If you have a medical condition that negatively impacts your ability to breathe to the point that you cannot use the ignition interlock device, you can request to have the device settings lowered. This is a minimal reduction in the amount of breath required to complete tests.
You can request a reduction through the Ignition Interlock Program office via an email to safety.interlock@tn.gov; put "Breath Reduction" in the subject line to ensure your request is routed to the correct staff member. In the body of your email, please make sure to include who that is as well as your full name and driver's license number. This email should include a plain language letter from your primary care/respiratory specialist on their letterhead that states why you cannot breathe well enough to use the device. Once received and approved, your request will be forwarded to your interlock provider. In the body of your email, please make sure to include who that is as well as your full name and driver's license number.
A reduction cannot be approved before you have installed a device and attempted to use it at the original recommended setting. Each device manufacturer has different blow/hum patterns; some may be easier to use than others. If you have breathing difficulties, the Ignition Interlock Program recommends that you test multiple devices to see which is easiest for you to operate. Most manufacturers will allow you to visit a service center to do this. Just give them a call to schedule a time to do so.