FAQs

• How do I choose an Interlock Service Center?

  When choosing your service center you may want to ask questions about their installation methods and also want to know what days and hours they are open to accommodate convenient scheduling of appointments. You will be surprised to find most service centers are NOT open 7 days a week, or only open 9 to 5 forcing you to take time off work in order to service and install your interlock. With installation methods you want to avoid crimp connections or T-taps, these frequently cause intermittent connection issues and voltage drop that will cause your vehicle to not start, or erratic interlock operation!

• Shouldn’t I choose an interlock company that owns the devices and does their own installs and service?

  Would it be in the best interest of a company that owns, installs, and services their own devices at their own locations to offer quality installations, and customer service to help customers complete their interlock process, or do the minimum required and retain them as a customer?

• Can someone use a balloon or other air source to mimic human breath with the Interlock device?

  No. The device has anti-circumvention techniques, which causes the IID to abort falsified breath samples.

• Can a person with an IID restriction have someone else take the breath test for the driver to start the vehicle?

  Not legally. State Vehicle Codes make it unlawful for another person to blow into an IID or to start a motor vehicle equipped with the device for the purpose of providing an operable 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 “running retest.” If a test is not taken or failed, the unit will log a violation. In some states, the horn will honk until the vehicle is turned off. State law imposes fines and/or jail for individuals assisting in the circumvention of the IID.

• Will the IID device lose all memory if the battery is disconnected?

  No. The Interlock device has built in back system to protect the data log’s memory.

• If a driver is stranded and thinks the IID device is causing the problem, is there anything he/she can do?

  The Interlock device can self-diagnose problems. The driver will be able to confirm if the device is having problems by the condition of the service light. The driver can also call a service provider to help determine if the device requires service.

• Can a participant leave his/her car running outside of a bar while drinking inside and then drive away?

  If someone tries to do this, the device will randomly ask for breath tests while the vehicle is running. If a sample is not given when requested, the device logs a violation and in some states the horn starts to honk until the vehicle is shut off.

• What happens when the driver forgets his/her service appointment?

  The Interlock device should prompt the driver (DO NOT rely on the device, it is the customers responsibility to report as required). If the IID is not serviced, it will enter a lockout condition and the driver will not be able to operate the vehicle. If this occurs, the unit can be unplugged and taken in to a certified Interlock service center for a reset.

• 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. Drivers are specifically cautioned about common substances that contain alcohol and the use of mouthwash.

• What happens when a driver fails the breath test?

  The IID 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 gives an opportunity for the alcohol to dissipate from the mouth and for the driver to consider the reason for the failed breath alcohol test.

• 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 IID restriction is responsible for all readings recorded by the device.

• What happens when the IID-equipped vehicle needs repair?

  The driver needs to contact the IID service provider before having repairs conducted. Documentation must be provided if the power to the vehicle is interrupted as the unit will record the power being disconnected and reconnected.

• If the IID unit malfunctions, will it shut the vehicle off?

  No. The IID unit has no means of interrupting vehicle operation once it is started, it only prevents the vehicle from starting, and monitors and records operation.

• What happens if the vehicle stalls in traffic?

  The IID 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.

• Will installation of the IID damage the vehicle?

  No. The IID unit is only connected to the wiring under the dash and hood. At the end of the program, this wiring is restored to pre-IID installation conditions.

• Will the requirements to take a “running retest” cause the driver to take his/her eyes off the road, creating a hazardous situation?

  No. When the IID signals for a retest, the driver has a few minutes to provide the sample and must 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 device to complete the test.

• Can the device be tampered with by a computer?

  No. Proprietary software and a special interface connection are needed to communicate with the device.