KLS Keeping Law Simple Legislation in plain English

Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

Back to California

AB-71 • 2026

Ignition interlock devices.

Ignition interlock devices.

Crime Education
Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor
Lackey
Last action
2026-02-02
Official status
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about the impact on local agencies and school districts beyond stating no reimbursement is required.

Ignition Interlock Devices

AB-71 extends the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs) in vehicles until January 1, 2033 and requires reporting on their effectiveness.

What This Bill Does

  • Extends rules about ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for people who drive drunk until January 1, 2033.
  • Requires courts to order drivers convicted of driving under the influence to install IIDs in their cars if they are not first-time offenders.
  • Allows drivers with IIDs to get a restricted license without waiting out a suspension period.

Who It Names or Affects

  • People who drive drunk and may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device in their car.
  • Courts that will order the installation of IIDs.
  • The Department of Motor Vehicles which reports on IID programs.

Terms To Know

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
A device installed in a car that prevents it from starting if the driver has been drinking alcohol.
Restricted Driver’s License
A license given to drivers who have had their regular license suspended but can drive under certain conditions, like with an IID.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what happens after January 1, 2033.
  • It is unclear how the extension will affect local programs and costs.
  • Reporting requirements end in 7/1/2035, so future effectiveness data may be limited.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2026-01-31 California Legislative Information

    Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. 2025-05-23 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Held under submission.

  4. 2025-04-09 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

  5. 2025-03-06 California Legislative Information

    Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  6. 2025-03-05 California Legislative Information

    Read second time and amended.

  7. 2025-03-04 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (March 4).

  8. 2025-02-18 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on PUB. S.

  9. 2025-01-06 California Legislative Information

    Read first time.

  10. 2024-12-12 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee January 11.

  11. 2024-12-11 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 71, as amended, Lackey.
Ignition interlock devices.
Existing law, commencing January 1, 2019, made various changes to the law governing ignition interlock devices (IID), including, among other things, requiring a person who has been convicted of driving a motor vehicle under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, as specified, to install for a specified period of time as ordered by the court, an IID on the vehicle they operate, provided however that installation of an IID is discretionary for a first offender, as specified; authorizing a person convicted of driving a motor vehicle under the influence, if all other requirements are satisfied, including the installation of an IID, to apply for a restricted driver’s license without completing a period of license suspension or revocation; and requiring ignition interlock device manufacturers to be in compliance with specified provisions relating to payment for the costs of an ignition
interlock device. Existing law makes these changes operative until January 1, 2026. On January 1, 2026, existing law, as it relates to these provisions, is generally reinstated to read as it read prior to January 1, 2019. Existing law makes it a crime to violate certain provisions relating to IIDs and motor vehicles equipped with IIDs.
This bill would extend the operation of these provisions until January 1, 2033, and would instead reinstate the law to how it read prior to
the
January 1, 2019, on January 1, 2033. By extending the application of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.
Existing law requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to report specified data to the Transportation Agency regarding the implementation and efficacy of
the statewide ignition interlock device program described above and requires the agency to report the outcomes of the program to the Legislature no later than January 1, 2025.
This bill would similarly require the department to provide updated data regarding the continued implementation and efficacy of the program to the agency and require the agency to report updated program outcomes to the Legislature by no later than July 1, 2031. The bill would repeal these provisions on July 1, 2035.
The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
This bill would provide that no
reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF