Participant FAQ's

The Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock 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 40 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.

Q: Can someone use a balloon or other air source to mimic human breath?
A: No, currently available devices have anti-circumvention techniques, such as hum tone monitoring, which cause the interlock to abort bogus breath samples.


Q: Can someone else take the test for the driver to start the vehicle (i.e. "curb service")?
A: 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.


Q: Will the requirements to take a "running retest" cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road creating a hazardous situation?
A: No, when the interlock device signals for a retest, the participant has a few minutes to take the test allowing them 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.


Q: Can a participant leave his car running outside of a bar, drink inside and then drive away?
A: No, the unit will randomly ask for breath tests 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.


Q: What happens when the participant forgets his/her routine service appointment?
A: Several days prior to 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 perform remote service.


Q: What if the participant is taking a medicine with an alcohol base?
A: Alcohol is alcohol. If the participant's BAC is over the preset level, the participant will not be allowed to start the vehicle.


Q: What if the participant uses mouthwash in the morning and the mouthwash has an alcohol base?
A: Again, alcohol is alcohol. If the participant does not allow sufficient time for the alcohol to dissipate from his/her mouth, normally a few minutes, FAIL will be registered in the memory. During the training session a caution is emphasized to all participants about the use of mouthwash or other common substances that contain alcohol.


Q: What happens when a participant fails the breath test?
A: 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.


Q: Can others besides the participant drive the interlock-equipped vehicle?
A: Yes, however any intended driver must take and pass a breath test in order to start the vehicle. All other drivers within the family unit should be trained on the operation of the device.