5 Ignition Interlock Device Tips for a Successful Program

When ordered to install an Interlock Device, using one can seem confusing and a little frightening. We can promise that testing with a Smart Start Interlock is very easy.

An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) measures your BrAC level before starting your vehicle. It also prompts for random breath tests throughout your drive time to determine your sobriety.

When you get the hang of using your Interlock Device, it only takes seconds to perform your test. And with the right information, your everyday routine will be back to normal.

 Are you saying inaccurate information about Interlock Devices is out there?

YES!

Some sites write that Interlocks can shut down a car’s engine while on the road if you fail a breath test. Your Interlock Device will never shut down your vehicle’s engine while driving. This is a major safety hazard, and our Interlocks are NOT manufactured to do this to your vehicle.

There’s also some misconceptions about rolling retests. In most states, you have several minutes to provide your requested breath tests while driving. Don’t panic if you are in a lot of traffic! You will have plenty of time to find a safe location to provide a test.

Bottom line: Be aware of sites that are not reputable on Interlocks.

Below are Smart Start’s five Interlock Device tips for success. We hope you find them helpful as you get back on the road again!

Keep in mind…. Our customer care center is always available to help you and answer any questions, as well.

1. Swish Your Mouth with Water Before Testing

Most Interlock Devices, such as Smart Start’s, have advanced fuel cell technology. This means the sensor in your Interlock determines alcohol-specific content in your breath, and is very reliable. This also means ANY alcohol content you have in your breath will be recorded in the Device, so Smart Start always recommends swishing your mouth with water before taking a breath test. Swishing your mouth with water will help dissolve the alcohol in your mouth from items such as breath mints, mouthwash, etc.

To keep it simple, make sure to swish your mouth with water before any test to eliminate false positive readings on your Device.

2. Cold Weather

If you live in an area where it is extremely cold, the Interlock Device could take a few minutes to warm up.

Allow yourself plenty of time to let the Interlock Device warm up before starting your car during the winter. Please note that if you go back inside your house or office, the Device could prompt for a test and you won’t hear it. Be aware that you could miss a breath test, which will be considered a violation. We advise that you stay near your car so you can see and hear your Device while your car warms up.

3. “Beating” an Interlock Device Breath Test

Due to the advanced technology in most Interlock Devices, cheating your way through a breath test is difficult, and will not work out for you in the end. Tampering with the Device may result in additional fees, and, in most states, a new criminal charge could be held against you. Your Device logs all activity, which, in most cases, is eventually shared with your State Authority. Your activity log will tell a pretty clear story, so Smart Start’s advice is to not try and beat the Device!

4. Know When to Test

When you have an Interlock Device, there is no specific schedule for when you need to take a breath test. The Device will prompt you for a breath test when you turn your key in the ignition of your vehicle. Then, it will prompt for another test when you are on the road for approximately 5-10 minutes. Rolling retests can also be randomly requested throughout your drive time. They determine your sobriety while you are out on the road, and are necessary in all states with Interlock Device laws in place.

5. Customer Service Team Available at Any Time

One of our core values as a company is to make sure you have a successful and easy time with our Interlock Device. Smart Start also realizes that people need to use their vehicles at any hour of the day. That’s why we have customer care representatives available for you 24/7/365 – yes, even during weekends and holidays! Whether it’s at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., we are here to help you to answer questions or assist with your Device.

We hope you find these tips resourceful during your Interlock Device program. Come back to our blog daily for more helpful Interlock tips!

Need an Interlock Device installation?

It only takes minutes for us to determine your closest service center to make an appointment. Feel free to call Smart Start at 800.831.3299 or fill out our quick and easy online form today.