How to Start Your Vehicle
Video Transcript
Intoxalock ignition interlock devices are extremely easy to use once you get the hang of them.
When you're ready to start your vehicle make sure to blow into the device before putting your keys into the ignition.
Simply press the button and wait for the screen to read "blow." Blow into the mouthpiece on the device with medium intensity. Without moving your lips from the mouthpiece, inhale through the mouthpiece like you're sucking through a straw and immediately blow into the device again until you feel a vibration. If the screen on your device reads "start car," you can insert your keys into the ignition and start your vehicle.
If your startup sample reads "failed," we recommend rinsing your mouth out with water and waiting 10 to 15 minutes before trying again.
Once your trip has ended and you're ready to leave your vehicle, turn the vehicle off and check the screen for a countdown. You can exit your vehicle when a 2 to 3 minute countdown appears on the handheld screen. During this countdown, you can restart your vehicle without providing an additional sample.
If you leave your vehicle prior to the countdown appearing, you are at risk for missing a random retest.
Using an Ignition Interlock Device
You will not be able to start your vehicle without first providing a clean breath sample. Your state law specifies the breath alcohol content (BrAC) level you must remain under and determines how many attempts you have to provide a passing sample into the device.
If you blow a positive sample and submit additional samples that are also positive, this is considered a failed breath test and your vehicle will not start. In some states, your interlock may enter a temporary lockout, preventing you from submitting another sample for a period of minutes. Once the temporary lockout is over, you will be able to submit another sample. Once you pass the test, you will be able to start your vehicle. In many states, too many failed ignition interlock samples will cause your device to go into a service lockout. A service lockout means that your device will need further service before you can submit a new sample to start the car. Learn more about lockouts here. Remember that you are responsible for all samples submitted to the device, and all samples are reported to your state monitoring authority.
Yes, you are responsible for every sample blown into your Intoxalock. However, we do recommend that you keep a log of when anyone else drives or attempts to submit a breath sample in your vehicle. Additionally, most states now use IID models that include cameras to verify the identity of the driver submitting the sample. Ignition interlock devices with cameras can provide proof on the part of the user if there are questionable results during a time when you were not driving your vehicle.
IIDs can only prevent your vehicle from starting and won’t ever turn your vehicle off. Once you have successfully passed a test and started your vehicle, a breathalyzer interlock cannot affect the operation of your vehicle. However, if you are operating your car and submit a breath sample that contains alcohol or you miss submitting a required retest, your device activate your horn and/or lights as determined by your state's regulations for these factors.
No, you should stay inside your car at all times once it has been started. Retests occur at random time frames and are required by the state. If you miss a retest, you could face consequences as determined by your state interlock compliance guidelines.
