Sobriety interlock with service reminder

Abstract

A sobriety interlock of the type connectable to a machine such as a vehicle and normally operating to disable the machine from starting unless a breath sobriety test is passed, is equipped with a service reminder timer operable to initiate an appropriate indication when the interlock is due to be serviced and optionally, to provide one or more advance indications prior thereto. In the event the interlock is not serviced when due or within an optional grace period thereafter, appropriate action is preferably initiated. In one alternative form, this action includes disabling the vehicle or other machine to which the interlock is connected, regardless of whether a sobriety test or other condition normally imposed by the interlock is satisfied, until timely service is obtained. In a second alternative form, the sobriety interlock of the invention does not disable the vehicle for failure to obtain timely service. Instead, the sobriety interlock itself is effectively disabled to the extent that it ceases to impose restrictions on the starting of the vehicle until service is obtained and the timer is reset. Also disclosed are remote service devices intended for use by authorized service personnel to inter-alia, effect reading and/or setting of the service reminder timer.