5. Alcohol Interlock Technology
5.2 Alcohol Interlock Technologies
Alcohol interlocks are devices that measure breath alcohol concentration and include a vehicle ‘immobiliser’ module. A vehicle can only be started if the BAC reading is below a pre-set limit. Alcohol interlocks have two main elements – a sensor unit or control box, typically located under the glove-box, and the handset, typically mounted on the centre console of the vehicle (see Figure 5.1). Alcohol interlocks are used in offender-based settings and in occupational settings such as buses or trucks (Figure 5.2).
Alcohol interlocks are hardwired to a vehicle’s starting circuit or ignition rather than the engine. Interlocks contain a computer chip which records all failed breath tests, any attempt to tamper with the device circuitry, and attempts to bypass the test including the refusal of ‘running tests’ (described below). Data can be downloaded at each service and used to generate reports of the driver’s attempts to drive while under the influence of alcohol.
Important features of alcohol interlock systems that relate to multiple users include an interchangeable mouthpiece, the use of a PIN code to distinguish between users, and a handset that can be detached from the ‘connecting cable handset’.
Figure 5.1: Alcohol interlock units
Images courtesy of Dräger; components: 1. Connecting cables car; 2. Decription of connecting cables; 3. Control box; 4. Button ‘up’; 5. Button ‘OK’; 6. Button ‘Down/Menu; 7. Connecting cable handset; 8. Handset; 9.Display; 10. Mouthpiece
Figure 5.2: Alcohol Interlock units used in occupational and non-occupational settings
Image courtesy of Dräger Image courtesy of Guardian Interlocks
The process for using the alcohol interlock and starting the vehicle is as follows:
1. The driver inserts the key into the vehicle ignition, turning the key to the ‘ignition point’.
2. The interlock performs a self-test and the device commences to ‘warm-up’, the duration which is
dependent upon the ambient temperature, but can be ≤ 10 seconds when the temperature is ≥ 20oC or up
to three minutes in extreme cold (-40oC).
3. An auditory tone sounds and a visual message alerts the driver that the device is ready for use.
4. The driver provides a breath sample (typically one to 1.5 litres; or time-based, e.g., five seconds), which, depending on the interlock settings may require a specific breath pattern as an ‘anti-circumvention’ process, so either:
a. an evenly expelled breath sample is provided for a specified duration, or
b. a ‘blow/suck’ or ‘blow/hum’ process is required (this depends on the manufacturer). 5. The test result is shown as ‘Pass’, ‘Fail’ or ‘Warn’, and the following occurs:
a. Pass (below set BAC limit): the starter motor is engaged via the control unit, with a specified time period provided to start the vehicle and driver re-attaches the interlock to the cradle
b. Fail (above set BAC limit): the interlock enters a ‘temporary lockout’ mode, with a time counter showing the remaining time until another attempt can be made. In this case, the power to the vehicle ignition switch/starter circuitry is cut off
c. A Warn or Violation can also be shown, depending on the device and program requirements. Note: in
Australasia, only a pass or fail result is returned.
Interlocks can be set to return a pass (below a pre-set BAC), enter into a brief lockout mode if between a particular value, and a fail when the BAC is above the legal BAC threshold.
Once the driver has started the vehicle, the alcohol interlock enters a ‘stand-by’ mode. In the event a vehicle is stopped and the engine shut-off, the driver is given a specified re-start period where an ignition test is not required.
The user should allow at least 15 minutes after alcohol is ingested orally; this can include aromatic drinks (e.g., fruit juices) alcoholic mouthwashes or mouth sprays. In addition, users are advised to leave an interval since burping or vomiting (e.g., Dräger Safety AG & Co KGaA).
Interlocks can also be set to require rolling re-tests (also known as running tests) at random, five to 30 minute intervals while the vehicle is moving. Rolling re-tests are intended to prevent the driver from asking someone else to blow into the interlock device or consume alcoholic beverages while driving.
If the driver fails the rolling test at any time or refuses to undertake a rolling test, various alarms sound (i.e. horn starts honking and lights flashing) until the vehicle is immobilised. Due to safety reasons, the ignition will not self-immobilise if a driver fails a rolling test. While concern has been raised regarding the dangers of performing re-tests while driving a vehicle, the technology is programmed to provide sufficient time for drivers to pull over and perform the test under stationary conditions. Users are advised to pull off the roadway to undertake the re-test.
Violations
The device can record a number of violations, including failed tests, failure to undertake a rolling re-test, any start circumvention or a specified number of failures in the service period. Tampering with the device is also classified as a violation.
Alcohol interlocks can be configured in a range of ways to meet different alcohol interlock program requirements.
Current Australian Providers of Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices for Use in Legislative Offender-based Programs
At the time of writing, three interlock providers are approved under legislation to provide alcohol interlocks for offender-based programs in Australasia. These suppliers have been approved by licensing authorities in the jurisdiction within which they operate according to strict, formal and confidential procurement processes that are open to any interested party. Suppliers for all offender-based alcohol interlock programs must meet Australian Standard (AS) 3547.
