Arielle Cruz
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are primarily designed to detect the presence of ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks. They use advanced fuel-cell technology, which reacts specifically to alcohol molecules in your breath. However, it's important to note that certain substances and factors can interfere with IID test results, leading to false positives. These include personal care products containing alcohol, such as mouthwash, perfume, cologne, hand sanitiser, hair spray, and toothpaste. Additionally, certain foods, medications, and environmental conditions can also impact the accuracy of IID tests. While IIDs are designed for high accuracy, understanding these potential interfering substances is crucial to avoid false readings and ensure safe driving.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Primary substance detected | Ethanol |
| Other substances detected | Alcohol molecules, compounds that mimic alcohol |
| Substances that may cause false positives | Mouthwash, toothpaste, cough syrup, perfume, cologne, aftershave, hair spray, hair gel, windshield washer fluid, hand sanitizer, certain foods, medications, medical conditions (e.g. diabetes, acid reflux) |
| Factors affecting detection | Body weight, metabolism, gender, environmental factors (e.g. temperature) |
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What You'll Learn
Mouthwash, toothpaste, and other personal hygiene products
To avoid this, it is recommended to use alcohol-free mouthwash or breath sprays. If you choose to continue using products with alcohol, it is advised to wait at least 15 minutes after use before taking an interlock device test. You can also rinse your mouth with water and then wait for the device to allow you to test again.
Toothpaste may also trigger a false positive, but only if you have a lot of toothpaste in your mouth. Mint flavour will not set off a breathalyzer, but sugar alcohol might, although this would be at a much lower level than the legal limit for driving under the influence.
In addition to oral hygiene products, other personal hygiene products may contain alcohol or other interfering chemicals. While this is not a common occurrence, it is important to be aware of which products may pose a risk to your test results.
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Foods and drinks containing alcohol
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are highly sensitive and designed to detect even small amounts of alcohol. While their primary function is alcohol detection, certain foods and drinks can trigger a false positive.
Fermented foods like rye bread, bananas, and yogurt contain a certain amount of alcohol. Fruits begin to ferment as they ripen, especially those high in sugar, like bananas. Eating them as they begin forming dark spots can mean consuming about 0.05g of alcohol.
Some sauces and desserts are prepared with alcohol and could trigger a false positive. For example, soy sauce can contain around 2% ABV, and French-style sweet milk rolls and American-style burger rolls can contain 1.2 grams of ethanol per 100 grams. Vanilla extract often contains at least 35% alcohol, and kombucha can have up to 3% alcohol.
The high sugar content in some soft drinks makes them more likely to contain trace amounts of alcohol. Additionally, brewers of beers under 0.5% ABV either remove most of the alcohol from full-strength beer or use a process that only produces very small amounts of alcohol. As a result, even non-alcoholic beer can contain up to 0.5% ABV, and alcohol-free beer can contain microscopic amounts of alcohol.
It's important to note that while these foods and drinks may contain small amounts of alcohol, the quantity is typically insignificant and won't cause intoxication.
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Medication, including liquid medicines and asthma inhalers
Ignition interlock devices (IIDs) are designed to detect the presence of ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic drinks. While they are manufactured to exclusively detect alcohol, certain medications, particularly those in liquid form, may contain alcohol as a preservative or solvent. For instance, cough syrups, liquid cold medicines, and asthma inhaler propellants may all include alcohol. If you’re taking any medication, it’s a good idea to check the label for alcohol content and consult with your doctor about alcohol-free alternatives if necessary.
Additionally, certain health conditions, such as acid reflux or diabetes, can produce substances in your breath that may trigger a positive reading on your IID. For example, individuals with diabetes may produce acetone in their breath, which can be misinterpreted by the device as alcohol. If you have a medical condition that may affect your IID test, it’s important to discuss it with your doctor and your IID provider to avoid complications.
It is important to note that while IIDs are designed to detect only alcohol, driving under the influence of drugs or prescription medications that impair your ability to drive safely is illegal and dangerous. Prescription drugs can create symptoms such as blurred vision, drowsiness, and dizziness, which can increase the risk of a crash. While IID tests are not designed to detect drugs or other substances, if an officer pulls you over and finds that you have drugs in your system, this will negatively affect your probation.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that the accuracy of IID devices is crucial in preventing false readings. For example, if you accidentally consume a small amount of alcohol, such as through mouthwash or food prepared with alcohol, the device may give a false reading. In such cases, it is recommended to wait at least 15 minutes and rinse your mouth with water before retesting to ensure any residual substances are cleared from your breath.
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Environmental factors, such as temperature and windshield washer fluid
First, let's discuss the impact of temperature. Cold weather can cause the device to take longer to warm up and become operational. This delay is not due to direct damage from the cold but rather the increased energy demands placed on the device in low temperatures. To mitigate this issue, you can use a cold-weather sleeve or thick insulating material to wrap around the device, keeping it warm. Alternatively, if your state allows it, you can disconnect the device and bring it inside. Blowing gently into the mouthpiece before activation can also help warm it up. Additionally, parking in a covered area, such as a garage, can provide some protection from the cold.
On the other hand, extreme heat may also require additional time for the device to cool down before use. Shielding your vehicle from direct sunlight and keeping the mouthpiece cool are recommended. Removing the mouthpiece after each use and storing it inside your home can enhance comfort and prevent overheating.
Now, let's turn our attention to windshield washer fluid. The fluid contains solvents such as methanol and ethylene glycol, which are alcohol-based compounds. When used, the fluid can spread onto the windshield and waft into the vehicle, potentially reaching the interlock mouthpiece. This can result in the detection of alcohol by the device. To prevent this, it is advisable to keep the windows closed after using washer fluid and avoid overusing it. Giving your windshield a wipedown when the car is not in use can also reduce the need for fluid while driving.
It is important to be mindful of these environmental factors to ensure accurate and uninterrupted performance of your interlock device.
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Health conditions, like diabetes and acid reflux
Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) are highly accurate and designed to detect even small traces of alcohol. They use advanced fuel-cell technology, which reacts specifically to alcohol molecules in your breath. However, certain health conditions, like diabetes and acid reflux, can produce substances in your breath that may trigger a positive reading on your IID.
For example, individuals with diabetes may produce acetone in their breath, which can be misinterpreted by the device as alcohol. This was a valid concern with older devices that used semiconductors rather than fuel cells to detect alcohol. Modern devices, however, are more accurate and alcohol-specific, so having diabetes will not cause you to fail an IID test. If you have diabetes, it is still a good idea to discuss it with your doctor and your IID provider to avoid any complications.
Similarly, acid reflux is a breathing and digestion issue that should not affect your ignition interlock test. While acid reflux itself does not produce substances that can trigger an IID, certain medications used to treat acid reflux may contain alcohol. It is important to check the labels of any medications you are taking and consult your doctor about alcohol-free alternatives if necessary.
In addition to health conditions, other factors can also influence the results of an IID test. These include your body weight, metabolism, and gender, as they play a role in how your body processes and eliminates alcohol or alcohol-like substances. Personal hygiene and care products, such as mouthwash, toothpaste, and cough syrup, often contain alcohol or other chemicals that can interfere with your breathalyzer results. It is important to be mindful of your surroundings and identify potential sources of contamination to maintain the accuracy of your IID device and avoid any unexpected failures.
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