HELP! Car Breathalyzer Lockout!

For anyone who has a court-ordered ignition interlock device (IID) installed on a vehicle, there is always the possibility of a car breathalyzer lockout. The most important thing to remember if your IID has disabled your vehicle, is not to panic. There can be several factors that add into the reasons why a car breathalyzer lockout can happen, and if it does, understanding those reasons can alleviate the stress and worry of a potentially disabled vehicle.

An ignition interlock device requires a DUI/DWI offender test his or her breath prior to operating the vehicle. If alcohol is detected, then the IID will disable the ignition, but, it will also allow a series of re-tests in case of “false positive” results or even a malfunction of the equipment.  During a “rolling re-test,” if alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not be disabled while in motion, but, it will begin to sound the horn and flash the lights, prompting the driver to pull over and re-test his or her breath. In either of these car breathalyzer lockout situations, the driver is able to “prove” his or her sobriety in order to operate the vehicle normally. If the driver has been consuming alcohol, the car breathalyzer lockout is a signal for him or her to exit the vehicle and sober up.

Ignition interlock devices are becoming more standard consequences for anyone who has been convicted of a drunk driving offense. An IID is installed on the vehicle of an offender in order to eliminate the possibility of further drunk driving incidents, and studies show the effectiveness of these devices continues to keep the streets safe. Ignition interlock devices continue to provide reassurance to other drivers on the road, ensuring the safety of any passengers, pedestrians and even the drivers themselves.