How Voluntary Car Breathalyzers Can Help Protect Your Family
4 min read
Learn why more responsible drivers are choosing in-car breathalyzers as a proactive way to help stay safe, avoid DUI risks, and build family trust.
Key Takeaways
- Voluntary car breathalyzers, like Keepr® Drive, help families provide a built-in safeguard for everyday situations that may involve alcohol use.
- The technology can be integrated with your vehicle's ignition system to provide clear, reliable breath alcohol information supporting clarity and confidence for users.
- Installing a car breathalyzer voluntarily can support informed decision-making and offer added confidence for drivers and their families.
Voluntary car breathalyzers are becoming increasingly popular among parents of teen drivers, adults who want to avoid DUI risks, co-parents navigating custody decisions, and anyone who wants an added layer of responsibility before driving.
This is where Keepr Drive comes into play. An extension of the Keepr® breathalyzer, Keepr Drive can be integrated with your vehicle's ignition system to provide clear, reliable breath alcohol information supporting clarity and confidence for users.
This informational blog is not to be used as legal advice. Always consult a qualified DUI attorney for any concerns related to impaired driving. If you have immediate questions about a personal alcohol breathalyzer, call Keepr at (833)-743-5969.
What Is a Voluntary Car Breathalyzer?
A voluntary car breathalyzer is a device installed in a vehicle that requires the driver to provide a passable breath sample before the engine will start. Unlike court-mandated interlock devices, voluntary car breathalyzers may be installed by choice, often for safety, accountability, or family peace of mind.
How Does a Breathalyzer in a Car Work?
A car breathalyzer measures the driver's breath alcohol concentration (BrAC). If the breath sample is below the preset limit, the car starts normally. If it's above the limit, the vehicle remains locked until the driver provides a passing sample.
A voluntary device like Keepr Drive typically includes:
- A compact breathalyzer unit;
- An installation kit to connect to the vehicle's ignition;
- A connected mobile app; and
- Data logs viewable by the vehicle owner, program manager, or co-parent (depending on settings)
The device provides a simple, convenient, and reliable method for checking the driver's BrAC before operating the vehicle.
What is the Best Way to Install a Voluntary Car Breathalyzer?
Professional installation is required for Keepr Drive to avoid voiding the warranty, and it's strongly recommended for any ignition-based breathalyzer system. Keepr Drive makes this process straightforward by partnering with certified installers who ensure proper wiring, clean, low-visibility placement, and seamless integration with your Keepr device.
How to Use a Car Breathalyzer
Using Keepr Drive is simple:
- Power on the device when entering the car.
- Provide a breath sample when prompted.
- View results immediately through your Keepr app.
- If the reading is below the allowed threshold, the vehicle starts.
- If not, you'll be required to try again once your BrAC returns to a level below the set limit.
Keepr Drive's integration with the connected app lets you track readings, confirm compliance, and maintain logs, which is helpful for parents and co-parents.
3 Benefits of Modern Car Breathalyzers
Car breathalyzer tools aren't for court-ordered requirements. They shouldn't be confused with court-ordered ignition interlock devices, as they don't meet state requirements and are not NHTSA certified. Instead, they are designed for every day, family use and essential for people who want peace of mind, accountability, and protection.
Here are some benefits of this compact tool:
1. Car Breathalyzers Help Drivers Make Informed Decisions
Even one error in judgment can lead to serious consequences. A DUI involves high costs, potential jail time, license restrictions, and lasting impacts on your employment and family life. Voluntary car breathalyzers can help drivers avoid this by providing a checkpoint in moments of uncertainty and preventing "I'm probably fine" decisions. They're designed to help drivers create real-time accountability.
2. Keepr Drive Provides Shareable Data for Family Members
Additionally, they support parents with teen drivers and allow separated parents to document sobriety during custody exchanges. Keepr Drive enhances these benefits by connecting the breathalyzer results directly to the ignition system, turning your car into an ally for safer choices.
3. Keepr Protects Your Privacy with Discreet Confidence
Some drivers hesitate at the thought of a car breathalyzer because they're concerned that the device will be bulky, embarrassing, or hard to use. However, breathalyzer technology has evolved significantly. Today's voluntary systems are compact and discreet. They're fast, accurate, app-connected for convenience, and easy to install and operate.
How Keepr Drive Looks Compared to Traditional IIDs
Traditional court-mandated IIDs may be bulky, hard-wired with long cords, monitored by third-party compliance officers, and frequent targets of stigma. Keepr Drive, on the other hand, integrates with the connected mobile app, has a modern, streamlined design, and offers voluntary privacy controls. It provides clear BrAC results in seconds and doesn't include all the same required features as court-mandated IIDs, such as random retests.
A Proactive Approach to Impaired Driving
A voluntary breathalyzer helps you understand your BrAC before you start driving, potentially helping drivers to reduce the risk of DUI stops, license suspension, court-ordered IID installation, high insurance premiums, and legal fees.
With Keepr Drive, if your BrAC is over the preset limit, your vehicle simply won't start.
Car Breathalyzers Add Peace of Mind for Yourself and Your Family
Whether you're a parent or simply someone who wants to avoid unnecessary risks, a voluntary car breathalyzer offers clarity in moments of uncertainty. Keepr Drive empowers you with a simple, modern tool that encourages responsible driving.
Instead of guessing, worrying, or hoping you're prepared to drive, you rely on accurate, connected, real-time information, right from your vehicle. Explore how Keepr Drive helps people achieve safety, independence, and peace of mind.
