Ignition Interlock Care And Feeding

Ignition interlock systems function like a breathalyzer. They read the breath as it is blown onto the sensor and return a measurement of your blood alcohol content. Like any machine, the system is not perfect. Many interlock companies advertise “fuel cell” technology and claim not to have false positive readings. However, some medications, beverages, mouthwashes, and other consumables can cause a false reading for alcohol content in police breath tests, so why assume it is any different with an interlock system? To be on the safe side, you should wait at least 20 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking any beverages before attempting to use the ignition interlock device. Don't risk a bad reading! Mouthwash is potentially problematic because there is alcohol in most brands.