What Kind of Data Does My Michigan Car
Breathalyzer Store?

Michigan has consistently shown dedication to addressing alcohol-related problems. In the state, it is a crime to drive while intoxicated or otherwise impaired, and the consequences for doing so are serious. Even your first DWI offense comes with harsh penalties, including a 6-month driver’s license suspension. After 30 days of serving your driving suspension, you may be allowed a restricted driver’s license, but under certain restrictions that include using a car breathalyzer or blood alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID or IID) to assure that you are no longer driving while intoxicated.

In Michigan, a BAIID stores important data that is used to determine how well you complied with the terms of the court after being convicted of driving while impaired. Periodically, you will be required to get the device calibrated by your ignition interlock service provider. During those calibrations and other scheduled maintenance checks, information about your use of the IID is downloaded by the technician for the Secretary of State.

Any amount of alcohol detected by the car breathalyzer can be stored and reported when you breathe into the device before starting your vehicle. At that time, the device also stores all the information related to the attempt: the time and date, your results, and how many times you attempted before passing the test. While you drive, you may need to perform “rolling tests” in which the IID requires more proof of your sobriety in order to keep the vehicle moving. Your car breathalyzer will also store information about whether the device has been tampered with or otherwise circumvented.

This information is considered private and is only released to the Secretary of State in Michigan. Licensed technicians who install and check your car breathalyzer will respect your privacy and are willing to answer questions to help you understand how the device works and the entire process. Once you’re expertly using your car breathalyzer, all you have to do is stay sober behind the wheel, and you’ll be back to normal as soon as possible with all the data to prove your commitment to safe driving.