An ignition interlock device (IID), also known as a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID) or a breathalyzer, is a tool that measures breath-alcohol concentration (BAC) and prevents drivers from operating a vehicle if they have a BAC over 0.02.
- Each device includes a handset with a mouthpiece for sampling, a mounted camera, a cellular modem for wireless reporting of results, and a control unit which is installed under the vehicle dash.
- IIDs are leased from and installed by an IID service provider for the duration of the restriction time requirement, typically a minimum of 12 months, as determined by the convicting court.
- IIDs use alcohol-specific sensors to measure the BAC of the driver. A breath sample result below the device's setpoint (0.02 g/210L) is required to start the vehicle.
- IIDs require the driver to provide multiple breath samples at random intervals during vehicle use to monitor their BAC.
IID requirements
Judges in Wisconsin are required to order an IID for the following and an IID must be installed on every vehicle owned by or registered by the driver convicted of OWI unless the judge makes exemptions (see
Wisconsin Act 100):
- ALL repeat OWI offenders
- ALL
first time OWI offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 percent or higher
- ALL drivers who refuse to provide a breath or blood sample for a chemical test at a traffic stop