Being charged with a DUI can be a frustrating time, and you may feel as if you’re losing some of your freedom if the courts force you to use an ignition interlock device. Fortunately, you still have the freedom to choose a car breathalyzer that offers discretion and helps you to forget it’s even there.
You should know that you’re not alone in having an ignition interlock device, and there are already about 150,000 interlock systems now in cars throughout the U.S., placed there for drivers with multiple DUI convictions. The best interlock devices combine a few key benefits to ensure that your privacy and driving freedom are protected, allowing you to feel comfortable when others are in the car.
- Go discreet. Since you have the ability to choose your interlock device, you should try to find a discreet breathalyzer that blends completely into the scenery of your car. For example, some interlock devices come in the shape of a water bottle, and nobody could ever possibly know that you’re blowing into it instead of merely taking a sip of water. Your privacy is important, and remaining discreet while complying with court orders will allow you to preserve this privacy.
- Never get locked out. Ignition interlocks prohibit the engine from starting if an alcohol sensing device registers above a pre-set level, typically around 0.02 BAC. If you don’t even drink and get a device that is prone to malfunctions, you could be stranded on the road for no reason at all. The best interlock devices will have override systems in place in which you can call the company and have them send you a code to unlock the system. This can save you tons of embarrassment and lost time in the event that your device does indeed malfunction, or if alcohol is present in your blood.
- Blow and go. Some interlock systems are complicated and require you to wait a set period of time before driving, in addition to a host of other time-consuming functions. The best devices allow you to simply “blow and go,” making it impossible for others to know that you actually have one in your car. These will work the same in both hot and cold weather, so you won’t be stuck in extreme heat or snow waiting for your device to kick in.
While it seems like a pain, another 28 people die as a result of drunk driving every day in America, and ignition interlock devices are drastically reducing these numbers. Invest in a high-quality interlock device and take back your driving freedom.
3 Reasons Having a Discreet Breathalyzer in Your Car is So Important to Your Privacy