• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Monitech Ignition Interlock Systems

Monitech Ignition Interlock

North Carolina's leading Ignition Interlock provider

  • Interlock Basics
    • What is an Interlock
    • Interlock Cost
    • Special Offers
    • Interlock Videos
  • Locations
    • Service Centers
  • Partners
    • Refer A Client
    • Attorneys
    • Counselors
  • Customer Support
    • Contact Monitech Ignition Interlock
    • About
    • Refer A Friend
    • FAQs
    • Reviews
    • Mechanic Code Request
    • Blog
  • 800-521-4246

I’ve got an ignition interlock and a big date. Can I use mouthwash?

May 17, 2017 by Editorial Staff
kiss - mouthwash with ignition interlock

Ignition interlocks have one purpose – to keep a driver from starting a vehicle if he or she has been drinking. And the devices do that well. Sometimes they appear to do it too well: the devices do such a good job detecting alcohol that they register a fail for reasons other than drinking – like mouthwash.

That’s a feature, not a bug – the interlocks are doing their job. Many over-the-counter mouthwashes contain alcohol, and after you rinse your mouth with them, the alcohol remains and will cause you to fail your ignition interlock breath test. Alcohol has its own chemical signature, whether it comes from a bottle of mouthwash or a bottle of gin, and the interlock’s fuel cell will detect it no matter where it comes from.

Fresh Breath vs DUI – What to Do?

It’s not necessary to sacrifice clean breath in order to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle and in possible DUI penalties. Here’s how to handle the situation.

  • Rinse your mouth with water before the test. This is always a good idea, as bits of food can also ferment and cause an alcohol reading.
  • Use a non-alcohol mouthwash. Many brands today do not contain ethanol – check the label. It’s still a good idea to rinse with water, though.

Are you missing out if you choose a mouthwash without alcohol? It appears not. The main use of the alcohol is to dissolve and stabilize the oils that carry the flavors and scents in the mouthwash. Manufacturers have found other ways of doing that, don’t feel left out.

So keep that bottle of water close by, and enjoy your date.

Category: General InformationTag: Ignition Interlock

About Editorial Staff

The editorial staff is a group of writers and contributors with wide-ranging areas of expertise. The editorial staff provides news and analysis of topics that are focused on community and driver safety.

Previous Post:Could a Brandy Peppercorn Steak Flambé Lead to a DUI?
Next Post:Sad Fact: 70% of NC DWI Drivers Evade Required Ignition Interlocks

Free First Month

Call a North Carolina expert now at 800-521-4246 to claim your Free First Month!

Call Today
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Call Toll-Free

800-521-4246

Interlock Basics

What Is An Interlock

Interlock Cost

Interlock Videos

Locations

Service Centers

Partners

Refer A Client

Attorneys

Counselors

Customer Support

About

Refer A Friend

FAQs

Reviews

Mechanic Code Request

Blog

News

Copyright © 2023 Monitech, LLC.

Customer Support · Contact · ISO Certification