The Ignition Interlock Program

A driver convicted of impaired driving may lose their driver’s licence and may be required to complete a rehabilitation program – such as the RoadSafetyBC’s Responsible Driving Program - before they can install the interlock device. Drivers referred to the Ignition Interlock Program who are otherwise eligible for licensing will need to get the interlock device installed and may attend the Responsible Driving Program concurrently if they wish to continue driving. Once the device is installed, participating drivers are required to comply with all conditions of the program.

Drivers must maintain regularly scheduled service appointments with the Interlock Service Centre, so RoadSafetyBC can monitor the device’s activity history and ensure the driver continues to hold a satisfactory driving record. The information from the activity reports is used by the Superintendent to help decide whether someone is ready for their full driving privileges to be restored at the end of the interlock term.

Program violations include:

• Failing a breath test
• Failing to attend your scheduled appointment for servicing
• Tampering with an interlock
• Driving without a device

A violation may cause:

• More time in the program
• A new term imposed on the driver
• A licence cancellation

The device may disable the vehicle of a driver who does not attend a maintenance appointment. The driver may:

• Be removed from the program
• Have their driver’s licence cancelled
• Face legal action to recover the device or its cost

Drivers in the program are responsible for anyone who uses their device and for any violations that occur.

A driver convicted of impaired driving may lose their licence and be required to complete a rehabilitation program—such as the Responsible Driver Program—before getting the interlock installed.

A driver referred to the Ignition Interlock Program who is eligible for a licence must get the device installed and may attend the Responsible Driver Program if they wish to continue driving.

Drivers in the program must follow their service agreement with Smart Start. They must create and follow a schedule to have their device data downloaded at a service centre.

RoadSafetyBC uses the data to decide whether the driver is eligible to remove the interlock device at the end of the term.

In order to begin your British Columbia Interlock Program, please ensure that you have confirmed the following:

• Ensure that you have received your letter from RoadSafetyBC indicating that you are required to participate in the Ignition Interlock Program.
• We work closely with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) who are responsible for issuing driver’s licenses in British Columbia. Contact ICBC at 1-800-950-1498 to determine if you are eligible to apply for an interlock-restricted driver’s licence.
• If eligible, schedule your interlock installation by going to the Smart Start Website or call 1-844-432-4776.
• Bring proof of ownership of the vehicle to your install appointment. There is a $250 installation fee for motorcycles. If you do not own the vehicle, you will need a “Permission to Install Form” completed and provided at the time of your installation appointment.
• You must be present for blow training and paperwork during the installation appointment.
• Immediately following your Smart Start Ignition Interlock device installation, take your “Install Notice Certificate” and two pieces of identification to an ICBC Driver Licensing Office to receive your Interlock-restricted licence.

An ignition interlock is a device wired into a vehicle’s ignition system. The device requires the driver to provide a breath sample and prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected. The device also requests breath samples at random intervals while the vehicle is operational to ensure the driver remains alcohol-free while driving his or her vehicle. If these requests are ignored, the device’s alarm will sound until the vehicle is shut down. All activities are recorded, including failed breath sample and attempts to tamper with the device.

Once the device is installed in your vehicle or motorcycle, you may now service your vehicle in any province Smart Start operates. Installations and removals must take place in British Columbia, but you may have servicing completed in another province.

For information about Smart Start service locations please contact Smart Start Canada toll free at:
tel: 1-844-432-4776 or visit Smart Start Canada – Locations.

If you are eligible for a reconsideration, the process to follow is in the Notice to Refer to Remedial Programs letter we sent you. If you can't find your referral letter or need more information, contact ICBC or RoadSafetyBC.

Visit Smart Start's website for information about program fees.

Affordability Payment Plan

Starting on April 1, 2024, RoadSafetyBC has entered into a new service agreement with Smart Start Canada to deliver RoadSafetyBC’s Interlock Ignition Program.

The new Smart Start Service Contract offers financial relief for drivers by waiving installation fees and charging only a $150 administration fee. Drivers can opt for the Affordability Plan, allowing weekly payments without interest, or the No Barriers Financial plan, granting a 50% discount on monitoring fees for the first 5% of participants.

No Barriers Financial Plan

A Program Participant is eligible for the No Barriers Financial Assistance if they receive any of the following assistance from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction:

• Income Assistance;
• Disability Assistance;
• Hardship Assistance; or
• General, Health or Income Supplements.

If you are receiving income assistance, you may qualify for Smart Start's No Barriers Financial Plan. To apply:

1. Visit the My Self Serve portal for a copy of your income assistance confirmation message.
2. Email your confirmation message to NoBarriers@smartstartcanada.ca with the subject line "No Barriers Financial Assistance Plan Application"
3. Include your full name and driver's licence number in your email.

Smart Start will let you know if they've accepted you in the plan. It will also book an appointment with you to install the device. When you attend the installation, you must sign an add-on to the service agreement. It confirms you're participating in the plan.

Visit Smart Start's website for installation locations in B.C. and the installation form.

The Superintendent will review the program activity reports during the interlock term. As long as there have been no program violations, and subject to a final violation-free program activity report, you will be able to have the interlock device removed from your vehicle or motorcycle at the end of your term. Once these requirements have been met and the device has been removed, you can go to an ICBC Driver Licensing Office to apply for a driver’s licence without an interlock restriction.

The Ignition Interlock Program is a user-pay program. That means that the driver pays for all costs. With the new service contract with Smart Start, there are more options for drivers. The new contract has improved the fee structure which makes it less expensive for drivers.

If your home address is located in British Columbia and more than 200 kilometres from a Service Delivery Location located in British Columbia, the Service Provider will provide you with remote servicing options. Please contact Smart Start for more information at:

tel: 1-844-432-4776 or visit: Smart Start Canada – British Columbia Install Information