What Really Happens If I Fail My Ignition Interlock Breath Test?
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If you are going to have an ignition interlock device (IID) installed in your car, you might be worried about what can happen if you fail the breath test (blow an alcohol reading above the designated level).
What does happen after a fail depends on a couple of things — mainly, why you fail and when you fail. The important thing is not to panic. If you have not been drinking, you will be able to get back on the road and get on with your day. Just remember to keep calm and follow the instructions below.
Why You Failed Your Interlock Breath Test
Common reasons for a false or failed ignition interlock breath test include:
- Alcohol-based mouthwash used shortly before the test
- Fermented foods like bread, pizza dough, or fruit juice
- Residual alcohol in your system from drinking the night before
When You Failed Your Interlock Breath Test
There are two different times you will take a breath test on an ignition interlock:
- The initial test, performed when you start the car.
- The random re-test, performed a few minutes after you begin driving and periodically while you drive, as determined by state regulations. Random re-test: A breath test the device requires while the vehicle is already in motion. Failing one does not stop the car, but it does trigger Early Service Recall mode.
The table below summarizes what happens in each case:
Initial Test | Random Re-test | |
|---|---|---|
When it occurs | Before starting the car | A few minutes after driving begins, and periodically while driving |
What happens on a fail | Vehicle will not start | Vehicle continues operating; lights and horn may activate |
Does the car stop? | Car never started | No — the car will NOT stop |
Immediate steps | Wait out the lockout period, then re-test | Pull over safely, shut off the ignition, wait 5 minutes, re-test |
Service center visit required? | No (unless permanent lockout is reached) | Yes — device enters Early Service Recall mode |
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1. Failed Initial Test
If you fail the initial ignition interlock breath test, your vehicle won’t start. You must wait a designated time — called the lockout period — before testing again. Lockout period: the mandatory wait time programmed into your device before you can attempt another breath test after a failed initial test.
The lockout periods vary by state. In Washington State, for example, if you fail your initial test you can blow in the car breathalyzer again in 5 minutes. If you fail that one, you must wait 15 minutes. After that, the lockout periods are 45 minutes and 24 hours.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with water if you failed because of something you ate or drank.
- Wait for the lockout period to expire.
- Perform a new breath test to attempt to start the car.
- If you were drinking the night before, wait until all alcohol has fully cleared your system before retesting.
It’s hard to calculate how long alcohol takes to dissipate, which is why it is recommended that you not drink any alcohol while an interlock is installed on your vehicle. If you were drinking prior to your initial test, you should not drive. Wait until you are fully sober.
2. Failed Random Re-test
The procedure is different if you fail a random re-test. REMEMBER: The car will NOT ever stop operating, even if you fail a random retest. The lights and horn may activate, but the car will continue to operate.
What to do:
- Pull over as soon as safely possible.
- Shut off the ignition.
- Wait 5 minutes.
- Perform a new breath test to restart the car.
IMPORTANT: Failing a random re-test puts your ignition interlock into Early Service Recall mode. You must take your vehicle to your service center to have it reset and have data downloaded. Call LifeSafer at 855-710-2423 as soon as safely possible to schedule an appointment at your service center for this reset and data download. Failure to do so can result in permanent lockouts that require towing.
If you fail your ignition interlock breath test it is not the end of the world. Just remember to keep calm and follow the above procedures, and you’ll be back on the road in no time.
Ready to install your ignition interlock device? Get started online or call 800-634-3077 to schedule your appointment today!