If you are eligible to participate in Maryland’s Ignition Interlock Program, you will only drive vehicles equipped with an interlock ignition device. Your car will not start if the device registers a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) greater than 0.025.
You may have seen online tips on beating an ignition interlock. Are they possible? Should you try them?
Here is what to know:
It’s almost impossible to cheat an ignition interlock
Common ways to trick an ignition interlock include having a friend take the test for you, using compressed air, such as air from a balloon, removing the device temporarily and masking alcohol with food or mints.
While these tricks sound possible, they may not protect you as intended. For starters, Maryland automated its Ignition Interlock Program, allowing the Maryland Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to efficiently monitor participants – the department can quickly identify a violation.
Further, it may be impossible to ask a friend to blow the device for you to start the vehicle, as the devices used today are camera-enabled. Besides, the device will ask for additional retests while the vehicle is being driven. Therefore, even if a device does not feature a camera, you may need to go everywhere with your friend, which can be impossible. Additionally, if you are stopped by the police and fail a chemical test, yet you “passed” those taken by your device, the consequences may be worse.
Using compressed air may also be impossible since most devices require a specific breath pattern, such as humming steadily into the mouthpiece.
Lastly, mints and foods can make your breath fresh, but may not affect your BAC, especially if you have too much alcohol in your system.
Trying to cheat an Ignition Interlock Program can disadvantage you. Instead, learn how you can defend yourself from the DUI charge.