What is an Interlock Device?

A comprehensive guide to Ignition Interlock Devices.

5 Tailgating Rules and Alcohol Laws to Remember

It’s an American tradition to tailgate before major sporting events, like NFL games, college homecomings, and even high school games in some areas. People love creatively setting up their tailgate spot with food, games like cornhole, and of course, beer.

BAC vs. BrAC: What's the Difference?

Many people may be familiar with the concept and terminology of blood alcohol content, but when it comes to differentiating BAC from Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) most people do not know the difference.

BAIID FAQs: Device Cost, Installation, Violations, & More

Many states require a BAIID following a drunk driving offense. There are many providers who can install state-approved interlock devices.

Car Breathalyzer Installation: Process, Installers, & More

If you have been mandated to install an interlock following a DUI incident, you will need to visit a state-approved interlock provider. State-approved providers meet all state criteria and also work with state monitoring authorities.

Does an Interlock Device Require a Camera?

Many states require offenders arrested for drunk driving to install an ignition interlock device if they wish to regain driving privileges. State laws around DUI, OUI, DWI, OWI vary, as each state determines their own laws and penalties around drunk driving.

How Likely Is It That You Will Go to Jail for a DUI?

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can lead to jail time. This comprehensive guide delves into various aspects of DUI convictions and the likelihood of incarceration.

Hardship License vs. Restricted License

A typical driver’s license places no limitations on the driver as far as when and where they can drive. However, hardship and restricted licenses do have specific limitations. Learn more about these types of licenses and how they are different.

How to Know If your License is Suspended

Understanding the status of your driver's license is crucial, especially in situations where you may have received a ticket, been arrested, or completed a license suspension period. Driving with a suspended license can lead to serious legal consequences, including jail time or hefty fines. Let's explore how you can easily check your driver's license status to stay informed and on the right side of the law.

Ignition Interlock Device Myths vs. Facts

Installing an ignition interlock device can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the devices and how they work. We’re here to debunk some of the most common myths and misconceptions people have around IIDs and how they work, so you can install your device with peace of mind.

Ignition Interlock Device Types & Features Required By State

Ignition interlock devices are typically mandated following a drunk driving offense (DUI, OUI, DWI, or OWI). The devices allow offenders to drive, but require them to take a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) test and pass before they can start their vehicle.

Ignition Interlock Tips for Cold Weather

Your interlock device gives you the freedom to get where you need to go safely. While interlock devices are built to withstand a lot of weather fluctuations, extreme heat and cold can cause some challenges. Luckily, we have many suggestions for things you can do to protect your device from extreme cold.

Ignition Interlock Tips: 5 Things You Should Avoid

When you need an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle, the first thing you need to do is learn how to use the device. And you also need to understand things you shouldn’t do. We've compiled a list of the top five steps to practice when you have a car breathalyzer to keep things running smoothly.

How to Handle a Car Repair with an Interlock Device

Every vehicle needs routine maintenance and the occasional repair — even those vehicles with an ignition interlock device installed. In most cases, you’ll have your ignition interlock device installed for six months or more, so it’s likely you’ll need regular maintenance like an oil change during your interlock term. It’s also possible you’ll need a different kind of repair, or a part will need replacing.

How to Use a Car Breathalyzer

An ignition interlock device is a big change. Once your device is installed, you will be unable to start your vehicle without taking and passing a breath alcohol content (BrAC) test. The way you test and operate the ignition interlock device or car breathalyzer does vary depending on which interlock provider you choose, but the testing requirements will be similar as these are mandated by the state.

Transfer Interlock Device to a New Car

Whether you’re installing for the first time in a newly purchased vehicle or switching from one vehicle to another, this blog should help you learn what to expect.

What Ignition Interlock Devices Have GPS Tracking?

Ignition interlock devices are very effective tools in preventing drunk driving. Each year, the devices stop hundreds of thousands of drivers during attempts to drive with alcohol in their system. The devices require the driver to take a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) test and pass before they can start their car. Many states use these devices as a penalty for drunk driving in an effort to make roads safer, and prevent relapse.

How to Lower BAC Fast: Myths and Tips

There are a lot of myths floating around about how you can sober up or trick a breathalyzer after a night of drinking. They might include eating a certain food, sucking on a penny, or drinking a pot of coffee. However, these myths are not actually true, and doing these things won’t miraculously sober you up.

Ignition Interlock Device Violations & Penalties

Every interlock on the market requires users to provide a breath alcohol content (BrAC) sample in order to start their vehicle. Though it varies by state, the typical allowable limit is around .02 percent.

Car Breathalyzer Costs: Installation, Monthly Fee, & More

Drunk driving is a very costly offense. There are expenses including financial penalties, increased insurance costs, lost wages, and interlock costs. We will break down the various car breathalyzer costs specifically.

What Happens During a Random Interlock Retest?

In order to ensure that the driver remains sober, ignition interlock devices are programmed to request random retests during most trips.

How Does Alcohol Affect Driving?

It’s well-known that alcohol affects your judgment the more you drink. It also impacts your fine motor skills, reaction time, and other mental abilities. This is why intoxicated people often make bad decisions they normally would never make. Often, this poor judgment can lead to driving while intoxicated despite the danger.

Best Breathalyzer for Vehicles

When choosing an ignition interlock provider, the first step is to find out what providers are approved in your state. When interlock installation is mandatory, customers must select from a list of approved providers, as the devices must be monitored by the monitoring authority.

Finding a State-Approved Interlock Provider

When an interlock device is court-mandated, you are required to install an IID from a state-approved provider. These providers work with your state’s monitoring authority to keep your data secure while sharing it with the proper channels.

Intoxalock vs. LifeSafer: How They Compare

Ignition interlock devices are used by most states to prevent drunk driving. When an individual is convicted of an alcohol-related driving offense, they must get an ignition interlock device, or IID, installed. Sometimes these devices are referred to as car breathalyzers, or breath alcohol ignition interlock devices (BAIID).

Intoxalock vs. Smart Start: Which Interlock Provider is Best?

In many states, ignition interlock devices are required or mandated by the court system for alcohol-related offenses. People convicted of driving under the influence, or DUI, are often required to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed for a specific length of time. Some drivers may even choose to get a device installed voluntarily to help maintain sobriety.

Mobile Interlock Installation FAQs

In some states, interlock providers are allowed to offer mobile installation services. This means that the installation technician will come to you at your home or workplace to install your interlock device. In some cases, you may need to visit the installation center for calibration, but other states also offer mobile calibration services.

Portable Breathalyzers: Cost, Accuracy, and More

Ignition interlock devices are often called car breathalyzers. Portable breathalyzers are similar to IIDs, but have one key difference. Portable breathalyzers are wireless, whereas interlock devices are wired directly into the car’s ignition. We will answer all your most frequently asked questions about these unique devices.

Why is the Legal Drinking Age 21 in the United States?

The United States has a minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) of 21, a standard set by the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. This decision, and its continued enforcement, is a topic of public health significance and legal consideration. Understanding the reasons behind this age threshold provides insight into its impact on society and youth health.