BMW has a clever car key patent that could stop drink driving

BMW has filed a new patent surrounding the most underappreciated part of the car, the car key, that could make drink driving impossible.

The patent describes a smart car key that doubles as an onboard breathalyzer.

It blocks the driver from starting the car if alcohol levels are detected in the car as too high.

BMW’s design shows how the brand wants to use hardware to prevent dangerous driving before it even begins.

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BMW has come up with a clever car key patent

The new patent filed by BMW could make the roads a whole lot safer.

The patent describes a car key fob with an integrated breath-testing tube and sensor system, so it’s like a breathalyzer that goes everywhere with you.

Before the car can be unlocked or started, the driver needs to blow into the device so it can measure alcohol concentration in their blood.

If the reading is above the allowed threshold, the key physically locks itself and can’t be inserted into the car.

BMW has also incorporated identity verification into the design, allowing only an approved, sober driver to activate the vehicle.

The tech builds on the ignition-interlock systems already used in some countries, but BMW’s version is more streamlined because everything happens inside the key itself rather than a bulky add-on device.

The idea is to create a safety feature that works automatically and can’t easily be bypassed, and if implemented in production, it would make every attempt to start the car a built-in sobriety check.

A global move to try and stop drink driving

Drink driving remains a major global issue, and BMW’s patent hints at a future where cars prevent it without relying on police checks or post-conviction restrictions.

By embedding the system directly into the car key fob itself, the brand effectively shifts responsibility from enforcement to prevention.

It’s a technology that could save lives if consumers accept the extra step required before driving.

Of course, this is still only a patent and not a confirmed feature for upcoming BMW models.

Automakers file thousands of patents that never reach production.

What’s more, breath-based sensors can be sensitive to false positives, and some people are skeptical about the data being used by the companies, even if you haven’t been drinking.

But the idea signals a wider industry move towards creating smarter, proactive safety tools.

While prioritizing speed and aesthetics, it’s good to know that automakers have our back and accept some responsibility for their cars.

If BMW does decide to bring it to market, this clever key could mark one of the biggest changes to driving habits in years.

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