Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions about
Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs).
| 1.
Can someone use a balloon or other air source
to mimic human breath? |
| No. All Smart Start devices have anti-circumvention techniques, which cause the Ignition Interlock Device to abort phony breath samples. |
| 2.
Can a person with an Ignition Interlock Device restriction
have someone else take the breath test for the driver
to start the vehicle? |
| Not legally. California
Vehicle Code 23247 makes it unlawful for another person to blow into an Ignition Interlock device or to start a motor vehicle to a person whose driving privilege is restricted. If the car was started illegally, the person who started it or another sober individual would have to ride in the vehicle because the unit will randomly ask for a “rolling retest.” If a test is not taken or if the test is failed, the unit will log a violation. California law imposes fines and/or jail for individuals assisting in the circumvention of the IID. |
| 3. Will
the Ignition Interlock Device unit lose all memory if
the battery is disconnected? |
| No. The unit has a back up lithium battery to protect
the data log's memory. |
| 4.
If a driver gets stranded and thinks the Ignition Interlock
Device unit is causing the problem, is there anything
he/she can do? |
| Some units can self-diagnose problems and the driver
will be able to confirm if the unit is having problems
by the condition of the service light. The driver can
also call a service provider to help determine if the
unit requires service. |
| 5.
Can a participant leave his/her car running outside of
a bar, while drinking inside, and then drive away? |
| The unit will randomly ask for breath tests while the engine is running. If a sample is not given when requested, the device logs a violation and with some devices, the horn starts to honk until the vehicle is shut off. |
| 6.
What happens when the driver forgets his/her service appointment?
|
| The device will prompt the driver. For example, a device
may flash or the light may stay on and a tone will sound
if it needs service. If the IID is not serviced, all Ignition
Interlock Devices will enter a lockout condition and the
driver will not be able to operate the vehicle. Then,
the vehicle would have to be towed to the service center
or the service center technician would have to perform
remote service. |
| 7.
What if the driver is taking a medicine with an alcohol
base? |
| Alcohol is alcohol. If the driver's blood alcohol concentration,
as measured in the breath, is over the preset level, the
driver will not be allowed to start the vehicle. During
the training session, drivers are particularly cautioned
about common substances that contain alcohol and the use
of mouthwash. |
| 8.
What if the driver uses mouthwash in the morning and the
mouthwash has an alcohol base? |
| Again, alcohol is alcohol. If the driver does not allow sufficient time for the alcohol to dissipate from his/her mouth, a FAIL will be registered as a violation. |
| 9.
What happens when a driver fails the breath test? |
| The Ignition Interlock Device will enter a short lockout
period of a few minutes for the first failed breath alcohol
test and a longer lockout for any subsequent failed breath
alcohol test. This permits an opportunity for the alcohol
to dissipate from the mouth and for the driver to consider
the reason for the failed breath alcohol test. |
| 10. Can
others besides the participating driver drive the IID-equipped
vehicle? |
| Yes. However any intended driver must take and pass
a breath test in order to start the vehicle. All other
possible drivers should be trained on the operation of
the device. The person with the Ignition Interlock Device
restriction is responsible for all readings recorded by
the device. |
| 11.
What happens when the IID-equipped vehicle needs repair?
|
| The driver needs to contact the Ignition Interlock device service provider before having repairs conducted on his/her vehicle in case the repair shop has questions about the IID. Documentation from the repair shop must be provided if the power to the vehicle is interrupted. Any time the power is disconnected the lithium battery will record a violation. |
| 12.
If the Ignition Interlock Device unit malfunctions, will
it shut the vehicle off? |
| No. The IID unit has no means of interrupting vehicle
operation once it is started. |
| 13.
What happens if the vehicle stalls in traffic? |
| The Ignition Interlock Device unit permits the driver
to restart the vehicle without having to conduct another
breath sample, but a breath sample will be requested shortly
after restarting. |
| 14.
What happens if the driver is out of California and experiences
problems with his/her Ignition Interlock Device unit? |
| Most states currently have Ignition Interlock Device
programs with service centers to assist them. Drivers
are instructed to contact the primary service center to
be routed to the closest center for assistance. |
| 15.
Will installation of the Ignition Interlock Device damage
the vehicle? |
| No. The IID unit is only connected to the wiring under
the dash and under the hood. At the end of the program,
this wiring is restored to pre-IID installation conditions. |
| 16.
Will the requirements to take a “rolling retest” cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road creating a hazardous situation? |
| No. When the Ignition Interlock device signals for a retest, the driver has six (6) minutes to provide the sample or to pull over to the side of the road in a safe area to provide the breath sample. There are no buttons to push; the driver must only breathe into the unit to complete a breath sample. This is much simpler than using a cellular telephone or tuning a state-of-the-art car stereo. |
| 17.
How often does the device need a calibration check? |
| Typically, every 30 days. |
| 18.
Can the device be tampered with by computer? |
| No. Proprietary software and a special interface connection
are needed to communicate with the device. |
