Certified Ignition Interlock (CIID)

Certified Ignition Interlock (CIID)

A certified ignition interlock device is a breath-analyzing instrument that is wired to the vehicle's ignition and installed on the vehicle dashboard, along with a camera and GPS. Before the vehicle can be started, the driver first must exhale into the device. If the interlock detects alcohol on the breath, the engine will not start. The device measures your breath alcohol content (BAC) level. You'll only be able to start your vehicle if your BAC level is under 0.020.

At random times after the engine has been started,   the device will require the driver to provide another breath sample. If it isn't provided, or the sample exceeds a set BAC level, the device will log the event, warn the driver and then continue to request another sample until  a clean breath sample has been provided.

For safety reasons, the device cannot turn off the car ignition once it has been started.

Please Note: Have your interlock device installed first and then reinstate your driver license. Specific steps are required to establish a starting point for your required ignition interlock time frame. You can reinstate online or visit an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.

Reinstate your driver license online

 

Violations

The ignition interlock retains and transmits data in real time, to the department including test results and violations. The following are violations and may result in an extension or suspension of your interlock license:

  • Failed Breath Tests
    • 2 samples over the legal limit at any time during the entire interlock requirement if over age 21.
    • 1 samples over the legal limit at any time during the entire interlock requirement if under age 21.
  • Missed Rolling Retest
    • 3 Consecutive during a drive cycle
  • Missed Scheduled 90 day Calibration Appointment
    • This causes a suspension of the driver’s license and the original interlock time frame to start over.
  • Tampering or Circumventing the device
    • This includes, but is not limited to, disabling/disconnecting the device, introducing a false sample, disrupting or blocking the camera, allowing or requesting another person to breathe into the device in order to provide a clean sample for you to drive.
  • Disconnecting or removing a device early
    • This causes a suspension of the driver’s license and the original interlock time frame to start over.
    • If you switch vehicles or manufacturers, you have 72 hours from removal to reinstall. During the 72 hours, driving without an interlock installed is not permitted.

 

False Positive

In addition to intoxicating beverages (i.e., beer, liquor, wine) alcohols can be found in consumer products, food and beverages in sufficient concentrations to be detected by the interlock device.  A violation may accrue if any source of alcohol above the legal limit is detected.  Your vehicle will not start if it detects any source alcohol above 0.020.

Potential Sources of Alcohol

  • Ethanol
    • Consumer Products: air freshener sprays, colognes and perfumes, deodorant, disinfectants, eye makeup, hand sanitizer, glass cleaner, hair spray, insect repellent, mouthwash and breath spray, nail polish and remover, OTC and prescription medications, pre-moistened towelettes, shampoos and soaps, sunscreen and suntan lotion, windshield washer fluid
    • Food & Beverage: Energy drinks, flavorings and extracts(e.g., almond, lemon, peppermint, vanilla), foods prepared with beer, liquor or wine (cooking may not remove 100%), vinegars
  • Methanol
    • Consumer Products: Adhesive removers, air fresheners, antifreeze, bug and tar remover, disinfectants, glass cleaner, insecticides, household pesticides, lock de-icer, windshield washer fluid
    • Food and Beverage: None, methanol is highly toxic (less than a teaspoon can cause blindness and less than a tablespoon is potentially lethal)
  • Propanol
    • Consumer Products: Adhesives, antiseptic, art supplies (e.g., dyes, fixatives, inks), colognes and perfumes, cosmetics, degreaser, leather conditioner, lotions, nail polish, shampoos and soaps
    • Food and Beverage: Energy drinks, flavorings and extracts (e.g., almond, lemon, peppermint, vanilla), vinegar
  • Isopropanol
    • Consumer Products: air freshener sprays, aftershave, antifreeze, body lotion, carpet and upholstery cleaner, colognes and perfumes, glass cleaner, hair spray, household cleaners, insect repellent, nail polish and remover, OTC and prescription medications, pre-moistened towelettes, rubbing alcohol, shampoos and soaps, sunscreen and suntan lotion, veterinary antiseptic and medical sprays, windshield washer fluid
    • Food and Beverage: Energy drinks, flavorings and extracts (e.g., almond, lemon, peppermint, vanilla), soft drinks

Check the labels of the items on this list that you use, and avoid using them before and while operating an interlock-equipped vehicle. If you must use them, allow 10-15 minutes after use to allow for the alcohol to dissipate. Manufacturers recommend not smoking, eating or drinking anything while operating an interlock-equipped vehicle. If you have not consumed alcoholic beverages and have failed breath samples, contact your manufacturer’s customer service department for assistance.