Common questions about breath alcohol ignition interlock devices
The Breath Alcohol Ignition Device was first invented in the early 1970′s. The devices were introduced into the DUI offender marketplace in the mid-1980′s. Since that time over 35 states have created legislation providing for the use of interlocks in the fight against drunk driving.
An ignition interlock is a breath alcohol detector connected to the ignition system of a motor vehicle. The vehicle operator must take and pass a breath test at which time the interlock will allow the vehicle to be started. The interlock contains a data logging feature that records all breath tests, instances where the vehicle was started and a number of other items.
Following are answers to the most common questions asked about ignition interlock devices.
Can someone use a balloon or other air source to mimic human breath?
No. Currently available devices have anti-circumvention techniques, such as hum tone monitoring, which cause the interlock to abort bogus breath samples.
Can someone else take the test for the driver to start the vehicle (i.e. “curb service”)?
Yes. However that person or another sober individual must ride in the vehicle because the unit will randomly ask for a “running retest”. If a test is not taken or the test is failed, the unit will log a violation and the alarm horn will honk until the vehicle is turned off. Further, most states have laws allowing for fines and/or jail for individuals assisting in the circumvention of interlock.
Will the unit lose all memory if the battery is disconnected?
No. The unit has a back up lithium battery to protect the log data in memory.
If a participant gets stranded and he/she thinks it is the unit causing a problem, is there anything they can do?
The unit can self diagnose problems and the participant will be able to confirm if the unit is having problems by the condition of the service light.
Can a vehicle be “HOT WIRED” to start without a breath test?
Yes. However the unit will detect that the vehicle has been started without a valid breath test and require a breath sample. If a passing breath test is not given, the alarm horn will start honking and a START Violation will be logged into the memory and the interlock will activate early service recall.
Can a participant leave his car running outside of a bar, drink inside and then drive away?
No. The unit will randomly ask for breath test while the vehicle is running. If a sample is not given when requested, the device logs a violation and the alarm horn starts to honk until the vehicle is shut off.
What happens when the participant forgets his/her service appointment?
Several days prior to a service appointment, the service light on the unit starts flashing as a reminder of an upcoming appointment. Also, for several days following the scheduled date, the service light will remain steady and a tone will sound as an overdue indication. If the participant fails to return to the service center within this time frame, the interlock device will enter a lock out condition to prevent further operation of the vehicle. Then, the vehicle would have to be towed to the service center or the center personnel would have to preform remote service.
What if the participant is taking a medicine with an alcohol base?
Alcohol is alcohol. If the participant’s BAC is over the preset level, the participant will not be allowed to start the vehicle.
What if the participant uses mouthwash in the morning and the mouthwash has an alcohol base?
Again, alcohol is alcohol. If the participant does not allow sufficient time for the alcohol to dissipate from his/her breath, FAIL will be registered in the memory. During the training session a caution is emphasized to all participants about the use of mouthwash or common substances that contain alcohol.
What happens if a participant fails the breath test?
The interlock will enter a short lock out period of a few minutes for the first failed BAC test and a longer lockout for any subsequent failed BAC test. This permits an opportunity for the alcohol to dissipate from the mouth and for the participant to consider the reason for the failed BAC test.
Can others besides the participant drive the interlock equipped vehicle?
Yes. However and intended driver must take and pass a breath test in order to start the vehicle. All other drivers within the family unit will be trained on the operation of the device.
What happens when the interlock equipped vehicle needs repair?
Participants are informed that they need to contact the service center prior to having service conducted on their vehicle in the even that the repair shop has questions about the interlock. Documentation must be provided if the power to the vehicle is interrupted as the unit will record the power disconnect and the reconnect.
If the unit would malfunction, will it shut the vehicle off?
No. The unit has no means of interrupting operation of the vehicle once it is started.
What happens if the vehicle would stall in traffic?
The interlock unit has a stall protect grace period which permits the participant to restart the vehicle without having to conduct another breath sample.
What happens if the participant is out of state and experiences problems with his/her unit?
Most states currently have interlock programs in which services centers can assist them. Participants are instructed to contact the primary service center to be routed to the closest center for assistance.
Will installation of the interlock damage the vehicle?
The interlock unit is only connected to the wiring of the vehicle under the dash and under the hood. At the end of the program, this wiring is restored to safe conditions.
Will the requirements to take a “running test” cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road creating a hazardous situation?
No. When the interlock device signals for a retest, the participant has a few more minutes to provide the sample or to pull over to the side of the road in a safe area to provide the breath sample. There are no buttons to push; the participant must only breathe into the unit to complete a breath sample. This is much safer than using a cellular phone or tuning the car stereo.
How often does the device need calibration checks?
Typically, every 60 days.
Can the device be affected by RF signals?
No. RF will not interfere with the operation of the device.
Can the device be tampered with by computer?
No. Proprietary software and a special interface connection is needed to communicate with the device.
