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Ignition Interlock Violation Lawyer in Maryland

If you received a notice about removal from the ignition interlock program for violations, time matters. Maryland's ignition interlock program has strict rules, and missing a step can extend your time in the program or even remove you from it. We help drivers protect their eligibility for the program, challenge violations, and get back on track.

How the ignition interlock program works

An ignition interlock device is a handheld breath tester wired to your vehicle. It requires a clean breath sample to start the car and can ask for rolling retests while you drive. Program enrollment can come from the District Court, the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), the MVA, or the Medical Advisory Board.

If eligible, some drivers elect interlock instead of an administrative suspension after a DUI or DWI arrest. Program length commonly includes:

  • 180 days with a test of at least 0.08 but under 0.15
  • 180 days after receiving a pbj or conviction for a DUI/DWI Offiense
  • One year with a test of 0.15 or higher
  • One year with a test refusal

Common interlock violations

Violations that can extend your time or trigger removal include:

  • Missing required monthly monitoring/service visits
  • Driving a vehicle without an approved, functioning interlock device
  • Bypassing, tampering with, removing, or disabling the device (or allowing another person to do so)
  • Attempting to start or drive with a breath alcohol concentration over 0.025
  • Failing to submit to required rolling retests after starting the vehicle
  • Failing to install the device or obtain the required interlock‑restricted license
  • New suspensions or revocations while enrolled

What happens after a violation

  • Each violation can add one month to your program term.
  • Four or more violations can lead the MVA to remove you from the program and reinstate the original suspension or revocation.
  • After removal, you may be eligible to re-enroll for the full original term after a minimum suspension period (often at least 30 days).

These outcomes are handled through the MVA/OAH process and are separate from any court case. For help navigating timelines and paperwork, start with MVA Hearings and DUI License Reinstatement.

What do I do if they are trying to remove me from the ignition interlock program for violations

It is critical to request a hearing within the specified time if you received a letter informing you of your fourth violation and your anticipated removal. This is where an attorney can help. Our firm regularly challenges ignition interlock removals. If sucessful, an administrative Judge can order that you be reinstated and you can avoid having to be removed from the program. If you miss the deadline or are unsuccessful you will need to wait the specified time and re apply to re-do all of the ingition interlock time you originally had.

What to do in the first 7 days

  • Contact your interlock vendor to confirm status and schedule any missed service immediately.
  • Preserve evidence: download device logs, keep receipts, and note dates/times of any alerts or malfunctions.
  • Do not drive any vehicle without a functioning, approved interlock if you're restricted.
  • Call our office so we can review paperwork, deadlines, and the best path to protect your license.

Defenses we explore

  • Device error, calibration, or maintenance issues shown in vendor logs
  • Medical or environmental factors causing mouth alcohol or failed retests
  • Incomplete or erroneous paperwork in MVA submissions
  • Scheduling or notice problems around service and monitoring

We focus on what actually moves outcomes at the MVA and OAH: clean records, corrected errors, and timely steps that keep you eligible to drive.

How we help

  • Map deadlines from your notice and DR‑15A
  • Obtain and analyze interlock logs and vendor records
  • Prepare evidence and statements for the MVA/OAH process
  • Seek to prevent removal, reduce extensions, or restore eligibility to re‑enroll

If you're worried about an interlock violation or removal, we're ready to help you stabilize your license and get a plan in place.

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