Ignition Interlock Guidelines and Technology

One of the main concerns about ignition interlock devices is whether they will harm the vehicle. In fact, the devices cause no harm, damage, or lasting effect to the vehicle when properly installed. It is important that users understand ignition interlock technology and guidelines to assure a pleasant and easy experience while using the device. The aim of service providers is to make sure you have the best ignition interlock experience possible.

Ignition interlock providers may use alcohol specific fuel cell technology. Fuel cells create electricity from fuel rather than batteries. This means that as long as you have the gas in your vehicle to drive it, your ignition interlock device should work properly. You won’t have to go to your service provider to get the battery replaced and the court system and anyone else involved in your case won’t have to worry about losing data due to a dead battery.

This alcohol specific fuel cell technology also makes sure you don’t get a false test result when you supply your breath sample.This technology ensures that you will get neither false positives nor false negatives, accurately reflecting any program violations. All states have standards regarding ignition interlock device violations and they include jail time, fines, and extended time using the device. Alcohol specific fuel cell technology guards against false data so that the driver doesn’t end up wrongly penalized.

Today’s ignition interlock technology and guidelines mandate that the devices record all activity, including number of vehicle starts, number of failed breath tests, attempts to circumvent the device, and vehicle run times. This data is then downloaded during the mandatory service appointments. The downloaded information is passed from the service provider to the department responsible in your jurisdiction. In some cases, the information goes directly to the courts and in other cases, the data goes to the local department of motor vehicles or a probation officer.

Many ignition interlock programs require the device to be serviced every thirty or sixty days. It is usually left to the service providers to provide the servicing schedule unless state law specifically addresses the issue. Not keeping service appointments is considered a program violation and encourages the same kinds of repercussions as other violations. Interlocks do their part to protect the user from accruing this type of violation by reminding the driver of service appointments through the device itself.

While using an ignition interlock device may not be an ideal situation, the technology and guidelines in place these days make it simple. Just listen to or read your device regularly and you will never miss a service appointment. Alcohol specific fuel cells make sure that you never test positive when you haven’t been drinking. As long as you follow the program, you are in good hands with the ignition interlock technology in place today.