Motor vehicle ignition interlocks : in-vehicle devices that monitor alcohol levels of motor vehicle operators.

Wilson, Cole B; Stoke, Charles B · 1990 · ROSA P / Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC)

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Summary

This report, commissioned by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles in response to House Joint Resolution 378 (1989), evaluates the feasibility and potential benefits of implementing motor vehicle ignition interlock programs in Virginia. Ignition interlocks are in-vehicle devices that prevent a vehicle from starting if the operator’s blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeds a preset limit. The study aims to determine if this technology can effectively control drunken driving, particularly among recidivists, individuals under 21, and offenders with high BAC levels. The methodology involved a comprehensive review of existing literature, a comparative analysis of statutes and programs in the 16 states that had enacted interlock legislation by 1989, and an assessment of current device technology. The authors also examined legal and economic issues, including state authority, tort liability, equal access for indigent offenders, and operational costs. Data were gathered from state motor vehicle departments, law enforcement agencies, device manufacturers, and preliminary evaluation reports from states such as California, Oregon, Maryland, and Ohio. The findings indicate that while the technology is sufficiently accurate and reliable for use, no definitive evidence exists regarding its long-term effectiveness in reducing DUI recidivism. Preliminary data from various states show mixed results; for instance, an Ohio study suggested lower recidivism rates for interlock users, but the sample size was small and the observation period short. The report highlights significant operational challenges, including circumvention techniques such as using stored breath samples, filtration devices, or having a sober third party perform the test. Additionally, retesting features designed to detect rising BAC levels pose safety risks if drivers must perform tests while in motion or in unsafe locations. Legal frameworks in other states vary regarding liability limits, insurance requirements, and funding mechanisms for indigent offenders. The authors conclude that legislative action in Virginia should be delayed until more comprehensive evaluation data from other states, particularly California, become available. They recommend that if Virginia proceeds, it should initiate a limited pilot project accompanied by a rigorous evaluation plan to assess the program’s impact on DUI recidivism, operational costs, and administrative feasibility. The report emphasizes that while interlocks offer a technological solution to impaired driving, their implementation requires careful consideration of legal, economic, and safety implications.

Key finding

Definitive data on the effectiveness of ignition interlock programs in reducing drunken driving recidivism is unavailable because existing programs are too new and evaluations are incomplete.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• alcohol detection systems
• dui enforcement