If you need to get an ignition interlock device installed as part of getting your full driving privileges back, you probably have a lot of questions. At ALCOLOCK, we have the answers. One of the more frequently asked questions is: Do interlock devices have cameras? Well, yes and no. It all depends on your state’s requirements. Sometimes even within a state, it depends on whether the courts ordered you to install the device, or it is merely an administrative program run by your DMV.
ALCOLOCK has interlock devices with and without cameras. In this way, our devices comply with all state ignition interlock laws and help you fulfill your restricted driving program. Your state DMV website should let you know if your device will need to be camera-equipped.
Why Interlock Devices Have Cameras
Ignition interlock devices have been around for a long time. ALCOLOCK has been manufacturing and installing IIDs for more than 40 years. And as you can imagine, technology has improved and evolved over that time.
With older devices, people would try and avoid blowing into the device if they had been drinking and try and get someone else to give a breath sample. Most of the time that didn’t work. Though, occasionally someone was able to start their car by circumventing the device in this way.
Today, anti-circumvention is a crucial component of interlock devices. They are calibrated to you, specifically, and may require you to hum as you blow into the device. Some interlock devices now have cameras, specifically to stop you from having someone else take the breath test for you.
How It Works
When you first get your device, the technician will have it take a baseline photo of you for reference. The device will then use this photo to compare it to future images. Each time you give a breath sample for a startup test, or a rolling retest, the camera-equipped device snaps a photo. The camera does not continually record you while you are driving, in case you were worried about that. It only operates when you are giving a breath sample.
If Someone Else Will Be Driving Your Vehicle
If you share your vehicle and someone else will be driving it while the device is installed, they will need to come to your installation appointment and have the equipment calibrated to them, as well. Everyone who drives the car will need to submit to a startup breath test and rolling retests. So they need to be on record with ALCOLOCK and your monitoring agency.
The photo taken at the beginning of each test is stored with the other information the device has recorded. Your technician then uploads all of that recorded information to your monitoring agency. Whether that agency is the court system, your probation officer, the DMV, or all of the above. You should know it is a major program violation to circumvent the device in any way, including trying to have someone else take the test for you.
If your program or state also requires real-time access to your device, your monitoring agency could send law enforcement to you if they detect someone else took the most recent test or failed a rolling retest. In general, real-time access to your device is required by court-mandated programs for repeat offenders.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), as of 2018, 21 states require interlock devices used in their countries to have cameras. More states are expected to do the same in the coming years.
Schedule Ignition Interlock Device Installation
ALCOLOCK offers quick and easy ignition interlock device installation at service locations across the country. To schedule your installation, simply call the service center most convenient to you. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300, and we can help you get scheduled.
You should plan on having someone drive you and your vehicle to the appointment, which will last about an hour. Once the technician has completed the IID installation and trained you on how to use it, you can drive according to the rules laid out in your restricted driving program.
At the installation visit, you will also schedule your first service visit — those usually take about 20 minutes and are required every 30-60 days, depending on your state. Your restricted driving documents will detail all of that, and your technician can answer most of your questions as well.
At ALCOLOCK, our goal is to help you get back on the road and help you complete your restricted driving program as quickly as possible.