Ignition interlock device calibration

Ignition interlock device calibration

Ignition interlock devices (IID), or car breathalyzers, are required by law to be calibrated routinely to remain accurate and consistent.

So what does that mean?

An IID calibration means the device needs proper maintenance in order to continue providing you with the best results. The device is measured by a dry-gas instrument that provides a proper scale to the ignition interlock so the device will have the ability to detect alcohol molecules from a breath sample. The ignition interlock devices can become “off scale” if used for too long or do not receive proper calibration, which can further result in false readings. 

A false reading is when an IID user who has consumed alcohol, blows into the IID, but the device does not read the alcohol molecules from the sample, resulting in a drinking and driving incident. These false readings are taken very seriously by ignition interlock companies, law enforcement and state legislatures as IID’s only existence is to keep drivers safe on the road. In fact, some IID vendors have been suspended or even kicked-out of certain states due to similar false readings and improper calibration events. 

In most cases, when devices need to be calibrated for proper functioning of the IID, the device is shipped back to the company for calibration and another calibrated device is sent in its replacement. Currently, the future of IID calibrations is changing. Some IID vendors, such as Intoxalock and some others, are changing to remote calibrations, where the ignition interlock is taken to the service center and calibrated on the remote calibration machine. Intoxalock is one major provider that has starting to offer remote calibrations. The user then does not have to worry about swapping IID’s from their vehicle. 

It is important to carefully choose your ignition interlock vendor. Ensure you are getting quality service from a company that provides reliable and user friendly devices.