Examination of the Feasibility of Alcohol Ignition Interlocks for Motorcycles

Marques, Paul R.; McKnight, A. Scott · 2017 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report examines the feasibility of installing alcohol ignition interlocks on motorcycles as a countermeasure for driving under the influence (DUI). The study was motivated by the high prevalence of alcohol impairment in fatal motorcycle crashes, with 30% of motorcyclists involved in fatal crashes in 2011 having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 g/dL or higher. While interlocks are widely used and effective in reducing DUI recidivism in passenger vehicles, their application to motorcycles remains uncommon due to perceived technical, safety, and legal barriers. The research aimed to determine if interlocks could be effectively extended to motorcycles and to identify the specific challenges hindering their adoption. The methodology involved a multi-source data collection approach conducted between 2009 and 2010. Researchers gathered information through discussions with senior executives from interlock manufacturers, government officials from states with high-volume interlock programs, and installers. Additionally, the study analyzed breath test data logs from 407 motorcyclists who had used interlocks and conducted interviews with four end-user riders who operated motorcycles equipped with the devices. This mixed-methods approach allowed for an assessment of technical viability, regulatory landscapes, and real-world user experiences. The findings indicate that there are no insurmountable technical barriers to installing interlocks on motorcycles, as existing automobile devices can be adapted with modifications for weather protection, vibration, and secure storage. However, manufacturers lack incentive to develop motorcycle-specific devices due to the low volume of business, estimated at less than 0.1% of all interlocks in service. A significant safety concern identified is the requirement for "rolling retests" while the motorcycle is in motion, which poses a greater hazard than in automobiles. Legal frameworks vary widely; among 38 states examined, policies ranged from requiring installation to explicitly prohibiting it, with many states lacking clear guidelines. Analysis of breath test logs revealed that motorcycle interlock usage patterns mirrored those of automobiles, with over 99% of startup tests passed, though motorcycles logged fewer tests due to lower mileage. Riders reported that while installation was burdensome, the ability to ride legally outweighed the risks, with some noting that retesting in stop-and-go traffic was more dangerous than on open roads. The authors conclude that while technically feasible, the widespread use of motorcycle interlocks is hindered by a lack of manufacturer incentive and state standards that mandate retesting while the vehicle is running, creating credible safety hazards. The report suggests that overcoming these barriers requires modifying state standards to allow for safer retesting protocols and potentially encouraging manufacturers to develop devices suited for the motorcycle environment. The study highlights the need for policy adjustments to align with the unique operational realities of motorcycle riding to effectively utilize interlocks as a DUI deterrent for this vulnerable road user group.

Key finding

There are no technical barriers to using alcohol interlocks on motorcycles, but state standards requiring running retests pose a credible safety hazard and manufacturers lack incentive to build motorcycle-specific devices due to low business volume.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Sample size: 407

Provenance

The full processing record for this entry. Every stage of this paper's journey through the pipeline is logged — what ran, with which tool and model, how many attempts it took, and when it last completed. Discovered via bulk_ingest_rosap on 2026-05-23 (6 acquisition events logged).

Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-10; verification: verified.

Topics

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• alcohol detection systems