Alcohol Ignition Interlock Service Support

Voas, Robert B.; Marques, Paul R. · 1992 · ROSA P / United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This 1992 report by the National Public Services Research Institute, commissioned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), addresses the administrative and technical challenges of implementing Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) programs. The research was motivated by the growing adoption of BAIIDs by state courts as a sanction for Driving While Impaired (DWI) offenders and the need for standardized, effective management procedures. The authors argue that the technical adequacy of the device is insufficient to ensure public safety; rather, success depends on rigorous administrative oversight, quality control, and enforcement mechanisms to prevent circumvention and ensure compliance. The report synthesizes information gathered from BAIID manufacturers, state program officials, and existing research, including a study of California’s pilot program. It outlines a comprehensive framework for state agencies to establish certification and monitoring systems. Key methodological recommendations include designating a Responsible State Agency (RSA) to oversee certification, likely the Department of Motor Vehicles or Highway Safety, rather than health departments. The authors propose a multi-source field oversight system requiring data exchange between courts, probation departments, service providers, offenders, and the public to track installation, maintenance, and compliance. Additionally, the report details requirements for manufacturer assurances, including liability insurance, installation facility capabilities, cost transparency for clients, and robust record-keeping protocols. Findings from the California study highlighted significant administrative failures, noting that approximately one-third of offenders sentenced to interlock programs did not have devices installed, and another third had devices removed early. The report emphasizes that initial certification testing is insufficient to guarantee long-term reliability. Consequently, it recommends ongoing recertification programs and quality assurance testing to monitor field performance and technician competence. The authors distinguish between "safety-sensitive" standards, which prioritize preventing vehicle ignition for intoxicated drivers, and "utility" standards, which address ease of use. They argue that preventing circumvention is more critical to safety than minor variations in breath alcohol measurement precision. The significance of this report lies in its provision of model specifications and management procedures for states establishing BAIID programs. It concludes that a successful interlock program requires an integrated system of equipment standards, qualification testing, and continuous field monitoring. By standardizing these procedures, states can reduce costs, ensure device reliability, and effectively deter impaired driving. The report serves as a foundational guide for policymakers, emphasizing that administrative rigor and accountability are as critical as the technology itself in achieving the goal of reducing drunk driving incidents.

Key finding

A California study found that approximately one-third of offenders sentenced to interlock programs failed to have devices installed and one-third of installed units were removed early, demonstrating that administrative monitoring is as critical as device technology.

Methodology

review

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

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• alcohol detection systems

Information type

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• Methodological Resource: validation psychometrics