Do I Need a Car Breathalyzer at Work?

A drunk driving offender has a tough road ahead after a conviction is handed down by a judge, not to mention if there are any administrative penalties for the incident. When you have to drive as part of your job, there are more consequences than just the limits of a restricted license and a car breathalyzer or ignition interlock on your personal vehicle – now that DUI is really crossing over into your ability to earn a paycheck. Since your benefit of a car breathalyzer is that your ability to drive to work isn’t impacted by your DUI, what happens once you clock in at a job where you are required to operate a vehicle?

There are a few different scenarios that can play out when you have a car breathalyzer requirement and a job that puts you behind the wheel:

• Depending on your state, and the judge’s ruling, you could be completely restricted from driving a company-owned vehicle unless it has a car breathalyzer installed. That means your employer will have to approve the device on their car or truck.
• In some states, your employer could “vouch” for you and your driving “on the clock.” That means that they are promising you will be sober when driving their vehicles and can be held accountable if you slip up. Sometimes, this also means you can only drive their vehicles on company property.
• You could also be prohibited entirely from driving during the course of the workday.

When work requires you to drive and you have a car breathalyzer, your new commitment to sober driving is even more important. You’re not just responsible for your choices while you commute and during your off time, you’ve got a 9-to-5 commitment to yourself, your employer and even the co-workers on your shift. A car breathalyzer at work may not be your ideal choice, but, it could be your only option.