The state of Wisconsin requires an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for most alcohol-related offenses. If you are a repeat OWI offender, or if it was your first offense with a BAC level of .15 or greater, you will need an IID. IID orders means it applies to every vehicle you own, and your driving privilege is restricted to operating only IID-equipped vehicles. All OWI convictions include license revocation or suspension periods.

You can apply for an Occupational License from the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), dependent on various factors of your case. This license gives you the ability to drive to work and/or school, and back. Keep in mind that Wisconsin law requires you to have an IID installed in every vehicle registered in your name before applying for an Occupational License.

Once you have confirmed your ignition interlock device installation with Smart Start, you will only need to bring your vehicle and payment for your installation to your IID installation appointment.

Smart Start will provide an installation notification, which we will send electronically to the Department of Transportation in Wisconsin.

Smart Start Wisconsin’s devices are compliant with all state and federal requirements, and we are certified as a provider of the installation and service of ignition interlock devices (IIDs). Our devices have also passed stringent testing through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WI DOT) and are certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

If a violation is detected a violation reset service will be triggered. The next time the driver attempts to start the vehicle, the device will display a flashing light & a message indicating service is required. As soon as you see this indicator, you must contact Smart Start Wisconsin at 888.234.0198 to schedule an appointment for service. You will be required to return for service within 7 days, and pay a violation reset fee.

All violation resets are electronically submitted to the department of transportation.

The sheriff in the counties where you were convicted and live (if different) are immediately notified after violation reset service and if tampering is detected at service or if you do not report for regularly scheduled service. The District Attorney could pursue legal action in these situations.

Wisconsin state law requires that you service your breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) every 60 days.
If a violation reset is triggered, you will be required to return for service within 7 days.

Ignition Interlock Devices (IID’s) in Wisconsin are usually required for a minimum of one year but will vary case by case. To operate your vehicle again, you need to be issued an Occupational License.
The DMV website states that you will be eligible for an Occupational License under the following conditions:

1st OWI: immediately eligible

2nd OWI and more: 45 days before eligible

Causing injury while intoxicated: 60 days before eligible

Great bodily harm: 120 days before eligible

Negligent homicide while intoxicated: 120 days before eligible

1st refusal to provide a breath sample: 30 days before eligible

2nd refusal: 90 days before eligible

3rd and more refusal: 120 days before eligible

A fourth and above OWI offense is a felony if it is within five years of an earlier offense.

Upload this chart for more detailed review: https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/drunk-drv/owi-penchrt.pdf

Your driving privilege is restricted so that ​​you can operate only Ignition Interlock Device (IID) equipped vehicles during the duration of the order.

IIDs are required to be installed on every vehicle owned by or registered to you, regardless of what type of vehicle (car, truck, motor home, etc.). However, an IID is not required on motorcycles, mopeds or autocycles.

If you no longer own or operate a vehicle that is currently in your name, you must contact the convicting court to request a vehicle exemption from the IID requirement. If the Judge approves the exemption, the court will fill out and electronically submit the form to the DMV. You will receive a copy of the exemption form from the court for your records.

After you have been convicted of the OWI, your IID time requirement will start once you have been issued either a Wisconsin driver license or Wisconsin occupational license. The IID time requirement will only begin when a license is issued on or after the date of conviction. This means that you can choose not to drive, however you cannot “wait out” the IID time requirement.

Failure to install, early removal, or tampering could result in your driver license privileges being cancelled.

Anyone subject to an IID (Ignition Interlock Device) order may not operate a motor vehicle without an IID and may not operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above 0.02.

In the state of Wisconsin, Smart Start will remove your ignition interlock device (IID) upon request. We do not require any paperwork for removal. However, please understand that, if you remove your ignition interlock device before you have fulfilled your order, you may incur additional consequences, you may not be able to drive your vehicle, or your time with the ignition interlock device may not count.

Even if you do not own a vehicle, your operating privilege is restricted to only operating vehicles with an ignition interlock device (IID) installed. Even if you borrow, lease, or rent a vehicle, it must be equipped with an IID for you to legally operate it.

Wisconsin state law requires that all vehicles registered to you be equipped with the ignition interlock device (IID). However, you can request a hardship to restrict the number of vehicles you must install an IID on, which needs to be approved by a judge.

Wisconsin law states that your ignition interlock device (IID) can be installed and service at any Smart Start service center nationwide.

In the state of Wisconsin, any of the following may constitute a violation:

1) Three confirmation test sample results above .02 in a 60-day service interval

2) Device detects a bypass, circumvention, or tamper attempt, including:

• Providing bogus samples.
• Tampering. i.e. Disconnecting the device while the vehicle is running.
• Providing air samples that enable a driver with a prohibited alcohol concentration to start, drive, or operate a vehicle equipped with a device.
• Failing to complete any required service.
• Tampering with, destructing, or taking any action that results in a camera not providing pictures of the driver providing a sample to the device or driving a vehicle.
• Tampering or interfering with data transfer from or to the device.

