If you search online, you’ll see people list a lot of different ways you can bypass your ignition interlock device. These are people who say they’re upset due to how many false positives they’ve received after eating pizza, having an energy drink, or using mouthwash, and they want to help others avoid having a false positive on their ignition interlock too.
How can you bypass your ignition interlock? Here are some of the ways people list:
- Using compressed air instead of your own breath to blow into the interlock
- Asking a friend to blow into the interlock to start your car
The truth of the matter is that these methods just don’t work.
Take starting your ignition interlock with compressed air for example – despite YouTube videos showing people doing just that, ignition interlock devices will sense breath pressure and breath temperature, so compressed air won’t give you a pass. Having a friend blow into your ignition interlock isn’t a good idea either. Although that might start the car for you, the on-board camera will capture someone else starting the vehicle. Plus, when you’re asked to do a rolling re-test while driving, you’ll fail and you’ll have to pull over.
There are stiff penalties for people who are guilty of attempting to cheat or bypass an ignition interlock device. Having a restricted license is a privilege given to you by your state, and one of the conditions attached is that you successfully complete your ignition interlock program. If you cheat, bypass, or tamper with the device while you have it, you can receive an extension on your interlock program time or be removed from the program completely. That means you won’t be able to drive, period.
Ignition interlock devices are designed to keep drunk drivers off the roads, and if you have one your focus should be on always driving sober, driving safe, and completing your interlock program.