WARN, FAIL or VIOLATION message on an Ignition Interlock Device (2024)

FAQs

WARN, FAIL or VIOLATION message on an Ignition Interlock Device? ›

A warn message on your Ignition Interlock Device means that alcohol is present in your breath sample, but is below your state's fail level. The device will not stop your vehicle following a warn result. Be cautious, however.

Your Interlock's screen will display PASS when no alcohol is detected in your breath sample. Now, you can start the vehicle. A WARN indicates that alcohol was detected in your breath sample, but was below your state's fail level. A WARN will still allow you to start your vehicle.

You can fail an IID breath test for one of several reasons. It might be that you used an alcohol-based mouthwash, or fermentation has turned a bit of fruit juice in your mouth to alcohol. Even the fermentation of yeast in bread or pizza dough could supply an alcohol molecule or two, could be enough to cause a fail.

A violation will indicate that alcohol is present at or above your state's specified fail level. Your vehicle will not be able to start. Remember that all states have their own Ignition Interlock requirements regarding violations, but you can ask a Smart Start customer care representative at any time what to do.

Warn Light (Orange)

The Device has detected the presence of alcohol on your breath below the FAIL level. A substance that left trace amounts of alcohol in your breath may have caused this.

However, a WARN indicates that alcohol was detected and is close to the . 025 BAC limit. If your BAC level is at . 025 or above, you will receive a FAIL or VIOL, one violation point will be deducted and you will also have to retest in order to start your vehicle.

02. Any sample over the limit results in a failed sample and a violation. The car won't start, and the driver will have to wait until their BrAC limit is under the legal threshold.

Violation lockout is a state by which you have exhausted all of your violation points. If you see a series of numbers following your “VIOL LOCK” notice, this means that you have entered a grace period wherein your Ignition Interlock Device must be calibrated and serviced at a Smart Start service center.

The most common cause of an ignition interlock lockout is a failed breath test. While ignition interlock laws vary from state to state, most states set the blood alcohol content (BAC) level at which the device will lock you out at . 02-. 025.

If you fail a second time, the period you have to wait before trying again will be longer. In many states, the third attempt is your last chance. Pass the test and you can start the vehicle. Fail the breath test, and the device will lock you out permanently.

Can you drink at all with an interlock device? ›

If you are required to have an IID installed in your vehicle, it is important to understand that any consumption of alcohol can result in a violation of your IID program. A violation can have serious consequences, including an extension of your IID requirement, fines, and even the loss of your driving privileges.

But generally, the BAC (blood alcohol content) at which you will fail the test is between . 02 and . 025. An average person will have that BAC after having one drink in the last ten hours.

If you're found to have violated your requirement through device tampering or removal, it can mean a longer ignition interlock lease requirement, loss of all driving privileges for a period of time and hefty fines.

A lock out can occur for several reasons, including a missed calibration, too many failed startup attempts, failed retests, missed retests or suspected tampering.

A warn message on your Ignition Interlock Device means that alcohol is present in your breath sample, but is below your state's fail level. The device will not stop your vehicle following a warn result. Be cautious, however. It is possible that you could fail subsequent tests if you decide to continue driving.

If you fail an initial interlock test, your device will lockout for 5 minutes. If you believe this initial fail was not caused by alcohol in your system, take the time to drink some water and clear your mouth of potential contaminants. After five minutes, the device will request another breath test.

Violation reset means the unplanned servicing and inspection of a certified ignition interlock device CIID and the downloading of information from its data storage system by a service center when required as a result of an over-accumulation of violations as a result of an early recall that requires the manufacturer to ...

If a warning light flashes, the car breathalyzer will not stop the vehicle, but it will be logged in the device's user report. This functions as: A red flag to authorities if multiple warning signals are recorded. A warning to the driver that if they choose to continue driving that they could fail the rolling retest.

If you receive the Alcohol Warning screen this means that a low level of alcohol has been detected, but is not enough to result in failed test. However, should your breath alcohol content rise while you are driving you may fail subsequent re-tests.

It will likely be several times an hour. When your device alerts you through sounds, lights, or screen messages (or all 3) that it is time for a rolling retest, you have about 5 minutes to submit the breath sample. This gives you time to pull over or park if you want to.

What does caution mean on Alcolock? ›

You can start the vehicle engine. NOTE: You may start the engine within a permitted time. 2. Caution - (i.e., BAC limit warning) You have passed the breath test, but alcohol (below the preset limit) has been detected.

If you receive the Alcohol Warning screen this means that a low level of alcohol has been detected, but is not enough to result in failed test. However, should your breath alcohol content rise while you are driving you may fail subsequent re-tests.

Your IID will beep: While you're driving, your ignition interlock device will beep when you need to provide a breath sample. There is a time delay of several minutes to give you time to pull over if you need to for your safety. The tests can be done while driving as well.