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Alcohol and chemical testing

Training | IID installation | Contact information

Alcohol and chemical testing supports the prosecution of drunk drivers through the provision of a systematic and standardized method of measuring the breath alcohol content of impaired motorists.

The program maintains and certifies evidential breath alcohol testing instruments, trains and certifies instrument operators and provides expert testimony in court on breath alcohol and instrumentation issues. The program is also responsible for the approval of ignition interlock devices, approval of the preliminary breath testing devices (PBTs) as well as PBT operator certification and repair.

• Chemical testing sites map (440 KB)
• Approved preliminary breath testing devices

2012 Basic Breath Examiner Specialist Training

The Breath Examiner Specialist Training is a 3-day course for local law enforcement officers who do not hold a current evidential chemical test permit. This program is designed to certify applicants for permits to operate the evidential breath alcohol instrumentation  in accordance with s. 343.305(10)(b) of the Statutes.

The class announcement provides all details of the course, including dates and locations. A completed application must be submitted for each officer you wish to enroll. Pre-registration is required.

• 2012 class announcement
• 2012 course schedule
• 2012 application

Agency training officers will receive an email confirmation after applications have been processed. Confirmation letters will be sent to training officers 2-4 weeks before all scheduled training.

Please contact Jan Grebel, Chemical Test Supervisor, for more information on training.

Installation of an ignition interlock device

Wisconsin courts are required to order an ignition interlock device (IID) to be installed on every vehicle owned by the offender for first offense OWI with an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher, for all second or subsequent OWI offense, and for chemical test refusal, unless doing so would cause an undue financial hardship.

IIDs are leased from a service provider for the duration of the vehicle sanction, a minimum of 12 months. The lease and service agreement includes fees for installation, monthly service, and removal at the conclusion of the sanction. Other fees may be assessed by the service provider for periodic calibration, violation resets, or permanent lockout conditions.

Please contact Diane Drinkman, Chemist, for more information on IIDs.

There are currently four IID models certified for use in Wisconsin:

After identifying nearby IID service centers, the offender should call the toll-free number listed for fee information and to schedule an appointment for installation.

• IID service center map (May 14, 2012)
• IID service center list (May 14, 2012)

The installation must be completed within 14 days of a court order or customer request, whichever is later.

OWI offenders who are serving a sentence in the county jail and qualify for daily work release privileges have two weeks in which to show proof of IID installation. Failure to show proof will result in revocation of work release privileges.

• Frequently asked questions about ignition interlock devices

Additional information about approved ignition interlock devices is available on manufacturers websites:

• Consumer Safety Technology - Intoxalock
• Draeger - Interlock XT
• LifeSafer - FC100
• Smart Start SSI 20/20

Contact information

New address and phone effective May 21, 2012:

Alcohol and Chemical Testing Section
3502 Kinsman Blvd
Madison WI  53704
Office: (608) 243-2946
Fax: (608) 243-2954

All external hyperlinks are provided for your information and for the benefit of the general public. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation does not testify to, sponsor or endorse the accuracy of the information provided on externally linked pages.

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Questions about the content of this page:
Susan Hackworthy, susan.hackworthy@dot.wi.gov
Last modified: May 22, 2012