In addition to the three approved suppliers, other companies in Australia have alcohol breath test devices that meet AS 3547; however, these have not yet been authorised under relevant legislation to act as a supplier in offender-based programs. These interlocks can be used in other settings, such as occupational driving as well as professional and sporting club settings.
Installation and Servicing
The alcohol interlock can be set to require servicing with the ‘service interval’ specified. If the driver does not meet the service requirement, the interlock becomes locked, and a PIN code is required in order to submit a new breath test.
All jurisdictions clearly specify that interlocks, when fitted to satisfy a sanction, can only be installed and serviced by qualified professionals. Following the installation, drivers are shown how to use the interlock and provided with a certificate of installation which often needs to be submitted to the licensing or monitoring authority (for offender-based programs). Experienced interlock service agents can install an interlock into a vehicle within 45 minutes to two hours depending on the sophistication of the vehicle52.
Within the service, logged data is downloaded and the device assessed for performance. The information can be made available to licensing authorities. This servicing offers licensing authorities an important mechanism to monitor offenders.
Pricing
Pricing can be sensitive in current offender-based alcohol interlock programs. The largest cost component is the monthly lease fee that depends on the length of the required fitment.
52 Alcohol Interlock Curriculum for Practitioners, 'http://aic.tirf.ca/section3/qa.php', Last updated November 2012, Accessed 15 January
For offender-based programs, costs range from $1,000 for six months53, $2,000 for one year54, and
approximately $6,500 for four years72. In the ACT, the Canberra Times noted the six-month cost to be close
to $1,30055 while the ACT Government Alcohol Ignition Interlock FAQ stated that ‘typically, the costs for the
minimum six month interlock period would be approximately $1,200 (for installation, monthly servicing and removal of the interlock) and for each subsequent 12 months the cost would be approximately $1,800’, which would be for the monthly servicing56. The type of costs associated with alcohol interlock program
participation is presented in Table 5.1. Table 5.1: Program cost elements
Item
Installation Removal of the unit
Service / monthly lease fee / monitor fee Provision of an unlock code by the supplier / service agent, and transfer to another vehicle.
Theft Warranty costs / loss protection - monthly Violation reset
Unscheduled service costs Multiple user
Early termination costs Damage to equipment
Device Standards and Calibration Requirements
The technical standards and calibration requirements are a critical consideration in the functioning of alcohol interlocks, particularly when used in offender-based programs.
The relevant European Technical Standards are EN 50436-1:2005 (European Standard, 2005), and EN 50436-2: 2007 (European Standard, 2009). The EN Standard is noted to be a technical standard, and not a legal standard, but is referenced in European laws as well as within EU countries (Ecorys, 2014). According to Ecorys (2014), both EN 50436-1 and 50436-2 are currently under review. Four additional parts (-3 to -6) relate to guidance, connections, equipment without a mouthpiece and data security. The requirements for alcohol interlocks in the USA are per the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) specification noted in the Federal Register (US Government, 1992). The devices also require certification that they withstand electromagnetic radiation.
In Australasia alcohol interlocks must meet and be certified for use under AS 3457 – 1997 (incorporating Amendment No. 1) (Standards Australia, 2000). The Standard relates to those devices where only a driver’s breath is measured; that is, devices where air other than the driver’s breath is introduced are not covered (i.e., passive sniffers).
The Standards Australia Committee CS/77, Blood Alcohol Testing Devices, specifically note the importance of recalibration and that ‘provision of recalibration facilities to the general public, should, in the opinion of the Committee, be a prerequisite for the sale ’ (p.2).
AS 3547 specified approvals for four device types: • Type 1 – Single use, disposable devices
• Type 2 – Portable, electronic breath alcohol devices (i.e., hand held)
53 Moor, Keith. Drink-drivers will be forced to pay at least $1000 to fit alcohol interlocks, HERALD SUN, May 27, 2014
54 Cook, Henrietta. Call to make drink-drive interlock rules tougher, The Age, February 25, 2013; http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/call-
to-make-drinkdrive-interlock-rules-tougher-20130225-2f1s9.html#ixzz3AGOoYXGs
55 Fraser Andrew. Interlock gives government and drink-drivers a Plan B. The Canberra Times, July 27, 2014.
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/interlock-gives-government-and-drinkdrivers-a-plan-b-20140726- zvysy.html#ixzz3AGRIlDNO
56 ACT Government, ACT’s alcohol ignition interlock program – Frequently Asked Questions, as at 15 June 2014.
• Type 3 – Fixed installation electronic breath alcohol devices
• Type 4 - Electronic breath alcohol devices to control the usage of motor vehicles or other machinery. Alcohol interlocks fall within Type 4, as they act to prevent the use of the vehicle (or machine) in the event of a positive test. These devices can be ‘self-calibrating’ or be manually calibrated. The specified minimum calibration period is 30 days. The Standard states that the manufacturer provide the calibration period of the