Delaware Ignition Interlock Requirements (2026): Costs & Approved Providers
Delaware has required an ignition interlock for all first and subsequent DUI offenders since February 1, 2015. The IID term varies by BAC level and offense number, and the state contracts with only two approved providers. Here’s your timeline, your costs, and how the violation system works.
| All-offender state? | Yes — mandatory for all DUI violations on or after February 1, 2015 (DE DMV) |
| 4177B first-offender election | Shorter 4-month IID term in exchange for pleading under §4177B; barred if a child under 17 was in the vehicle |
| Hard suspension before IID | 30 days (BAC under 0.15) or 45 days (BAC 0.15+) before IID license issues |
| Duration — 1st conviction (BAC under 0.15) | 12 months from IID install / IID license issuance |
| Duration — 1st conviction (BAC 0.15–0.19) | 17 months |
| Duration — 1st conviction (BAC 0.20+) | 23 months |
| Duration — 4177B election (1st offender) | 4 months |
| Duration — 2nd offense (BAC under 0.15) | 16 months (after at least 60-day revocation) |
| Duration — 2nd offense (BAC 0.15–0.19) | 22 months |
| Duration — 2nd offense (BAC 0.20+) | 28 months |
| Duration — 3rd offense (BAC under 0.15) | 21 months (after ~90-day revocation) |
| Duration — 4th+ offense | 54 months (after 6-month revocation) |
| Approved providers | Intoxalock and Smart Start only (2024–2027 DelDOT contract) |
| DMV reinstatement fee | $200 |
| SR-22 required? | No — Delaware does not require SR-22 filings after a DUI |
| Who administers | DE Division of Motor Vehicles — IID Program |
| Governing law | 21 Del. C. §4177; §4177B; §4177C; §4177G |
| Offense term | DUI (Driving Under the Influence) |
The 4177B first-offender election — 4 months instead of 12
Delaware gives first-time DUI offenders a significant option: plead under §4177B (the “first offender” election) and your IID term drops to just 4 months — regardless of BAC level — instead of 12, 17, or 23 months. This is one of the shortest first-offense IID terms in the country.
The trade-off: the 4177B election stays on your record and counts as a prior if you’re ever charged again. It is also barred if a child under 17 was in the vehicle at the time of the offense. If you’re a true first offender with no child passenger, discuss the 4177B election with your attorney immediately — the term reduction is substantial.
Delaware-approved providers
| Provider | Monthly est. | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | $60–100 | Statewide | 888-283-5899 |
| Smart Start | $70–100 | Statewide | 800-831-3299 |
These are the only two providers authorized under Delaware’s 2024–2027 DelDOT contract. Confirm current approval on the DE DMV IID page before signing.
What an interlock costs in Delaware
| Installation (one time) | $70–150 |
| Monthly lease + monitoring | $60–100 |
| Removal | $50–75 |
| DE DMV reinstatement fee | $200 |
Over a 4-month §4177B term, expect roughly $400–600 in device costs. Over a standard 12-month first-offense term, roughly $900–1,400. Estimate your exact cost →
How to get installed — 5 steps
- Serve your hard suspension period (30 days for BAC under 0.15; 45 days for BAC 0.15+). No driving during this period.
- Apply to DE DMV for your IID license and pay the $200 reinstatement fee. Proof of insurance is required.
- Call Intoxalock or Smart Start — the only two approved providers — and book installation immediately. Your term runs from the IID license issuance date.
- Bring your vehicle and DMV paperwork. Installation takes 60–90 minutes.
- Complete the full required term with no violations. The graduated violation system adds months quickly — keep every appointment.
Delaware’s graduated violation system
Delaware uses a tiered violation system that adds months based on cumulative violations. Violations include a BAC reading of 0.05 or higher, a failed rolling retest, a missed monitoring appointment, a start-up lockout, tampering, or circumvention.
- Any 3 violations → +2 months
- Any 5 violations → +4 months
- Any 8 violations → +6 months
- Each additional violation beyond 8 → +1 month per violation
The additions are cumulative. Three violations early in your term costs you 2 months; reach 5 total and you’re at 4 added months. Keep every service appointment and never miss a rolling retest — the math compounds quickly.