Find a location near you!

Find a location near you! 

Smart Start
    • Client Portal
    • SmartWeb
  • Home
  • Ignition Interlock
    • –
      • Ignition Interlock
      • What Is An Ignition Interlock?
      • Best Ignition Interlock
      • Ignition Interlock FAQ
  • Cost
    • –
      • Ignition Interlock Cost
      • Get a Quote
  • Devices
    • –
      • Ignition Interlock
      • BreathCheck™
      • SmartMobile™ Program
  • Locations
    • –
      • United States
      • International
  • Why Choose Smart Start?
    • –
      • Learn More
      • Reviews
  • Support
    • Resources
      • Videos
      • Blog
    • Device Support
      • Client Support
      • Device Removal
      • General FAQ
      • Mechanic Repair Bypass
  • (800) 831-3299
  • Login
    • –
      • Client Portal
      • SmartWeb
  • Menu

Home › Blog › Does a Car Breathalyzer Detect Marijuana?

Does a Car Breathalyzer Detect Marijuana?
The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, is not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. See full disclaimer.

Does a Car Breathalyzer Detect Marijuana?

March 13, 2025

With cannabis products now legal for recreational and/or medical use in some states, it’s important to remember that driving while high remains illegal (and dangerous) everywhere. That’s why law enforcement agencies across America are working hard to keep people under the influence of cannabis off the road.

For decades, Ignition Interlock Devices have been some of the most important tools for fighting drunk driving. Thus, as cannabis legalization continues to spread, you might be wondering if there are “marijuana breathalyzers” for vehicles or Ignition Interlock Devices that can detect weed. Right now, the answer is no — but read on to learn about how law enforcement is developing new tools to help in the fight against drugged driving.

Does a Breathalyzer Detect Weed In an Ignition Interlock Device?

No, the Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) that many drivers are required to install on their vehicles after getting a DUI do not detect marijuana use. Currently, no IID technology is available that can detect marijuana on a driver’s breath.

So why can’t a car breathalyzer detect weed? The fuel-cell technology that breathalyzers use was developed specifically to detect alcohol. Some of the properties of alcohol make it especially easy to detect on a person’s breath, but that’s not the case with THC (the chemical in marijuana that creates the “high” sensation). 

That doesn’t mean that it’s safe or wise to use cannabis products while driving or before driving. In fact, it’s very dangerous: Cannabis slows your reaction time, impairs your judgment, and has other negative effects on your driving abilities. Impaired driving is always dangerous, whether a driver is impaired by THC, alcohol, or another substance. 

Why It’s Hard to Detect Marijuana Impairment

With many current tests for marijuana, it can be hard to distinguish whether a person has recently consumed marijuana. That’s because the THC metabolites that the tests detect are stored in fat cells, so they can continue to show up in people who used cannabis products days or even weeks ago, according to WebMD.

Researchers have been working hard on a solution to this problem, and several states have rolled out pilot programs to test new drug-detection technologies. In Indiana, for example, some police departments have begun equipping officers with an improved oral fluid test that identifies recent marijuana use, along with other drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. So, while there are still challenges in reliably detecting marijuana usage, new technologies are pushing the field forward.

Can You Get a DUI for Driving High?

Yes. Many states have laws that criminalize driving a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana or any other drug. Different states use different definitions of driving while under the influence of marijuana, including:

  • Zero-tolerance: Any amount of THC in your body
  • Per Se: An amount of THC in your body over a predetermined limit
  • Under the Influence DUID: Any amount of THC that impairs your ability to drive

While it can be more challenging to prove that a driver is impaired by marijuana, that’s no protection against all of the challenges that a DUI can bring into your life. You could face probation, fines, jail time, a suspended driver’s license, and other potential consequences that come with a DUI. You can help keep our roads safe by finding another way home, even if you think you’re able to drive. Assign a designated sober driver or take advantage of other options like taxis, rideshares, or public transit. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Breathalyzers and Marijuana

  • Can a standard breathalyzer in an Ignition Interlock Device be modified to detect marijuana?

    • No. Only tests specifically designed to identify THC can detect its presence. 
  • Are marijuana breathalyzers available for use in Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs)?

    • So far, no state has approved any breath sample-based method for detecting cannabis use via an Ignition Interlock Device.
  • Does marijuana show up on a DUI blood test?

