In a recent news report, Fox News of Chicago recently exposed the inaccuracies of the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device. Fox News reported that “DUI Breath Interlock Devices Frequently Malfunction,” and it mentioned documented examples of mouthwash, pizza crust, bread, English muffins, and even hot dogs causing false positive alcohol readings on ignition interlock devices.
The Illinois interlock program has been criticized because malfunctions and inaccurate readings have discouraged drunk driving offenders from joining the IID program. Massachusetts drivers have no choice. The ignition interlock provision of Melanie’s Law requires mandatory use of the interlock for at least 2 years after getting a full license reinstatement, for second or subsequent DUI offenders. It is required during the entire length of any hardship license for drivers with two or more DUI convictions on their records.
In Illinois, the penalty for ignition interlock alcohol readings is a 3 month license suspension. In Massachusetts, alcohol readings result in 10 year or even lifetime loss of license. The State of Massachusetts has the harshest ignition interlock penalties in the country, with 10 year and lifetime license revocations based on alcohol readings from an inaccurate and unreliable device that was never designed to be an evidentiary breathalyzer.
It is nice to see that the news media recognizes some of the problems associated with these devices and that Fox News of Chicago has the courage to report on the difficulties and lack of scientific accuracy associated with ignition interlock devices. The news story recognized that there is not a lot of sympathy for those who suffer with the ignition interlock device.
