The on-board breathalyzer, which stops the engine from starting if the permissible alcohol level is exceeded, is one of the technologies that have been obligatory for the homologation of new automobiles as of July 6.
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| [Alcolock device] |
The European Regulation 2019/2144 comes into effect on July 6, as part of the Vision Zero strategy, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2050.
This rule makes it mandatory for automobile manufacturers that want to homologate new cars to equip them with certain advanced driver assistance systems (called ADAS). The requirement will also apply to first-registration automobiles beginning on July 7, 2024.
Although it is often referred to with the acronym IID, which stands for Ignition Interlock Device or BAIID, which stands for Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device, the alcoholock is one of the devices that have become mandatory despite the fact that it cannot be properly defined as an Adas because it does not actually assist the driver in driving. In addition to the black box (or EDR), which has been the topic of much discussion recently, another device that has become mandatory is the alcoholock. In point of reality, the alcoholock is nothing more than an interface to which a breathalyzer is linked. This breathalyzer determines whether or not the driver has an excessive amount of alcohol in their system, and if the level is too high, the engine cannot be started.
Certain categories of professional drivers, such as those who operate commercial vehicles, heavy vehicles, or buses, as well as individuals who are required to go through rehabilitation after being caught driving while under the influence of alcohol in some European countries are already required to wear alcoholocks.
How Alcolock works
The Alcolock device operates via a number of sensors and has a design that is remarkably similar to that of a standard electronic breathalyzer used by law enforcement. The process of installing it on the vehicle requires specialized preparation, and after it's done, turning the key in the ignition is required before you can proceed. As is the case with standard breathalyzers, you have to blow into it as soon as you get into the driver's seat in order for it to function properly. If the result is negative, the vehicle's engine will start up. If, on the other hand, the alcohol level is greater than what is permitted, the vehicle will stay turned off. The limit for alcohol content in Italy is 0.5 grams per liter, but the rules in the rest of Europe are different, therefore the amount must be adjusted according to the nation in which the car is sold.
Can Alcolock be deactivated?
A lot of people are curious about whether or not the alcoholock can be turned off. In the event of an emergency, the automobile may be started without the alcohol lock being present; nevertheless, activations that take place without the lock are recorded. If it gives a positive response after blowing, the easiest solution, if it is possible, is to change the driver. To do this, just repeat the test, obviously with negative results, in order to get the engine to start. If it gives a positive response after blowing, the simplest solution is to change the driver.
Because it is a relatively new piece of technology, the alcoholock is an example of an innovation that has much room for development. On a yearly basis, it is advised to have a specialized maintenance professional examine and calibrate it for optimal performance. It is possible that its proper operation might be disrupted by external factors such as cold or by other substances like as food, drugs, gum, sweets, or toothpaste.