INTERLOCK 7000 Breathalyzer-Immobilizer for Motor Vehicles

Interlock 7000 is a Dräger immobilizer designed for professional users with large vehicle fleets. The model offers maximum configuration flexibility, the highest level of protection against tampering, additional modules, a massive event memory, and the ability to integrate with telemetry systems.

What is a Dräger immobilizer

Dräger immobilizers, commonly known as interlock, and in Russia as alkoblokator, alkozamok, are vehicle control devices that prevent the vehicle’s engine from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath. They first gained widespread popularity in the U.S. through probation programs, but over the past decade they have also become widely adopted in the professional sector, primarily in bus and heavy-duty truck transportation. A number of countries have laws requiring certain vehicles to be equipped with such systems.

Main reasons for using immobilizers

• When required by law. In a number of countries, the use of such a device is mandatory in certain vehicles. For example, in France, this applies to all vehicles used for the public transportation of children and students.
• In probation programs. In the U.S., Sweden, and a number of other countries, there are active probation programs that allow drivers caught on the road with a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit to continue driving their vehicles with a monitored Dräger immobilizer.
• For corporate fleet risk management. Breathalyzer immobilizers are used by companies with effective risk management practices. The use of such systems reliably reduces the risk for insurers and, consequently, the company’s insurance costs.
• Voluntarily, for example, by drivers who want to reassure their loved ones that they are not driving with children after consuming alcohol.

There are many examples; for instance, in most Scandinavian countries, these devices are integrated into heavy-duty vehicles and buses. The Carlsberg brewery installs breathalyzer-based immobilizers in all company vehicles, including passenger cars, in every country where it operates. As of the end of 2019, there were over 100,000 vehicles worldwide equipped with breathalyzer immobilizers.

Read more about Drager immobilizers.

How it works

Before starting the engine, the driver must provide a breath sample. If alcohol levels exceed a certain limit, the control module prevents the driver from starting the engine.

Where it can be installed

Virtually any vehicle or machine: passenger cars, minibuses, buses, trucks, forklifts, agricultural machinery, construction cranes, trains, ships, and more, regardless of whether they are powered by a conventional internal combustion engine or an electric motor.

The Interlock 7000 Dräger immobilizer consists of two components:

• a breathalyzer (handheld) and
• a control module (control unit)

Ergonomic design and intuitive operation

The design of the Interlock 7000 is ergonomic, allowing for comfortable one-handed operation. It is easy to use; the interface is extremely intuitive and does not confuse drivers. Even without any prior experience, drivers can easily figure out what to do without having to read the instructions. The mouthpieces attach securely to the back of the measuring device, and the device itself attaches securely to its mount. A protective case is available as an optional purchase to safeguard the device during heavy use.

Versatile configurations

The Interlock 7000 offers a wide range of configuration options to meet the needs of every user. For example, to prevent the driver from consuming alcohol after starting the engine, the system can be set to require a retest—even while the vehicle is in motion—after a specified time. Or it can be set to perform multiple tests at regular intervals.

Does not strain the vehicle’s electrical system

In sleep mode, the Interlock 7000 consumes less than 1 microampere. It will not drain the battery for a year.

Operates reliably in all climate zones and seasons

Interlock 7000 is designed to operate in an extreme temperature range: from -45 °C to 85 °C.

Speed

The Interlock 7000 does not delay drivers when they start driving. At 0°C, it is ready for testing in less than 5 seconds, and even at -20°C, the warm-up time is no more than 60 seconds. The time required to take and analyze the sample is no more than 5 seconds.

Reliability

In the event of a malfunction, poor connection, or other issue, the system can be bypassed in an emergency to prevent the vehicle from being immobilized. Access to this function is granted with the permission of the dispatchers on duty, allowing the vehicle to complete its route and proceed to the service center for inspection.

Options for Adding Additional Modules

The Interlock 7000 breathalyzer-immobilizer can be supplemented with a GPRS module and a camera. The GPRS module ensures a continuous connection with the fleet manager, while the remote antenna ensures the best possible signal. The camera features high resolution and an IR emitter. Even in complete darkness, it takes clear photos of the driver, which are recorded along with the test results.

Interlock 7000 uses an electrochemical sensor that reacts solely to ethanol vapors and is not affected by other substances, such as cigarette smoke.

Complete information about events

Each test is documented and stored in the control module. The internal memory of the Interlock 7000 stores detailed data for 500,000 tests, including the date, time, consent or refusal to provide a sample, a photo of the person, the measured alcohol concentration, whether the device allowed the engine to start or blocked it, and whether an attempt was made to tamper with the test. The information from the memory can be transferred for further processing and analysis to a personal computer via an infrared interface or Bluetooth. When a GPRS module is installed, the information from the control device can be immediately transmitted to dispatchers, which may be necessary, for example, to prevent abuse in the event of an attempt to tamper with the engine ignition when the driver has tested positive for alcohol.

Data Security

The data stored in the control module’s memory is encrypted and well protected. To prevent tampering, only authorized personnel have access to it.

Visible or Discreet Installation

The Dräger device can be installed in plain view, making the alcohol test visible. This provides passengers with peace of mind and assurance that the driver transporting them has not consumed alcohol. In certain situations, it may be more appropriate to install the device discreetly so that the test itself is as unobtrusive as possible.

Breath Alcohol Test

Interlock 7000 The breathalyzer-immobilizer detects alcohol in the mouth, which may be caused, for example, by alcohol-containing oral hygiene products such as Listerine mouthwash, etc. If alcohol is detected in the mouth, the test is invalid and the system requires a new test. If the driver has not consumed alcohol, they can rinse their mouth with water, retake the test, and start the engine.

Learn more here about detecting alcohol in the mouth.

An example of using the Interlock 7000 to monitor company drivers:

The price includes: measuring device, control module, connection cable, 3 mouthpieces, a stand, user instructions, and an installation manual.

Installation

Installation in the vehicle can be performed by virtually any competent auto mechanic, but if the vehicle is under warranty, it is recommended that the installation be performed at an authorized service center. If needed, we can arrange for assistance from a trained specialist for the installation.