What causes a failed ignition interlock device blow test?
Is it a false positive or a legitimate failed breath test? If you’re wondering how to fail an ignition interlock device or breathalyzer blow test or why you may have failed your last blow test, read closely. To avoid failing a blow test, you may want to consider getting the right device for you. Devices like Intoxalock and some others provide additional equipment that can help you to prove when you have not intentionally failed the test or provided a false positive reading.
In order to fail a blow test, the air that you blow into the ignition interlock device that is read by the internal fuel cell, comes back as a high reading, therefore causing a failed test.
Some common mistakes IID users make range from attempting to conduct a blow test after consuming a few drinks, to unintentionally causing a false positive. Items like paint cans or perfume could potentially cause these false positives. If open paint cans sit in the vehicle, the fumes coming from the paint could affect your sample when conducting the blow test. Excessive amounts of perfume or cologne could also potentially cause a false positive due to their strong fumes as well. Therefore, if these products with a very minimal amount of alcohol can be detected, even one alcoholic beverage will be noticed by the IID.
Other products that can cause false positives are mouthwash, breath spray, or even pizza. This occurs because of the small amount of alcohol content found mouthwash and breath spray. For pizza, the yeast in the dough of the crust also contains a small amount of alcohol content.
To avoid these potential false positives, it is advised to clear your mouth out with water prior to conducting your blow test. Also, avoid tampering with the device or utilizing other tools and users to conduct the blow test—these things can lead to serious consequences and future failed tests.
Remember to stay calm and follow the device instructions and regulations from your monitoring authority to avoid additional penalties or false readings. Consider which brand you choose when buying an ignition interlock device, use devices like Intoxalock and others that come with proper accessories and will help you to avoid further legal penalties and time with the device.