An alcohol ankle monitor—also known as a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor)—is an ankle bracelet consisting of two small boxes secured by a strap and worn 24 hours a day. A SCRAM monitors perspiration on the skin for alcohol content—similar to the way a breathalyzer test measures blood alcohol concentration. A SCRAM is tamper-resistant and if a person attempts to remove or tamper with it, the tampering will be detected and reported through the remote monitoring service.

A person who is out of jail on bond awaiting a DUI/DWI trial may be ordered to wear a SCRAM. And a person who has been convicted of a DUI/DWI criminal offense may be ordered to wear a SCRAM for some period of time—as a condition of probation, for example. A person convicted of a DUI/DWI criminal offense may also volunteer to wear a SCRAM in an effort to reduce the severity of the sentence.

In Maryland, a SCRAM (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor) device may be used as a condition of pretrial release, probation, or as part of a sentence in DUI/DWI cases. The device is designed to monitor an individual's alcohol consumption by measuring the perspiration on their skin. If a court orders the use of a SCRAM device, the individual must wear it continuously, and any attempts to tamper with or remove the device will be detected and reported. The use of SCRAM may be mandated by the court to ensure compliance with alcohol abstinence orders, or an individual may voluntarily agree to wear the device as a demonstration of commitment to sobriety, potentially influencing the court's sentencing decisions. Maryland law, under the Maryland Transportation Code and the Maryland Criminal Law Code, provides judges with the discretion to impose the use of SCRAM devices as part of DUI/DWI enforcement and rehabilitation efforts.