How Long Does a Calibration Take to Set on an Ignition Interlock Device?

As we discussed previously, a calibration on your ignition interlock device is when the technician checks the device for accuracy, and performs a calibration to ensure everything is working as it should, and precisely as it should. These calibrations are required by law in every state. How often the calibration is required may vary by state or your specific circumstances. In general. The ignition interlock device (IID) technician will perform a calibration every 30 days at your scheduled service visit.

So just how long does a calibration take to set on an ignition interlock device? With ALCOLOCK, only minutes. Some IIDs must be sent back to the manufacturer for calibration, so the technician removes one device and replaces it with another. With ALCOLOCK ignition interlock devices, the calibration is performed remotely. This means the technician calibrates your device on a remote calibration machine.

In addition to following the ignition interlock program rules regarding submitting breath samples on startup and for rolling retests, staying on top of your calibration and service appointments is very important. Every state requires periodic calibrations to ensure your IID is operating properly and precisely. How often you must get the device calibrated depends on what state you live in, and your specific circumstances. Not only do regular calibrations keep your device in working order, but coming in for your visits as scheduled helps keep you in compliance with your ignition interlock program rules.

If you find that you have a scheduling conflict for the day of your service visit, call the service location to reschedule. You must bring your vehicle in within five to seven days of your initially scheduled appointment, or the device will go into lockout mode.

Calibration Is Only Part of Your Service Visit

It is also important to remember that the device calibration is only part of each service visit. Your ignition interlock device records a lot of information, and part of the service visit involves the technician downloading the recorded information, and transmitting it securely to your monitoring agency — that could be your DMV, Secretary of State, the courts, probation officer, or any number of other agencies.

Some states receive that information remotely, or wirelessly, on a daily basis. New York State, for example, requires IID vendors to provide monitors 24/7 internet access to operator data for certain drivers.In situations like these, your device may have a longer calibration stability period. Read your paperwork carefully, and be sure to ask your service technician any questions you may have. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at 866-700-9300. Or, for general troubleshooting questions, you may want to visit our Support page before calling.

What Your Ignition Interlock Device Records

All ignition interlock devices are not created equal. Some record more data than others. Each state has different requirements, but they all require that the ignition interlock device vendor transmit the recorded data to your monitoring agency as specified by state law, and your individual circumstances.

But do you know everything your ignition interlock device records? It can record:

  • Your photo each time you take a breath test if your IID is equipped with a camera
  • The time and date you take each start up test and rolling retest
  • Your location if it is GPS equipped
  • The precise level of alcohol on your breath
  • Whether you passed or failed each test (A BAC of .02 or more generally means you failed the test.)
  • If you tried to start the car without taking the startup breath test
  • If you skipped a rolling retest
  • If you continued to drive after failing a rolling retest
  • If you tried to tamper with the device
  • If you tried to have someone else take the breath test for you
  • If you went to or skipped your service visits
  • And more

Ignition interlock devices are designed, of course, to keep you from driving drunk. Complying with the rules of the program, and not attempting to drive when you’ve been drinking will result in you completing your restricted driving program as quickly as possible.

Attempting to drink and drive, tamper with the device, or skipping service visits are all violations of the ignition interlock program, and can result in needing to keep the device installed for a longer time, or being kicked out of the program if you have repeated violations. Getting kicked out of the program means the state will reinstate your full license suspension period.

Schedule Ignition Interlock Device Installation

ALCOLOCK has ignition interlock device installation and service locations all around the country. Call one of our service providers directly, or call us at 866-730-9300. You can also use our contact form.

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