It is Monday morning, you’re already late for work and in a foul mood. You get behind the wheel of your car and blow into your ignition interlock device, only to be denied the power to get on with your day. “It is Monday morning!” you scream, wondering exactly what you did to deserve yet another delay. All you want to do is go to work. Is your ignition interlock broken or could there be another reason you can’t get past the startup test?
Relax. There can be a few reasons your ignition interlock seems broken. Most of the time they’re easy to remedy and you can be on your way.
- Its early, you’re already in a hurry and not quite awake. Your breath sample may not have been adequate for your device under the circumstances. You’ll be given another chance in a few minutes to try again, so wake up and get ready to roll (and blow!).
- You’ve rushed to your car after brushing your teeth. Some types of mouthwash contain alcohol, the very same kind that your ignition interlock detects. While you probably didn’t drink the mouthwash, your breath sample will contain whatever is left in your mouth that hasn’t dissipated. Give it a minute or two, rinse out your mouth and try again.
- You’re not sober after last night. Sometimes, depending on how much you’ve had to drink, a few hours of sleep isn’t enough time to metabolize the drinks you’ve had. Morning after intoxication isn’t unheard of, it is something to avoid, however, especially if you have an ignition interlock.
Despite a case of the Mondays or just being out of sorts when you’re ready to get moving, your ignition interlock isn’t necessarily broken. It may just need a few moments to sort things out before you get out on the road.
