Discussions

Anyone have any issues with these popular ever growing devices since they started using it? Any problems with the company and its way of handling/resolving a problem?  
I've had the device for over two years, winter time is not ideal as the device is not made for the cold, you need a perfect fully charged battery in the winter as it adds more juice to start. Customer care is very poor. I've been told by MPI for anything to ever change, I will have to keep writing my MP. As for the time being, keep giving these evil companies your money. Put up with the fact that the device malfunctions below -25 oC. Keep giving us your $$$ that's all we care about. I am grateful for having a good occupation, and I feel for those who are struggling with this. Only to be able to legally drive. Scratch the head ache and avoid it all by waiting your time or just go like the rest of them do who laugh at the honest ones! Fees, penalties, trips to the city, dead batteries, no help from the company, no help from MPI, no use in the extreme cold, unreliable, un safe, very un safe for those who live in remote areas, and without cell service your looking at a tow to Brandon or Dauphin. Before you go and spend the money to get this installed for you, or one of your children, consider waiting it out, they are a huge head ache, and they cost a lot of waisted money Our province has a team on this who are all from the city and have never lived outside of the city. "What do you mean your community doesn't have taxis in the prairies sir"!? No, we just have liquor board that now stay open late and are open on holidays, thank you for that though. We need new blood behind this. Common sense has vanished.

I am just about to go through this myself and have done lots of research. essentially it it nothing more than a mpi money grab, and done to appease the people who are crying out for more justice against such "scum"  
however, ive found that this system is seriously flawed. for starters, the amount of people ive talked to with more offences, second or third dui`s shows its hardly a deterrant. as well many have driven other vehicles without getting caught.or simply knowing they can hand the device to another to blow into it. there is no big brother monitoring so the odds of ever getting caught is slim, to none.im betting the police have knowledge that the device is installed , and from what I hear, never check up under the assumption the device will catch them.  
so, what is the point of it???

No offense boys but if you don't drink and drive you won't have this problem.  
 
Its not really meant to be a deterrent Dave. And you don't need to get one there are lots of other ways of getting around.

It's just that it's not helping anything, or anyone. You have to be financially prepared, and anyone with lower than average lung capacity or say anxiety may struggle. Is it helping DUI charges to decrease?  
Previous offenders from 5-10 years ago who have shown a clean record prior should not be dealing with this non sense device. Why should a person sober of seven years have to tell his or hers kids what they are blowing into and why it puts us on the side of the road in the extreme cold weather, or has the car alarm and horn honking continually while the device goes through its HEATING# phase while driving down the trans Canada. In a warm year round climate okay I could see it making some sense for some individuals to have it. Otherwise, anyone can blow into it, anyone can drive.

To the sweater clutching "Well I never" do-gooders who demand "The government should do something" people.  
 
MPI, cops, courts, everyone knows it does not work, except for the do-gooders: "There! That will show them!".

Just out of curiosity how much is it to have one installed and the monthly fees associated with having it?  
 
Seems for something that is becoming mandatory after a serious enough offence, there are some major flaws in this particular program

as a former installer of the interlock program,people were always complaining about cost,and freezing in cold weather.1 it is a government money grab shops only get a % of cost of installs and monitoring every 2 months.2 i a electronic device it will freeze in cold weather etc leave your cell outside and see how it works.plus the moisture you blow into it freezes.

an option would be to do away with these and not let drunks drive.  
 
Really? This is the punishment when you get caught impaired and there's complaints? lol

First of all just be happy you''re able to drive and not having to find a ride to work, etc. What does it matter if you have to pay to have the interlock installed? You did the crime so now you have to put up with it. At least you''re not spending your time behind bars and that you didn''t seriously hurt or killed someone. So if you have a good occupation, then why did you drive your vehicle that night you got caught? You could''ve called a taxi or found another way home. You''re a grown up, but obviously you made a very stupid decision. I know someone who killed an innocent man one night when drinking and driving so I have no use for this. All you have to suffer with is the cost and issues with the interlock system, but happy for that. So grow up  
 
Edited by bdngirl, 2018-02-01 16:49:52

Cost is roughly $1800.00 a year. No one is relying on their cell phone to get them to work or to get their family to a funeral. Who ever has the device is relying on it, at minus 40, with enfants in the vehicle. It's a general safety issue. To the do-goods son or daughter who made a mistake and got a DUI at a young age, at least now you are aware that these things are a head ache. Your paying to drive and it sometimes does not work. There for you cannot drive. After paying and going through everything, your still going to find a time where your asking for a ride because the device is not 100% reliable. I am very happy that I can drive, the person beside you at the red light who has no license, no blow box, is fairly happy to. Likely one of the most careful drivers on the road. You used to walk for a year after you were caught, walk or pay for a ride. To me, that taught someone a lesson. Now, after 3 months you can be back driving, even drinking and driving, because anyone can blow and anyone can drive! You have a good idea actually. Have stats been going down? No.. I knew good folks who died in a fatality due to impaired driving also, if you have no use then comment somewhere else. I was born and raised with drinks in the vehicle, there is no taxi for 75 km, it's sadly a normal thing out of the city. Now you learned something. I know I screwed up, more than once, I won't "suffer" the consequences, I will serve them. I'd like to know if these peoples spouses or teenage kids are blowing into the device everyday. You can only read the first paragraph.  
The government is aware of alcoholism, we now deliver  
Booze right to your doorstep.

