Over 25 Years of Criminal Defense Experience

Is it possible to trick an ignition interlock device?

On Behalf of | Aug 16, 2018 | Uncategorized

There are several things people say will trick an ignition interlock device to make it appear as if you aren’t intoxicated when you are. The ignition interlock device’s job is to make sure your vehicle does not start if you are intoxicated when you get inside. If it was easy to trick, then many people would end up driving while intoxicated.

It’s nearly impossible to trick an ignition interlock device because of the way the new generation of machines works. The new machines allow for rolling retests, which means that you have to blow into the machine and retest your breath while you’re driving. If you fail the test, the horn and lights begin to activate, making you pull over to avoid detection.

What are some ways people have tried to trick ignition interlock devices?

A few ways include eating foods with heavy odors, drinking caffeine and swishing with mouthwash. None of these work, and there’s a reason why: They don’t change the level of alcohol on your breath. Yes, they may mask the smell of alcohol, but the machine isn’t smelling your breath, it’s checking for the amount of alcohol expelled.

Eating doesn’t work because it does nothing to reduce the alcohol in your blood. Similarly, caffeine may wake you up, but it doesn’t actually help you lower your BAC.

With mouthwash, the problem is actually made worse if you use it. Many mouthwashes have alcohol in their mixtures. You can actually be completely sober and trick an IID into thinking you’re drunk by using a mouthwash containing alcohol before you get into the vehicle.

Get ready to defend yourself if you’re accused of a DUI

The best way to avoid having to worry about an ignition interlock device is never to end up with a drunk driving conviction in the first place. The good news is that you can fight to eliminate the charges. Even if you blow high on a breath test or fail your ignition interlock device tests, it’s possible to challenge those results if they’d result in a conviction.

Your attorney will look into a few things, like the recent maintenance of the machine and the training an officer has, to make sure you received a fair test. If not, then it could be possible to remove the so-called evidence from any trial or hearing that you have to attend. With no evidence, there should be no conviction.

Archives