Why did The Real Housewives of Orange County star Shannon install a breathalyzer in her car? Details explored

The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 released a new episode on Thursday, August 29, 2024. One of the episode's highlights was Shannon Beador installing a breathalyzer in her newly purchased car.

Shannon was arrested on September 17, 2023, for two counts of a misdemeanor—hit-and-run and DUI. With a .24 blood alcohol level, the reality star ran her car into someone's property and fled the scene after the crash. Following her arrest, she was sentenced to three years of probation and barred from driving.

Shannon took full accountability for her actions and expressed her apologies. In season 18, The Real Housewives of Orange County received a lot of backlash for her DUI, especially from Tamra and Alexis. In the latest episode, Shannon got a breathalyzer installed in her car so she could be permitted to get back behind the wheel.

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The Real Housewives of Orange County's Shannon said the breathalyzer would remind her of her "stupid choice"

Shannon was barred from driving after her DUI incident, which she confessed was inconvenient for her. She purchased a new car after her BMW 750 was completely totaled in the accident. However, to be able to drive again, she needed to fulfill certain legal conditions.

"The options for driving are have your license suspended for six months, or you can drive with a breathalyzer installed," Shannon stated.

If she installed the breathalyzer in her car, she could legally drive anywhere she wanted. The handheld breathalyzer would prevent the driver from starting the car ignition while under the influence. The Real Housewives of Orange County star stated that since her children were at school, nobody was around to drive her.

Besides wanting to regain the ability to drive herself, Shannon said it was a reminder of her poor choices in the past.

"And second of all, I think it's good for me to be reminded of my very, very stupid choice," Shannon said.

Shannon confessed she had not sat in the driver's seat in six months and felt nervous about resuming driving. The technician explained to Shannon that she needed to blow into the breathalyzer before starting the vehicle. However, if she started the car without using the breathalyzer, it would count "as a violation."

He also explained to The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member that she needed to "hum and blow" into the machine to get the correct outcome. He asked her to take a deep breath and "focus on the hum" while exhaling.

After one failed attempt, Shannon mastered using the breathalyzer and was pleased with her performance. She was informed that it would randomly ask her for a retest every 5 to 20 minutes. The information troubled her since she felt using the machine while driving might be a hassle.

The technician warned her that if she incorrectly used the breathalyzer, it would count as a violation, and after three violations she would have to return to the shop and pay a fee to reset it.

The Real Housewives of Orange County cast member reflected on the DUI's impact on her life.

"The DUI has affected every aspect of my life including my Real For Real business. Sales were starting to go down before the DUI, and it's at the same level," Shannon noted.

She said she decided not to promote her business because it would be "hypocritical" of her to say she was "Healthy Shannon" when she got a DUI in her name. She confessed her entire life changed after the incident.

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The Real Housewives of Orange County season 18 will return with a new episode on Thursday, September 5, 2024.