Intoxalock
Call 24/7
(866) 501-3694
Icon Call
3,800+ locations
Login
|
Call for Quote
|
Locations
|
  • State Requirements
  • Pricing
    • Ignition interlock cost
    • Financial assistance
    • Discounts & promotions
  • Locations
  • Devices
    • What is an ignition interlock device
    • State certified device
    • Installation & removal
    • Mobile installation
    • Device Protection
    • Voluntary ignition interlocks
    • Ratings & reviews
    • Why choose Intoxalock
    • FAQs
  • Support
    • 24/7 customer support
    • Device help
    • How to use your device
    • Intoxalock Mobile App
    • Videos
    • Monitoring Clients
    • Contact us
  • Search
  • En español
MyAccount
What is a car breathalyzer (ignition interlock device)?
Need an ignition interlock installed?
We can help.
    Solicitud de contacto en Español
*
*
*
*
*
Home » Devices » Car Breathalyzer

What is a car breathalyzer?

With many states looking to strengthen their drunk driving laws, the use of car breathalyzers, or ignition interlock devices, has risen. With the proven ability to prevent inebriated people from driving, they are invaluable in the effort to keep roadways safe.

Basics of an ignition interlock device

An ignition interlock device, or IID, is a breathalyzer for your car that is attached to your car’s starter. If the state mandated BAC, or blood alcohol content, is surpassed the IID will prevent the vehicle from being started.

Retest

To ensure that once the car is started the driver doesn’t then start drinking, many states require a retest to be administered. The process for a retest is the same as the starter test, the only difference being that the car has already been started. To take a retest simply pull over to the side of the road - most breathalyzers give you a few minutes to accomplish this (Intoxalock allows 6 minutes) - and use car breathalyzer as directed.

How to use a car breathalyzer

Each ignition interlock provider has different requirements for use; however, devices that utilize the “blow-breathe-blow” pattern are the easiest.

A blow-breathe-blow device, such as an Intoxalock device, requires the tester to blow into the device for three seconds, then inhale for another three seconds and blow into the device again for a final three seconds.

Devices that don’t use this pattern often require that you hum while blowing, which can be particularly challenging and cause failed tests to occur.

Calibrating your ignition interlock device

Depending on the state you received your offense in, you will be required to get your car breathalyzer calibrated every 30-90 days. A calibration requires going to one of your providers service centers and having the technicians check to make sure that your device is working correctly. Depending on your provider this process can take anywhere from 5 minutes to hours.

Which ignition interlock provider is the best?

If you’re looking for a device that is easy to use and for short service center appointments, Intoxalock is the ideal provider.

Intoxalock has twice as many locations across the country than any other provider and 24/7 customer service. The reliable technology will help get you back on the road safely and quickly.

You can get a free Intoxalock quote by filling out the short online form on this page or calling today at (888) 283-5899.

Why choose
Intoxalock?
FAQ
State laws &
promotions
Videos

Ignition Interlocks

Ignition Interlocks

  • What is an ignition interlock?
  • Why choose Intoxalock?
  • Devices
  • Ratings & Reviews
  • Device FAQs

Customers

Customers

  • Sign in
  • Customer support
  • Refer a Friend
  • Intoxalock Mobile App

Partners

Partners

  • Sign in
  • Become a partner
  • Partner benefits
  • Attorney benefits
  • Treatment center benefits
  • Partner materials
  • Ignition Interlock Info
  • SR22 Insurance

Service Centers

Service Centers

  • Sign in
  • Become a service center
  • Locations

Monitoring Solutions

Monitoring Solutions

  • Monitoring Clients
  • Log reporter

Press

Press

  • Media room
  • Brand assets
  • News releases
  • Statistics
  • Blog

Company

Company

  • About us
  • Contact us
  • Careers
  • Scholarship

State Laws

State Laws

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming
©Copyright Intoxalock® . All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy |
  • Data Policy |
  • Terms of Use |
  • Sitemap

Intoxalock® is a registered trademark of Intoxalock. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Get Quote
Rather talk to a state specialist?
Call Now 888-369-1021