Why Can’t I Fool An ALCOLOCK Ignition Interlock Device?

Ignition interlock devices are becoming more well known to the average person these days, as all 50 states have ignition interlock device regulations in relation to their drunk driving laws. The majority of states now require ignition interlock devices (IIDs) for all DUI offenses, including the first offense. When you get a DUI or a DWI, your license is suspended. The IID programs are an effort by the state to prevent drunk driving during your restricted driving program.  In order to start your car, you first have to pass an alcohol breath test.

If this is your first experience with an ignition interlock device, you might be wondering why you can’t fool an ALCOLOCK ignition interlock device. After all, those comments on social media and various blogs say it’s easy to beat the system. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.

ALCOLOCK ignition interlock devices are pretty high tech pieces of equipment. Now, it’s possible that the devices years ago may have been easy to trick, but not anymore. Our ignition interlock devices use alcohol fuel cell technology to detect alcohol on your breath, and the sensor is highly accurate. And the IID system keeps a record of everything, and all of that information is provided to your monitoring authority, such as your state DMV.

Here are some of the myths, and the truth.

You Can Get a Friend to Blow Into the Ignition Interlock Device

You’re not the first person to think of this. Well, if they haven’t been drinking, this will certainly allow you to start the car. But you should know that many of today’s ignition interlock devices include a small camera, that shows who takes the breath test. And that data is recorded. Every time. Getting someone else to take your breath test is a program violation, and can result in financial penalties and adding time to your ignition interlock program.

You Can Start the Car While You’re Sober, and Then Drink and Drive

Not so fast. All states require that in addition to you taking and passing an alcohol breath test to start the car, you submit to periodic “rolling retests.” A rolling retest requires you to take another breath test at state-mandated intervals while you are driving. If you’ve been drinking and fail the test, the IID will record that test failure, and you will face program penalties. Why can’t you have someone else take the rolling retest? See the first myth.

You Can Use a Device to Blow Air Into the Ignition Interlock Device

What? You mean like a balloon or compressed air? Good try. Today’s ignition interlock devices want to make sure you’re human, so they require you to inhale, or hum, or something like that. And if there’s a camera on your IID, you’ll be recorded trying to fool the device. Whoops.

You Can Hide the Alcohol on Your Breath to Fool the Ignition Interlock Device

Sucking on a penny, using breath mints, smoking a cigarette — yeah, none of that works. The ignition interlock device can still detect alcohol on your breath if you’ve been drinking. And gargling with mouthwash may take the smell of alcohol off your breath, but won’t fool the ignition interlock device. And since some mouthwash has alcohol in it, you could fail the test even if you haven’t been drinking.

You Can Disconnect the Ignition Interlock Device

Oh no you didn’t just think that. Tampering with the ALCOLOCK ignition interlock device or trying to disconnect it is a MAJOR program violation, and can damage the device, which also leaves you responsible for repairing or replacing it if you damaged it.

How to Pass an ALCOLOCK Ignition Interlock Device Breath Test

The one foolproof way is to drive sober. Don’t drink alcohol within 24 hours of blowing into the device. That’s the best way to ensure you will pass the breath test. If you’re even thinking about getting behind the wheel after drinking, or drinking and driving, please don’t. Violating the terms of your ignition interlock device program can have serious consequences for you and your family. If you’ve been drinking, let someone else drive.

We’re With You on the Way Back

Our goal at ALCOLOCK is to help you succeed. We want to help you reach your goal of getting your full driving privileges back. Getting an ALCOLOCK ignition interlock device installed in your car is a first step towards that goal. Installation is quick and easy, and monthly maintenance visits are a snap. Call us today at 866-700-9300 with questions, or use our contact form to set up an installation appointment.

Skip to toolbar