I have many clients who receive a court order and assume that they can go to the interlock provider’s office to have the device installed within a couple hours and then they are off to drive their car. However, after 2 hours at the interlock provider’s office, they realize the extent of the involvement required by an Ignition interlock program. This is similar to someone purchasing a gym membership and thinking the hardest part is getting a key fob to access the gym. In this case, the key fob is the interlock device that is installed in the client’s car.
There are a few things to consider when thinking about interlock devices in general. In most states the interlock device is part of a larger monitoring program that can be very complex. Therefore, most people’s perception of an interlock device is that the device itself is the program. But in reality there is more to the program than just the interlock device. This is similar to a person joining a gym. When a person joins a gym, they think the hardest part is getting the key fob to unlock the door to the gym.
The Installation Process – Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Installed by Certified Technicians
The ignition interlock device is basically a breath testing device that has been wired into the vehicle’s ignition system. The interlock device must be blown prior to starting the vehicle by inserting the mouth piece into the driver’s mouth and giving a sample. If the sample indicates that the driver has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the level set by the program the vehicle will not start.
An ignition interlock device logs data for every attempt a person makes to start a vehicle. Each breath test is logged as well as the result of that test. All of the data from the interlock is typically downloaded by the provider and uploaded to the monitoring authority (e.g. state monitoring agency, probation officer or court) via a computer. In many states this data is required to be uploaded on a regular basis (e.g. weekly, monthly, etc.).
The part people skip over entirely
A certified provider will install the ignition interlock device in your vehicle as part of a scheduled appointment for Anaheim ignition interlock services. Note that improper installation of an ignition interlock can cause serious problems to the vehicle’s electrical system. Furthermore, the vehicle’s ignition interlock may not meet the technical requirements to be legally accepted by your state for monitoring another person. The vast majority of interlock providers fail to explain this critical detail to clients before they schedule an appointment for installation. Instead, they lead clients to believe that installation of an ignition interlock is similar to installing a dash cam.
As a requirement of installation, the ignition interlock device must be calibrated after it has been installed by a certified technician. The vast majority of people have no idea that an ignition interlock device must be recalibrated periodically. States require different time frames for the required calibration of the interlock device. Some states require interlock device calibrations on a 30-day basis while other states require interlock device calibrations on a 60-day basis. During each required interlock device calibration, the certified technician will also download information from the interlock device. In addition to downloading information from the interlock device during required interlock device calibrations, the certified technician will also check the interlock device for any signs of tampering. The certified technician will review all test information from the interlock device for any unusual activity. The results from all of the test information as well as any other required information will be included in a report that will be sent to the monitoring authority as required by law.
As the owner of the device, you will be required to have it recalibrated from time to time. The frequency of which will depend on your State’s interlock program requirements, typically between 30 to 60 days. When the device is sent in for service the technician will download the test results from the device, check for any signs of tampering, and then review your compliance reports for any violations that may have occurred while the previous calibration was in effect. Most companies include this type of service in their monthly monitoring fees. Whether you view this type of service with relief or concern, it is part of the interlock monitoring program.
Support Throughout The Interlock Program
While the terms of an interlock program can generally be defined and monitored by the states and enforced by lawfully by the courts, a good provider can add much value to the program’s administration. The better support that a provider can give to a customer will, in the long run, make administering an interlock program so much easier and fairer for all concerned. Here are some examples of what I am talking about.
- Scheduled recalibration appointments to keep the device accurate and compliant with state requirements
- Data reporting to the relevant monitoring authority, often automatically handled by the provider
- Customer support lines for troubleshooting, because devices do occasionally malfunction and you don’t want to be stranded at 7am unable to start your car
- Lease or rental management for the device itself, since most programs run on a monthly fee structure rather than an outright purchase
- Documentation assistance, including proof-of-installation certificates that courts or the DMV typically require
The best service providers will package all of these steps in as part of their complete interlock program. It is after all, their job to make sure you can get back on the road. They will work with your and your lawyer to make sure you complete all of the necessary requirements and that you have all of the necessary paperwork for your court date. With the best interlock providers, you will be able to go to one place to get all of the information and assistance that you need.
Typical Components Included in Ignition Interlock Packages | Additional Components and Their Corresponding Fees
| Service | Usually included | Sometimes an add-on |
| Device installation | Yes | Rarely extra |
| Scheduled recalibration | Yes (at required intervals) | May cost more if missed and rescheduled |
| Data reporting to authority | Yes | No |
| Device removal at program end | Yes | Occasionally charged separately |
| Expedited or emergency service calls | Sometimes | Often billed separately |
Don’t pay for unexpected charges. As with any service, ambiguous billing is frustrating. As if being confined by a legal situation is not enough, being surprised by unexpected charges for services impliedly or explicitly promised by the provider of the interlock service for your vehicle can be even more maddening.
Getting out: the removal process
As the end of your required monitoring period comes to an end, a certified installation technician will come to your vehicle to remove the interlock device from your vehicle’s wiring. The monitoring agency will receive a final report detailing all of the required start attempts as well as all failed start attempts attempting to start a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Your vehicle’s ignition system will then be returned to normal operation.
One person for many tasks: As noted, many people can assist in setting up a program and getting a driver enrolled. However, removal of the interlock device can only be done by a certified service provider for the Monitoring Service company assigned to the driver. Many people attempt to complete the removal of the interlock device early. Often they are trying to avoid the last test. However, their attempt to complete the removal of the device can result in their Violation status being re-designated. It does not matter if it is near the end of the term of the program. Their status can change from “Allowed” to “Detected”.
(There’s something rather ridiculous about going through months of monitoring, successfully completing your program of alcohol ignition lock service and then having your removal or report of completion of monitoring be delayed because of a final reporting requirement that you hadn’t known about.)
One thing worth knowing before any of this starts
For people with an interlock installed in their vehicle there are many people and places that can assist. However it is very important to remember that the company that installed your interlock device in your vehicle is NOT your lawyer. Your lawyer can explain the reports that are required by the court for license reinstatement but that is it. The company that installed your interlock can explain the interlock device, calibrations, the data reports that are generated by the interlock and the rest of the monitoring of your vehicle. Don’t confuse the two as it will only make a hard process harder.
Knowing what you are paying for and what more you need to do to fulfill your monitoring requirements and the terms of your license suspension/revocation will help you to better prepare yourself for the program. This is a low bar to clear, but someone has to set it and make sure that the monitoring requirements and processes are clearly defined and are sufficient to help monitor people in the best way possible.
