How do Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices Work?

 Posted on November 07, 2024 in DUI/DWI

If you have had a DUI charge recently, you may need to have a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) installed on your car before you can drive again. These devices are designed to prevent drunk driving by physically preventing an intoxicated person from starting a vehicle and periodically ensuring you are sober while you are driving. While this device is installed on your car, you will not be allowed to drive any other vehicle. Having a BAIID is generally a condition of getting a restricted driver’s permit, and some DUI offenders are required to use them for some time after starting to drive again. An experienced Joliet, IL DUI license reinstatement lawyer can help you apply to have your driving privileges restored.

Starting a Car With a BAIID

Before you can start your engine, you will need to use the device to measure your BAC by blowing into it. If you are over the limit, your vehicle will not start because the engine is locked. You will need to wait until your BAC goes down enough to try starting it again.

Random Tests While Driving 

Your BAIID will prompt you to blow at random intervals while your car is running. This prevents a person from drinking alcohol after starting his or her vehicle and then continuing to drive while intoxicated, or from having a sober person start the car. When the device prompts you to take a breath test, you will need to blow into the device within a very short time frame. If you fail, the device will turn your car off, meaning that you will have to pull over very quickly.

BAIIDs Are Equipped With Cameras

You may have seen it as a joke on sitcoms - a character’s troublesome uncle asks another character to blow into an ignition interlock device so the drunk uncle can start his car. This no longer works in real life, now that BAIIDs come equipped with cameras to make sure the right person is blowing. When you are prompted to blow, the device will take a photo of you so that you cannot simply have someone else who has not been drinking blow.

Tampering With a BAIID Comes With Consequences

If you are caught trying to cheat an ignition interlock device, you can get into serious legal trouble. Tampering with a BAIID is a crime in Illinois. Trying to circumvent alcohol testing procedures in any way can lead to another arrest. You are also likely to face a probation violation if you are on probation.

Contact a Joliet, IL Driver’s License Reinstatement Lawyer 

Law Offices of Jack L. Zaremba, P.C. can help people who are required to use a BAIID plan for success. Our experienced Will County, IL DUI license reinstatement attorneys will do all we can to have your full driving privileges restored as quickly as possible. Contact us at 815-740-4025 for a complimentary consultation.