Locked Out Of Your Ignition Interlock Equipped Car?

If you have a car equipped with an ignition interlock system, then you know just how frustrating it can be to get locked out of your vehicle. However, it’s important to remember that ignition interlocks are there to prevent you from driving under the influence. In any case, many people are still not sure how to handle such a situation when it arises. Here are a few things you can do if you’re locked out of your ignition interlock equipped car.

Stay Calm

Getting locked out of your car that’s equipped with ignition interlocks can be nerve-wracking. However, panic does nothing to improve the situation. Even if you’re dealing with an unexpected dilemma, staying calm is always the best course of action. How were your ignition interlocks set up and installed? What led to the interlock installation in the first place? Who can you turn to for support? It’s impossible to answer these kinds of questions or find other productive routes toward handling the situation if you’re panicking. Remember: staying calm will help you solve your problems much sooner.

Re-Assess Your Choice to Drive

Ignition interlocks are there to prevent you from driving while intoxicated. If you’re being locked out of your ignition interlock device, then you need to ask yourself whether you’re truly able to drive in your current state. If your ignition interlocks are not allowing you to start your vehicle, then for your own safety and for the safety of other drivers on the road, you probably shouldn’t be behind the wheel. Again, ignition interlocks are there to protect you in times when your judgment may not be sound. Never forget that drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher involved in fatal crashes were six times more likely to have a prior conviction for DUI than were drivers with no alcohol in their system. Even if you think you’re totally fine to drive, it’s important to take all necessary steps to ensure your safety.

In some rare cases, it’s possible that there are other issues at play. First and foremost, sober drivers should ensure that they’re providing an accurate sample for the device to use. Car breathalyzers can be quite finicky in certain situations, so taking a few moments to ensure you’re using the device properly may solve your problem. In addition, breathalyzer systems are often set up to create time and space between tests. In this case, you may need to wait a few minutes before issuing another test. If you’re still being locked out of your vehicle, and more importantly, if you’re certain that you’ve had nothing to drink, then it may be time to have your system inspected by a professional installer.

Find an Alternative Way Home

If you’ve run through all the testing steps to ensure your ignition interlocks are working properly and you’re still not able to start your vehicle, then it’s wise to find another way home. It might be frustrating to pay a little extra money to get home, but you should consider the costs of the alternative. A good ride-hailing service can actually end up saving you a great deal more in the long run. But before you leave, make sure that you know where you left your vehicle so you’re able to locate and retrieve it the next day.

Are you interested in having an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle? Not sure who you can trust to get the job done right? Then don’t hesitate to reach out and get in touch with a member of our team today. At Quickstart Ignition Interlock, we have the knowledge and experience to provide you with the service you deserve.