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Here are answers to the most commonly-asked questions about IIDs
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Can someone use a balloon or other air source to mimic human breath? |
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No. The devices currently available have anti-circumvention techniques, which cause the IID to abort phony breath samples.
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Can a person with an IID restriction have someone else take the breath test for the driver to start the vehicle? |
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Not legally. It's unlawful for another person to blow into an IID or to start a motor vehicle equipped with the device for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person whose driving privilege is restricted. If the car was started illegally, the person who started it or another sober individual would have to ride in the vehicle because the unit will randomly ask for a "running retest." If a test is not taken or if the test is failed, the unit will log a violation. With some devices, a siren will sound until the vehicle is turned off. California law imposes fines and/or jail for individuals assisting in the circumvention of the IID.
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Will the IID unit lose all memory if the battery is disconnected? |
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No. The unit has a back up lithium battery to protect the data log's memory.
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If a driver gets stranded and thinks the IID unit is causing the problem, is there anything he/she can do? |
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Some units can self-diagnose problems and the driver will be able to confirm if the unit is having problems by the condition of the service light. The driver can also call a service provider to help determine if the unit requires service.
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Can a participant leave his/her car running outside of a bar, while drinking inside, and then drive away? |
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If someone tries to do this, the unit will randomly ask for breath tests while the vehicle is running. If a sample is not given when requested, the device logs a violation and with some devices, a siren starts until the vehicle is shut off.
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What happens when the driver forgets his/her service appointment? |
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The device will prompt the driver. For example, a device may flash or the light may stay on and a tone will sound if it needs service. If the IID is not serviced, it will enter a lockout condition and the driver will not be able to operate the vehicle. In that case, the vehicle would have to be towed to the service center or the service center technician would have to perform remote service.
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What if the driver is taking a medicine with an alcohol base? |
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Alcohol is alcohol. If the driver's blood alcohol concentration, as measured in the breath, is over the preset level, the driver will not be allowed to start the vehicle. During the training session, drivers are particularly cautioned about common substances that contain alcohol and the use of mouthwash.
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What if the driver uses mouthwash in the morning and the mouthwash has an alcohol base? |
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Again, alcohol is alcohol. If the driver does not allow sufficient time for the alcohol to dissipate from his/her mouth, a FAIL will be registered in the memory.
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What happens when a driver fails the breath test? |
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The IID will enter a short lockout period of a few minutes for the first failed breath alcohol test and a longer lockout for any subsequent failed breath alcohol test. This permits an opportunity for the alcohol to dissipate from the mouth and for the driver to consider the reason for the failed breath alcohol test.
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Can others besides the participating driver drive the IID-equipped vehicle? | |
