Missed Rolling Re-Test Violations

In order to confirm that an intoxicated driver did not solicit a sober individual to blow into the Ignition Interlock Device, to allow the driver to operate under the influence of alcohol, the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) will require periodic breath samples while the vehicle’s engine is running. These are called “rolling re-tests.” If a driver misses a pre-determined number of these rolling re-tests, his or her IID will go into lockout mode and it must be downloaded within 48 hours.

If the IID is not downloaded within the 48 hour timeframe, the vehicle will not start without a bypass code provided by the IID service provider and it will have to be towed to the service provider to have the lockout cleared.

Pursuant to 540 CMR 25.10(7) if a Massachusetts Ignition Interlock User experiences two lockouts due to missed rolling re-tests, he or she may be found in violation and the Registry may revoke his or her driver’s license for 10 years.

Interlock users must be extremely careful to take rolling re-tests when requested and not engage in risky behavior such as allowing the vehicle’s engine to run without being in the vehicle.

If you experience a lockout due to missed rolling re-tests, you should immediately contact the Registry’s Ignition Interlock Department and explain what happened. The Registry is rightfully concerned that an IID user might miss rolling re-tests due to alcohol consumption and you should proactively take the necessary steps to show that your missed rolling re-tests were not due to not blowing into the device because there was alcohol in your system.

Minimize distractions such as a loud stereo or other loud noises while driving so that you will be able to hear when the IID requests rolling re-tests and you won’t miss them.