Remote alcohol monitoring, explained
Everything you need to decide, in three short parts. It takes about three minutes to read.
1What is remote alcohol monitoring?
It is breath alcohol testing you do wherever you are. Each test confirms it's you by taking a photo or video of you taking the test, and the results are then sent to the people you want to see them. You never visit a testing centre and tests can be taken wherever and whenever you like.
- You call us
We help you choose an option and agree a testing schedule with you and the people monitoring you.
- Your device arrives, ready to use
We set who receives your results: your lawyer, case manager, employer or family.
- You test when a test is due
You blow into the breathalyser, and it takes your photo or video at the same time.
- Results are sent automatically
A missed or failed test sends an alert at once. You stop when monitoring is no longer needed.
2Why use remote alcohol monitoring?
When alcohol has caused worry in a family or at work, saying you have stopped is rarely enough. Monitoring gives people a record they can rely on.
- Family court and parenting
Show the court and the other parent that care time and handovers are alcohol free.
- Lawyers and case managers
Verified results and alerts, with reports ready to put before the court.
- Employers
Support a return to work or a workplace agreement, with tests timed around shifts.
- Recovery and accountability
Stay on track, or rebuild trust at home, with a record you can share.
3Which option suits you?
We offer two options. Most things about them are the same. Only a few things are different, and those decide which suits you.
What is the same
- $299 a month, all inclusive
- No minimum term
- Police-grade fuel cell sensor
- Identity check with every test
- Scheduled, random and voluntary tests
- Alerts for missed or failed tests
- Email reports
- Out of signal, results are sent when it returns
What is different
Smart Breath
Smart MobileWhat you carry
Do I need a smartphone?
Can it use Wi-Fi?
How does it check it is me?
Is my location tracked?
Text message (SMS) reports?
Choose Smart Breath if
- You prefer a smaller breathalyser paired with your smartphone
- You stay somewhere with Wi-Fi but no mobile reception
- You want SMS as well as email reports
Choose Smart Mobile if
- You do not have a smartphone (or prefer not to use one)
- You want an all-in-one device
Frequently asked questions
Is remote alcohol monitoring accepted by the Family Court?
Remote alcohol monitoring is widely used in Family Court and parenting arrangements in New Zealand. Talk to your lawyer about what your case needs. We can provide reports in the format they ask for.
Who receives the results?
You choose who gets them: you, your lawyer, case manager, employer or family. Results can go to them straight away, or as daily, weekly or monthly reports.
Who sets my testing schedule?
Your schedule is agreed when you start, usually with your lawyer, case manager or employer. With both Smart Mobile and Smart Breath, the schedule can easily be changed over the air after setup.
Can tests be random?
Yes. Both options support scheduled, random and voluntary tests, so testing can match a court order, a parenting agreement or your own plan.
How many tests do I take each day?
That depends on your situation and, if relevant, the court order. Best practice is usually 5 or 6 tests spaced through the day, from when you wake up to when you go to sleep. It can also be as simple as a morning and an evening test. You can take extra voluntary tests at any time.
What happens if I miss or fail a test?
The people monitoring you get an alert straight away, and it shows in your reports. If a test fails, you will be asked to take more tests to rule out a mouth contaminant.
How do you know it was me who took the test?
Anyone can take a test, but every test takes a photo (Smart Mobile) or a video with face recognition (Smart Breath), so there is no doubt who took it.
How accurate are the results?
Extremely accurate. Both options use a fuel cell sensor, the same technology used in police breathalysers, and both meet the Australian Standard AS 3547.
How long does a test take?
Less than a minute, with either option. The breathalyser warms up in about 10 seconds, then you blow while it takes your photo or video.
What do I need for Smart Breath?
An iPhone or Android smartphone with Bluetooth, and mobile data or Wi-Fi. We supply the breathalyser, and you use it with our app. Your monthly fee covers the breathalyser, the app and the reporting.
What if I am out of mobile reception?
Both options store your results and send them when you are back in reception. Smart Breath can also send results over Wi-Fi through your phone.
Can I use it overseas?
Yes. Smart Breath works wherever you go, through your phone's mobile data or Wi-Fi. Smart Mobile works anywhere in the world except the United States.
What if the device is lost or damaged?
Contact us and we will arrange a replacement. A replacement fee applies, and it is higher for Smart Mobile than for Smart Breath.
What does it cost, and what is included?
Both options are $299 a month, all inclusive: the device, monitoring, reports, support and warranty.
Is there a minimum term?
No. Both options are month to month, so you can stop once monitoring is no longer needed.
How quickly can I start?
We can get everything set up and sent out within an hour. We courier the testing device to you, and it is usually delivered overnight.
Ready, or still deciding?
Call our New Zealand team. We will help you choose and get monitoring started.