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’re going to devote our next few posts to decoding the language of the interlocks. We hope this glossary of terms for our QT device comes in handy.

Alarm or Alarm Mode (QT) – Alarm Mode occurs due to a failed or missed running test, or other violations such as an unauthorized vehicle start. If the unit enters Alarm Mode, the unit will instruct you to safely pull off the road and turn off your vehicle. Depending on your state’s Interlock Program requirements, during this time, the horn, or siren may sound, and the vehicle hazard lights or headlights may flash. The only way to stop this is to turn off your vehicle.

Appointment Check – This feature allows users to check the date of their next regularly scheduled Monitor Appointment (the appointment made at the last Service Center visit). Changes to your appointment made over the phone or appointments required due to a recall are NOT visible through this feature.

Arrival (Destination) Test – A breath test that may be required when you turn your vehicle off.

Aggressive Mode – If your breath tests (Start or Running) result in alcohol levels in the Warn or Fail range, the frequency of Running Tests you will be required to take will increase for a period of time.

Diminished Lung Capacity – Some interlock users may have difficulty blowing into the interlock due to a legitimate medical condition such as asthma or emphysema. If this condition applies to you, and your state agency allows this feature, your service provider can adjust the interlock to meet your specific Diminished Lung Capacity. See your state DMV or your service provider for more information.

Fail – A breath test result that is equal to or greater than the Fail level set by your state agency.

High Fail – A breath test result that meets or exceeds the definition of a High Fail as set by your state agency.

Hum Tone – As a way to prevent users from bypassing the technology of the device, they are required to hum while blowing into the device for all breath tests. Users are trained on how to do this when their interlock is installed.

Invalid Sample – Any sample that is blown into the unit that is not direct, unaltered human breath is an Invalid Sample.

Catch back up with us next week for the next edition of this glossary of terms.