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/more-cops-face-dui-charges-this-year-police-chief-says-rcmp-officer-charged-with-dui-461336313.html

means to your house. Why the need to go out?  
 
Simple rule: drink at home.

Cost is roughly $1800.00 a year. No one is relying on their cell phone to get them to work or to get their family to a funeral. Who ever has the device is relying on it, at minus 40, with enfants in the vehicle. It''s a general safety issue. To the do-goods son or daughter who made a mistake and got a DUI at a young age, at least now you are aware that these things are a head ache. Your paying to drive and it sometimes does not work. There for you cannot drive. After paying and going through everything, your still going to find a time where your asking for a ride because the device is not 100% reliable. I am very happy that I can drive, the person beside you at the red light who has no license, no blow box, is fairly happy to. Likely one of the most careful drivers on the road. You used to walk for a year after you were caught, walk or pay for a ride. To me, that taught someone a lesson. Now, after 3 months you can be back driving, even drinking and driving, because anyone can blow and anyone can drive! You have a good idea actually. Have stats been going down?  
I knew good folks who died in a fatality due to impaired driving, it's tragic. It's an awefu outcome, but if you have no use, please respect that people do make the "stupid" decision to drive drunk, it happens to smart people, we learn, and we move on. Many are born and raised with drinks in the vehicle, where there is no taxi for hundreds of kms, many do not discover or have even heard of programs like A.A until a judge has suggested they go.  
I know I screwed up, more than once, I won''t "suffer" the consequences, I will serve them. I''d like to know if these peoples spouses or teenage kids are blowing into the device everyday.(link) Just doesn't seem right that MPI can tack these things out so freely. I know of a case where an adult was involved in a motor vehicle accident and they had been impaired by sleeping pills, blew a 0.0. Though still had to get a blow box for 9 months. It's good to know how it works... for whoever CARES. If you don't care I do not care what your opinion/thoughts are. A judge gives you your sentence, and MPI sends a letter several months later with their additional penalty. Once you have the device expect zero assistance from MPI, they pass the bucket to the contractor, they know the device doesn't work, it's just something we are putting up with, but the day could come where a mother has to use it in middle of winter and it malfunctions and there is no cell service. At the end of the day, keep calm and don't drink and drive. Spread the message if you have already made the mistake.  
My respect and honest condolences to anyone who has lost someone due to the topic.

i don't know much about this new system you on but the units i installed you could remove the hand set and keep it warm inside the house, a good hint find a fur line ski mitt and a hot pocket when you cant take it inside trust me this will help

i can try to give more hints to help a litle better

to the people who think that those who have to blow into these devices are nothing but murderous drunks hell bent on killing innocent lives, grow up. it takes as little as going to your vehicle just to grab your wallet, with zero intention of driving to get charged. you can not have a drop for years, and do this...so does that make you a drunk?? the general publics blind ignorance is disgusting.you can get the same charge if you were driving a ride on lawnmower, oh yes, a real menace to society there folks!  
as for myself, I never had any intention to leave the parking lot I was in. only intended to move my truck away from the drunken hot spot and walk home. was it stupid? well, yes! I see now of course it was utterly dumb. but hardly the road raging alcoholic perception aimed at me. and to that, im a first time opffender, who is gratefull for this, it has giving me the opportunity to grow as aperson. I went through the manditory courses and not just passed way early, but quit drinking all together. so...I no longer drink. does that still make me scum? a drunk and should be removed ??  
the point of this discussion wasn't about is drinking and driving wrong, nobody here once argued is isn't!! its focused on the fact that the device itself doesn't work, is a flawed punishment, and can affect innocent lives such as children in winter months. so why is it still in use?

If you just wait an extra year can you not just drive your car like a regular person without the restriction on your license?

If you just wait an extra year can you not just drive your car like a regular person without the restriction on your license?

Is that how you got your impaired David?? Going to your car to get your wallet? C'mon bud. If you are going to drink and drive then suffer the consequences. You are the one that caused your own problem. Don't blame anyone but yourself. No sympathy here.

wow, im simply amazed how quick you all are to post to burn someone to justify your own righteousness.i never said that's how I got charged, and furthermore I didn't ask for anyones sympathy. nor would I want it. I feel sorry for those so ignorant to this discussion that they failed to actually READ its topic. which is the devices drawbacks for its effectiveness as a punishment.  
the device is flawed. if its justice for first time offenders, yes this is for a first time, its like cutting off someones hand for shoplifting.  
I don't regret what happened to me as its made me a much better person. and I quit drinking altogether. however its the point that repeat offenders can get through this device and offend again. even drive drunk while using the device!!  
the device should be removed. maybe harsher fines, longer removal of liscense?jail time?  
losing mine worked for for me enough to get my act together.and im proud of my accomplishment to serve out the time and drive again knowing im never going to ever make that mistake again.

would still drive drunk if they chose - short of incarceration, there's no way to prevent someone determined to drive. Impound their car - they drive someone else's. There are often items in the news about someone caught driving that has a lifetime ban. Way I see it, these devices are a gift, allowing law-abiding citizens to still drive their vehicles. Complaints about how the device works makes me think of doing away with them altogether.

