New Alcohol Interlock Standard Aims to Block Movement, Not Engine Start

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FSUE NAMI has introduced a new standard for alcohol interlocks that changes how the system affects vehicle operation. Instead of preventing the engine from starting, the goal is to stop the car from moving if the driver has alcohol in their system. This shift emphasizes movement restrictions over mere ignition denial, aiming to reduce the risk on the road by addressing driving behavior rather than just engine startup.

Under the proposed rules, if the engine has been switched off briefly, a driver would have up to five minutes to complete an exhalation test before any further action is taken. The measure is described as targeting ongoing driving behavior and could be applied to a wide range of vehicles, including trucks, buses, and passenger cars where drivers have prior penalties for alcohol-related offenses, according to reporting from Kommersant who reviewed the document.

A built‑in surveillance system would relay data to external parties through onboard networks. The data could be accessed by entities such as a car transport company, regional authorities, and traffic police inspectors, enabling oversight beyond the vehicle itself. This approach positions the interlock as a bridge between the individual vehicle and larger regulatory and enforcement frameworks, potentially improving consistency in enforcement across fleets and regions.

The device operates by controlling the ability to move through an exhalation check. The process begins with an initial identification step, which may use camera verification, followed by the breath test. Both contactless verification and a physical touch check are described as viable options, with a total verification time not expected to exceed fifteen seconds. The system is designed to guard against fraud in identity substitution during verification, adding a robust layer of security to the process.

For years, authorities have pursued a standard for incorporating alcohol interlocks into transportation regulations. The Department of Industry and Commerce has gone so far as to sign a contract with the United States to study foreign experiences with alcohol interlocks and to develop proposals for their broader implementation.

Whether the cost of installation, ongoing maintenance, and verification will be borne by vehicle owners or by the fleets remains unresolved. Car manufacturers and operators already face requirements for pre‑trip checks, including inspections for driver sobriety. The addition of alcohol interlocks would add another operational expense and administrative task for companies that rely on road transport in the region.

In nations where alcohol interlocks are integrated, fleets often experience improved safety metrics and reduced recidivism among previously penalized drivers. Proponents argue that a move toward movement‑blocking interlocks could align with broader road safety objectives, including reducing alcohol‑related crashes and deterring repeat offenses. Critics, however, caution about privacy, cost, and the practicalities of deploying such systems across diverse fleets and geographic areas.

As discussions continue, stakeholders are weighing the balance between public safety benefits and the financial and logistical implications for employers and drivers. The evolving framework may include phased rollouts, pilot programs, and clear guidelines on data access, retention, and consent to ensure compliance with regional privacy laws while maintaining effective enforcement capabilities. Overall, the emerging standard signals a shift toward integrated, data‑driven intervention that connects individual behavior with fleet management and regulatory oversight, with Canada and the United States closely observing developments and assessing applicability within their own regulatory environments.

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