How well do IIDs work – security and tampering?

November 18th, 2008

At first glance, the IID sounds rather easy to circumvent. If one has to blow into a nozzle to start the car, there appear to be several easy ways around this requirement. Have a friend blow into the IID; inflate a balloon before you drink and attach it to the device; keep some sort of hand pump around to trick the IID.

However, there is a statutory requirement that any IID approved for use in Wisconsin institute rolling retests. That is, five minutes after you have started your car, the IID requires another breath test. Moreover, the IID continues to require retests every 5-30 minutes, obviating any chance that a friend or stranger could assist a drunk driver in getting very far.

As far as mechanical methods of tricking the IID, the current generations of IIDs are too clever for that. Some require the user to hum while breathing into the unit; or the IID is sensitive to the temperature of the air being tested, so that cold air from a pump or balloon will result in an aborted test.

Although, someone with sufficient technical knowledge could remove the IID while still allowing the car to start, this tampering information is instantly recorded in the IID, and will be transmitted to the vendor at the servicing time.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that subversion of the IID mechanism is uncommon. But the more pressing issue is not subverting the device, but avoiding IID use altogether.

How well do IIDs work – accuracy?

November 17th, 2008

An IID is designed to perform in the relatively adverse environment of an interior of a car. The device is subjected to more difficult conditions than other law enforcement breath testing devices. The IID accounts for the imperfect conditions of a car’s cabin by allowing the driver three chances to provide a valid breath sample. The DSP Chemical Test Section is required by WI Trans 313 to evaluate and approve all IID used in the State. This evaluation is designed to test the performance claims made by the manufacturers, and to ensure the devices work as promised. The Section evaluated IIDs with fuel cell technology. Existing semiconductor technology is subject to interferences by non-alcohol compounds, which may result in false positives and is no longer state-of-the art technology. One fuel cell models has met the Section’s standards. The Section is continuing to work with manufacturers to identify fuel cell IIDs that meet statutory requirements for performance, and is hopeful that additional fuel cell models will be available to drivers within the year.

How well do IIDs work – accuracy?

November 13th, 2008

An IID is designed to perform in the relatively adverse environment of an interior of a car. The device is subjected to more difficult conditions than other law enforcement breath testing devices. The IID accounts for the imperfect conditions of a car’s cabin by allowing the driver three chances to provide a valid breath sample.

The DSP Chemical Test Section is required by WI Trans 313 to evaluate and approve all IID used in the State. This evaluation is designed to test the performance claims made by the manufacturers, and to ensure the devices work as promised. The Section evaluated IIDs with fuel cell technology. Existing semiconductor technology is subject to interferences by non-alcohol compounds, which may result in false positives and is no longer state-of-the art technology. One fuel cell models has met the Section’s standards. The Section is continuing to work with manufacturers to identify fuel cell IIDs that meet statutory requirements for performance, and is hopeful that additional fuel cell models will be available to drivers within the year.

how does the IID work?

November 11th, 2008

When a driver enters a vehicle, he is prompted to give a breath sample by cues from the device. In the winter, the device may take a few minutes to warm up. To ensure that the sample is not created by mechanical means, some IIDs require a particular breath pattern to be followed; others measure the driver’s breath temperature. A recent Pennsylvania study noted that the correct pattern of blowing/sucking/humming was one of the primary obstacles to proper IID use (USA Today 13 January 2003).

The device immediately displays a pass, fail, or inadequate sample reading. Passing allows the car to be started immediately. Three successive failures locks the ignition. The inadequate sample reading is caused by not providing enough air, stopping in the middle of the process, or failing to blow/suck/hum in the correct manner. If an inadequate sample is drawn, the device prompts you to try two more additional times.

The driver has three chances to provide a valid sample. If he fails to do so, the IID records a violations reset, requiring the driver to return the unit to the service provider within seven days or risk permanent lockout. When the driver successfully provides a sample below the set point, the car can start. Five minutes after ignition and then randomly in 5-30 minutes increments, the IID will request additional breath samples, called rolling retests. Rolling retests are designed to remove the possibility of a sober friend from assisting an intoxicated driver – the drunk driver cannot get far. Three consecutive refusals to provide a rolling retest, or three breath tests over the set point will start the horn honking and emergency lights flashing. This continues until the driver turns off the ignition, immobilizing the car for 15 minutes. This event, or any attempt to tamper with or subvert the IID, is recorded in the IID as a violations reset, requiring the driver to bring the IID in for service. Routine service is required every 60 days, and failure to service will lead to a permanent lockout. Seven days prior to the service deadline, the driver sees or hears a reminder from the IID. At the servicing, stored unit data is downloaded and reviewed, device accuracy is checked, and a tampering inspection is performed.

