The Workings of a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device

Increasing numbers of states are mandating the installation of a breath alcohol ignition interlock device in the vehicle of a first time DUI offender before his driving privileges may be reinstated once his driver license suspension or revocation period has expired. An ignition interlock system is simply a piece of equipment which notates a person's blood alcohol level to determine whether or not the vehicle is allowed to start.

Every state will establish its preset limits for the operation of a vehicle that has an ingnition interlock system installed. Such limits are generally established between .02% to .04% permissible blood alcohol level. If the driver's BAC registers below the designated limit, the car will start. Should the breath alcohol ignition interlock device depict a reading over the preset limit, the vehicle driver must wait thirty minutes before he is able to try to start the vehicle again.

Prior to the operator's starting their vehicle, he must breathe into the hand-held part of the ignition interlock equipment for a minimum of three seconds, which gives the device enough time to gather the necessary sample of his breath. When the operator's BAC level is less than the preset limit, the device will emit a beep and show a green light, indicating that he can start the vehicle.

Generally, once the vehicle has been in operation for ten minutes, the breath alcohol ignition interlock device will beep again to indicate that another breath sample is necessary for the vehicle to continue running. Depending upon the requirements handed down by the court, the ignition interlock system will require breath samples in intervals of from fifteen to thirty minutes while the vehicle is in operation.

These additional breath samples are to prevent a DUI offender from having an acquaintance submit a breath sample to get the car started, thus allowing him to drive off. Should the above occur, if the breath sample is not provided at the time of the second sample request, the equipment will keep beeping, the vehicle's lights will begin flashing and the horn will start sounding, all as an indication to the driver that the vehicle is subject to being immediately disabled.

While numerous individuals who have the breath alcohol ignition interlock device installed subsequent to a DUI offense view it as a nuisance, it has in fact been shown to be an effective preventative of future DUI offenses because of the embarrassment factor and the monthly expense of the equipment.

Dependent upon the state of residence, first time offenders may have to install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device in their vehicle and use it for a period of from one year or more depending upon the order of the court. Those offenders ordered to install an ignition interlock system in their vehicle for a period of one year should be prepared to spend about $1,100, which is composed of about $200 for the installation and $75 per month for the service.

In order to know the states which require a breath alcohol ignition interlock device for the first time DUI offender, it is necessary to research your states DUI laws concerning the installation of ignition interlock systems.

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