Some states are now requiring In Car Breathalyzers or Ignition Interlock devices for DUI/DWI offenders, and sometimes on the first offense. Virginia has recently passed such legislation. However, personal breathalyzers for automobiles may be appropriate for private citizens as well. Parents, businesses, government agencies, and school districts can benefit from private breathalyzers. These devices are essentially a breathalyzer that attaches to the ignition of the vehicle and if a blood alcohol content is beyond a preset amount, the vehicle will not start.
Instructions
1. If you've been ordered to use an ignition interlock device from a court order, follow their instructions above all else. Don't try to cheat the breathalyzer. Some types of interlocks will require a test before starting the car and while the car is driving. If the driver fails the breathalyzer while driving a car alarm will go off and will not stop until the car stops.
2. You have greater flexibility as a personal user, business, or public agency that wishes to use ignition interlocks devices for your teenager or employees. First, determine your budget for an in car breathalizer. Auto breathalyzers range from a few hundred dollars to over $1000. This does not include the price of installation fees and replacement mouth pieces, which may be extra or included in the interlock price.
3. Next consider the blood alcohol content limit you want to set your breathalyzer and ignition interlock at. In many states it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content over .08. Check your local state law. However, it may be a good idea to set your in car breathalyzer at a much lower level. It is important to also remember that a test on a private breathalyzer will not get you out of a DUI or DWI based on its reading.
4. Other features to consider are access to any recordings the breathalyzer may produce, the ease of maintenance, and whether any alarms are set off with a failed breathalyzer test.
Tags: breathalyzer, ignition, interlock, alcohol content, blood alcohol, blood alcohol content, Ignition Interlock, while driving, your breathalyzer
