Top Myths About Smart Start Ignition Interlock Devices

Myth: An ignition interlock device will drain the car’s battery.
Fact: A car with a properly functioning electrical system won’t be affected by an ignition interlock device. Smart Start of Oregon’s SSI-1000 ignition interlock device draws less than 1/4 of an amp when not in operation and just ½ half of an amp when preparing for a test. An ignition interlock device won’t drain the battery to the point where it will not start unless the car isn’t started for approximately 10 consecutive days. If the car’s electrical system isn’t functioning properly, the period will be shorter, but the vehicle would have battery problems with or without an ignition interlock device.

Myth: Spicy food will cause the ignition interlock device to fail.
Fact: Spicy food mixed with HCL in the stomach creates methane gas, which will create a false positive with a non-alcohol-specific ignition interlock device. This situation can be resolved quickly with antacids and water. However, Smart Start uses only alcohol-specific fuel-cell ignition interlock devices, so spicy food will never cause the unit to fail.

Myth: Cigarette smoke or snuff will cause an ignition interlock device to fail.
Fact: Taking a few deep breaths before blowing into an ignition interlock device will prevent this problem, but the alcohol-specific ignition interlock devices installed by Smart Start are unaffected by smokers. However, smoke should never be blown into any unit.

Myth: Gasoline fumes will cause an ignition interlock device to fail.
Fact: Normal refueling at the gas station won’t cause an ignition interlock device to fail. The alcohol-specific ignition interlock device used by Smart Start of Oregon will not react to gasoline fumes even in high concentrations.

Myth: Perfume, hairspray, aftershave and cologne will cause an ignition interlock device to fail.
Fact: Many products such as perfume and cologne contain alcohol, but these substances will not cause the ignition interlock device to fail.

Myth: Mouthwash or breath spray will cause an ignition interlock device to fail.
Fact: Many mouthwashes and breath sprays contain as much as 30 percent alcohol and will definitely react as alcohol in all ignition interlock devices. All users of ignition interlock devices are advised to use non-alcoholic mouthwash. Drivers who use mouthwash containing alcohol should rinse their mouths with water and wait 15 minutes before using an ignition interlock device. Smart Start clients are always instructed to rinse their mouths out with water before each and every test.

Myth: Chocolate mints, Altoids, and gum can cause an ignition interlock device to fail.
Fact: Candy, mints, and gum will not affect the operation of an ignition interlock device. Alcohol-filled chocolates will register a fail; however, the alcohol in the chocolate will dissipate in three minutes.

Myth: Cinnamon rolls, doughnuts and other pastries will prompt an ignition interlock device to fail.
Fact: Sugar and yeast found in pastry can combine to create a low alcohol level that may prompt the ignition interlock device to fail, however, just like mouthwash, the alcohol will dissipate in a short period of time and the driver can complete a successful test. Always rinsing the mouth with water after eating and before using the ignition interlock device will eliminate this problem.

Myth: An ignition interlock device will fail for no reason and prevent the vehicle from starting.
Fact: Most failures are caused by improperly blowing into the ignition interlock device. If the device consistently fails, simply call Smart Start at 1-800-880-3394 for a solution.

Myth: An ignition interlock device will cause a vehicle to stop running in traffic.
Fact: The SSI-1000 will prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver doesn’t pass a breath test, but has no mechanism for shutting down the engine of a car that’s running. The ignition interlock’s only interaction with the vehicle is to send a signal to the starter for the vehicle to start once the test is passed. If a “rolling retest” is failed or not taken, the device simply records a violation.

Myth: Just one beer, glass of wine or cocktail will cause the ignition interlock device to prevent the car from starting.
Fact: An average person will pass the test if just one drink is consumed an hour or more before starting the vehicle. Individuals typically metabolize one ounce of alcohol per hour. However, size, gender, and several other factors play a role in determining how quickly an individual absorbs alcohol. There is no single formula that can be used to determine how much an individual can drink and successfully use an ignition interlock device.

Myth: A vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device can be started without performing a breath test.
Fact: A vehicle with an ignition interlock device can only be started without performing a breath test if someone deliberately tampers with the unit. However, this will be recorded by the device as a violation.

Myth: The “rolling retests” required once the vehicle is in motion are dangerous.
Fact: The device will prompt the driver to perform a rolling retest within five to 15 minutes after the vehicle is started and randomly throughout the trip. A rolling retest can be performed safely without requiring drivers to ever take their eyes off the road. The driver has six minutes after the prompt to perform the rolling retest, so those who are more comfortable doing so can pull safely off the road before performing the test.

Myth: Ignition interlock devices are not very accurate.
Fact: All interlock devices meet NTHSA specifications for accuracy and dependability. A properly calibrated ignition interlock device is accurate enough to determine the presence of alcohol and its concentration. Because the test is unsupervised, an ignition interlock device cannot be used to determine whether a driver is legally intoxicated, but ignition interlock devices use the same technology employed by police departments investigating drunk driving cases.

Myth: Ignition interlock devices cost too much.
Fact: An SSI-1000 ignition interlock device from Smart Start of Oregon costs about $2.50 per day. This cost is paid by the driver and provides an affordable alternative to vehicle impoundment or other repercussions of a drunk driving arrest.