Can a Child Blow into a Car Breathalyzer?

As a parent, it can be extra hard to be in front of a judge for a DUI or drunk driving conviction. But even the best parents make mistakes, and the only way to move ahead is by being a good example. That’s one of the benefits of a car breathalyzer (ignition interlock) device. While it may be an obvious symbol of a DUI, using the ignition interlock is not only helping you to remain sober and compliant with the court, but your kids are learning valuable lessons, too.

Any child can use a car breathalyzer. But in some cases, they shouldn’t.

Unfortunately, there are those adults (parents, caregivers, family friends) who don’t get their lessons in sober driving. They may even see a child a source for submitting a clean breath sample to the car breathalyzer. We cannot unsee those headlines, but we can say that under no circumstances can a child blow into a car breathalyzer on behalf of a DUI offender with a court- or DMV-ordered requirement.

Having another person blow into your car breathalyzer, whether a child or an adult, is a violation of your requirement if you intend to drive. In many states, there are video-equipped devices that are eliminating that as a possibility, ensuring that the person in the photo is the person blowing into the device and the person driving the vehicle.

There are exceptions to the rule. If your child is a licensed driver (or holds a legal permit), they shouldn’t have any problem with using the device as long as they are driving your vehicle and they are sober. Younger children may want to try the device, as well, and up until submitting a breath sample, they can hold the device and mimic your actions. You probably shouldn’t let the submit a sample, just in case.

Your child can use your car breathalyzer, as long as they’re licensed and able to drive soberly. Other than that, it is in your best interest to stay out of the headlines and find a sober ride home. Once again, you are teaching important lessons through your own responsible actions after a DUI.