The Determinator® Ignition Interlock Device Frequently Asked Questions

An ignition interlock device is a breath alcohol analyzer connected to the ignition of a car. A vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device cannot be driven unless the driver passes the unit's breath alcohol tests.

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What is The Determinator device?

A Determinator is a state-of-the-art ignition interlock device. A vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device cannot be driven unless the driver passes breath alcohol tests via an analyzer installed in the vehicle. Ignition interlock devices are increasingly effective in reducing drunk driving accidents and deaths. They have also been shown to dramatically reduce the number of those convicted of drunk driving who, nevertheless, continue driving.

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How does the Determinator work?

When the key is turned a voice prompts the driver to prepare to give a breath test.
The driver has over 60 seconds to provide a deep lung breath sample--at a pressure rate of 1.5 liters of air given over six seconds--providing the unit with a sample of alveolar air from the bottom of the lungs.
Testing the sample takes 25 seconds.
After test completion, a voice either prompts the driver to start the car or lets him/her know it will not start.
To discourage someone else from providing the original breath sample (a violation of the law when using Model DM-904, the model used when an ignition interlock system is mandated by the court), two "random rolling retests" are given within 20 minutes of starting.
If a retest is failed a voice instructs the driver to pull over and shut off the car. If this instruction is ignored the horn sounds and the lights blink until the car is shut off.
The unit's computer records all test and pertinent driving data. This is downloadable and printable. In the case of mandatory use, this data can only be accessed by court officials. Any attempt at tampering with the unit registers in this data log.

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Do these devices really deter drunken driving?

Historically, most legal deterrents to drunk driving have not worked. Years of experience with license suspensions, mandatory jail terms, and mandated alcohol treatment has shown that such deterrents do not work effectively. Studies reveal that up to 75% of those with suspended licenses drive anyway.

Several states have initiated court mandated ignition interlock programs. In Hamilton County, Ohio, judges had the option of offering the interlock devices to first time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of .20% or higher at time of arrest, to repeat offenders with at least two convictions in a ten year period, and to offenders who refused a breath alcohol test at time of arrest. Of those who were offered the interlock option had the choice of participating in the ignition interlock program or serving a more traditional license suspension time or other alternative.

In a study of the Hamilton County, Ohio interlock program (Morse and Elliot, 1992) conducted over a 30 month trial period showed that repeat arrests for those who chose license suspension instead of the interlock program were three times greater than repeat arrests of those participating in the interlock program. During the 30 months, 4 of 273 (0.9%) interlock program participants were arrested for driving a car not equipped with an interlock device while 41 of 182 (9% of total) license suspension offenders were arrested.

In the Ohio study, far fewer interlock program participants were likely to violate the terms of the court mandate. Additionally, judges were more likely to offer the interlock program option to those at high risk for repeat offenses, such as those with drug or alcohol arrest histories than to first time offenders. The ignition interlock program participants were more likely to be chronic drunk drivers than first time offenders.

A Maryland study (TranSafety, Inc., 1997) of 1,380 repeat offenders eligible for license reinstatement were randomly assigned to a continuing treatment group or a treatment plus ignition interlock device group. Those in the interlock group were allowed to drive interlock equipped cars only. A year later, only 2.4% of the interlock group were rearrested in an alcohol-related driving violation while the rate for the treatment only group was 6.7%. Participating in the interlock program reduced the risk of a repeat drunk driving offense within the first year by approximately 65%.

An evaluation of a Canadian ignition interlock program (Weinrath, 1997) reports the following results:

During Period of Study	Study Participants	Non-participants
Rearrested in an alcohol-related driving violation.	10%	25%
Arrested for speeding, reckless driving, etc.	2.4%	13.7%
Involved in new accidents involving injury.	1%	7%
Chronic drunk drivers (3 or more prior convictions) rearrested.	11%	28%
High risk driving arrests (speeding, reckless driving, etc.)	2.4%	10.8%
Involved in a new accident involving injury.	1.2%	4.6%
Rearrested in first 6 mos.	1%	7%
Rearrested in first 12 mos.	5%	13%
Rearrested in first 18 mos.	7%	16%
Rearrested in first 24 mos.	9%	19%
Rearrested during 15 mos. after removal of ignition interlock from cars of program participants.	8%	13%

These impressive interlock program effects held even when factors such as age, criminal record, general driving and collision histories are considered.

It is apparent that a mandatory ignition interlock device program can have a large impact on the safety of our streets. It is also apparent that such programs can significantly reduce expense to taxpayers since far fewer police, court and incarceration hours, as well as uninsured injury victims are involved. Additionally, ignition interlock program participants pay all expenses involved in the program themselves, resulting in even greater savings to the taxpayer.

_________

Morse, Barbara J. and Elliot, Delbert S. Effects of Ignition Interlock Devices on DUI Recidivism: Findings from a Longitudinal Study in Hamilton County, Ohio. Crime and Delinquency. 38:2, 1992, pp. 131-157.

