Can I Cheat a Texas Ignition Interlock Device?

 Posted on April 28, 2022 in DWI

Driving while intoxicated by alcohol can lead to administrative and criminal penalties in Texas, including a mandatory ignition interlock device (IID). Once the IID is installed in a vehicle, the driver must blow into the device and prove that he or she has not been drinking to start the car. If the device detects alcohol on the driver’s breath, the car will not start. Many people wonder if there is any way to cheat or hack the device. Read on to learn more.

Tricking a Breath Test or Ignition Interlock Device

The purpose of an IID is to ensure that an individual is not under the influence of alcohol while driving. The device is like a breathalyzer. To use it, you blow into the device’s mouthpiece. The device calculates the alcohol content of the breath sample. If the sample contains alcohol, the ignition will not engage and the car will not start. If there is no alcohol on the person’s breath, the car will start normally.

Some people try to cheat the IID so they can drive regardless of their intoxication level. However, these alleged “hacks” do not work. Some common methods for trying to cheat an ignition interlock device include:

• Asking a sober person to breathe into the device - This trick does not work because the IID takes a photograph of the person blowing into the device.
• Driving a different car – Someone with an IID on their vehicle may borrow a friend’s vehicle to avoid using the IID. However, doing so violates the law and often leads to additional criminal penalties, including jail time.
• Teeth brushing and mouthwash – Having minty breath will not trick an IID because the breath comes from your lungs, not your mouth. Mouthwash containing alcohol may even increase your breath alcohol content and lead to a higher reading.
• Sucking on a penny – There is a rumor that sucking on a penny will somehow reduce a person’s blood alcohol content, but this is completely unfounded. This trick does not work.
• Eating certain foods – There are no foods that can reduce the amount of alcohol on a person’s breath.

Ignition interlock devices are sophisticated machines that cannot be tricked or hacked. Attempting to do so only worsens the situation and often leads to additional criminal charges.

Contact a McKinney DWI Defense Lawyer

If you were charged with driving while intoxicated or another criminal offense, do not rely on rumors and bad advice. Instead, turn to the skilled professionals at Law Offices of Biederman & Burleson P.L.L.C. for legal guidance you can trust. Call our experienced Frisco criminal defense attorneys at 469-333-3333 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.521.htm