How to Beat your Interlock Device: Is this Safe?
13 January, 2022
An alcohol interlock program in NZ is part of the court-imposed penalties surrounding a drink driving offence. Under the alcohol interlock program, you can apply for a limited license that allows you to drive a vehicle with an interlock device fitted to your engine. The ignition interlock device is a car breathalyser that requires a breath sample to start the car engine. You will have to do this process every time you drive until you complete the program. If you have one or will be installing one, you’re probably wondering how to beat your interlock device.
How to beat your interlock device? An interlock device tests your breath for alcohol and prevents the vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol. You also have to give a sample blow into the breathalyser at random intervals while driving. It ensures officials that you are not driving under the influence. The device records all your blood alcohol content (BAC) results, and you need to take it into the service centre to download your BAC readings every month. Therefore, beating an ignition interlock device (IID) is difficult. However, BACtrack personal breathalysers may help. You can use BACtrack devices to check your BAC before using your interlock device. This method can help prevent further penalties and extensions of interlock programs. BACtrack’s ZeroLine technology can also inform you of when and how long until your BAC would return to 0.00%.
Myths on How to Beat your Interlock Device
Many myths surround how to beat your interlock device. However, it is safe to say that none of these work and will only affect your alcohol interlock license.
- Have a different person blow into the IID – while it may initially start the car; most IIDs have a re-test where you will need to blow at random intervals while driving. Furthermore, most devices have cameras to ensure the right person is giving the breath sample.
- Use breath spray or mint gums – masking the alcohol odour does not decrease the BAC results in the interlock device.
- Use compressed air – IIDs have temperature and air gauges to prevent tampering with the system. Compressed air, such as air balloons, will not affect the BAC readings.
- Temporarily remove the IID – a data records any attempts to remove the device. Only a trained specialist can install and uninstall the IID.
An alcohol interlock device uses sophisticated technology, so it is impossible to trick your device. So, to answer your question of “how to beat your interlock device?” it is best to try to beat it fairly. The best way is to complete the program thoroughly. You can monitor your alcohol intake with BACtrack personal devices and know when it’s time to stop. Buying a BACtrack breathalyser early on without having an interlock device may also help prevent you from acquiring one.
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