| Ignition interlock devices, or IIDs, are installed in a vehicle | | | | At 30, 60, or 90 day intervals, the device is calibrated |
| when a motorist has been convicted of a DUI related | | | | and results are downloaded and printed for review by |
| offense. This device resembles the breathalyzer that | | | | a probation officer. IIDs record every instance when a |
| law enforcement officials administer if they suspect a | | | | driver blows into the device, whether they pass or fail. |
| driver of intoxication. The purpose of an IID is to ensure | | | | Spread of IIDs |
| that motorists are not driving while intoxicated. | | | | Since their creation, ignition interlock programs have |
| How IIDs Function | | | | become a popular sentencing for persons convicted |
| Upon entering a car, IIDs require a driver to exhale into | | | | of a DUI related offense. All 50 states allow the |
| a tube that checks for alcohol content. The ignition will | | | | installation of IIDs, and they are beginning to spread |
| not start the engine if the driver a) does not provide a | | | | internationally, as well. Countries like Japan, Canada, |
| sample of his/her breath, or b) if the sample provided | | | | and Sweden are investigated its effectiveness, and |
| contains a level of alcohol that exceeds the allowable | | | | are considering adopting a program similar to the US's |
| amount programmed into the IID (typically.02 or.04). | | | | for rehabilitating repeat drunk drivers. |
| Once the driver passes the initial test and the vehicle | | | | Criticism |
| turns on, the IID requires random breath samples while | | | | While there is not much debate about their |
| en route. This feature discourages intoxicated drivers | | | | effectiveness, there are some critics of IIDs who |
| from having a friend blow into the IID, enabling them to | | | | argue that installing IIDs is a violation of privacy. |
| drive away while drunk. If a driver fails to provide an | | | | Additionally, they claim that they are not as effective |
| acceptable breath sample, the IID records the instance | | | | for rehabilitating one-time offenders with a high BAC. |
| and activates an alarm system that involves the horn | | | | There has only been on case in which a driver claimed |
| and lights, consequently, encouraging the driver to pull | | | | that an IID caused him to pass out while blowing, |
| over. | | | | resulting in an accident. |
| Once the car is turned on, the IID cannot turn it off | | | | For more information on ignition interlock devices and |
| because of a bad sample-spontaneous stall outs are a | | | | DUI related offenses, contact the Rhode Island drunk |
| hazard to motorists, and could make the manufacturer | | | | driving lawyer James Powderly. |
| liable for a number of potential accidents. | | | | |