Many jurisdictions have ordered convicted drunk drivers to install ignition-interlock systems to prevent them from getting behind the wheel again with any alcohol in their system. But now Nissan has rolled out a prototype vehicle with a maulti-layer alcohol-testing system already built in, Reuters reported Aug. 6.

The concept car includes sensors in the gear shift that detect alcohol consumption in sweat, as well as alcohol odor detectors built into the seats. A mounted camera checks driver awareness through eye scans and warnings.

"We've placed odor detectors and a sweat sensor on the gear shift, but for example if the gear-shift sensor was bypassed by a passenger using it instead of the driver, the facial recognition system would be used," said project manager Kazuhiro Doi.

Doi noted that the system will detect any level of alcohol use, so it will need to be tweaked before appearing on the market within the next decade. "If you drink one beer, it's going to register, so we need to study what's the appropriate level for the system to activate," he said.

The auto's ignition locks up if intoxication is suspected. Volvo also had developed a car with an integrated alcohol-detection system, a breath tester housed in the driver's seatbelt.