24/7 Alcohol Monitoring Required
SCRAM bracelets test your sweat every 30 minutes to detect alcohol consumption. Any drinking triggers immediate notification to authorities.
SCRAM Continuous Alcohol Monitoring
Complete guide to SCRAM ankle bracelets: how they work, what to expect, costs, restrictions, and how to avoid violations during court-ordered monitoring.
What is a SCRAM Bracelet?
Continuous Monitoring
SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) is an ankle bracelet that tests your sweat for alcohol every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. The device uses transdermal alcohol testing technology to detect alcohol consumption through your skin.
Instant Alerts
If alcohol is detected, the device immediately sends an alert to the monitoring agency, your probation officer, and the court. There's no hiding or delaying - violations are reported in real-time.
How SCRAM Technology Works
Transdermal Alcohol Testing
When you drink, your body metabolizes alcohol and a small amount is excreted through your skin. SCRAM samples your perspiration every 30 minutes to measure transdermal alcohol concentration (TAC).
Data Transmission
The bracelet stores the readings and transmits them wirelessly to a base station (typically installed in your home). Data is then sent to the monitoring agency for analysis.
Tamper Detection
The device includes sensors that detect if you try to remove it, block the sensor, or interfere with readings. Any tampering attempt is immediately reported.
Professional Analysis
Trained analysts review the data patterns to distinguish between alcohol consumption and environmental alcohol exposure (like hand sanitizer). Confirmed drinking events are reported to authorities.
SCRAM Bracelet Costs
One-time setup fee for device fitting and base station installation
Per-day fee for continuous monitoring ($300-450/month)
Final fee when monitoring period ends
Total cost example: 90-day monitoring = $150 installation + $1,200 monitoring ($10/day × 90) + $75 removal = $1,425 total
What to Avoid - Common Violations
Alcohol in Any Form
- • Beer, wine, liquor (even "just one sip")
- • Mouthwash with alcohol (use alcohol-free brands)
- • Cooking wine or food cooked with alcohol
- • Cough syrup containing alcohol
- • Kombucha (contains trace alcohol)
Alcohol-Based Products on Skin
- • Hand sanitizer (use soap and water instead)
- • Perfume or cologne near the anklet
- • Alcohol-based body lotions or sunscreen
- • Hair spray or hair products with alcohol
Tampering or Obstruction
- • Covering the sensor with anything
- • Attempting to remove or loosen the bracelet
- • Blocking the sensor (even accidentally)
- • Submerging in water (showers OK, baths/swimming may trigger alerts)
Base Station Issues
- • Being too far from base station (usually must be within 30 feet)
- • Unplugging base station
- • Missing required check-ins
- • Letting battery die (charge as required)
Tips for Successful Monitoring
Who May Be Required to Wear SCRAM?
Courts may order SCRAM monitoring as a condition of:
- Pre-trial release: Instead of jail while awaiting trial
- Probation: As part of DUI sentencing requirements
- Repeat offenders: Often mandatory for 2nd or 3rd DUI
- Alternative to jail: House arrest with alcohol monitoring
- Child custody cases: Parents with DUI history
Monitoring periods typically range from 30 days to 1 year, depending on the offense severity and court orders.
Facing SCRAM Monitoring?
An experienced DUI attorney can help negotiate monitoring terms, explain your obligations, and represent you if violations occur.
Find a Local DUI Attorney