ABSTRACT

"Prevention is better than cure." This quote perfectly summarizes the purpose of the alcohol engine
lock system with MQ3 sensor. This system is a proactive approach to prevent accidents caused by
drunk driving, rather than waiting for an accident to happen and then trying to remedy the situation.
The use of technology in preventing drunk driving has proven to be an effective tool in saving lives
and preventing injuries on the road. The implementation of the alcohol engine lock system with
MQ3 sensor has been met with some resistance from those who feel that it infringes on their
personal freedoms. However, it is important to remember that the safety of all road users should be a
top priority. The use of the system can help reduce the number of accidents caused by drunk driving
and ultimately save lives. It is a small price to pay for the safety of all road users.
In conclusion, the alcohol engine lock system with MQ3 sensor is a critical technology in preventing
alcohol-related accidents on the road. This system has been successfully implemented in various
countries around the world and has proven to be an effective tool in reducing the number of
accidents caused by drunk driving. As the famous saying goes, "Safety doesn't happen by accident."
It is up to all of us to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of ourselves and others on the
road.

INTRODUCTION

The alcohol detector and engine locking system is designed to prevent drunk driving, which is a
major cause of accidents and fatalities on the road. It has been implemented in various forms in
different countries, and in some places, it is mandatory for certain drivers, such as those with prior
DUI convictions or commercial drivers.
Drunk driving is a serious problem in many countries around the world. According to the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired
crashes in the United States alone. To address this issue, various technologies have been developed
to prevent drunk driving, including the alcohol detector and engine locking system.
This report will discuss the working principles, advantages, and limitations of this technology.
 OBJECTIVES
Alcohol Detection: Develop a system that can detect the presence of alcohol from a
driver using a sensor (e.g., an MQ-3 alcohol sensor).

Engine Locking: Implement a mechanism to prevent the vehicle’s engine from starting
if alcohol is detected beyond a preset threshold.

Automation: Ensure that the system operates automatically without requiring manual
intervention during the alcohol detection and engine control process.

Real-time Monitoring: Enable real-time detection of alcohol levels to respond quickly

to unsafe situations.

Safety Assurance: Enhance road safety by preventing intoxicated individuals from

driving.

User Alert System: Include a warning system (e.g., buzzer or LED) to notify the driver
if alcohol is detected

Data Logging *(optional)*: Record instances of alcohol detection for analysis or

evidence.

COMPONENTS

Hardware:

• MQ3 Sensors
• Arduino uno
• Power supply
• Trancistor
• LEDs
• Buzzer
• Few jumpers
• Resistors
• Capacitors
• Bo motor

Software:
 • Arduino Compiler
• Programming Language: C

BLOCK DIAGRAM

EXPECTED OUTCOME

Alcohol Detection
- When alcohol is detected in breath (higher concentration):
- The MQ3 sensor will sense alcohol vapor.
- The Arduino will read the sensor's analog output (after conversion to a
digital value).
- If the detected alcohol level is above the pre-defined threshold, the
system will trigger the engine locking mechanism.
- Engine lock: A relay or an engine control unit (ECU) will prevent the
engine from starting.
- Buzzer alert: An optional buzzer will sound to notify the driver that the
alcohol level is too high to start the engine.

When no alcohol or low alcohol is detected:

- The sensor will output a lower value (below threshold).
- The Arduino will determine that it is safe to start the engine.
- Engine unlock: The relay will allow the engine to start.
- Buzzer: No sound if alcohol is below the threshold.

Threshold Behavior:
The system should have a configurable alcohol concentration threshold.
The threshold value will be defined based on the MQ3 sensor calibration,
which is typically between 0-1023 (depending on the voltage output of the
sensor).
- Threshold level example: If the alcohol concentration exceeds a
threshold of 300 (arbitrary value for this example), the engine will not
start. Below this value, the engine will be allowed to start.

Advantages
The alcohol detector and engine locking system has several advantages in
preventing drunk driving. First, it can accurately measure a driver's BAC level
and prevent them from operating the vehicle if their level is above the legal
limit. This reduces the risk of accidents caused by impaired driving. Second, the
system can help to deter drunk driving by providing a visual reminder of the
consequences of drinking and driving. Drivers are aware that they will not be
able to operate their vehicles if they have consumed alcohol, which can
discourage them from drinking and driving.

Third, the alcohol detector and engine locking system can be used as a
probationary tool for individuals who have been convicted of DUI (Driving
Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated). The system can be
installed in their vehicles as a condition of their probation, which ensures that
they do not violate the terms of their probation by driving under the influence of
alcohol.

LIMITATIONS

Despite its advantages, the alcohol detector and engine locking system also has
some limitations. One limitation is that the system is not foolproof. Drivers
mayattempt to bypass the system by having a sober passenger blow into the
breathalyzer device or by tampering with the device.

Second, the cost of installing the system in all vehicles may be prohibitive.
While the cost of the technology has decreased in recent years, it may still be
too expensive for many drivers or manufacturers.

Third, the system may be seen as an invasion of privacy by some drivers. Some
drivers may be uncomfortable with the idea of having their BAC levels
monitored every time they enter their vehicl
 FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

The development of alcohol detectors and engine locking systems is an ongoing

process, and there are several potential future developments that could enhance their
effectiveness and functionality. Here are some of the possibilities:

Integration with biometric sensors: Future alcohol detectors and engine locking
systems may incorporate biometric sensors to detect specific physical characteristics
that indicate impairment, such as changes in pupil size, body temperature, or heart
rate.

Real-time monitoring and reporting: Advanced alcohol detectors and engine locking
systems may be capable of transmitting data in real-time to law enforcement agencies
or other relevant parties, enabling immediate action to be taken if a driver is found to
be impaired.

Improved accuracy: New sensor technologies may be developed that can detect
alcohol at lower levels or more accurately differentiate between alcohol and other
substances, such as mouthwash or hand sanitizer.

Artificial intelligence (AI) integration: Future systems may incorporate AI algorithms

to analyze data from multiple sources, including biometric sensors, GPS, and other
vehicle sensors, to better detect impairment and prevent false positives.

Wireless connectivity: Alcohol detectors and engine locking systems may be equipped
with wireless connectivity, allowing them to communicate with other vehicle systems
or with external devices, such as smartphones or wearable devices.

User customization: Advanced systems may allow users to customize their settings
based on their individual needs or preferences, such as setting a different threshold for
impairment or disabling the engine lock feature under certain circumstances.

Overall, the future of alcohol detectors and engine locking systems is likely to involve
a combination of new sensor technologies, advanced data analytics, and improved
user interfaces, all aimed at improving their accuracy, effectiveness, and ease of use
 CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the alcohol detector and engine locking system is an important safety feature
that can potentially save lives and prevent accidents. It accurately measures a driver's BAC
level and prevents them from operating their vehicle if their level is above the legal limit.
However, the system also has limitations, such as the possibility of drivers attempting to
bypass it and the cost of installation. Overall, the alcohol detector and engine locking system
is a valuable tool in preventing drunk driving, but it is not a substitute for responsible driving
behavior and public education campaigns about the dangers of drunk driving.

REFERENCE

SK.Singh and A.kumar,”Alcohol Detection System for Drunk Drivers,” International Journal
of Innovative Research in Science,Enginneering and Technology,vol- 4,pp.11-14,2015.
R.K.Gupta and A.K.Sharma,”Design and Development of Alcohol Detection System for
Vehicle Safety,” International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and
Software Engineering ,vol4,no-8,oo.1027- 1030,2014.