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Global Insight Network

Can someone else drive my car with interlock?

Author

Ava Hall

Updated on April 24, 2026

The holder of an interlock driver licence can only drive another car if the car is fitted with a properly functioning and labelled approved interlock device.

Similarly, you may ask, can someone else drive your car with an interlock device on it?

The answer is generally yes, with a few exceptions. If you have an ignition interlock device installed in your car, but someone else wants to drive it, they can. Anyone driving an IID-equipped vehicle must blow into the handset to do a breath alcohol test. If they pass, they can start the car.

Subsequently, question is, can interlock mess up your car? You may be wondering if the ignition interlock device will damage your vehicle after you have it uninstalled. Because the ignition interlock device is installed into the wiring of the vehicle it will do no damage, assuming you have it removed by a reputable installer.

Also know, what happens if someone else blows into your interlock?

Blowing into someone else's IID is immoral and could be considered tampering with the device having adverse consequences for the DUI offender. So, even if you do get a sober friend to blow into your IID against your Court ordered requirements, if you have been drinking, you will fail the retest.

Do interlock devices malfunction?

It is possible for interlock devices to malfunction, even when used properly. In order to avoid these problems, it's important that you never miss an appointment to have the device serviced or calibrated.

Related Question Answers

Does insurance know about interlock?

But assuming they keep you as a client, will your car insurance provider know you have an IID (ignition interlock device) installed? The simple answer is yes. Just like when you get a speeding ticket or get in an accident, the information makes its way from law enforcement to the DMV to your insurance company.

Can interlock devices detect drugs?

The short answer is no. Current ignition interlock devices are made to detect alcohol and alcohol only. IIDs cannot detect drugs in your system. That being said, ALCOLOCK advises you to not operate your vehicle while impaired with marijuana or any other drug, including prescription drugs.

How do I hide my interlock device?

Hide an Interlock Device in the Car

You will need to trim the box so that the device and cable can be inserted through the bottom of the box. You can then store the box in the center console area of your vehicle. When you are driving, you can leave the box open for easy access to the device.

How much does it cost to install a interlock?

Typically an interlock program costs $2.50-$3.50 a day.

Although the cost will vary according to state, MADD estimates it costs approximately $70 to $150 to install and around $60 to $80 per month for device monitoring and calibration.

How does the camera work on a interlock?

The camera snaps a picture of the driver or person who is blowing into the device and sends it directly to the interlock provider. Such measures ensure that a person upholds their legal obligations and also prevents them from endangering others by driving while intoxicated.

How long can an interlock device detect alcohol?

12 to 24 hours

Do Breathalyzers have cameras?

Many states require that ignition interlock devices, or car breathalyzers, have cameras. The camera takes the photo when the driver submits their breath sample.

When can I get my Breathalyzer removed?

Time: Interlock device mandates vary by the local authority, but you'll receive a period of time that you'll need to keep the device in place. Only once you've completed this will you be able to schedule an interlock removal appointment.

What does the interlock record?

Your ignition interlock can record: Your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level. This is probably the most important data your interlock will record, and use to determine whether you are able to drive your vehicle at all. Starts and stops, and tests in-between.

What can throw off a breathalyzer?

You can beat a breathalyzer by hyperventilating, exercising, or holding your breath before you blow. Fact: An often-cited decades-old study found that hyperventilation and vigorous exercise did indeed lower subjects' BAC readings by as much as 10%.

Does interlock have GPS?

Do interlock devices have GPS? Yes. Depending on the requirements of your state, you may need to install an ignition interlock device with GPS functionality. This information helps track your location with each sample provided to in the event you are restricted by your state to drive in only certain areas.

Does the interlock drain your battery?

When you have an Ignition Interlock installed into your electrical system, the device will draw a tiny amount of power from your car's battery as well, but it is never in such an amount that would drain your car battery totally.

Will Listerine make you fail a breathalyzer?

Products such as mouthwash or breath sprays can cause significantly high readings on a breathalyzer because many of these products contain alcohol. For example, Listerine mouthwash contains 27% alcohol.

What can trigger an interlock device?

If you have an ignition interlock device is to important to remember many foods, beverages, and even the alcohol content in mouthwash can cause a failed breath test for some ignition interlock devices. Keep products containing alcohol like hand sanitizer, mouthwash, hairspray, perfume, etc.

What foods trigger interlock device?

These can include:
  • Rum cake.
  • Pasta with vodka sauce.
  • Baked goods with a high amount of vanilla extract.
  • Bread, pizza, and pastries that contain yeast.
  • Red wine vinegar (think salad dressing)
  • Soy sauce.
  • Energy drinks.
  • Non-alcoholic beer or wine.

How much does it cost to put a breathalyzer in your car?

An ignition interlock device, also frequently referred to as a car breathalyzer, ranges in cost between $70 and $150 for installation. This fee is a one-time fee paid at the start of your lease period for the device to be installed into your vehicle.

Does remote start work with interlock?

An ignition interlock device is installed to your vehicle's ignition and will not enable you to start your car unless you have provided a passing breath sample that is free and clear of any alcohol. When you're able to remove your IID, the technician will be able to reconnect your remote start without any issues.

How many times can you fail an interlock test?

Failing the Test More Than Once

08 on more than two occurrences can lead to an additional six-month period of having the device. This may sound like a harsh punishment but bear in mind that if someone blows more than a .

Why does my interlock keep saying abort?

ABORT could mean that something is blocking the airflow into the IID. You might have inadvertently blown item into the mouthpiece, such as a piece of gum, or food debris. Lastly, the Ignition Interlock device may display ABORT it detects something blowing into the device that it registers is not a person.

What happens if you miss a rolling retest?

What Happens if You Have a Missed Rolling Retest? If you take too long to give your rolling retest breath sample, the device will give some sort of signal, such as flashing your lights, honking your car horn, and an internal siren from the device will sound, depending on your state regulations.

How long does a lockout last on an interlock?

If you fail that one, you must wait 15 minutes. After that, the lockout periods are 45 minutes and 24 hours.

What does warning mean on Guardian Interlock?

A warn message on your Ignition Interlock Device means that alcohol is present in your breath sample, but is below your state's fail level. The device will not stop your vehicle following a warn result. Be cautious, however. It is possible that you could fail subsequent tests if you decide to continue driving.

Why is my Breathalyzer not working?

If your device won't turn on, the most common problem is that your battery is low or has died completely. Sometimes, ignition interlock devices can drain your car battery, and sometimes your battery might just fail on its own and prevent the ignition interlock from starting. In either case, check your car battery.

Can I unplug my intoxalock?

Do not disconnect the device and bring it inside (unless you live in Minnesota and are approved to do so by your monitoring authority). A disconnection will register a power interruption and may be reported as a tampering violation.

How do I get my intoxalock removed?

How do I remove my IID? Any Intoxalock certified service center (over 2,600 locations nationwide) can remove your ignition interlock. You can schedule your removal appointment by calling Intoxalock's Customer Support department.