To install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in your vehicle or a family member’s vehicle voluntarily, contact our call center 888.234.0198 and schedule a voluntary installation appointment.

The state of Wisconsin requires a camera feature for all devices, and they must be programmed to have a near real-time reporting feature.

The appropriate time of installation is determined by the state department or your supervising court. There is a minimum 45-day hard suspension where you will not be allowed to drive.

No, the camera shall only capture an image at the time the device user is providing a sample, or if no sample is provided, at test expiration. The camera does not take videos, and there is no live streaming.

In the state of Wisconsin, your monitoring authority will be the sheriff in the county where you were convicted and live (if different).
The state has also approved interlock database access for the following:

• Department of Transportation
• Assessment Agencies
• Courts
• DOC
• Law Enforcement
• Probation & Parole
• Treatment Providers
• Any university or research group engaged in a study approved by the department

Smart Start is an approved, certified Ignition Interlock Device provider in the state of Wisconsin, so you can be sure that all our devices meet any necessary state and federal regulations. For a more comprehensive list of state requirements for an Ignition Interlock Device, please visit http://www.WisconsinDOT.gov

Smart Start of Wisconsin will automatically send a record of your service appointments to your monitoring authority on your behalf at no extra charge to you.

No, the BAIID does not hurt the vehicle in any way.

Motorcycle breath alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installation laws differ by state. Smart Start operates throughout the U.S. as a certified manufacturer and will work harder than other companies to provide you a seamless Interlock program that still follows your case requirements in the state of Wisconsin. Please call our Customer Care Center at 888.234.0198 if you have any questions.

Yes, per the state of Wisconsin rules, the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is connected to your vehicle’s horn and lights. They will activate if you have failed a confirmation test while the vehicle is running. 
This connection will not harm your vehicle in any way.

Our GPS tethers are discrete, they will not make noise but will vibrate to notify clients of essential matters such as:

• Entering an exclusion zone
• Exiting an inclusion zone
• Strap tampering
• Low battery
• Dead battery

While there are no products that will cause any tampering with the device, bug spray with deet can cause damage to the finish on the plastic band and should be avoided.

Yes, our Smart Tag tether is waterproof and can be submerged up to 66feet. Wearers can shower/bathe, worry free!  The Wireless On Body Charger (OBC) however, should NOT get wet. You cannot shower, bathe, or swim while the OBC is clipped onto the device.

While our device is designed to be discreet being only 2×2 inches square and protrudes just .9 inches away from the ankle, it may be uncomfortable to wear with any high-top footwear. However, it will not impact the device or cause a tampering violation.

The GPS tether should not set off any security alarms in stores. However, the tether will be detected by security checkpoints at an airport or through any metal detector system.

We offer monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payment plans.

Our monitoring staff and the monitoring authority that required the device will have access to your location data.

The battery life on the Smart Tag Tether can last 2-5 days, depending on different monitoring levels/requirements.

The Smart Tag device must be charged for a minimum of 2 hours a day to ensure long lasting battery life.

Our device comes with an wireless charger called the On-Body Charger (OBC) that allows you to be mobile while charging.

• It is suggested that the OBC remains connected to a power outlet when not being worn so it can recharge.
• A fully charged OBC can fully charge a Smart Tag device twice.
• The OBC is water resistant but cannot be submerged. Wearers may NOT shower, bathe, or swim while device is OBC is connected to the Smart Tag tether.

The Wireless On-Body-Charger has a green light that flashes in four different patterns to indicate different charging statuses.

Charging on the tag:

• A pulse or “breathing” blink indicates that the Smart Tag is being charged.
• A fast blink every 3 seconds indicates that the Smart Tag is completely charged (2 hours) and charger can be removed and placed back on the wall dock.

Charging the on-body charger on the wall:

• A fast green blinking light indicates that the charger is in the process of charging
• A solid green light indicates that the charger is completely charged and ready to be worn.

No, do not undergo any MRIs, CT Scans, or X-rays while wearing the device. Please call 888.234.0198 ext. 4041 if this is an issue.

Yes, our device is designed to be discreet to allow you to continue your everyday routine without hassle.

If you have and questions, concerns, or issues with your device please call our help center at 888.234.0198 ext. 4041.

Instructional information is provided with the device in the carrying case and training videos here. Additional information will be given out during the enrollment process. You can also contact our customer support team for further instructions or assistance at 888.234.0198.

This is the time period in which your monitoring authority has decided you must provide a test. If you miss a test window, a violation will be recorded. The Smart Mobile will beep to let you know it is time to provide a test. As the test window nears the end of the allotted time, the unit will beep more frequently.

