The world of ignition interlocks comes along with its own set lingo and jargon, which can be pretty frustrating if your device displays a reading you don’t understand or you have a question for your service provider that you can’t properly put into words. So we’ve decided to devote a few posts to decoding the language of the interlocks. We hope this glossary of terms for our QT device comes in handy.
Mouth Contamination – Any alcohol that may be present in the mouth due to very recent use of mouthwash, cough medicine or a sip of an alcoholic beverage. This is normally gone within five minutes of use.
Override (BYPASS) Code – This is a single-use code that your service provider may use to unlock your device and allow you to take a breath test and operate your vehicle for a limited time in the event that your unit has gone into Permanent Lockout due to a missed appointment caused by an extreme circumstance. This may be used for situations such as severe weather, serious illness, hospitalization, etc. This also applies to lockouts or pending lockouts caused by program violations or device malfunctions. Anytime your unit is in Permanent Lockout, call your service provider.
Pass – A breath test result lower than the Warn level set by your state agency.
Permanent Lockout – A condition that does not allow a vehicle to start at any time for any reason. This could be the result of a missed service appointment, tampering with the unit or unit malfunction. If the unit is in Permanent Lockout – you must call your service provider.
Recall – A requirement to bring your vehicle back to your interlock provider’s service center within a limited number of days for servicing of the unit. This is generated by a pending monitor appointment, a program violation, unit malfunction or suspected tampering or abuse of the unit.
Pending Service Date Notification – As the scheduled service appointment approaches, the unit will notify the user each time it “wakes up.” Also – if the unit is in Recall, the unit will notify the user that service is required in the next “X” number of days before lockout occurs, so that an urgent service appointment can be made.
Required (Mandatory) Retest – This is a required, mandatory, breath test that the user will be instructed to take in the event that an initial start test results in a fail. The initial start test fail will result in a five minute lockout. When this lockout expires, the user has five additional minutes to take the required test. This test is required even if the user chooses not to drive the vehicle. A failed or ignored required retest will result in a program violation.
Running Test – A breath test required at random time intervals while the vehicle is being driven. This can be taken as you drive, or you may pull off the road in a safe place and take it while the engine is running. You will have five minutes to take this test. Failing or missing a Running Test is a program violation.
Service Mode – This allows your vehicle to be serviced by a certified mechanic in the event that your vehicle requires automotive (not interlock) service. It provides the mechanic with a means to diagnose and operate the vehicle for a very limited amount of time without having to uninstall the device, or take a breath test. It requires a phone call from the mechanic to your service provider.
