Do You Know What to Do Before an Ignition Interlock Lockout?

In a world where motor vehicles are an integral part of our daily lives, ensuring road safety has become a paramount concern. One technology that has emerged as a significant contributor to reducing drunk driving incidents is the Interlock Device. These Ignition Interlock Devices, designed to prevent individuals from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence, have proven to be effective in preventing driving while under the influence. 

But do you know what happens if an Ignition Interlock goes into lockout mode? Some Interlock companies don’t provide convenient service during lockout modes. With Smart Start, we give our clients a grace period before the device even enters lockout mode. Let’s go over what that means, and how you will never be left stranded with Smart Start!

How Do Ignition Interlock Devices Work?

So, how does an Ignition Interlock Device work and how do you get into a lockout? An Interlock Device, also known as an Ignition Interlock system, is a breathalyzer installed in a motor vehicle that measures a driver’s Breath Alcohol Concentration (BrAC) before allowing the vehicle to start. If the driver’s BrAC exceeds a certain threshold, the Interlock Device will prevent the vehicle from starting, effectively acting as a barrier against drunk driving. This ensures that drivers cannot bypass or manipulate the device to start the vehicle while intoxicated. You can get a lockout one or two ways: not going in to get your device calibrated or blowing above your state breath alcohol limit. We’ll go into this more in the next section.

The Benefits of an Ignition Interlock Grace Period

One of the many aspects that makes Smart Start’s device the best Ignition Interlock is its lockout grace period. Smart Start’s grace period allows you to drive to a service center within a specified amount of time, so you can get your device taken care in the event of an Ignition Interlock Device lockout rather than going through the hassle of getting your car towed. With some providers, getting your car towed and leaving you stranded is the only outcome of a lockout!

Now let’s go over the types of Ignition Interlock Device lockouts that can occur: a service lockout and a violation lockout.

Example of a Service Lockout on a Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device.

Service Lockout

A service lockout can mean that you missed your monthly or bi-monthly Smart Start service appointment. If you see “SvcLock” on your Ignition Interlock’s screen, this means you are in a service grace period countdown. If your device’s screen also has numbers beside it, such as “48hr,” you’ll have two days remaining to go to a service center and operate your vehicle without any alcohol detection before your Ignition Interlock goes into temporary lockout. Make sure to drive to your nearest Smart Start service center to have your device calibrated before the countdown ends!

To avoid a service lockout, be sure to check your appointment date by pressing the # key and then 1 on your device’s keypad.

Violation Lockout

“ViolLck” on your Ignition Interlock screen means you are in a violation lockout. Any of the following could have occurred to trigger a program violation lockout:

• Tampering with the device
• Alcohol detection
• A skipped rolling retest
• Turning your motor vehicle’s ignition off without completing a test

Just like service lockouts, if the screen also displays numbers such as “72hr,” this is the amount of time remaining that you must drive to a service center. Make sure to drive to your nearest Smart Start service center to have your device calibrated before the countdown ends!

Additional Tips

Keep in mind that these Interlock Device lockout grace periods vary state by state! The countdown periods could vary from two to five days. If you have any questions, our customer service agents are happy to help you at (800) 831-3299. We can go over next steps with you and make sure you are getting through your Ignition Interlock program successfully.

If you did not bring your Ignition Interlock to your service center for calibration during your grace period, our agents can assist you with a unlock code at (800) 831-3299 as well. You can also receive service on unlock codes from our website! Please keep in mind that not all states and/or counties provide unlock codes!

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start will get you back on the road right away with an affordable interlock program and a discreet Ignition Interlock. Schedule your installation appointment today by calling (800) 831-3299 or by filling out our online form.