Under Washington State law, RCW 46.20.720(2), it is a gross misdemeanor criminal traffic offense to operate a motor vehicle without a functioning ignition interlock device(IID) when ordered by a court or the Department of Licensing.

However, RCW 46.20.740(6) provides a legal exception to this IID requirement (the Employer Exemption) if the driver is driving an employer’s vehicle for an employer during working hours. But this Employer Exemption does not apply to a person who is self employed unless the person’s vehicle is used exclusively for the person’s employment. 2024 Wash. Laws ch.306, sec.28.

There is also a Medical Exemption to the DUI Ignition Interlock (IID) requirement if the driver obtains a determination from the Department of Licensing that he/she is unable to operate an IID due to a physical disability. RCW 46.20.720(3)(g).

Contact Lynnwood DUI attorney Paul Hanson for more information.