Do Breathalyzer Interlocks Accurately Reflect Blood Alcohol Content?

Do IIDs accurately reflect the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the user? This is the most obvious meaning of the question, and the answer plays an important role in ignition interlock policy making. The accuracy of the breath test can have a substantial impact on someone using the device as part of their probation. For instance, a failed test can result in a continuation of a license suspension, additional fines, and even jail time. Therefore, IID users as well as public officials have an interest in ensuring the devices accurately reflect alcohol consumption. For this reason, states requiring IIDs for those convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) mandate the use of specific models and have established regulations governing the approval process.  At the federal level, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an agency of the Department of Transportation, has established specifications for IID certification.

One of the principle controversies regarding IID requirements involves false readings, or false positives. A false positive occurs when the breathalyzer device records a BAC above the preset limit, but, simply put, is wrong. Despite the best efforts of state policy makers and IID manufacturers false readings are possible. A concern of many users and opponents to IID legislation is that false readings can occur due to the use of fairly ordinary substances that are detected by the device as alcohol. However, there are simple ways to avoid a false reading. Here are some examples:

• Rinse your mouth with water prior to using the device.
• Use non-alcoholic mouthwash.
• Ensure that other drivers have not been drinking before using the device.

While false positives are a possibility limiting the possibility of a false reading is largely in the hands of the individual IID users.

Do IID Programs Reduce or Prevent Drinking and Driving?

Does the use of IIDs prevent people from drinking and driving? The goal of mandatory ignition interlock programs is to prevent accidents and deaths caused by drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Administration Report, Ignition Interlocks – What You Need to Know: A Toolkit for Policymakers, Highway Safety Professionals, and Advocates, “Research shows that ignition interlocks reduce recidivism among both first-time and repeat DWI offenders, with reductions in subsequent DWI arrests ranging from 50 to 90 percent while the interlock is installed on the vehicle.”

The same report cites research showing that “for the period when ignition interlocks are installed on an offender’s vehicle, rates of DWI recidivism are reduced an average of 64 percent.” It should be pointed out that recidivism does increase after the removal of the device.

Its also important to note, that while there is a certain degree of inconvenience and social stigma attached to the use of IID, they also allow at-risk-drivers to continue operating a motor vehicle, which allows the users to maintain employment, attend school, receive treatment, and maintain active social and family lives.

Overall, as with any piece of technology or public policy there are bugs to be worked out and counterpoints to be made. However, preventing false readings from the device is largely within the control of the user, and even basing reductions in repeat offenses on the lowest research, requiring IIDs saves lives.

Arkansas has approved IID installers throughout the state.

The Arkansas Department of Health, Office of Alcohol Testing must approve all Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices before they can be used to restore driving privileges. The Department will provide a list of approved devices and installers, or IID providers, to courts requiring the installation of these devices for DUI offenders.

The following is a list of Breathalyzer Interlock providers in Arkansas. This list may not provide the names of all interlock installers and is subject to change. Individuals required to install an IID should follow all court orders to regain driving privileges.

In addition to the costs of ignition interlock installation, individuals required to use IIDs must typically also pay fees for monitoring, calibration, and removal of the device. Some interlock service providers do provide mobile installation if you are unable to come to them.  If your driving privileges are suspended, even a trip to the installation center can constitute a violation.

Arkansas Ignition Interlock (501) 203-9972

SmartStart of Arkansas  (800) 880-3394

Superior Interlock Services, Inc. (501) 796-2285

Contact an IID provider below to locate an installation center near you.

There a few companies approved to lease and install Ignition Interlock Devices (IID), also commonly called breathalyzer interlocks or in-car breathalyzers, in the state of Rhode Island. These installers are listed below along with contact information. To find an installation center near you and for more information on the price and fees for installation, monitoring, and removal contact the IID providers below. Prices may vary from one company to the next.  Some locations may offer mobile installation services.

The information contained in this site is for general purposes and not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed legal professional.

BEST Labs, Inc.

• 877-237-1541

Consumer Safety Technology

• 877-777-5020

Interceptor Ignition Interlocks

• 800-215-1007

New England Interlock

• 800-987-8040

Smart Start

• 800-880-3394

Contact an IID vendor to find an installation center near you.

Wyoming has approved several ignition interlock devices (IID) for installation at service centers across the state.  Below is a list of approved interlock, or in-car breathalyzer, device vendors along with contact information.  These companies can be contacted to find an installation center and make an appointment. Some may offer mobile installation service as well. Prices and fees for installing, monitoring, and removing the IID from the vehicle may vary.

