Businesses that make and install devices to prevent drunken driving expect to benefit from a new law that will require more motorists with driving under the influence convictions to install ignition interlock devices.

“For manufactures of interlocks, Oregon represents about 300 percent of growth in new business over the next 18 months because of the new law,” said Marcus Rojas, co-owner of Oregon’s only interlock manufacturing company, Advanced Alcohol Detection Systems, of Portland.

An ignition interlock device analyzes the alcohol content in a driver’s breath, according to the state Driver and Motor Vehicle Services Division website. The device connects to the vehicle’s ignition and requires the driver to breathe into it to start the vehicle. If the alcohol content exceeds the limit, the device prevents the vehicle from starting.

“Having it is such an inconvenience,” Rojas said. “It is an embarrassing thing.”

After a vehicle is started, he said, the driver still must take random breath tests. If the driver doesn’t take the test, the horn will sound and the vehicle’s lights will flash until a breath sample is given.

The primary function of the device is to prevent an intoxicated driver from being able to operate a vehicle, Rojas said. But it is also designed to alert the public and law enforcement to a potential drunk driver.

As of Jan. 1, a change in state law will likely double the number of interlock device installations in Oregon.

The law requires those entering a diversion program for driving under the influence of intoxicants to install the device while in the program. Previously, devices were not mandatory.

Last year, Oregon had about 24,000 DUII arrests, according to the DMV, and about 10,000 drivers statewide entered diversion programs.

David House, spokesman for the Oregon DMV, said the new law, House Bill 3075, is estimated to put 3,600 more Oregon drivers with interlock devices on the road.

Before the bill passed, House said there were about 3,400 device installations in Oregon per year. With the new law, he estimates, it will likely climb to 7,000.

In addition, House Bill 4017, which is awaiting Gov. John Kitzhaber’s signature after being approved by the Legislature on Tuesday, would require repeat drunken drivers to use the devices when seeking reinstatement of their revoked licenses.

“We think the effect of House Bill 4017 … (would) put about 200 more (devices) on the road,” House said.

With the increase in court orders, ignition interlock device manufacturers, distributors and installation companies are expecting more demand.

Bob Halvorsen, manager of Auto Interlock NW in Bend, said he’s expecting to see a spike from the new law in April or May and has ordered more units than usual to prepare for the potential influx.

“I’ve had some inquires,” Halvorsen said, “but when you get your DUI, it is usually three months before you get into court.”

Auto Interlock, one of five DMV-approved device installers in Bend, specializes in interlock installation, Halvorsen said. Last year the business saw a 10 percent increase in installations, putting in between 100 and 150 devices.

Halvorsen said installation fees range from $39 to $150, depending on the installer. The monthly fee for the device runs between $60 and $75, he said. To have the system recalibrated and reset is an additional cost.

While the devices are expensive, Halvorsen said many people don’t have another option.

“If somebody has a job, they’re going to get a device so they can get to work,” he said.

Unlike Portland, Bend doesn’t have ample public transit, especially for those that commute within the tri-counties.