Say What? Translating the Police Log

Recently, Medfield Police arrested a man whom they charged with "operating public way vehicle without ignition interlock device."

Say what? 

That entry was confusing to many and prompted a call to the police department for more information.

Translation:

• operating = driving
• public way vehicle = car/truck allowed on the road
• without
• ignition interlock device = portable breathalyzer test

Police officials explained that someone charged with this offense had likely been convicted of an OUI [operating under the influence] in the past, and now has a "Restriction Z" on his license.

Such a restriction would require any vehicle he drives to have an "ignition interlock device" -- essentially, a self-administered breathalyzer test connected to the car's starter -- which detects the amount of alcohol on his breath. If the levels are too high, he fails the test, and the car won't start. 

In this case, the man was driving a vehicle that did not have the required device and was arrested.

The safety log does not indicate if the man had been drinking when he was arrested, but he was not charged with any additional crimes.