Kentucky Ignition Interlock Requirements (2026): Costs & Approved Providers
Kentucky doesn’t mandate an ignition interlock — it makes one the smart choice. Installing a device lets you drive during your entire DUI suspension and cuts your total suspension time significantly. Income-qualifying drivers pay as little as 25% of the capped provider fees. Here’s how the system works and why most drivers choose the interlock path.
| All-offender mandate? | No — incentive-based. No statute orders an IID; it is the only way to drive during a DUI suspension and it shortens the total suspension period |
| 1st offense choice | Option A: 4 months on ignition interlock license + 90 violation-free days to complete. Option B: 6-month hard suspension with no driving at all. |
| 2nd offense choice | Option A: 12 months on interlock license + 120 violation-free days. Option B: 18-month hard suspension. |
| 3rd offense choice | Option A: 18 months on interlock license + 120 violation-free days. Option B: 36-month hard suspension. |
| 4th+ offense choice | Option A: 30 months on interlock license + 120 violation-free days. Option B: 60-month hard suspension. |
| Completion requirement | Full interlock term PLUS KYTC receives provider declaration of no violations for 90 (1st) or 120 (subsequent) consecutive days PLUS DUI treatment program completed |
| Provider fee caps (statute) | Installation $100–130; monthly $100; removal $30 |
| Affordability sliding scale | Income ≤ 100% FPL: 25% of capped fees. ≤ 150%: 50%. ≤ 200%: 75%. Apply via KIIP form TC 94-188. |
| KYTC reinstatement fee | $40 |
| Who certifies providers | KYTC Division of Driver Licensing (601 KAR 2:233); drive.ky.gov — DUI page |
| SR-22 required? | No — Kentucky does not appear to require SR-22 or FR-44 |
| Governing law | KRS 189A.340; KRS 189A.070; KRS 189A.010(11); KRS 189A.345; 601 KAR 2:233 |
| Offense term | DUI (Driving Under the Influence) |
The interlock vs. hard suspension choice
Kentucky’s system is built around a clear incentive: choose the ignition interlock license and you can drive anywhere for the reduced suspension period. Choose the hard suspension and you cannot drive at all for a significantly longer period. For a first DUI, that’s 4 months of driving with a device versus 6 months of no driving at all. For a second, 12 months with a device versus 18 months of zero driving. The math is straightforward for anyone who needs to keep working or has family obligations — the interlock is almost always the better choice.
There’s no court order required. You apply to KYTC for an ignition interlock license, install the device with a certified provider, and begin your term. The DUI treatment program must also be completed before your full reinstatement.
Kentucky KYTC-certified providers
Four major providers are certified by KYTC. Dräger/RoadGuard and ALCOLOCK are not on Kentucky’s certified list.
| Provider | Monthly (max) | Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | $100 cap | Statewide | 888-283-5899 |
| Smart Start | $100 cap | Statewide | 800-831-3299 |
| LifeSafer | $100 cap | Statewide | 800-634-3077 |
| Guardian Interlock | $100 cap | Statewide | 800-499-0994 |
All Kentucky providers are subject to the statutory fee caps: installation $100–130, monthly $100, removal $30. Affordability-program participants pay 25–75% of these caps depending on income. Confirm current certification on drive.ky.gov before signing. Dräger/RoadGuard and ALCOLOCK are not on Kentucky’s certified list.
What an interlock costs in Kentucky
| Installation (statutory cap) | $100–130 |
| Monthly lease + monitoring (statutory cap) | $100/mo |
| Removal (statutory cap) | $30 |
| KYTC reinstatement fee | $40 |
| Affordability (≤ 100% FPL) | 25% of above caps |
| Affordability (≤ 150% FPL) | 50% of above caps |
| Affordability (≤ 200% FPL) | 75% of above caps |
Over a 4-month first-offense term at full cap rates: roughly $530–560 all-in (installation + 4 months + removal). At the 25% affordability rate, that drops to approximately $135–140. Estimate your exact cost →
How to get an ignition interlock license — 5 steps
- Apply to KYTC Division of Driver Licensing for an ignition interlock license. If income-eligible, submit KIIP form TC 94-188 at the same time.
- Call a KYTC-certified provider and schedule installation. Confirm they are currently certified and aware of the statutory fee caps.
- Bring your vehicle and KYTC paperwork. Installation takes 60–90 minutes at the statutory capped price.
- Enroll in your required DUI treatment program — this must be completed before full reinstatement.
- Serve the full interlock term, then maintain 90 (first offense) or 120 (subsequent) consecutive violation-free days for KYTC to receive the provider’s completion declaration.
Six violations that reset your clean-days clock
Kentucky has six specific violations that reset your 90/120-day violation-free window, meaning you must restart the count from day one (KRS 189A.345):
- Missed random retest (failing to provide a breath sample when prompted)
- Retest reading at 0.02 or higher
- Missed maintenance appointment
- Unpaid provider fees
- Tampering with the device
- Obscuring the camera
Additionally, driving a vehicle not equipped with an interlock while required adds 6 months to your suspension. Keep every appointment, pay your fees on time, and never drive a non-equipped vehicle.