Development of Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (AIS)

The introduction of alcohol ignition interlock devices is nothing new. Since January 1, 2010, buses carrying children must be equipped with this device. The legislation extended this to apply to all buses used in public transport from 1 September 2015. As published in Le Figaro, a famous French newspaper, on March 16, 2017, this device has been in the testing phase for private individuals in three departments since December 1 last year. It should also be noted that some company vehicle fleets are equipped with such devices.

As with many public policies, testing phases are implemented in one or more departments to evaluate the results in order to implement the system throughout France. The departments affected by the introduction of alcohol ignition interlock devices are Drôme, Nord and Marne.

Drivers who are sanctioned following a positive alcohol test will be able to maintain their license by agreeing to have an alcohol ignition interlock device (EAD) installed in their vehicles. In this case, as reported in the article, the governorship will issue a temporary driver's license mentioning the obligation of EAD on the vehicle.

The working principle of the alcohol ignition interlock device is very simple. It consists of a breathalyzer (electronic breathalyzer) connected to the vehicle's starter motor. The driver must blow into the breathalyzer every time he starts the car. If the result is negative (zero or below the legal blood alcohol level), the vehicle can be started normally within five minutes of measurement. If the blood alcohol level is higher than the norm, a second test may be done. If this is also positive, the vehicle cannot be started for 30 minutes.

Tolerable alcohol limits are set out in L234 of the Highway Code. It is determined by the article. For public transport, use 0.2 grams per liter (i.e. 0.1 mg/L of inhaled air) and for other vehicles (company vehicles, private individuals, etc.) 0.5 grams per liter (i.e. 0.25 mg/L of inhaled air). air) should not exceed Alcohol ignition interlock devices are electronic measuring devices. Therefore, they require regular calibration for ethanol (an alcohol found in all alcoholic beverages).

For the calibration or gas testing of electronic breathalyzers, we offer a wide range of calibration gases (in this case ethanol) in disposable cylinders.