An ignition interlock device (IID) is a small breathalyzer machine that is installed in a vehicle and measures the drivers breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) . It is a form of electronic monitoring that requires the driver to blow into a mouthpiece on the device before starting or continuing to operate the vehicle. If the resultant breath-alcohol concentration analyzed result is greater than the programmed blood alcohol concentration, the device prevents the engine from being started. The IID is located inside the vehicle, near the driver’s seat, and is directly connected to the engine’s ignition system. The device is about the size of a cell phone and wired to the vehicles ignition. It is a common requirement following a drunk driving offense (DUI, DWI, DUI, OWI, or OVI) .
Most IIDs are made of the following components:
- Handheld unit
- Mouthpiece
- Relay Cord
- Camera Unit
Every device varies, but all require users to submit a breath sample to test their BrAC. If the breath sample falls within the allowed limits, the car will start without any issues. The device also requires periodic tests during the drive to ensure that the driver remains sober. Each state has its own ignition interlock law that determines when to install the device, how long it will need to be installed, what type of device you need, what monitoring authority will oversee your IID requirement (probation officer, court, DMV, DOT, etc.) and more.
While IIDs are designed to ensure safer roads by making sure drivers are sober before starting their vehicles, there are some concerns about their reliability and potential for distracted driving accidents.
