Starting December 1st, the Netherlands will be giving their drunk drivers a holiday gift. Drivers who have been pulled over with high blood alcohol content will be given "alcolocks" to install into their cars. The device acts as a breathalyzer that can keep an engine turned off.
Link | Image Credit Felix Triller
The way the alcolock works is that the driver must first breathe into it to unlock the engine, and will have to repeat the same process at regular intervals during the journey.
If the mini-breathalyzer, which is fitted to the dashboard, indicates a blood alcohol level above the legal limit, the engine will not turn on.
The alcolocks will be installed for two years with a possible six-year extension if the driver continues to drink and drive. In the worst cases, the driver's license will be revoked, and the driver will have to wait five years before he or she can take a new test.
About 200 people die every year because of drink-driving, Dutch media reported.
Link | Image Credit Felix Triller
Newest 5 Comments
Ontario Canada has them. I think there are interlocks to make sure the driver is the one blowing the machine, and interlocks to otherwise prevent tampering.
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Unfortunately, I've had one installed in my car for a few months now. I live in British Columbia and was pulled over in the summer after having a few beers. It has really taught me a lot! But damn expensive! 1500 install 150 a month maintenance!
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They do have these in the US. You can get one for your first offense too. You do have to be arrested with .15, however.
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The Dutch blood alcohol driving limit is 0.05% fyi
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So you have your kid sit in your lap and blow in the gizmo for you. As long as they're not drunk too, that is.
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