An ignition interlock is a handheld breath-alcohol monitoring device (also known as a breathalyzer or BAIID, Blood Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device) that is electronically connected to a vehicle’s ignition system. To start the vehicle, the driver must first blow into the device. The unit compares the breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) with a predetermined limit set by state laws and regulations. If the breath sample exceeds the authorized limit, the vehicle will not start. If the sample is below the allowable limit, the vehicle will start. After a period of time, the driver is prompted to take a “rolling retest” – checking that he or she remains sober while driving.

A computer chip records all test results, engine starts and stops, and any efforts to disconnect or tamper with the device. Interlock-monitored drivers are required to bring their vehicle into the provider’s service center at regular intervals to have the device recalibrated and to download all recorded data. This data is used to create reports for the monitoring authorities that show how DWI/DUI offenders are complying with their interlock orders.

Smart Start services ignition interlock programs in the following states:

Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.