Friends stick together, no matter what. Even if your friend has a DUI or drunk driving conviction, you’ve been there for them, maybe even helping drive them to appointments or waiting while they have a car breathalyzer (ignition interlock device) installed. Now, your car is in the shop and you need to borrow theirs so you can keep your life moving. There’s just the question of their ignition interlock device.
Anyone can use another person’s ignition interlock device-equipped vehicle.
As long as you know how to use the device, you shouldn’t have any problems getting the vehicle to start so you can be on your way. Your friend can tell you about the hum tone and what the different alerts may mean, as well as the best way to perform a rolling retest when prompted. You must remain sober when driving in order to ensure there are no violations that could affect your friend’s interlock record. Even one drink could be enough to send the vehicle into lockout mode, and complicate your friend’s life as a result.
Also, remember that even if your friend is begging you, you cannot let them borrow your car without a working ignition interlock device. They can, with your permission, have the device installed on your vehicle but if that isn’t the case, they cannot drive or they will face further consequences for driving illegally. Plus, you could be held accountable for allowing your friend to drive your car, knowing they have an interlock requirement.
We would all like to believe that friendship has no limits. A court order can quickly change those boundaries, and for good reason. Drunk drivers, even your bestie, put lives at risk and the consequences that are faced keep further incidents from happening. If friends don’t let friends drive drunk, then friends should also help friends remain completely compliant with their ignition interlock requirements.
Medications and Ignition Interlock Devices