An alcohol interlock device is essentially an electronic breath-testing device connected to the ignition system of cars, motorcycles, and heavy vehicles designed to prevent drivers from operating a vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol.
Drivers are required to provide a breath sample via the device which the Guardian Interlock then analyses for the presence of alcohol. If a positive sample is detected, the vehicle will not start. Randomly timed breath tests must also be passed during a journey. In some states or circumstances, the alcohol interlock also includes a camera and takes a photograph of the person providing the breath sample to prevent the risk of circumventing the program.
The most obvious reason for the interlock device preventing you from starting a vehicle is that alcohol has been detected in the sample you provided. While you may not have been drinking, there are products that contain alcohol which may cause the device to return a positive result for alcohol detection.
Alcohol has been detected.
Toothpaste, Mouth wash, cough medicine, vanilla extract and non food products such as windshield cleaners and hand sanitisers may all have a slight impact on the accuracy of the readings. The best approach is to avoid ingesting or using any products containing alcohol immediately prior to providing a sample for the device. In the case of hand sanitiser, use it outside of the car and allow sufficient time for it to fully dry before attempting to use the interlock device.
Missed Service.
Another reason you may find yourself locked out of starting the vehicle is if you have missed a scheduled service appointment. You should receive notification and reminders of scheduled service appointments for your device. If you miss one you run the risk of a permanent lockout until you are able to have the vehicle towed to an authorised Guardian Interlock Service Centre, such as Southern Highlands Service Centre to have a Lockout Reset performed.
Attempts to modify the vehicle.
Interlock devices are designed to prevent attempts to circumvent or get around the device without providing a sample. Trying to disable or remove the device will result in you being permanently locked out of the vehicle until a reset can be arranged. If you need to do any work on your car your best bet is to contact an authorised agent for advice to avoid being locked out and possibly being in violation of state law. Removing or disconnecting the battery for example may lock you out of starting the vehicle. A mechanics affidavit and use of a special code to bypass the interlock are required to safely perform many service tasks on your car and avoid a breach of the rules associated with the device.
So if you are unsure about anything to do with your interlock device, have any other questions or need to have any work carried out on your vehicle whilst it is fitted with an interlock device, be sure to contact Southern Highlands Service Centre first for advice and avoid the lockout altogether.
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