Toyota Testing Ignition Interlock Device

Toyota is currently testing the concept of including an ignition interlock device as standard equipment for some Toyota vehicles. The test will involve the “ease-of-use in real-world situations,” Toyota said in a statement. “Tests will include drivers conducting self-breath tests before they operate a vehicle and, after vehicle use, fleet administrators monitoring and verifying the test results automatically recorded on the vehicle’s digital tachograph,” said the automaker. The unit being tested takes a digital photograph of the person providing the breath sample, to address situations where an intoxicated person might have someone else start the vehicle.

An ignition interlock device uses a fuel cell to determine the user’s blood alcohol content. Depending on the reading, the driver will be warned about his or her BAC or the vehicle will not start. This is known as a “lockout.” The Massachusetts Ignition Interlock Law requires the mandatory use of the ignition interlock device for any 2nd or subsequent DUI offender. This requirement was instituted on January 1, 2006, as a part of Melanie’s Law. Ignition Interlock Violations can result in 10 year or lifetime license revocations.