• 1A Smart Start Inc.:  800-880-3394
• B.E.S.T. Labs Inc.:  877-237-1541
• CST Inc. (Intoxalock):  877-777-5020
• Draeger:  (800) 332-6858
• National Interlock Service (WY) Ltd:  888-647-9923
• Wyoming Breath Tech LLC.:1-888-Blow-N-Go

Kansas has IID installers located throughout the state.

Kansas has approved a variety of Ignition Interlock Devices (IID), and there are certified IID installers throughout the state.  Ignition Interlocks, also referred to as breathalyzer interlocks or in-car breathalyzers, are devices that monitor the blood alcohol content (BAC) of the operator and prevent vehicle operation if the tester’s BAC exceeds a preset limit.

These devices can be required by court order and may be necessary before driving privileges are restored. Regaining a driver license may require the installation of a breathalyzer interlock device.  The list below is organized by the name of the IID company and includes contact information, approved interlock models, and the cities where the company has installation centers.  Contact the interlock provider for an installation center near you.

Reasonable efforts are made to keep this information up to date, but this list of IID providers is subject to change. There may be additional vendors not listed on this site, or the installation sites may change. Check with the Kansas Department of Revenue for more up to date information. The costs of the interlock devices, including fees and prices for leasing, monitoring, maintenance, and removal may vary from one provider or installer to the next.

The information contained herein is provided for general purposes and should not be considered legal advice. Any information relating to DUI/DWI offenses and license reinstatement is not a substitute for consultation with an licensed attorney.

Approved Interlock Devices and Installers

Alcohol Detection Systems: (888) 786-7384;  Approved Models:  Determinator DM-904

• Provides mobile IID service by appointment
• Augusta, KS
• Merriam
• Overland Park
• Shawnee
• Strong City
• Wichita

Consumer Safety Technology:  (877) 777-5020;  Approved Models:  Intoxalock 1001A

• Arkansas City, KS
• Derby
• Ellis
• Emporia
• Garden City
• Great Bend
• Kansas City, KS
• Lansing
• Liberal
• Olathe
• Ottawa
• Overbrook
• Overland Park
• Pittsburg
• Topeka
• Wichita

Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc.:  (877) 223-7999;  Approved Models:  Draeger XT

• Provides mobile IID service by appointment
• Dodge City, KS
• Emporia
• Great Bend
• Hiawatha
• Hutchinson
• Iola
• Lawrence

Evergreen Ignition Interlock: (800) 765-1188;  Approved Models:  Lifesafer

• Joplin, MO
• Kansas City, MO
• Lee’s Summit, MO
• Ottawa, KS
• Overland Park, KS
• Pittsburg, KS
• St. Joseph, MO

Guardian Interlock: (800) 303-8137;  Approved Models:  AMS 2000 30/50, 30/55, 30/60

• Garden City, KS
• Hays
• Lawrence
• Liberal
• Manhattan
• Springhill
• Topeka
• Wichita

Interceptor Ignition Interlock:  (800) 215-1007

• Colby, KS
• Independence
• Kansas City
• Manhattan
• Salina
• Topeka
• Wichita

Lifesafer Interlock of Kansas: (800) 671-8054;  Approved Models:  Lifesafer SC 100, FC 100

• Provides mobile IID service by appointment
• Dodge City, KS
• Elorado
• Garden City
• Great Bend
• Hays
• Hutchison
• Lawrence
• Overland Park
• Pittsburg
• Salina
• Topeka
• Wichita

Smart Start of Kansas, LLC:  (866) 747-8278, (785) 823-7200;  Approved Models:  SSI-1000, SSI-20/20

• Provides mobile IID service by appointment
• Colby, KS
• Dodge City
• Emporia
• Garden City
• Great Bend
• Hays
• Hutchinson
• Independence
• Junction City
• Kansas City, KS
• Lawrence
• Leavenworth
• Liberal
• Manhattan
• Moundridge
• Olathe
• Pittsburg
• Salina
• Topeka
• Wichita, KS
• Beatrice, NE
• Hastings, NE
• McCook, NE
• Nebraska City, NE

Some of the installers listed above have facilities in Missouri and Nebraska.  Click on these states for more IID installers that are approved in Missouri and Nebraska.

The approved IID provider listed below can be contacted for information on local installation centers.

Idaho has approved several Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) installers.  These devices, also called car breathalyzer interlocks, can be required by court order for drinking and driving related offenses.  Any person using a vehicle with an interlock attached must provide a breath sample into the device.  If the operator’s breath alcohol content (BAC) exceeds a present limit the vehicle will not start.  The Idaho Transportation Department is responsible for administering the state’s BAIID program.  However, installation, leasing, and monitoring is conducted by private IID installers.

