this time. The “mm:ss” is a countdown timer informing you how long you will have to wait to before the device will accept a new test.
What does “LOCK mm:ss” mean?
This message is displayed after a failed test is provided during a test window. You will not be able to provide a test during this time. The “mm:ss” is a countdown timers informing you how long you will have to wait to before the device will accept a new test.
Where do I find information about my next appointment?
Your next appointment date and time are printed on the service receipt. You can also press the # key, then the 1 key on the keypad to display your appointment time.
What does “Don’t Inhale” mean?
This means air was sucked from the device instead of blowing air into the device. Wait until the device display returns to BLOW and, this time, do NOT inhale.
What does “Blow Harder” mean?
This means that you did not complete the test cycle. Wait for the device display to return to BLOW and, this time, blow a little longer and a little harder.
What does “Blow Softer” mean?
This means the air is being blown into the unit with too much pressure. Wait for the device display to return to BLOW and, this time, blow a little softer.
What does “ViolLck## hr” mean?
This is the display when your unit goes into the violation lockout grace period. The ## displays the number of hours remaining before the unit goes into lockout. If your device is in a countdown, you must take it to the nearest service center to have it calibrated before the countdown completes.
What does “SvcLock ## hr” mean?
This is the display when your unit goes into the service lockout grace period. The ## displays the number of hours remaining before the unit goes into a service lockout due to missing your service appointment. You will be required to take your device to the nearest service center to have it calibrated before the countdown completes.
What does “LOCKOUT VIOL” mean?
The device is in lockout because you have exceeded your violations limit. You will not be able to take a test and are required to have the unit serviced. You will need to take your device to the nearest service center to have it calibrated.
What does “LOCKOUT SRVC” mean?
The device is in lockout due to missing your service date. You are not able to take a test and are required to have the unit serviced. You will need to take your device to the nearest service center to have it calibrated.
What do I do if my device is not operating correctly?
Contact 1-844-432-4775 and select the Help option or contact Technical Support.
How do I turn my device on?
Turn the ignition key into the Aux position.
Do you have any additional questions? Let us know and we would be happy to add them to our frequently asked questions page! Contact us via email at info@simpleiid.com.
