What Is a Breathalyzer Ignition Lock?

Driving while intoxicated is a serious misdemeanor, and in some instances is a felony offense. Persons convicted of a DWI, or in some states a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), face many obstacles to having their full driving privileges reinstated. Understanding that it is nearly impossible for some offenders to carry on their daily duties without a license, some states have allowed drivers to install breathalyzer ignition locks on their vehicles. The breathalyzer ignition lock allows the driver to use his automobile without jeopardizing public safety.

How It Works

  • The breathalyzer ignition lock is attached to your car's dash and works like a standard breathalyzer test. You blow into the breathalyzer ignition lock's tube and wait for it to analyze your blood alcohol content. Most breathalyzer ignition locks are programmed to only allow your car to start if your detected blood alcohol content is between 0.02 and 0.04 percent, below the usual legal limit of 0.08 percent. If you blow above the threshold, your car will be immobilized and the information will usually be stores in the system's archive or sent to a reporting center.

Tampering Precautions

  • Realizing the potential for tampering with breath samples, many manufacturers have implemented different systems of ensuring authentic testing with their breathalyzer ignition locks. Some of these devices require that the driver blow on it at regular intervals while the car is in motion, while others require the driver to suck-in air or hum while blowing, to prevent non-human interaction with the breathalyzer ignition lock's tube. Advanced breathalyzer ignition locks may also take a picture of the person using the device.

Court-Mandated Usage

  • The breathalyzer ignition lock is a common way of reinstating a drunk driver's driving privileges, while also ensuring the safety of the general public. Driver's that are granted this opportunity must pay for the rental and installation of the device, as well as a monitoring fee for the back-end services. The device will store any attempts at a false breathalyzer result, which are then reported to the driver's probation officer or other court representative.

Other Uses

  • Some companies or government agencies have also begun using breathalyzer ignition locks in their vehicle fleets. This is a preventative measure that not only ensures safety, but also grants peace of mind and can negate lawsuits. Agencies or companies using this service may also benefit from reduced insurance rates.