TranSafety, Inc. Study Shows Ignition Interlocks Decrease the Likelihood of Repeat DUI/DWI Offenses. Road Injury Prevention & Litigation Journal, July 19, 1997.

Weinrath, Michael. The Ignition Interlock Program for Drunk Drivers: A Multivariate Test. Crime & Delinquency. vol 43. January 1997, pp.42-59.

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Do these devices really save money? For whom?

Yes. Convicted drunk drivers can continue to work and run less risk of costly repeated convictions. Since the convicted drunk driver pays for their own unit, the taxpayers also save money in lowered penalty costs. Taxpayers also save money with lowered costs for care of uninsured injured persons.

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Who should use The Determinator?

Anyone who drives. Not only is The Determinator for those who are likely to drive drunk, it is a powerful tool for parents and other community members who rarely or never drink alcohol but who wish to provide a strong model for children.

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What does The Determinator look like?


The device	In car

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What is a random rolling test?

A random rolling test is a test requested by The Determinator device within a few minutes after the car has been driven for a set period of time.

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Can The Determinator unit be disabled?

Yes and no. If your unit has not been mandated by the court, you can use a master key to disable it. Drivers of mandated units cannot disable the device. Parents can control when the device is used by their young drivers with a master key.

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What if I've had too much to drink, couldn't someone else take the test for me?

To discourage someone else from providing the original sample (a violation of the law when using Model DM-904, the model used when an ignition interlock system is mandated by the court), continuous "random rolling retests" must be provided. However, after the first few the period between testing will increase.

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Can the tolerance level be changed?

Yes, if the unit is not mandated by the court.

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Is there a limit to the number of times the breath test can be attempted?

Not when attempting to start the vehicle, but when attempting to pass the required random rolling retests the driver must supply a successfully sample within 3 minutes of the request. If unsuccessful, the driver will be violated and be required to pull the car off the road and shut it off. After 3 minutes the car may be restarted by a driver with no alcohol in their system.

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What is a mandatory unit?

Where the law provides, those convicted of drunken driving may continue to drive only if they equip their car with an ignition interlock device. The unit keeps track of the convicted driver's driving and breath alcohol testing data over a period of time and provides a report to authorities.

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If I have been mandated to use an ignition interlock device, how does the court keep track of when I drive?

The unit's computer records all test and pertinent driving data. This is downloadable and printable. In the case of the mandatory use, this data can only be accessed by court officials. Any attempt at tampering with the unit registers in this data log. Those participating in a mandatory ignition interlock device program are required to have the report downloaded at regular intervals.

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Does my state have laws about ignition interlock devices?

Click here for ignition interlock legal information by state.

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I hardly ever drink. How can using a Determinator benefit me?

By preventing tragic consequences from unplanned overindulgence.
By knowing you are being a strong model for your children and are sending a powerful message to other community members.
Check with your insurance carrier. Some insurance carriers are now looking into the issue and may offer discounts for installed ignition interlock devices in the future.

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What about discounts on insurance?

Insurance companies are looking at our unit now. We expect discounts will be provided in the future. Check with your individual carrier for more information.

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What about incorrect test results as in false positives or false negatives?

It is recommended that you carry a bottle of water to rinse the cavity of the mouth out just prior to providing a breath sample. There are foods that if eaten within 30 minutes may give off a low alcohol reading due to the body's digestive system starting within the cavity of the mouth where particles of food are still present. The yeast in bread is a major cause of false readings.

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Couldn't my prescription drugs interfere with test results?

Yes. It is recommended that you carry a bottle of water to rinse the cavity of the mouth out just prior to providing a breath sample if the drug contains any alcohol.

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What if other drivers want to drive my car?

The Determinator comes with several sanitary mouth pieces. Unless your unit has been mandated by the courts, you can also override the device.

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There are several drivers in my family. Isn't it unsanitary to use the same device?

The Determinator unit comes with several sanitary, washable mouth pieces.

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If I buy a new vehicle, can I use the same unit I already have?

Yes.

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How is The Determinator installed?

The Determinator device is installed by a certified technician.

Call 1-518-435-1099 or

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Can I install a Determinator unit in my car myself?

No, The Determinator device can only be installed by a certified technician.

Call 1-518-435-1099 or

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How much does a Determinator unit for cars cost?

The Determinator unit for cars involved in mandatory ignition interlock programs, model DM-904, is $95 (US) per month for a 6-11 month lease and $82 per month for a 12 month or more lease, plus taxes, installation, shipping and handling. This unit is only available through a lease. There is also a charge of $30 (US) per each download from the unit's computer. Some mandatory programs require such downloads monthly, other programs may vary in this requirement.

The Determinator unit for cars not involved in mandatory ignition interlock programs, model DV-904, is $1,595 (US) plus taxes, shipping and handling ($40) and installation.

Installation is approximately $100-$200 (US). Price varies depending on vehicle type.

Removal of the unit is $50 (US).

Call 1-518-435-1099 or

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How can I order a Determinator unit for my car?

Use our secure online ordering system here or

Call 1-518-435-1099 or

Email us

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