If you have been found guilty of an impaired driving offence in Ontario, then it is highly likely you will be participating in the Back on Track program to get you back on the roads as fast as possible. After completing the in-class remedial portion of this program, you will then be issued your own alcohol breath testing device, installed in the ignition in your vehicle. This device will only allow you to start your vehicle once you have blown a passing BAC rating and requires you to retest roughly every 30 minutes when you’re on the road.
In a previous blog on interlock devices, we mentioned some of their shortcomings, and how certain conditions may lead to failed tests and program violations. However, what was not discussed was the potential for a failure out of the program for getting routine repairs or maintenance done to your vehicle. Yes, you heard that right. If you get your vehicle serviced by a mechanic without following the proper process, you run a serious risk of being kicked out of the Back on Track program.
Why can’t I get my vehicle repaired independently while having an interlock?
If a mechanic does anything to your vehicle that disconnects the power or interferes with the ignition wiring without your provider knowing, you will receive a violation for tampering with the device. The device in question will still save your stored data as it has an emergency battery within the unit but will notify your ignition interlock provider that you have tampered with your device. If your mechanic cuts off the power in your vehicle in any way, you will be responsible for setting up a violation service appointment in the next 5 days if prompted to do so.
How do I avoid a violation while getting my car repaired?
Firstly, it is vital to contact your ignition interlock provider over the phone before your auto repair appointment. They will know by the nature of the repair if the mechanic will have to interfere with the device or not. If they do, the mechanic will have to provide the interlock provider with their licence number, basic company info, and expected time/nature of the repairs. Once satisfied with the mechanic’s information, the interlock provider will issue you an ‘Override’ for the duration of the repairs. During the override period, the device will not issue a violation for being disconnected from the power of your vehicle.
However, your vehicle will still require someone to blow into your interlock device every time the vehicle is started and periodically once it is running. It is your responsibility to make sure the mechanic knows how to use an interlock device and that they have a zero-alcohol blood level. If a mechanic fails a breath test in your vehicle, unfortunately, the liability falls on you. As a result, providers often dictate that you will have to be the one to blow into the device during the repairs if the car is turned on. In either scenario it is best to let your repair mechanic know about your interlock ahead of time to allow them to prepare their documentation and to avoid potential embarrassment on your end. It is important to remember that mechanics service hundreds of vehicles a month and have undoubtedly come across their fair share of interlock devices in the past, so don’t worry about the stigma. Remember, it is a good idea to ask your potential mechanic whether they have past experience working on vehicles with interlocks to ensure everything goes smoothly.
With your interlock device a good rule of thumb is “if I’m not sure, ask the provider”. This type of attitude will ensure that you do not unknowingly walk into an interlock violation, for something as altruistic as making your vehicle safer for our roadways.
