Do You Know What to Do Before an Ignition Interlock Lockout?

Updated June 10, 2025

Installing and using an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a key part of getting back on the road after a DUI for many drivers. However, sometimes an IID will enter “lockout mode.” If you’ve seen a message on your Smart Start IID that says something like “SvcLock” or “ViolLock,” you are either entering lockout mode or will enter it soon. 

Don’t panic. Here’s what to do if you’re seeing a lockout message on your Interlock Device — and why Smart Start gives you a grace period on your lockouts.

What is an Interlock Device Lockout?

When your IID goes into lockout mode, you will be unable to start the vehicle and must have it towed to a Smart Start service center. Lockouts happen for one of two reasons:

• Service lockouts happen when your IID hasn’t been calibrated recently. All IIDs need to be regularly calibrated by Smart Start to ensure they’re providing accurate readings and to send their data to your DUI program. How often you’re required to get your IID calibrated depends on your state and your program requirements, but 30 to 60 days is common. To avoid a service lockout, be sure to check your appointment date by pressing the # key and then 1 on your device’s keypad.

• Violation lockouts happen when you have exceeded your allowed number of IID violations. The number of allowed violations can vary by your state and program requirements. The most common violations are providing a breath sample above the set BrAC limit or failing to complete a rolling retest. 

Whatever the reason for your lockout, the cost of unlocking an IID will always be at the program participant’s expense. This is part of why it’s so important to keep up with your calibration schedule, avoid violations, and respond immediately if your device tells you that you are in a lockout grace period. (We’ll talk more about grace periods in just a minute.)

If your IID has entered lockout mode, you may be able to request an unlock code from Smart Start. This unlock code is temporary, and you must take your vehicle to a Smart Start service center within the designated time frame or your IID will enter lockout mode again. Due to differences in state laws, temporary unlock codes are not available in some states. 

Request a Smart Start unlock code here.

Example of a Service Lockout countdown on a Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device. In this case, the vehicle with the IID must be taken to a Smart Start service center within the next 71 hours, or the device will enter lockout mode.

Types of Interlock Device Lockouts

If your Smart Start IID enters lockout mode or is about to enter lockout mode, you’ll see one of the following messages. The exact message depends on what caused the lockout and whether you have a grace period remaining:

• Service Lock Grace Period
  • Message: “SLOCK@2d” or “SvcLock48hr”
  • You need to have your IID calibrated at a Smart Start service center. If you see one of these messages, you are in a grace period countdown before lockout and need to take your IID in for calibration within the specified time frame at a Smart Start service center near you. 
• Violation Lock Grace Period
  • Message: “VLOCK@2d” or “ViolLock48hr”
  • You have accumulated too many violation points and are now in your violation grace period before lockout. You need to take your vehicle to a Smart Start service center within the specified time frame.
• Service Lockout
  • Message: “LOCKOUT SRVC”
  • Your IID is in lockout mode due to missed calibrations and you will not be able to start your vehicle until you take it to a Smart Start service center. You may be able to get a one-time unlock code to avoid towing your vehicle. 
• Violation Lockout
  • Message: “LOCKOUT VIOL”
  • Your IID is in lockout mode due to violation points and you will not be able to start your vehicle until you take it to a Smart Start service center. You may be able to get a one-time unlock code to avoid towing your vehicle.

The Benefits of an Ignition Interlock Grace Period

One of the many aspects that makes Smart Start’s device the best Ignition Interlock for many drivers’ needs is its lockout grace period. Smart Start’s grace period allows you to drive to a service center within a specified amount of time, so you can get your issue resolved in the event of an Ignition Interlock Device lockout rather than going through the hassle of getting your car towed. With some providers, getting your car towed and leaving you stranded is the only outcome of a lockout!

Some Interlock companies don’t provide convenient service during lockout modes. With Smart Start, we give our clients a grace period before the device even enters lockout mode, and you’ll be able to contact our customer care team 24/7/365 to help you get back on the road. Please note that not all jurisdictions have grace periods in place. If you have specific questions about your service requirements, contact your local jurisdiction or court for more information.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start will get you back on the road right away with an affordable Interlock program and a discreet, user-friendly Ignition Interlock Device. Get in touch with our expert Program Advisors and schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.