When you get a DUI (driving under the influence) it is a life-changing event. You spend time, money, and energy on the criminal justice system, and then, if you are lucky, you are given restricted permission to drive again.
In many instances you may be ordered to have a breathalyzer installed in your car as a result of your DUI so that you can exercise your privilege of driving to and from work or other functions. If this is the case you may be wondering how it all works, and what to expect.
How A Car Breathalyzer Works
A DUI car breathalyzer is a device that is connected to your car's system and prevents your car from starting without the driver blowing into it, and confirming that the BAC (blood alcohol content) of the person behind the wheel is below the legal limit determined by the state. In the state of Colorado that limit is .08.
If the device registers a BAC of over .08 in the state of Colorado it will shut down the car for several minutes. If it registers a BAC over the limit a second time it will shut down the car for a longer period of time. In Colorado rolling retests are also required, which means that after you start your car you may again be required to retest through your interlock device to make sure you haven't been drinking since you started the vehicle. This also is a way to ensure that you did not simply ask a friend to blow into the device when you started it. What happens if you fail a rolling retest? Well, it wouldn't be practical to simply shut the car down in the middle of driving, nor would it be safe. Therefore, what happens is that your car's alarm goes off, and the horn starts honking until you pull over, and turn your car off, at which time it will not restart until you register a legal BAC through the interlock device.
Sentry Interlock is the leading car breathalyzer installation provider in Colorado. For more information, or to schedule an appointment to have a breathalyzer installed in your car contact us.
