More and more states are requiring all DUI offenders to get ignition interlock devices installed as part of the administrative consequences of a DUI. All 50 states and Washington DC have interlock device laws on the books. And states keep updating these laws as they see how successful ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are in preventing drunk driving. If you need to get an interlock device installed, you may be wondering, just what does an interlock device record?
A lot. But first, we need to explain a little about how an interlock device works.
How an Interlock Device Works
In a nutshell, an interlock device is an in-car breathalyzer that controls whether or not you can start your car. The IID is hooked into your vehicle’s starting system. Each time you want to start your car, you must blow into the device. The results of this startup test are analyzed by the IID. If your breath sample shows a blood alcohol content (BAC) of below .02, you can start your car. If the device detects that your BAC is .02 or higher, the device locks you out. Once you submit a clean breath sample, you will be able to start your car.
Once you are out on the road, the ignition interlock device will alert you to take randomly timed rolling retests. This is to ensure that you didn’t start drinking once the car initially started. If you fail a rolling retest, the device WILL NOT STOP YOUR CAR. It would be a safety issue if your car suddenly stopped in traffic. However, depending on your state, if you fail or skip a rolling retest, your horn may start honking and your lights may start flashing.
What the Interlock Device Records
Ok, so now that you know the basics of how the device works, we can get into what it records. All ignition interlock devices must report a minimum of information, as laid out in the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) Model Specifications for Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices. Your state may require the device to record more, including:
- Date and time you took a startup test
- The location where you took a startup test if the device is GPS equipped
- Whether you passed or failed the startup test
- Date and time you took a rolling retest
- Location of rolling retest if the device is GPS equipped
- The distance you travel
- If you skipped a rolling retest
- Whether you passed or failed the rolling retest
- If you attempted to keep driving after failing a rolling retest
- Your picture each time you take a test if the device is camera-equipped
- If you tried to get someone else to take the test for you
- If you attempted to tamper with the device
- If you tried to remove the device
- If you failed to go to a scheduled service visit
- And more
What Happens with the Data the Interlock Device Records
And of course, all of the data that the interlock device records is transmitted to your monitoring agency, which may be the DMV, a program caseworker, your parole officer, the courts, etc. If you voluntarily installed the ignition interlock device, the service technician will make the data available to you, but no outside agency.
Based on your state’s interlock device program rules and regulations, a certain number of test failures over a specified amount of time may result in the extension in the amount of time you have to have the device installed in your vehicle. You may also lose your restricted driving privileges and be required to serve out your full license suspension.
You may also face legal consequences, such as revocation of your parole if you were involved in another DUI. For full details of your state’s program, refer to the paperwork you were given, as well as the state website for your monitoring agency where they explain the program. You can also consult with your DUI lawyer.
Full compliance with your restricted driving program will allow you to regain your full driving privileges sooner. It’s up to you.
Schedule Interlock Device Installation
ALCOLOCK has ignition interlock device installation locations all across the country. To schedule your interlock device installation, simply call the service location most convenient to you. Or you can call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300. Be prepared with the restricted driving program paperwork you got from the state. Once we confirm your eligibility for your state’s ignition interlock program, we can generally get your installation scheduled within two days of your call.