Alcohol Monitoring Devices: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs
With several alcohol monitoring devices available, it’s hard to know which one may be the best fit. Our guide can help.
Alcohol monitoring devices are proven tools to support safety on the road. These devices are often required if you're convicted of a DUI or as part of workplace safety programs.
But there is also a class of alcohol monitoring devices that can be used to help with personal drinking habits.
In some cases, you might have a choice in which alcohol monitoring device best suits your needs. Learning more about the different types of alcohol monitoring devices, how they work, and which ones might be required in case of a DUI, can help you understand what to expect when you start using this tool.
What Are Alcohol Monitoring Devices?
Alcohol monitoring devices check for alcohol in your system. Depending on the type of device, it may measure alcohol in your breath or sweat or track other factors to determine whether you've been drinking. These devices help uphold legal, personal, or workplace obligations for safety and sobriety.
In this blog, we’ll discuss:
- ignition interlock devices
- portable breathalyzers
- continuous alcohol monitoring devices
- transdermal alcohol sensors
Alcohol Monitoring After a DUI
Many people must use an alcohol monitoring device after a DUI conviction. In such cases, a court or state may require the use of a specific device, commonly an ignition interlock. Some employers may also use alcohol monitoring devices for safety in the workplace. If you’re in recovery, you may also rely on these devices to help you stay sober.
How Much do Alcohol Monitoring Devices Cost?
Costs associated with alcohol monitoring depend on the type of device and how long you need it. Some devices come with a one-time cost, while others are based on leasing models. You may also need to cover installation, calibration, and maintenance costs.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)
An IID is a breathalyzer that's installed in your vehicle. It's most often required after a DUI conviction to help prevent repeat episodes of driving while intoxicated. You can also voluntarily install a car breathalyzer like the Intoxalock ignition interlock.
Costs for IIDs depend on your state. You typically cover initial installation costs plus monthly lease and monitoring fees. You may also have to pay for calibration and maintenance.
Many states offer financial aid to help cover some or all your IID costs. Intoxalock helps qualified individuals pursue financial assistance in several different states across the country. To find out if you qualify for financial assistance, reach out to our Intoxalock team at 888-283-5899 or contact us to find out how one of our state specialists can get you the best price available for your Ignition Interlock Device.
How Ignition Interlock Devices Work
When an IID is installed, you blow into the device before your vehicle can start. The device measures the amount of alcohol in your breath and uses it to estimate your blood alcohol content (BAC). If the device detects alcohol, your car won't start.
When using an ignition interlock device (IID) to measure Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC), even small amounts of alcohol can result in a failed test.
Some IIDs also need you to complete random breathalyzer tests while driving. In some cases, the results of IID tests may be recorded and shared with a monitoring organization.
Portable Breathalyzers
A portable breathalyzer is a handheld device that measures your BAC wherever you are. You simply breathe into the device. Often, these devices are used for workplace safety monitoring, and you might buy one for personal accountability as part of your recovery or sobriety plan.
They may also be court-ordered in family court cases where there are accusations of alcohol abuse.
Costs depend on whether you choose a basic model or one with advanced features, such as wireless connectivity for digital tracking.
Features of Portable Breathalyzers
Most portable breathalyzers can fit in your pocket. Some provide digital readouts. Others connect to a mobile device to provide data readouts via apps. Higher-end models like Keepr may store your test history so you can track it over time.
For example, when you bundle the Keepr personal breathalyzer device and app, you can access BrAC estimates, track historical data, and share results with trusted individuals right from your smartphone.
Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) Devices
CAM devices are worn on your body. They check for alcohol in your system around the clock. They're often required by courts for people who have repeat DUI convictions. You might also have to wear a CAM device if you're deemed at high risk for a future DUI.
You may need to buy the CAM device or rent it. Either way, you also have to pay monthly fees that cover the monitoring service.
Understanding CAM Technology
CAM devices, such as SCRAM ankle bracelets, check for signs of alcohol in your sweat throughout the day. Some devices check every 30 minutes and may send the test results to your monitoring agency.
Transdermal Alcohol Sensors
A transdermal alcohol sensor tracks the presence of alcohol through your skin. These devices are often used as part of court-ordered monitoring. If you're convicted of many alcohol-related offenses or are part of a treatment program focusing on accountability, you might be asked to use a transdermal alcohol sensor.
How Transdermal Sensors Detect Alcohol
Like CAM devices, these sensors measure alcohol in your sweat. Instead of checking every 30 minutes like CAM devices, transdermal sensors wait for the diffusion of alcohol vapor to the sensor, which causes a data record. In some cases, the record is also sent to a monitoring agency.
Transdermal sensors can be integrated into various wearables, including smartwatches.
Choosing the Right Alcohol Monitoring Device
Finding the right alcohol monitoring device makes your experience smoother and more effective. It can also help you meet legal requirements, get your driving privileges back, or track your progress in recovery.
Finding the Best Alcohol Monitoring Fit
When researching alcohol monitoring devices, consider:
- Court or employer requirements so you can pick the correct device type.
- Device approval, as you may need to install an IID or another device that's approved in your state.
- Costs, as you may have to buy or lease the device and pay for installation and monitoring fees.
- Level of monitoring, as some devices track alcohol in your body 24/7, while others only check before you drive.
- Comfort and convenience, as you may want a device that fits into your daily routine if it’s not court ordered.
- Data sharing, as you may need or want a device that automatically sends results to an app or monitoring agency.
Consult with Intoxalock Specialists for Help
Choosing the right alcohol monitoring device can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time dealing with court-ordered requirements, but you don't have to figure it out on your own.
Our Intoxalock state specialists can help you find a device that fits your legal requirements and lifestyle. Contact us today to find the right alcohol monitoring device for your needs.
