Frequently Asked Questions:About Voluntary and Mandatory Ignition Interlock Units for Cars

An ignition interlock device is a breath alcohol analyzer connected to the ignition of a car. A vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device cannot be driven unless the driver passes the unit’s breath alcohol tests.

The Determinator® is an alcohol specific ignition interlock device. A vehicle equipped with The Determinator® cannot be driven unless the driver passes breath alcohol tests via an analyzer installed in the vehicle. Ignition interlock devices are increasingly effective in reducing drunk driving accidents and deaths. They have also been shown to dramatically reduce the number of those convicted of drunk driving who, nevertheless, continue driving.

• When the key is turned on, a voice prompts the driver to prepare to give a breath sample.
• The driver has over 60 seconds to provide a deep lung breath sample. This will provide the unit with a sample of alveolar air from the bottom of the lungs.
• Testing the sample takes 8-10 seconds.
• After test completion, a voice either prompts the driver to start the car or lets him/her know it will not start.
• To discourage someone else from providing the original breath sample (a violation of the law when an ignition interlock system is mandated by the court), The Determinator® will ask for random rolling retests

Historically, most legal deterrents to drunk driving have not worked. Years of experience with license suspensions, mandatory jail terms and mandated alcohol treatment has shown that such deterrents do not work effectively. Studies reveal that up to 75% of those with suspended licenses drive anyway.

Several states have initiated court mandated ignition interlock programs. In Hamilton County, Ohio, judges had the option of offering the interlock devices to first time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of .20% or higher at time of arrest, to repeat offenders with at least two convictions in a ten year period, and to offenders who refused a breath alcohol test at time of arrest. Of those who were offered the interlock option had the choice of participating in the ignition interlock program or serving a more traditional license suspension time or other alternative.

In a study of the Hamilton County, Ohio interlock program (Morse and Elliot, 1992) conducted over a 30 month trial period showed that repeat arrests for those who chose license suspension instead of the interlock program were three times greater than repeat arrests of those participating in the interlock program. During the 30 months, 4 of 273 (0.9%) interlock program participants were arrested for driving a car not equipped with an interlock device while 41 of 182 (9% of total) license suspension offenders were arrested.

In the Ohio study, far fewer interlock program participants were likely to violate the terms of the court mandate. Additionally, judges were more likely to offer the interlock program option to those at high risk for repeat offenses, such as those with drug or alcohol arrest histories than to first time offenders. The ignition interlock program participants were more likely to be chronic drunk drivers than first time offenders.

A Maryland study (TranSafety, Inc., 1997) of 1,380 repeat offenders eligible for license reinstatement were randomly assigned to a continuing treatment group or a treatment plus ignition interlock device group. Those in the interlock group were allowed to drive interlock-equipped cars only. A year later, only 2.4% of the interlock group were rearrested in a alcohol-related driving violation while the rate for the treatment only group was 6.7%. Participating in the interlock program reduced the risk of a repeat drunk driving offense within the first year by approximately 65%.

An evaluation of a Canadian ignition interlock program ( Weinrath, 1997 ) reports the following results:

During period of study:

Participants

Non-participants

Rearrested in an alcohol-related driving violation.

10%

25%

Arrested for speeding, reckless driving, etc.

2.4%

13.7%

Involved in new accidents involving injury.

1%

7%

Chronic drunk drivers (3 or more prior convictions) rearrested.

11%

28%

High risk driving arrests (speeding, reckless driving, etc.)

2.4%

10.8%

Involved in a new accident involving injury.

1.2%

4.6%

Rearrested in first 6 mos.

1%

7%

Rearrested in first 12 mos.

5%

13%

Rearrested in first 18 mos.

7%

16%

Rearrested in first 24 mos.

9%

19%

Rearrested during 15 mos. after removal of ignition interlock

8%

13%

These impressive interlock program effects held even when factors such as age, criminal record, general driving and collision histories are considered.

It is apparent that a mandatory ignition interlock device program can have a large impact on the safety of our streets. It is also apparent that such programs can significantly reduce expense to taxpayers since far fewer police, court and incarceration hours, as well as uninsured injury victims are involved. Additionally, ignition interlock program participants pay all expenses involved in the program themselves, resulting in even greater savings to the taxpayer

Yes. Convicted drunk drivers can continue to work and run less risk of costly repeated convictions. Since the convicted drunk driver pays for their own unit, the taxpayers also save money in lowered penalty costs. Taxpayers also save money with lowered costs for care of uninsured injured persons.

Anyone who drives. Not only is The Determinator® for those who are likely to drive drunk, it is a powerful tool for parents and other community members who rarely or never drink alcohol but who wish to provide a strong model for children.

A random rolling test is a test requested by The Determinator® device within a few minutes after the car has been driven for a set period of time.

No, under penalty of law

To discourage someone else from providing the original sample (a violation of the law when an ignition interlock system is mandated by the court), rolling random retests are taken.

Yes, the tolerance level may be changed by an authorized ADS center if the unit is not mandated by the administering court or according to state requirements.

No.

Where the law provides, those convicted of drunk driving may continue to drive only if they equip their car with an ignition interlock device. The unit keeps track of the convicted driver’s driving and breath alcohol testing data over a period of time and provides a report to authorities.

The Determinator’s computer records all test and pertinent driving data. This is downloadable and printable. In the case of the mandatory use, this data can only be accessed by court officials. Any attempt at tampering with the unit registers in this data log. Those participating in a mandatory ignition interlock device program are required to have the report downloaded at regular intervals

• By preventing tragic consequences from unplanned overindulgence.
• By knowing you are being a strong model for your children and are sending a powerful message to other community members.
• Makes you aware of your BAC level before you drive.
• May qualify you for reduced insurance premiums.
• Functions as an alternate anti-theft device.

Insurance companies are looking at our unit now. We expect discounts will be provided in the future. Check with your individual carrier for more information.

No, but in the future, there will be models available for school buses and commercial trucks with appropriate functionality for each.

To date, there have been no reported problems with this.

To date, there have been no known problems with this.

They can, but they will have to take the required breath test to start the vehicle.

The Determinator® unit for private vehicles comes with several sanitary, washable mouthpieces.