Installing, servicing, and removing an ignition interlock device with us is very easy and convenient. You may still have questions though. One question we hear regularly is: Can cold medicine affect interlock? The simple answer: Alcohol is alcohol, and many cold medicines do contain alcohol. This post will further explain this topic.
Can cold medicine affect interlock?
Can cold and cough medicine like Nyquil affect my ignition interlock device? Whether you’re fighting a case of the flu, Covid-19, or just a cold, you’ll probably use cold and cough medicine or cough drops at some point. So can cold and cough medicine affect your interlock device?
Alcohol is alcohol
Our technology is very impressive. But alcohol is alcohol. If your alcohol level exceeds the allowed level, the vehicle will not start regardless of where the alcohol came from. Sometimes the source of the alcohol is simply the use of products that contain high levels of alcohol such as some cold and cough medicines.
Remember to drive safe! Some cough medicine can affect your ability to drive due to dizziness and/or drowsiness.
Read the label and warning signs on your bottle before driving whether you have an ignition interlock device or not.
How can I avoid a false positive?
There’s really no such thing as a “false” positive. If your interlock device detects alcohol, then alcohol is present. But we understand what you mean when you refer to a “false” positive. Sometimes a failed test is because of mouth contaminants, meaning the positive is a result of the alcohol being on your breath (not in your blood like when you drink large amounts of alcoholic beverages).
We do our best to educate our customers about how these things can affect the interlock device test results. Sometimes, though, drivers do forget or they simply don’t realize something has alcohol in it. If you blow a failing breath sample and you believe it’s due to a contaminant, it’s important to rinse your mouth with water and then submit another breath sample after a few minutes. As long as it was just on your breath, that water rinse should do the trick.
Let’s separate drinking from driving!
As long as you do what you’re supposed to do… drive sober, rinse your mouth after swallowing anything that may contain even a small amount of alcohol, basically just follow the simple interlock guidelines… you shouldn’t have any problems.
Sober driving is the goal. Get where you’re going safely and without a DUI.
Contact us about ignition interlock device removal
Questions like “Can cold medicine affect interlock?” are easy to answer since you’ll speak to a real person when you call. Don’t try to navigate this stuff alone. We’re always just a call or click away.
Smart Start of Louisiana is the smart choice for ignition interlock because we offer top-notch customer service and a convenient process. Smart Start offers a toll-free 24/7 service line where you can always speak to a real person. We’re here to help you with any questions you have about what you need to bring to your interlock device removal appointment or other topics.
Looking for other products?
We’re the interlock pros. If you are looking for other compliance products and services, we suggest you check out our partner company.
Gulf Compliance Solutions
