Examining the Feasibility of Alcohol Ignition Interlocks for Motorcycles [Traffic Tech]

NHTSA · 2017 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report examines the feasibility of implementing alcohol ignition interlocks on motorcycles to reduce impaired driving fatalities. The study was motivated by the disproportionate rate of alcohol involvement in motorcycle crashes; in 2011, 30% of riders in fatal crashes had blood alcohol concentrations of 0.08 g/dL or higher, yet only 0.1% to 0.2% of interlock devices installed in the United States were on motorcycles. Funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the research aimed to identify significant barriers to wider adoption and assess technical viability. The methodology involved in-depth discussions with interlock manufacturers, installers, state officials, and riders with motorcycle interlocks. Researchers also analyzed breath test event records from motorcyclists, which mirrored data from passenger vehicles. The study focused on technical, operational, and legal challenges rather than conducting controlled experimental trials. The findings indicate that while motorcycle interlocks are technically feasible, significant hurdles remain. Currently, only two manufacturers support motorcycle installations, and no devices are designed specifically for motorcycles; existing units are adapted from passenger vehicle models. Key technical issues include susceptibility to theft, requiring secure storage or removable handsets that risk damage; weather exposure leading to corrosion; and high vibration levels for which no resistance specifications currently exist. Electrical challenges are prominent, as motorcycle batteries have one-tenth the capacity of automobile batteries, necessitating trickle chargers to offset the 20–50 mA power drain. Additionally, motorcycle electrical systems experience fluctuations and noise uncommon in cars. Installation is more complex and time-consuming due to varied wiring configurations and lack of readily available schematics. Operational safety concerns are the most significant barrier. Running retests required while the motorcycle is in motion pose higher risks than in cars, leading some states to allow exceptions for engine-off dismounts. Circumvention is easier on motorcycles with kick-starters. Auditory alerts for retests are often inaudible, and visual cues require riders to look down, creating safety hazards. Liability concerns regarding crashes during retests deter many manufacturers from entering the market. The report concludes that an adequate and safe program is possible with existing equipment, provided statutory changes address liability and safety issues, though manufacturers are unlikely to develop motorcycle-specific devices without increased demand.

Key finding

Existing passenger vehicle interlocks are technically feasible for motorcycles but require modifications for secure storage, weather protection, and battery management, while retesting while riding presents safety risks that some states address by allowing engine-off retests.

Methodology

mixed_methods

Provenance

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

Topics

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• alcohol detection systems