Did you get your Ignition Interlock wet? If you accidentally dropped the device into your water cup, or something spilled on the device, it will probably need to be fixed or swapped, just like any other electronic device. It happens, but there’s a process that Smart Start can walk you through to ensure your device is working properly again.

Here’s what to do if your Ignition Interlock got wet.

What to Do if You Get Your Ignition Interlock Wet

First, it’s important to remember that you cannot drive a motor vehicle without an Ignition Interlock!

If your Ignition Interlock is inoperable, you’ll need to tow your vehicle to your nearest Smart Start service center. Make sure to call our Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 for next steps according to your state’s tow policy. Then, ride with a family member or friend to the service center, and we will help you get back on the road with a working Ignition Interlock.

Option two is if your Ignition Interlock can still operate even after getting wet. If your state allows it, disconnect your head unit and take it inside to dry out. As of March 2018, Wisconsin and New York do NOT allow you to disconnect your head unit! In these two states, it may be considered a violation of your state rules and regulations to disconnect your head unit. Only a Smart Start service center can swap out your device because of your state requirements.

In states where your jurisdiction allows you to disconnect the head unit, after it has dried out, you can reconnect your head unit to see if it works. If the Ignition Interlock device does work, you still need to make sure to visit your Smart Start service center so our technicians can make sure there are no problems.

If you have any questions during your Ignition Interlock program, our Customer Care Center is standing by to assist you. Just give us a call at (800) 831-3299.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Get back on the road again with Smart Start, the worldwide provider of Ignition Interlocks since 1992. Make sure to ask for any current specials or discounts! Schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.

Having a breathalyzer in bars or night clubs in theory seems helpful. Patrons can, for fun, test their breath alcohol concentration level (BrAC) to see how much alcohol they’ve consumed after inserting a few quarters.

But how accurate are they?

How Vending Machine Breathalyzers Work

Vending machine breathalyzers are pretty simple. Most work like this: After inserting some change, you place a straw into the machine and blow into the straw for a few seconds. The breathalyzer will then read your BrAC (breath alcohol) level, which is similar to your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) level, a more familiar acronym to the public.

Although simple to use, vending machine breathalyzers are not the most accurate alcohol testing device. Why? Because the technology in vending machine breathalyzers are simple as well.

The Accuracy of Vending Machine Breathalyzers

Vending machine breathalyzers are solely for entertainment and education. It is a helpful tool for self-monitoring, and possibly making a good decision. But they will not prevent someone from getting behind the wheel drunk and attempting to drive.

Even if you use a vending machine breathalyzer and have a BrAC level that’s below .08, the legal limit in all states, you can still get pulled over by law enforcement for reckless driving and arrested. The vending machine breathalyzer creates a false sense of confidence. Patrons may believe they can drive after having a few drinks at the bar because they had a BrAC level below the legal limit rather than making the right choice and designating a sober driver or using a ridesharing app.

Police-grade personal breath testers (PBTs) and Ignition Interlocks are other alcohol testing devices. The difference between these devices and vending machine breathalyzers is PBTs and Ignition Interlocks have fuel cell sensors. Fuel cells are alcohol-specific. These sensors are the most accurate technology to date that evaluates a person’s BrAC level which correlates to an accurate BAC.

Law enforcement uses PBTs for roadside tests, and courts or state offices order Ignition Interlocks for DUI offenders because these devices are accurate and certified and tested. Even the public, such as parents of teenage drivers, will lease an Ignition Interlock voluntarily for peace of mind when teenagers get behind the wheel. If the user can’t pass the Ignition Interlock’s initial breath test, the user’s vehicle will not start. The Ignition Interlock is a fool-proof way to prevent drinking and driving.

Ignition Interlocks: The Only Reliable Breathalyzers to Prevent Drinking and Driving

If you need to use an Ignition Interlock, you are getting back on the road with a reliable, accurate device. There are federal and state-specific guidelines for its functionality, so you aren’t using just any breathalyzer off the market.

If you want to test yourself before getting behind the wheel, an Ignition Interlock is the best technology that will reveal whether you are too intoxicated by alcohol to drive.

Voluntary Ignition Interlock programs by Smart Start are simple. If you want to make sure you are OK to drive after consuming alcohol, an Ignition Interlock is the most affordable and reliable option.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Whether you need to, or voluntarily want to, install an Ignition Interlock, Smart Start’s here for you. Our Ignition Interlock is discreet and easy to use. We also provide our clients an inexpensive program and 24/7/365 customer service standing by to assist you. Schedule your installation appointment by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.

Can I Transfer My Ignition Interlock to My Other Vehicle?

If you need an Ignition Interlock, there may be some questions going through your mind right now. One of them might be if you can transfer your Ignition Interlock from one vehicle you own to another.

Process to Transfer My Ignition Interlock to Another Vehicle

Each state has different Ignition Interlock laws. Some states will require you to install an Ignition Interlock on every vehicle you own and/or operate.

But there are other scenarios. You may need to transfer your Ignition Interlock to another vehicle because you bought a new one. All you need to do is call our Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 and we will arrange a transfer appointment for you at your nearest service center.

However, in states such as Texas and New York in some cases, we may need proper authorization from your State Authority before scheduling a transfer appointment. If this is the case, when you call, we will let you know what to do to obtain that authorization and start the process to transfer your Ignition Interlock to another vehicle.

Sharing a Vehicle But Need an Ignition Interlock

Sharing a vehicle with someone but you need to install an Ignition Interlock? We have tips, information and next steps on that, too. In most cases, you must provide authorization in writing from the owner saying that your vendor can install an Ignition Interlock on the vehicle. However, some states need proper documentation, so be sure to ask your customer service agent for proper next steps and forms.

Remember to not drive any vehicle without an Ignition Interlock!

Regardless of your situation, you can always call our Customer Care Center for next steps. We are available 24/7/365 at (800) 831-3299 and we will answer your questions. Just dial (800) 831-3299, press 1 for Existing Customer, 4 for Account Related Support, then 4 for Vehicle Transfers and Removals.

Need an Ignition Interlock Now?

Smart Start is the worldwide provider of Ignition Interlocks with a convenient, affordable program and a reliable, easy-to-use device. To schedule an installation appointment, call us today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our online form.