The cost of installation, monitoring, and removal of the interlock device may vary depending on the provider, and the provider must be approved by the Transportation Department.  The list below provides the name and contact information for certified BAIID providers in Idaho.  You can contact these companies to get the location of an interlock installation center near you.  Contact the installation center for more information on pricing, scheduling an appointment, and procedures for maintenance and monitoring.

B.E.S.T. Labs, Inc.  (877) 237-1541

Consumer Safety Technology, Inc.  (877) 777-5020

Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc.  (800) 332-6858

Guardian Interlock Systems  (800) 849-5465

Interceptor Ignition Interlocks, Inc.  (800) 215-1007

Lifesafer Interlock, Inc.  (800) 531-0006

Smart Start, Inc.  (800) 880-3394

Reasonable efforts are made to keep this list up to date, but it is subject to change.  This information is provided for general use and should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney.  Directives in court orders should be followed in regard to all matters.

Find an IA IID installer near you by contacting one of the interlock providers below.

There are IID, or breathalyzer interlock, installers located throughout Iowa.  The list of IID providers below includes contact information.  To find an interlock in your area contact one of these interlock companies.  This list is subject to change and there may be additional IID providers not listed.  Prices for installation, leasing, and monitoring may vary from one service provider to the next.  Contact one of the companies listed below for more information.

Affordable Ignition Interlock (800) 369-3661

Intoxalock (877) 777-5020

Draeger (800) 622-2526

Smart Start (866) 747-8278

This information is provided for general purposes and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney.  Follow all court and Department of Transportation guidance in completing the IID program.

IID installers are found throughout MN.

There are several companies that provide IID or breathalyzer interlock installation in cars throughout the state.  If you have been convicted of a DWI offense, you can contact the Minnesota Department of Public Safety at 651-296-2948 for more information on participating in the Ignition Interlock Program.  The steps required to enroll in the program will depend on the offense.  Enrollment requires an IID on vehicles owned and operated by the offender.

After installation the car breathalyzer device will require a breath sample prior to starting the vehicle.  If the test detects a blood alcohol content (BAC) above a preset limit, the car will not start.  Anyone that operates the vehicle will have to pass the breathalyzer test.  The individual required to have the breathalyzer interlock can be held responsible for any failed tests.  In addition, IIDs approved in Minnesota require a “rolling test” while the vehicle is being operated.

To locate an IID installation center near you contact one of the following interlock providers.  Prices and fees may vary from one provider to the next.

1A Smart Start, Inc.

Affordable Ignition Interlock

Consumer Safety Technology Inc.

Draeger

Guardian Interlock Systems

Reasonable efforts are made to keep the above list up to date.  However, the list is subject to change, and there may be services available that are not listed.

Contact information for IID providers throughout the state of Alaska is provided below.

Alaska has approved several IID providers to offer breathalyzer interlock devices throughout the state.  These devices are required by courts for many DUI offenders.  The approved providers listed below can be contacted to locate an installation center near you.  Prices on installation, leasing, monitoring, and removal may vary by company.  Reasonable efforts are made to keep this list up to date, but it is subject to change.

Alaska Monitoring & Drug Testing, LLC:  (888) 201-7536

Autosense of Alaska:  (907) 334-9942

Lifesafer Interlock of Alaska:  (866) 503-4500

Smart Start:  (866) 561-7678

Tongass Substance Screening:  Juneau – (907) 523-8402, Ketchikan -(907) 247-1431

This post is meant to provide general information and should not be considered legal advice.

IID installers are located throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Wisconsin has approved three ignition interlock device (IID) companies to provide service to the state.  These IID providers are listed below along with their corresponding approved breathalyzer interlock device.  Contact information is also included.  Reasonable efforts are made to keep this information up to date, but it is subject to change.  Contact one of the IID providers listed below to find out how and where to get a breathalyzer interlocked installed in your vehicle.

• Consumer Safety Technology, Inc:  Intoxalock Model 1001A;  877-777-5020
• Draeger Safety Diagnostics, Inc:  Interlock XT; 800-332-6858
• Lifesafer Interlock:  Lifesafer SC100; 800-584-1226

Their are a variety of costs associated with ignition interlock installation and maintenance.  Prices of leasing and monitoring the device may vary by provider.  Individuals ordered by a court to install an IID in their vehicle are typically responsible for these costs.