What about innocent people who get caught in the crossfire? Either I learn how to use the blow box or I won’t be driving my kids around for a year because a member in our house made a poor judgement call and got a dui. (No it wasn’t me) but because I drive our vehicle as well, I too will now have to be taught how to use this stupid thing and deal with the negative aspects of it potentially not working properly.

Well if you can blow in a straw you can easily figure out how that "stupid thing" that your significant other caused you to have. Its not like there is a big learning curve. These things have been around for years and more or less function as they should.

I’ve done some research on the blow box ms. Daisy. They actually are not as easy to use as one would think. It’s not a matter of just simply blowing into it and you’re good to go.  
 
It’s people like you I truly wish something bad will happen to so you can be knocked off that high horse you so graciously ride around on. Unless you have been in the situation of a dui, have a family member going through one, or have to deal with the fall out of a machine like this topic is about, Maybe stop being a keyboard warrior and go watch some young and the restless to get your fill of drama.  
 
I actually found some of the original posters talked about issues to be valid if it can have those serious issues towards a vehicle.  
 
Not everyone who gets a dui is a bad person. Not everyone is 3-4 times over the legal limit and has caused or caused an accident as a result. Not everyone is a repeat offender that doesn’t learn from their mistake. You can’t paint everyone with the same brush on this topic. Sadly they have just cracked down on the laws around this, even for 1st time offenders.

I havent had any problems with my device in the cold, Even in minus 30 without the windchill it still worked. If you take leave it in the vehicle for any period of time in the cold it will definately have some issues like any electronics. I take mine inside and keep it warm and it works fine. As for the #HEATING code i had the same thing one time on a cold day on the highway. I called smartstart and they told me if you put the vehicle in park and leave it running, Unplug the device for a couple seconds then plug it back in the device will reset and stop heating and operate normally. I have done this a couple times since if it acts up at all and it seems to reset it back to working normally.

No,it is mandatory for the 1st year after your 1st offence, No matter how long you wait you have to have it installed for 12 months once you get your licence back, and cannot drive any other vehicle

These things are garbage. They go off if you wear certain types of cologne use hand sanitizer they go off if you use your windshield washer fluid. They quit using them in Alberta because there was so many faults with them but not here. It is funny that you cant talk on your phone while driving but if the alarm goes off while you are driving you have to pick it up and blow in it while driving.  
Our son had an impaired driving charge these things wreak havoc on the electrical system of your vehicle shut your vehicle down if you don't blow at certain times and you have to hum while blowing into it. We had the tech at speedy check his out because it was saying there was alcohol detected from using the windshield washer fluid he called MPi directly and told them it was malfunctioning that it was the washer fluid they made him pay for an extended 6 months even though there was no alcohol involved. One time he had to blow into it while driving to work the machine malfunctioned and he couldn't start his car so he called his boss to see if he could get picked up from where his vehicle shut down because he didn't re blow into it in the allotted time limit it sent a message to MPI said he had failed to enable it in the required time again they added two months even though the installer called in I was there when he called mpi and told them it is faulty It was a complete joke and MPI are just money hungry thieves People make mistakes that's why they are called mistakes

Don't drive.  
 
You have a family member who drove drunk (or had "care and control" while impaired) that resulted in one of these devices installed on your car? Be mad at them. Alcohol and drinking isn't a necessity.  
 
Seems to me a lot of posters above slamming the device seem not to understand why they're in the predicament they are, and who is at fault. Hint: not MPI.

Careful Ron your going to get accused of being on your soap box.  
 
Hey BooBoo you don't have to get one installed. Why don't you offer to drive your significant other around? Or days you can't there are always cabs, bicycles, walking. Years ago if you got caught there was no blowing in a box and being allowed to drive. You simply didn't drive and maybe we should go back to that way. I never said people that get impaireds were bad people. And it doesn't matter if your 3x the limit or .09 you shouldn't be driving! Quit making excuses.  
 
Oh and BooBoo you don't need to wish something bad to happen to me. A drunk already killed my both my brother and sister 8 years ago this month. So ya maybe this issue does get me a little upset. Hope you have a good day.

I guess for those that read his original post would realize he is not asking if it is right or wrong to have a dui he is asking why they are being allowed to use a device which doesn't work properly, that he has to pay for every time it fails to work the way it should, He has done his suspension with the court and is now doing what MPI is asking him to do. But why is MPI allowed to make you use a device that is faulty it is they that request it after you have finished the court imposed penalty. We know of a nurse that had an impaired that had the blower installed she was out by Hamiota and the blower shut her car down in the middle of nowhere it ended up being caused by the hand sanitizer she used at work, she had her young daughter in the back seat in minus 30 weather so is this right her having to pay for a tow truck to bring the car to Brandon pay for the tow and to fix the blower