Interlock Device with Camera to Meet State Requirement
If you’ve been arrested or convicted of a drunk driving offense (commonly known as DUI, OUI, DWI, or OWI), you may be able to regain driving privileges with the installation of an ignition interlock device (also known as a an IID or a car breathalyzer).
Depending on your state's requirements, you may need an interlock device with a camera.
Do Ignition Interlock Devices have Cameras?
Yes. Based on your state’s requirements, you may need to install an ignition interlock device with a camera to help ensure that the correct person is providing each breath sample. The use of camera units on ignition interlock devices has grown nationwide and is now a common requirement for an ignition interlock device program.
If your state, county or judge requires you to install an ignition interlock device with a camera, Intoxalock will order you a device that comes equipped with a small unit that attaches to your windshield. The camera snaps a photo with every breath sample provided. Your ignition interlock camera does not take random photos while you aren’t using your device.
Why are More States Requiring Car Breathalyzers with Cameras?
The camera verifies the driver is the one providing the breath sample. If others in the household use the vehicle, the camera can provide evidence that the customer was not the person giving the sample or attempting to drive in violation of their requirements. It’s important to note that all violations are still recorded, regardless of who was driving at the time. This means that if another household member fails the test, it will still count as a violation.
States that Require a Camera with a Car Breathalyzer?
Currently, these states have IID with camera requirements:
| States (A-M) | States (M-W) |
|---|---|
| Arizona Arkansas (only if court ordered) California (only in San Joaquin county) Colorado Connecticut (only if requested by probation) Delaware Florida Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Kentucky Louisiana (only if court ordered) Maine (only if court ordered) Maryland Michigan Minnesota Mississippi (only if court ordered) |
Missouri (only if required by the court or DOR) Montana (only if court ordered) Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Mexico (only if court ordered) New York Ohio Oklahoma (only if court ordered) Oregon Pennsylvania South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas (varies by county) Vermont Virginia Washington |
As laws and technology are always changing, be sure to check your state requirements to verify if you need a camera device. One of our State Specialists can answer any questions about your state and provide a personal quote. Give us a call at (877) 340-0822 for more information.
How Does an Interlock Device with a Camera Work?
When your ignition interlock device is installed, the camera will often be placed in the upper right side of your windshield. This is to capture your photo when testing. It is acceptable for others to drive your vehicle but they will be required to provide breath samples and will have their photo captured.
Remember, blocking or moving the camera is considered tampering.
Customers should never turn the camera, block the camera or hang anything on the interior of the vehicle that limits the range of view of the camera. No matter who is driving, the driver must always be viewed clearly by the camera. Any actions that impede the function of the camera may be considered as tampering with your IID system and thus can come with violations and penalties by your state. Intoxalock is here to help!
For more information about your state requirements or for an ignition interlock device quote, call our State Specialists today at 877-340-0822. We are here to help you get back on the road.