What is the IID? (Wisconsin)

November 6th, 2008

An IID is a breath alcohol test instrument mounted in an automobile, designed to allow a vehicle’s ignition switch to start the engine only when a driver’s breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) is below a predetermined alcohol set point. When the BrAC is at or above the alcohol set point, the device prevents the driver from starting the car. In Wisconsin, that alcohol set point is 0.02 g/210L. While several manufacturers in the
United States produce IIDs, only three devices are currently approved for use in the state: semiconductor models produced by Guardian Interlock Systems and Lifesaver Interlock, Inc. and a fuel cell device Manufactured by Consumer Safety Technology (CST). The IID is approximately hand-sized. Pictured below are several IID models:

What is the IID?

SR22s for owners (Wisconsin)

October 15th, 2008

Owners of uninsured vehicles, which are being driven by another person at the time of the accident, have only their registration privileges withdrawn under the safety responsibility law. Not all vehicle owners have driver licenses. Some insurance companies are reluctant to file an all-inclusive SR22 in these situations because the SR22 certifies coverage for the person “operating all owned and non-owned vehicles.”

When filing an SR22 for an owner only, fill out the certificate as usual, except check only the “Owners Policy” box and write “All Owned Vehicles” in the vehicle information section.

If you’re writing a policy like this for a business instead of an individual, you should not fill in the driver license number, date of birth and Social Security Number fields.

The provisions for owner-only policies are included in s. 344.31 and 344.33(2) WI Stats.

When proof of insuance is necessary? (Wisconsin)

October 9th, 2008
  • To obtain an occupational license or to reinstate a driver license after operating privileges or vehicle registration has been revoked.
  • To reinstate after suspension if the suspension is a damage judgment or a suspension under the uninsured motorists/safety responsibility law.
  • For drivers under the age of 18 in lieu of having a sponsor.

How do I Reinstate a license canceled by withdrawal of sponsorship? (teen drivers Wisconsin)

October 6th, 2008

To reinstate a canceled license and be issued a new one, visit any DMV service center, except Express Offices. (DMV customer service centers accept cash or checks only). You will need to complete form MV3001 PDF - Wisconsin Driver License (DL)/Identification Card (ID) Application and pay a reinstatement fee. If you are under 18 years of age, an approved adult will need to sign as your sponsor. If you do not have a sponsor, Proof of Insurance (SR22) is required.

Proof of insurance (financial responsibility) Wisconsin

October 4th, 2008

Proof of financial responsibility is certifying that you have liability insurance in the amounts of at least $25,000 and $50,000 for personal injury or death and $10,000 for property damage.

Proof of insurance is filed by obtaining an SR-22 certificate issued by an insurance company licensed to do business in Wisconsin. In some cases, substitutions, such as a bond from an insurance company or a cash deposit of $60,000 posted with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) will be accepted. For operation of commercial vehicles, motor carrier insurance may be furnished as proof of financial responsibility.

How to file proof of insurance in Wisconsin?

October 1st, 2008

First you need to find an insurance agent licensed to do business in Wisconsin:

Insurance is filed by providing an SR-22. To obtain an SR-22, contact an insurance company licensed to do business in Wisconsin.

Secondly - If you are filing an “in lieu of sponsorship”

If you are filing insurance in lieu of sponsorship, be sure to tell the insurance agent you want to file insurance “in lieu of sponsorship.” Be sure the agent understands the filing is not required due to a revocation or suspension of your operating privilege.

Lastly -  How long does it typically take for my drivers record to be updated?

Most insurance companies that file proof of financial responsibility will mail the certificate directly to WisDOT. Some companies will give the SR-22 to the customer and some companies will electronically file the information to WisDOT’s computer system. The electronically filed information is usually entered automatically on the customer’s driver record within one or two working days

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