Who Pays for a Car Breathalyzer?

After a drunk driving conviction, you have to be on top of all of the responsibilities that come with that indiscretion. Sometimes, that means you only have to follow the order of the court, including community service, probation, restitution and even a car breathalyzer requirement. Other times, depending on your state, you may also have an administrative restriction on your license from the DMV that also requires you install a car breathalyzer.

Some states allow you to drive with a car breathalyzer skip the administrative license revocation (ALR) for a first-offense DWI.

In terms of public safety, a car breathalyzer is an ultimate tool for preventing drunk drivers from endangering others. Unfortunately, that also means the drunk driver has to pay for the device, as well as the monitoring and calibration needed to ensure compliance with the court or DMV. Some would even argue that making the streets safer for everyone means everyone should chip in and offset the costs of the device. However, a car breathalyzer is a consequence for that person’s choice to drive under the influence, and they aren’t terribly expensive.

What if you need a car breathalyzer but can’t afford one?

You still have to pay for your own breathalyzer if you intend to drive legally, especially with the additional consequences you could face, including jail time or a longer license suspension. Many states, including West Virginia, Maryland, Texas and New Mexico, have funds set up for low-income drunk driving offenders. The money in these funds is often the result of an extra court fine for drunk drivers that is collected and then used to help those who can’t afford to pay for the device.

When you pay for a car breathalyzer, you’re paying to ensure that that your life remains virtually uninterrupted, you can remain employed, and you can keep your family and friendship obligations intact.