On April 1, a completely unfunny document GOST R 70637–2023 “Control system for the driver’s condition (alcolock)” came into force in Russia. This is a national standard that defines the requirements for car alcohol interlocks – devices that do not start the car’s engine until the driver “blows into the tube” and confirms his sobriety. Advanced models of alcolocks are also equipped with a video camera, with the help of which the “brain” of the device confirms the identity of the person who is behind the wheel and passes the test. This is done so that instead of a drunk driver, a sober passerby does not “breathe”.

Equipping a car of this level with a system will cost several hundred thousand rubles. The simplest alcolocks, without a recognition system and other “bells and whistles”, cost 35,000-40,000 rubles. As for the new GOST for alcolocks, it contains a list of technical characteristics that a correct Russian alcolock should have. In particular, to “purify” he must use at least 1.2 liters of air exhaled by a person and give the result in no more than 15 seconds.

The device should be able to detect the replacement of the tested driver and send data about the results of the test to the traffic police or any other interested organization. In addition, the alcolock may have the ability to check the driver not only before starting the engine, but also somewhere along the route. A GOST-compliant Russian alcolock must be able to switch to a “repair” mode when a car engine can be started without checking the driver.

GOST includes the installation of alcohol interlocks on almost any type of car. We also note that the entry into force of GOST R 70637–2023 does not provide a legal basis for the introduction of the mandatory installation of alcohol interlocks on vehicles.

On April 1, a completely unfunny document GOST R 70637–2023 “Control system for the driver’s condition (alcolock)” came into force in Russia. This is a national standard that defines the requirements for car alcohol interlocks – devices that do not start the car’s engine until the driver “blows into the tube” and confirms his sobriety. Advanced models of alcolocks are also equipped with a video camera, with the help of which the “brain” of the device confirms the identity of the person who is behind the wheel and passes the test. This is done so that instead of a drunk driver, a sober passerby does not “breathe”.

Equipping a car of this level with a system will cost several hundred thousand rubles. The simplest alcolocks, without a recognition system and other “bells and whistles”, cost 35,000-40,000 rubles. As for the new GOST for alcolocks, it contains a list of technical characteristics that a correct Russian alcolock should have. In particular, to “purify” he must use at least 1.2 liters of air exhaled by a person and give the result in no more than 15 seconds.

The device should be able to detect the replacement of the tested driver and send data about the results of the test to the traffic police or any other interested organization. In addition, the alcolock may have the ability to check the driver not only before starting the engine, but also somewhere along the route. A GOST-compliant Russian alcolock must be able to switch to a “repair” mode when a car engine can be started without checking the driver.

GOST includes the installation of alcohol interlocks on almost any type of car. We also note that the entry into force of GOST R 70637–2023 does not provide a legal basis for the introduction of the mandatory installation of alcohol interlocks on vehicles.