Will a Glass of Wine Cause a Positive Ignition Interlock Result?

If you have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, it can really cause you to reflect on your drinking habits, especially before driving. In truth, you don’t have a lot of choice but to consider whether you are sober enough to drive – a positive ignition interlock device test could really make the terms of your conviction worse. That glass of wine with dinner? It could put you over the limit and take away your ability to drive. How is that worth the risk?

A glass of wine might cause  your ignition interlock device to test your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) positive if*:

• You weigh 125lbs or less.
• You have consumed 4oz of wine or more within an hour.
• The alcohol content in the wine is 15% or more.

Or

• You weigh 150lbs or less.
• You have consumed 5oz of wine or more within an hour.
• The alcohol content in the wine is 15% or more.

Any alcohol is a risk and you should always be careful when drinking; your ignition interlock device is programmed to record all of your activity – from your test results to lockouts to any indications of tampering with the device. Since alcohol can be detected, but not necessarily cause an ignition interlock device lockout, you could still be under scrutiny for your behavior. Your ignition interlock device is there to keep you and others on the road safe, and by maintaining healthy drinking habits, you are “in the clear” for driving today, and long into the future after the device is removed.

A great rule of thumb when you have an ignition interlock device installed is to not drink alcohol before driving. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options at any bar or restaurant, and you can always rely on a sober companion to make sure you get home safely.

*Data calculated from Cleveland Clinic Health Tools