How long do I have to wait after drinking to pass an interlock test?

Providing answers to questions like this isn't a simple task because it depends on a number of factors. Passing a breath test on an interlock device after drinking isn’t just a matter of time or quantity. Your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), which is what an IID measures, is affected by several factors. Together, they all play a part in the length of time it takes your BrAC to return to zero which will allow you to successfully complete an interlock test.

Passing your ignition interlock test after drinking

There’s no certain way to determine how long it takes to pass an interlock test after you’ve been drinking. How much you consumed and how long ago you drank both definitely matter. There is a lot of research on the topic, but generally it is believed that things like gender, size/body mass, whether you have eaten, and other factors can all play a part in the amount of time it takes for your body to process alcohol.

If I drink at night, can I pass my ignition interlock test in the morning?

Plenty of sleep is definitely a good idea. Sleep itself doesn't make alcohol disappear. It simply allows a longer period of time to go by before you take your interlock test the morning after drinking. That gives your body more time to eliminate any alcohol in your system.

However, sleep doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to pass an ignition interlock test. There are truly no shortcuts – sleep, coffee, water, energy drinks, or any solutions found on the internet – that will ensure a successful breath test.

We want you to succeed in your interlock program!

Questions like this are natural, but remember that it's important to give top priority to your interlock program. Successfully blowing into your IID every time is your goal, so don't even try to drive if your soberness is in question. If you have any questions about your Smart Start of Alabama interlock device, don't hesitate to call our 24/7 customer service center.