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Starter Interrupt Overview

As I have had some thorough dealings with starter interrupts (also known as ignition interlocks) and their application, it seemed appropriate to provide some more background about the various uses and implications of their use.  I have designed and supported products used in both sub-prime lending and DWI enforcement situations.  

I enjoy seeing technology used to enhance safety and to facilitate business relationships, but I also know these technologies are often difficult to apply well.  Too many times technology is used as a tool to force compliance, which is a slippery slope with many problems.  These (potential) problems are human in nature.  Technology is unable to cope with valid situations, and also tends to be terribly specific in its application, leading to easy circumvention given proper motivation.

As an example, payment reminder systems (as used in sub-prime lending and 'Buy Here Pay Here' car sales) are seen as a way to make the purchaser pay in a timely fashion.  This does happen -- the threat of not being able to use the car does make the car payment a higher
priority for the purchaser.  But the real mechanism behind this change is often not the customer, but rather the collector.  Payments cannot be made later because 'the computer' will shut off the car.  The collector is incapable of extending deadlines, leading to better account currency numbers.  This is a fact that is largely unarguable. If the collector can't provide a way to extend deadlines, they aren't extended.

The primary markets currently served by starter interrupts are sub-prime lending, DWI enforcement and theft deterrents (i.e. car alarms).  These all use some form of starter interrupt.  The key can start the car based on current payment, a clean breath analysis, or with proper key fob identification, respectively.  Some systems are starting to blur the lines between theft deterrents and payment reminders.  Boats and recreational vehicles are starting to have payment reminder systems installed.  I have not seen them used in rental cars, but that seems like a natural market at some point.  In particular, a partnership between national rental franchises could address some of the more challenging problems which I will discuss later.