In Georgia, a person charged with driving under the influence of alcohol may lose the right to drive through a driver’s license suspension or revocation.
Depending on the circumstances of their case, the defendant may reinstate their driving privileges if they install and use an ignition interlock device as per Georgia state law.
What an IID does
As explained by Intoxalock, a provider of ignition interlock devices, an IID aims to prevent repeat instance of impaired driving. The device works in a couple of ways. First, an ignition interlock device keeps a vehicle ignition locked until a person passes a breath test proving they are not under the influence of alcohol. Only after this is the person allowed to start the vehicle and drive it.
After a vehicle has been started and a journey begun, the ignition interlock device system provides alerts to the driver at random intervals. These alerts signal the requirement to take subsequent breath tests, supporting that the driver has not consumed alcohol since starting the vehicle’s ignition.
Life with an IID
Some substances commonly used by individuals may contribute to inaccurate readings by an IID. One example is mouthwash, which may contain trace amounts of alcohol. If a driver uses mouthwash just prior to getting in their car, they may not pass the initial breath test.
Sugary foods or beverages may also interfere with the accuracy of breath test results. Given that rolling retests must be taken and a driver never knows when these may happen, people may need to abstain from enjoying their morning pastry or other treat while they drive.