What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

An ignition interlock device is equipment installed into a vehicle that prevents the car from being started if the driver exceeds a certain breath alcohol content. Ignition interlock devices use breath-testing technology similar to that used by police investigating Oregon DUI / DWI cases.

If you need an ignition interlock device installed because of a DUI / DWI court conviction or for any other reason, Smart Start of Oregon is here to help. Contact us at 1.800.880.3394 to make an appointment or to have any questions answered.

An ignition interlock device is equipped with safeguards to ensure that the equipment isn’t tampered with and that no one besides the driver for whom it is ordered blows into the device. Under Oregon law, it’s a crime to blow into an ignition interlock device to start a vehicle for someone else, and also to solicit someone to do so.

Using an ignition interlock device is a bit more complicated than simply blowing into a collection tube – it requires a particular breath pattern that you will learn from the Smart Start of Oregon technician who installs your device.

Once the vehicle is started, the ignition interlock device will prompt you to perform “rolling retests” at regular intervals. The purpose of rolling retests is to ensure that the driver remains alcohol-free and is the same person who performed the initial breath test to start the car.

The ignition interlock device records all attempts to start the vehicle as well as test results, rolling retests, and any efforts to tamper with the device. Failing to perform a rolling retest or any attempt to disconnect the device will be recorded as a violation.

An ignition interlock device is required if you’re convicted of DUI / DWI and want to obtain a restricted driver’s license to travel to work. The installation of an ignition interlock device allows everyone who depends on your vehicle to continue to use it to travel to work, school and other necessary destinations.