Can You Drink at All with an Interlock Device?
The short answer is no. An ignition interlock device (IID) is designed to prevent you from driving if you've consumed any alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol can trigger the device and prevent your vehicle from starting. This is because the IID measures your blood alcohol content (BAC) through a breathalyzer test before allowing you to start your car.
Let's break down the specifics surrounding alcohol consumption and interlock devices:
What is an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
An IID is a breathalyzer-like device installed in your vehicle as a condition of your driver's license reinstatement after a DUI or other alcohol-related driving offense. It requires you to provide a breath sample before starting your car. If your BAC is above the pre-set limit (usually 0.00% or a very low threshold), the vehicle won't start. The device also typically requires random breath tests while the vehicle is running. These random tests ensure continued sobriety throughout the driving period. Failing these tests can result in serious consequences, including further license suspension or even jail time.
What Happens if I Drink and Try to Start My Car?
If you attempt to start your car with any detectable alcohol in your system, the IID will prevent the vehicle from starting. This isn't a matter of a slight overage; the device is highly sensitive and designed to detect even trace amounts of alcohol. You'll be prevented from driving until the test shows a BAC below the allowed threshold. The device will also record the failed attempt, and this information is transmitted regularly to the monitoring authority.
Can I Have a Small Amount of Alcohol?
Absolutely not. The device is extremely sensitive and is not designed to tolerate any alcohol consumption. Even a seemingly negligible amount, such as a single sip of alcohol or exposure to alcohol fumes, can cause a failed test. Remember, the consequences of a failed test are severe and could lead to extended license suspension or other legal penalties.
What About Mouthwash or Other Products Containing Alcohol?
Many over-the-counter products, such as mouthwash, cough syrup, and even some hand sanitizers, contain alcohol. Using any of these products before attempting to start your car with an IID is strongly discouraged and could lead to a failed test and the subsequent consequences. Always check the labels of any products you use to ensure they are alcohol-free.
How Does the Interlock Device Work?
The IID measures your BAC using a fuel-cell sensor. This sensor is highly sensitive and accurately detects the presence of alcohol in your breath. The results are transmitted to a monitoring service that tracks your compliance. Regular reports are generated, indicating the date and time of each test, the BAC level, and whether the test was passed or failed. These reports are used to monitor your adherence to the court-mandated conditions.
The message is clear: Complete abstinence from alcohol is essential while you're using an IID. There's simply no room for error, and the potential consequences are too severe to risk.
