A vehicle interlock car device or car breathalyzer is a device that is intended to prevent drunk driving. It requires a driver to successfully pass a breath alcohol test before the vehicle will start. Some people are required to have these devices installed in their vehicles. Hand-held devices can also be used even when not driving. Why would these interlock products be required? Here are a few reasons why these interlock devices may be required:
Arrest for DUI or DWI
If you are arrested for a DUI or DWI, you may be ordered to get an ignition interlock device such as those we offer. This order may be initiated by a judge, probation officer, or other authority such the coordinator of a pretrial intervention or diversion program. DUI stands for driving under the influence. Influence can refer to any substance, not just alcohol. You can get a DUI for using any drugs including legal prescription or over-the-counter medications. If you are arrested for a DUI, it basically means that the police officer had reason to believe you were impaired while driving or operating a vehicle. Because not all substances can be tested for on-the-spot, officers sometimes rely on field sobriety tests and other means of determining someone’s level of impairment. DWI stands for driving while intoxicated. In the past, intoxication referred to the use of alcohol. In recent years, though, more focus has been placed on the dangers of driving while using drugs and other substances as well.
Other arrests
While most of our clients are required to have a breathalyzer because of a DUI or DWI conviction, sometimes other convictions can lead to an interlock requirement. A driver may also be required to install interlock simply because they refused to submit to a chemical test for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of his or her blood.
As part of drug court, pretrial intervention, or diversion program
Each court and program has its own different monitoring requirements, and sometimes they vary case-by-case. Sometimes an interlock device may be required for successful completion of a program.
Because of a custody case
In cases of joint child custody where one parent has an alcohol problem, the judge may use various ways of protecting the child while still allowing a relationship with the stuggling parent. One way of keeping an eye on a parent’s behavior as part of a child custody case is to require use of an an interlock device to detect alcohol during periods when the child is present.
...and sometimes it's not actually required
Though most people seek our products because they're required to do so, our devices can also be installed and used voluntarily as a way to prevent drunk driving and to help with addiction. Contact us or call us at 1-866-447-8686 to find out how we can help you or your loved ones.
