Using an ignition interlock can definitely be a hassle when you’re on the go, but if you follow these simple pointers, you can get your car started and be on your way!
Make Sure There’s No Trace of Alcohol.
We all know that alcohol doesn’t just exist in alcoholic beverages. Cold medicines, mouthwashes, and even some foods contain tiny traces of alcohol that can give the ignition interlock a false read. If you have eaten anything or used a mouthwash that contains alcohol in it, be sure to wait about 15 minutes if you want to start your car. Also, it is a good idea to rinse your mouth out with water. For a list of mouthwashes that contain no alcohol, check out this list.
Remember the Blow-Hum Technique.
If you’re in a rush, it may be easy to forget that you need to blow into the ignition interlock in a very specific way. Most people call it the Blow-Hum Technique. It’s a good idea to practice beforehand, so when you’re on the go, you don’t need to waste any time trying to blow into the interlock correctly.
Prepare for Rolling Retests.
Think about how long your drive is going to take to predetermine when the device will ask for a rolling retest. A responsible IID user will not let the rolling retests sneak up on them. When it is time to take a retest, you definitely don’t want to be caught off guard. You don’t want to panic while on the road and you should be ready to pull over if need be. Above all, be cognizant of your IID not just when you start your car but when you are on the road as well.
If you follow these tips, you will likely not run into any difficulty with your ignition interlock.
