Project Proposal: Alcohol Detection-
Based Automatic Vehicle Shutdown
System
1. Project Title
Smart Drunk-Driving Prevention Using Alcohol Sensor in RC Car
2. Objective
To design and develop a prototype system using an alcohol sensor and a microcontroller
(Arduino) that detects the presence of alcohol in a person’s breath and automatically
disables the vehicle’s engine (in this case, the motor of a remote-controlled car), thus
preventing drunk driving.
3. Problem Statement
Drunk driving is a major cause of road accidents and fatalities worldwide. There is a need
for an effective, low-cost, and automatic system to detect alcohol consumption and prevent
individuals from operating a vehicle under its influence.
4. Proposed Solution
We propose building a working prototype using a remote-controlled (RC) car, integrated
with an MQ-3 alcohol sensor, Arduino Uno, and motor control unit (L298N). If the alcohol
level in the driver's breath exceeds a certain threshold, the system will automatically cut
power to the motor, stopping the car.
5. SDG Alignment
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Target 3.6: Reduce traffic injuries and deaths by promoting safe driving practices.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Target 11.2: Enhance road safety and sustainable transport systems.
6. System Components
7. Working Principle
1. The MQ-3 sensor detects alcohol vapor from the user’s breath.
2. Arduino reads the analog signal and compares it with a predefined threshold.
3. If the value exceeds the threshold, Arduino disables the motor via the L298N driver.
4. If no alcohol is detected, the motor operates normally.
8. Expected Outcome
- A fully working RC car that automatically shuts down when alcohol is detected.
- Demonstration of how this system can be scaled for real-world vehicles.
- Promotes awareness about road safety and responsible driving.
9. Future Scope
- Integration into real cars as a smart ignition lock system.
- Expansion with GSM modules to alert authorities or family.
- Combine with face recognition to identify driver identity.
10. Estimated Budget (INR)
11. Team Members
- [Your Name] – Hardware Integration & Coding
- [Other Members, if any] – Circuit Design, Assembly, Testing
12. Timeline
13. Conclusion
This project aims to create a cost-effective, practical, and scalable solution to reduce drunk
driving. While the prototype is built on a toy car, it demonstrates real-world application
potential in life-saving automotive technologies.
System Components
Component Purpose
Arduino Uno Main microcontroller
MQ-3 Alcohol Sensor Detects presence of alcohol
L298N Motor Driver Controls motor ON/OFF state
DC Motor / RC Car Represents the vehicle
Battery Pack Powers Arduino and motors
Buzzer or LED (optional) Indicates alcohol detection
Estimated Budget (INR)
Item Cost (₹)
Arduino UNO ₹400
MQ-3 Alcohol Sensor ₹200
L298N Motor Driver ₹150
Popsugar RC Car ₹600
Wires, Breadboard, Misc ₹150
Total ₹1,500
Timeline
Phase Duration
Component collection 1 week
Circuit Design 2 days
Coding & Testing 4 days
Final Demo Build 2 days