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Ignition interlock devices for alcohol-related offenses

Adult Criminal Justice
  Literature review updated March 2014.

Typically, ignition interlock devices are installed on motor vehicles for offenders who have been convicted of alcohol-related offenses (e.g., driving under the influence (DUI) offenses). The device operates like a breathalyzer and when alcohol above a specified threshold is detected in the breath, the vehicle will not start. Most devices also require periodic breath samples once the car has started. Offenders are typically required to pay for the cost of the ignition interlock device. Interlock devices are usually required for periods of 12 to 24 months.

For the studies included in this meta-analysis, ignition interlock devices were used for individuals with multiple DUI offenses. The devices were monitored by an executive agency (e.g., department of motor vehicles), not by the courts. To test the longevity of the impact of ignition interlock devices on recidivism outcomes, we examined the effectiveness of the program once devices were removed from the vehicle and found that the effect size decreased by 38%. That is, ignition interlock devices were more effective in deterring recidivism while installed on the vehicle; after the device was removed, the effect on recidivism was smaller.
 
ALL
META-ANALYSIS
CITATIONS

Meta-analysis is a statistical method to combine the results from separate studies on a program, policy, or topic to estimate its effect on an outcome. WSIPP systematically evaluates all credible evaluations we can locate on each topic. The outcomes measured are the program impacts measured in the research literature (for example, impacts on crime or educational attainment). Treatment N represents the total number of individuals or units in the treatment group across the included studies.

An effect size (ES) is a standard metric that summarizes the degree to which a program or policy affects a measured outcome. If the effect size is positive, the outcome increases. If the effect size is negative, the outcome decreases. See Estimating Program Effects Using Effect Sizes for additional information on how we estimate effect sizes.

The effect size may be adjusted from the unadjusted effect size estimated in the meta-analysis. Historically, WSIPP adjusted effect sizes to some programs based on the methodological characteristics of the study. For programs reviewed in 2024 or later, we do not make additional adjustments, and we use the unadjusted effect size whenever we run a benefit-cost analysis.

Research shows the magnitude of effects may change over time. For those effect sizes, we estimate outcome-based adjustments, which we apply between the first time ES is estimated and the second time ES is estimated. More details about these adjustments can be found in our Technical Documentation.

Meta-Analysis of Program Effects
Outcomes measured No. of effect sizes Treatment N Effect sizes (ES) and standard errors (SE) Unadjusted effect size (random effects model)
ES SE Age ES p-value
Alcohol-related offenses
Criminal offense (arrest, charge, conviction) that is alcohol-related. For example, Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).
37 4 3363 -0.265 0.048 40 -0.467 0.004

Citations Used in the Meta-Analysis

Beck, K.H., Rauch, W.J., Baker, E.A., & Williams, A.F. (1999). Effects of Ignition Interlock License Restrictions on Drivers With Multiple Alcohol Offenses: A Randomized Trial in Maryland. American Journal of Public Health, 89, 11.

Raub, R.A., Lucke, R.E., & Wark, R.I. (2003). Breath alcohol ignition interlock devices: Controlling the recidivist. Traffic Injury Prevention, 4, 199-205.

Rauch, W. J., Ahlin, E.M., Zador, P.L., Howard, J.M., & Duncan, G.D. (2011). Effects of administrative ignition interlock license restrictions on drivers with multiple alcohol offenses. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 7(2), 127-148.

Weinrath, M. et al. (1997). The Ignition Interlock Program for Drunk Drivers: A Multivariate Test. Crime & Delinquency, 43, 42-59.