| An alcohol ignition interlock device (IID) is a small | | | | a BAC above.08 but less than.1, in addition to other |
| machine about the size of the palm of your hand and | | | | penalties. |
| is installed into the ignition of a vehicle. In order to start | | | | How does an ignition interlock device work? |
| the vehicle, a driver must blow into the device, which | | | | Modern devices use fuel cell sensors to measure |
| then calculates the amount of alcohol on the person's | | | | alcohol levels. This technology is not as accurate as |
| breath. If the level of alcohol on a person's breath is | | | | the infrared sensors used in breathalyzers; however, |
| above a predetermined BAC level, the device will not | | | | the fuel cells are cheaper and more alcohol-specific |
| allow the vehicle to start, preventing the person from | | | | than breathalyzers. Ignition interlock devices must be |
| driving. This level is often around.02, much lower than | | | | calibrated periodically in order to ensure the accuracy |
| the legal limit of.08. If, however, the driver does not | | | | of the sensor. The machines also record activity, which |
| have this predetermined level of alcohol in his or her | | | | may be downloaded by law enforcement officials at |
| system, the vehicle will start normally. | | | | regular intervals for review. The driver can be |
| Why would I have to use an ignition interlock device? | | | | subjected to additional punishments if officials detect |
| An ignition interlock device is installed in a car as one | | | | any violations. |
| punishment for being convicted of driving under the | | | | Most ignition interlock devices may be set so that a |
| influence of alcohol. Almost all 50 states now allow the | | | | driver must provide breath samples at regular intervals |
| installation of this device as a sentence for drunk | | | | while driving, so that drivers cannot have another |
| drivers. This punishment is usually not applicable to first | | | | person start the car for them. If the driver fails the |
| time or underage DUI offenders, but instead for repeat | | | | interval retest, the vehicle will not stop, for safety |
| offenders. For example, in Rhode Island, installation of | | | | reasons. It will, however, begin to flash its lights or honk |
| an IID in a vehicle for up to two years may be | | | | its horn to alert law enforcement of the condition of |
| punishment for second time or multiple offenders with | | | | the driver. |