How Does An Ignition Interlock System Work

The ignition interlock system is connected to a vehicles starter system. The ignition interlock system can be set anywhere from .00% BAC to slightly higher levels, but typically not above .04% BAC.

An ignition interlock system works by measuring the BAC or blood alcohol concentration also referred to as BAL or blood alcohol level of the vehicle’s driver before and during the operation of said vehicle.

If the blood alcohol concentration registered by the ignition interlock system is higher than the preprogrammed level that was set by the company that installed the ignition interlock system, the vehicle will not start. The courts in each state determine the programmed level that will be set by the company performing the installation. Typically this level will be between .02% and .04% depending on the state law.

Also at random intervals while the vehicle is in operation, the ignition interlock system will require breath samples from the vehicle operator in order for the vehicle to continue operating. If a breath sample is not provided, or the sample that is registered by the ignition interlock system exceeds the limit that has been preset by the ignition interlock provider, the unit will record the occurrence, warn the driver and then start its alarm, which will consist of the lights flashing, horn honking, etc.

When it is time for a breath sample, the ignition interlock system will let the driver know that a sample is required. The ignition interlock system will allow enough time for the driver to safely pull to the side of the road before the sample must be given.

Ignition Interlock System Pro’s & Con’s

An ignition interlock system has its proponents and opponents. Groups like MADD support the use of an ignition interlock system saying that the use of an ignition interlock system has proven to be up to 90% effective in the prevention of drunk driving.

While opponents of ignition interlock system say that test results show the devices have numerous flaws and are not effective in reducing DUI or drunk driving incidents for first-time offenders.

One major flaw of an ignition interlock system is that items such as mouthwash will cause a vehicle not to start. Imagine you’re ready to leave for work in the morning and go out to start your vehicle, but it won’t start because it registered a BAC above the preset limit. What could cause a situation like this? Mouthwashes that most people use in the morning contain alcohol.

An ignition interlock system was originally implemented to prevent those who were considered hardcore alcoholics from drinking and driving after having been convicted of a DUI. Current proposals would mandate ignition interlock systems for all offenders in every state, in essence treating the person who was barely over the legal limit the same as the individual who had a blood alcohol concentration of .16% or twice the legal limit.

The ignition interlock system keeps a record of the devices activity and the interlocked vehicles electrical system. This data will be downloaded each time the vehicle is taken in to be calibrated, which is typically set to 30, 60 or 90-day intervals.

If a violation is detected between service intervals, the vehicle must be taken to the ignition interlock service provider to be reset. When this happens a record of the violation will be sent to the offender’s probation officer. Depending on state laws a separate offense like this can be considered a violation of the terms of the offender’s probation, which can result in additional sanctions being imposed such as the offender’s probation being revoked.

Ignition Interlock System Costs

The overall cost of installation, calibration and scheduled maintenance is the responsibility of the offender. An ignition interlock device will cost around $75 per month and a couple hundred dollars to be installed. Some states have programs that will subsidize the monthly cost if the offender can prove that they do not have the financial means to pay the monthly charges.

State Ignition Interlock Laws

An ignition interlock system is mandatory for all offenders in the following states: Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Louisiana and Illinois.

An ignition interlock system is mandatory for all offenders who reinstate their license in the state of Oregon.

An ignition interlock system is mandatory for all high BAC and repeat offenders in the following states: Hawaii, Florida, Kansas, Virginia, West Virginia and New Hampshire.

An ignition interlock system is required for certain offenders in the following states: California, Idaho, Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Maryland.

A ignition interlock system is allowed, but not required in the following states: Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia.

The following states do not have ignition interlock laws: Alabama, South Dakota, Maine and Vermont.

Where Do I Get An Ignition Interlock System Installed?

Upon conviction, the court will provide you with a list of ignition interlock providers who have been approved by the state. The provider that you choose to do the installation will also be the service provider for the maintenance and calibration of the ignition interlock device.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010 at 4:55 pm and is filed under Driving Under the Influence. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.