trinamiX GmbH and Aumovio have announced that they are developing a non-invasive in-vehicle alcohol measurement technology. The system uses near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR): when the driver touches a sensor with their fingertip, the device completes a reading within seconds and determines blood alcohol levels in real time — without a breathalyser and without blowing.
The compact sensor can be integrated flexibly into the vehicle cabin — for example, in the steering wheel, armrest, or door. This means it could be activated immediately upon entry or before starting the journey.
Photo: trinamiX
Why this technology matters for trucks
Accidents involving heavy goods vehicles account for a disproportionately high number of road fatalities in Europe. Although trucks make up less than 3% of all vehicles, they are involved in around 15% of fatal collisions. In this context, reliable alcohol checks before departure could become an important safety measure, particularly for long-distance or overnight trips.
- For haulage companies and fleet operators, there are clear practical benefits:
- Screening at the start of a shift would allow journeys to be authorised only after a successful test.
- Repeated checks — for example after rest periods or breaks — could further reduce risks.
- When connected to telematics or fleet management systems, automated processes become possible, from driver verification to scheduling.
A technology with potential but many unanswered questions
Although NIR technology offers a promising alternative to conventional alcohol tests, its practical application and acceptance are still being evaluated. Its reliability in real-world conditions — changing light, humidity, or extreme temperatures — must first be proven in daily operations.
Regulatory and privacy issues also remain open: Who holds the measurement data? How should misreadings be handled? And who decides how a failed reading is interpreted — the driver or the employer?
Whether this technology becomes widely adopted will depend on several factors: technical robustness, driver acceptance, legal frameworks, and integration with existing systems. What is clear is that this innovation adds a new, practical dimension to the ongoing debate about alcohol and road safety in commercial transport.
Technology instead of trust: Alcolocks in comparison
The debate around technical alcohol controls is not new. Germany is increasingly discussing the use of alcolocks — immobilisers that can only be deactivated after passing a breath alcohol test.
Pre-installation for alcolocks in new trucks became mandatory in July 2024. While countries such as Sweden, France, and the USA already use similar systems in buses, taxis, and commercial vehicles, implementation in Germany is still pending.
The new NIR sensor system could represent a more modern, comfortable, and less intrusive alternative.