    • It could, depending on what the blood sample is tested for. If you receive a blood test as part of a DUI arrest, the sample might be tested only to establish your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but it might also be tested for THC and other drugs. 

While Smart Start doesn’t offer marijuana breathalyzers, we’re always keeping up with the latest developments in Interlock Device technology. Learn more about how breathalyzers work, or get in touch with our Program Advisors to find the right Interlock Device for your DUI program.

 

Schedule an Installation

Get a quick and easy IID installation with Smart Start! Get started today!

¡Obtenga una instalación rápida y fácil de IID con Smart Start! ¡Empieza hoy mismo!

"* (required)" indicates required fields

Fieldset Begin
spanish_espanol
This field is hidden when viewing the form
contact_consent* (required)
This field is hidden when viewing the form
franchisee_consent
Fieldset Begin

Fast-Track Your Installation

Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
We can get you a quote faster if you fill out the information below.

Installation Due Date
Date of Birth
Preferred Date
Preferences are subject to change based on availability.
Fieldset Begin
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Or Call (800) 831-3299 Now!

By providing your information and clicking “Book Your Install Now”, I authorize 1A Smart Start LLC and it’s franchisees’ to contact me at the phone number and/or email address above via phone, text, and/or email using multiple and periodic autodialed and prerecorded calls and texts for marketing purposes. Not a condition for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. To opt-out of texts, reply “STOP,” and to opt-out of emails click the email unsubscribe link.

¡O llame ahora al (800) 831-3299!

Al proporcionar su información y hacer clic en "Reservar su instalación ahora", autorizo a 1A Smart Start LLC y sus franquiciados a ponerse en contacto conmigo en el número de teléfono y/o dirección de correo electrónico anterior a través de teléfono, texto y/o correo electrónico utilizando llamadas y textos de marcado automático y pregrabados múltiples y periódicos para fines de marketing. No es una condición para la compra. Pueden aplicarse tarifas de mensajes y datos. Para optar por no recibir mensajes de texto, responda “STOP”.

Share this entry
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on X
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share on LinkedIn
https://www.smartstartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Does-Car-Breathalyzer-Detect-Cannabis.png 600 1200 ammar https://www.smartstartinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/smartstartlogo-notagline-2020.svg ammar2025-03-13 16:22:182025-03-13 16:22:18Does a Car Breathalyzer Detect Marijuana?

Disclaimer

The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only. Information may be dated and may not reflect the most current developments. The materials contained herein are not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. You should contact your attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Links to any third-party websites herein are provided for your reference and convenience only; Smart Start does not recommend or endorse such third party sites or their accuracy or reliability. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding all content, materials, and information, and with respect to actions taken or not taken in reliance on such. The content is provided “as is;” no representations are made that the content is error-free.

Meet the expert

ammar

Take the first step to get back on the road


ONLINE QUOTE

Use our fast online form


CALL US AT

(800) 831-3299


Find a Location

APPA (American Probation and Parole Association) logo
GHSA (Governors Highway Safety Association) logo
ISO (Internation Standards Organization) logo
logo badge for the Better Business Bureau in white with a transparent background

Get Started

    • Ignition Interlock Device
  • What Is An Ignition Interlock Device?
  • Best Ignition Interlock
  • Ignition Interlock Cost
  • Get a Quote
  • SmartMobile Program
  • Breathcheck

Locations

  • US Locations
  • International Locations

Support

  • Client Support
  • Client Portal
  • Device Removal
  • Media Center
  • Language Services
  • Deaf or Hard of Hearing
  • Accessibility Statement

Partners

  • Refer a Client
  • Become a Contractor
  • Mechanic Repair Bypass
  • Removal Authorization
  • Partners+ Program
  • Family Law
  • Smart Start University

Contact Us

  • Customer Support:
  • Book Your Appointment:
USA Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
Your Privacy Choices
CA Privacy Notice
Manage Cookies
Careers

© 2025 1A Smart Start LLC
  • Link to LinkedIn
  • Link to X
  • Link to Facebook
  • Link to Youtube
Scroll to top
Phone Icon

We’re ready to help!

Program Advisors are Available. Call Now!

 

(866) 918-2986