Failing roadside alcohol testing may lead to an alcohol interlock device being fitted to your car. It can also lead to embarrassing moments at KFC drive-throughs, if a recent incident is anything to go by.
The funny, yet embarrassing, incident occurred when a woman was in a KFC drive-through and was asked by the attendant to clarify her order. At that exact time, the alcohol interlock device required the driver to complete an alcohol test.
“I got to blow on it or my car will stop,” the driver explained to the attendant. Then, “You’re making me nervous,” when the test didn’t work the first time and had to be completed again.
Ever encouraging, the attendant responded with, “Nah, you’re all right. You’ve got this.”
The entire ‘alcohol testing’ incident was being filmed by her friend in the passenger seat and has since gone viral.
What is an alcohol interlock device?
What is an alcohol interlock and do all drivers who fail alcohol testing need to use one?
An alcohol interlock device is fitted to a vehicle’s ignition. It can fitted to cars, motorcycles and heavy vehicles.
Before a driver can drive a vehicle fitted with an alcohol interlock, they must complete a breath test. The vehicle won’t start if alcohol is detected. In addition, random breath tests are required during the driver’s journey. Yes, even if that journey is through a KFC drive-through!
More nefarious readers of this post may highlight that alcohol interlock devices can be hacked. By, for example, a sober passenger blowing into the device while a person who has been drinking drives. However, the alcohol interlock has a camera that takes photos whenever a breath test is being completed.
It’s not just incriminating images you need to wary of. In addition, if a driver with an interlock order attempts to interfere with their interlock or drives another vehicle, further penalties and licence disqualifications may apply.
Not everyone who fails roadside alcohol testing will need to have an alcohol interlock device fitted to their car before they can begin driving again.
In NSW, for example, it’s only for those who have been convicted of a serious drink driving offence or repeat offenders. A zero alcohol limit applies to all drivers who fall into this category and have an interlock fitted to their car.
Alcohol interlock devices are installed in offenders’ cars for a minimum period of 12 months in NSW. The duration can be longer for more serious offences.
In addition to a licence disqualification and a fine leading up the need for an alcohol interlocking device, there is a significant cost to participate in the program. This is for the cost of installing the interlock, monthly device leasing, servicing and removal at the end of the period. Costs are estimated to be between $2200 and $2500 a year.
In summary, failing alcohol testing and having to undertake an alcohol interlock program can be an expensive – and embarrassing – exercise.
Note: Integrity Sampling sells the Dräger Interlock 7500 device with the latest available technology. See our website for more details. Integrity Sampling is an Exclusive Draeger Drug and Alcohol Testing Provider.
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Failing alcohol testing and having to undertake an alcohol interlock program can be an expensive – and embarrassing – exercise. Credit nznationalparty https://bit.ly/421Hf3E