SmartMobile takes a picture while you are providing your breath sample. Please remember that all people in the room must be dressed appropriately during the test cycle. You may receive an “abort” or a “test incomplete” result if you have a bright window or light behind you when taking a test, or if you are in a room that is too dark for your face to register on the unit. SmartMobile does NOT take pictures at random.

The device will beep, the right LED will flash green, and the LCD will display “BLOW” along with a timer indicating how much time you have to take a test.

Yes, you may initiate a test anytime the device displays “Ready,” “Blow,” or “Test Required”. Please note: You are still responsible for any failed tests provided outside of a testing window.

Violations are breath sample which contains alcohol and missed test windows.

The appointment date and time is printed on the service receipt, and it is saved under “Next Appointment” in the device menu options. You can also contact our customer support team for information about you upcoming appointment, 888.234.0198.

The unit only has to be calibrated every six months.  However, you must call us each month to make your payment. Your payment date will appear under “Next Appointment” in the device menu.

This means air was sucked from the device instead of blowing air into the device. Wait until the device returns to BLOW and, this time, do NOT inhale.

This means that you did not complete the test cycle. Wait for the device to return to BLOW and, this time, blow a little longer and a little harder.

This means the air is being blown into the unit with too much pressure. Wait for the device to return to BLOW and, this time, blow a little softer.

A test with the result of “PASS” was not provided during a test window.

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.

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 timer informing you how long you will have to wait to before the device will accept a new test.

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. We do not offer lockout codes for the SmartMobile. You will need to take your device to the nearest Smart Start Wisconsin Service Center to have it calibrated.

The device’s cellular unit is downloading your data over the cellular network. Do NOT unplug your unit during this process. You must allow the unit to complete this cellular data upload process. Unplugging the SmartMobile unit during the cellular upload process will not stop the data uploading. The SmartMobile unit will continue calling until it is finished, and unplugging the SmartMobile unit will only delay this process. It is your responsibility to keep the SmartMobile unit plugged in at all times in an area with good cellular signal.

Because it has a battery, SmartMobile does not have to be plugged in to be uploading data. If this message remains for more than 30 minutes, the cellular network could be overloaded.  Your data upload will complete when the overload clears.

This can happen if the camera is blocked. You may also receive this notification if there is poor lighting, bright lights behind you, or if you are taking a test outside at night. Make sure your mouthpiece is inserted correctly and that you are in a well-lit area and try your test again.

If the mouthpiece is not all the way in, or if it hasn’t been inserted correctly, the airports may not be properly aligned. This could result in a “tamper detect” message. You may also receive a “tamper detect” message if you are blocking the exhaust port on the back of the device or if you blow too much moisture during a test. You should rinse out your mouth before each test, but make sure to swallow any lingering moisture or saliva before testing.

Contact our customer support team at 888.234.0198 and ask to speak to a certified technician, or to arrange to take your device to your nearest Smart Start Wisconsin Service Center.

Press the “0” key one time. There is no need to hold the key down.

Plug the device into an electrical outlet or the USB port of a computer. If the battery is completely dead, it may take a few minutes to charge enough to turn on again. If the device is stored in a cold environment, it may also take some time to warm up.

In order to take a test, “Ready,” “Blow,” or “Test Required” must be displayed on your device.  Make sure that your mouthpiece is aligned correctly and inserted all the way into the device. If the device is uploading data to a cellular network or conducting internal tests, it may not be ready for you to take a test yet.

Make sure the proper sides of the charger cable are aligning and try again. Do NOT force the charger cable into the device.
If your unit still fails to charge, you will need to bring it to the nearest Smart Start Wisconsin Service Center for servicing.

You can always ask our friendly service technicians for instructions at your installation appointment. They’ll teach you everything you need to know! You can also find online training videos with step-by-step instructions for using your IID.

“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. To complete your test successfully, you will need to blow steadily for the full time of your test. Keep both your breath volume and your hum even during testing.

“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.

• “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.
• “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.
• “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.

Press the # key and then the number 3 on the keypad.

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.

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.

This means you have lost all your points and have exceeded the violation grace period.

• If you are a MICHIGAN client, you will unfortunately have to have your vehicle towed to the nearest service center at your own expense.
• If you are a WISCONSIN client, you can call 888.234.0198 to obtain a one-time unlock code in order to take the vehicle to a Smart Start 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.

This means you have missed your monthly service and have exceeded the service grace period.

Press the # key, then the 1 key on the keypad to display your appointment time.

Never. In fact, our devices have a safety feature where, if your vehicle does shut off or stall for any reason, you’ll have a full two minutes to restart your vehicle without taking a test.

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.

No, but the technology is constantly evolving. Remember that using marijuana or any other illicit drug can also result in an impaired driving charge.