Definition of the Alcohol Ignition System (AIS)
What is an alcohol ignition interlock system?
The Alcohol Ignition System (AIS) is a breath alcohol measuring device connected to the vehicle's ignition system. Its main function is to automatically prevent the engine from being started when the recorded blood alcohol level is higher than that allowed by law.
Created to limit the risk of accidents due to alcohol consumption, this device has been used for several years in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands and Austria.
In France, all public transport (including coaches) must be equipped with an approved AIS. An AIS can also be installed on a commercial vehicle on a voluntary basis (no approval is required) or be imposed on a passenger vehicle by court order.
How does the system work?
The alcohol ignition interlock device is installed directly on the vehicle's starting circuit; the device blocks its operation but cannot shut off the engine while driving.
The alcohol level controlled by the AIS is set when the device is installed in the vehicle; it is fixed at 0.1mg/l or 0.25mg/l of air depending on the license (for devices installed by court order), and 0.1mg/l for devices intended for coaches.
Each time the vehicle is started, the driver is obliged to blow into the breathalyzer. In the case of court-ordered devices, the driver has 5 minutes to start the vehicle, and then a second breath is required at random between 5 and 30 minutes after the vehicle is started - the operation of breathalyzers for coaches does not include a second breath.
The Autowatch AIS Sesaly
The Autowatch AIS Sesaly is the first UTAC approved breathalyzer capable of remote data download by radio frequency. This AIS allows you to check its correct use, automatically, without moving in the vehicle: the recorded data are stored in the VBS (very easy to install system) and not in the analyzer.
Placed in the vehicle, the VBS sends the data to the PC via the Dongle, a USB key to be inserted in the computer connected to your network or local computer. The control of the data is essential and indispensable.
The advantages of the Autowatch AIS :
- UTAC and CENELEC 50436-2 approved
- Economical, efficient and fast
- Easy to install
- Sesaly offers training on the correct use of AISs for users and fleet operators
- The data processing software is a clear, intuitive and customizable preventive tool.
AIS: who is concerned by its use?
Since September 1, 2015 (or September 1, 2016 in the French Overseas Departments and Territories), all coaches used for the public transport of people are required to be equipped with an EAD. As seen previously, the device is different from the device installed in the framework of a judicial decision or by decision of the prefect of the department.
Installed in the driver's compartment, it is connected to the starting system: if the alcohol level is below 0.1mg/l of breath, the vehicle can start. If not, it is blocked.
Since the LOPPSI law (2011), the breathalyzer can also be made compulsory by a judge in the context of criminal proceedings. Drivers convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol may be allowed to drive provided that such a device is installed. This allows the person to continue to travel and go to work, for example.
Since 2016, the administrative medical commissions of certain French prefectures have also been authorized to issue a provisional driving license on an experimental basis if the motorist has an ADE installed and agrees to medical-psychological monitoring.
