Can You Cheat a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device?

 Posted on April 21, 2021 in DUI

If you were caught driving under the influence of alcohol in Illinois, your driver's license may have been suspended or revoked. Without a valid driver’s license, it becomes unlawful to drive a motor vehicle. Losing your ability to drive can be a massive inconvenience. Fortunately, Illinois drivers may be able to get relief through a Restricted Driving Permit (RDP) or a Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP). These programs allow you to get back on the road legally. There is just one catch – you must install a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) in your car. Many drivers wonder, “Is there a way to cheat a BAIID?”

How a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Works

Driving under the influence of alcohol puts the driver’s life and the lives of others at risk. Consequently, Illinois state has instituted policies to prevent drunk driving. One of these rules is the BAIID requirement. Once a BAIID is installed in your vehicle, you must successfully pass a breath alcohol test to use the vehicle. You will need to blow into the mouthpiece and submit a breath sample before starting the car. The device will instantly analyze the sample for alcohol. If the BAIID detects even a very small amount of alcohol, your car will not start. If the device does not detect alcohol on your breath, your car will start up normally. You will be prompted to submit additional breath samples by blowing in the mouthpiece as you drive.

Hacking a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device

There are many rumors about alleged methods of hacking or tricking BAIIDS. Some people say that you can hold a penny in your mouth or eat certain foods to eliminate alcohol from your breath. Others suggest brushing your teeth or using mouthwash to conceal breath alcohol. These methods do not work. In fact, most mouthwashes contain alcohol, so using mouthwash or an alcohol-containing toothpaste will only worsen your situation.

Asking a non-drinking friend to blow into the device for you will also backfire. In 2013, the Illinois Secretary of State required all BAIIDs to be equipped with a camera. The device takes a picture each time a breath sample is submitted. Driving another person’s car to avoid using the BAIID can lead to additional criminal penalties. Driving without a valid license—and a suspended or revoked license is not a valid license—is  a Class A misdemeanor punishable by jail, community service, and heavy fines. If it is your second offense, driving on a suspended or revoked license is a Class 4 felony punishable by imprisonment, feels, and an extended suspension or revocation period.

Contact a Wheaton, Illinois DUI Lawyer

If you have been charged with driving under the influence in Illinois, a breath alcohol interlock device may allow you to get back on the road legally. To learn more, contact a DuPage County DUI defense attorney at Davi Law Group, LLC. Call 630-580-6373 for a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K1-129.1.htm