Ignition interlock cost
Answer 3 questions below and you'll get an ignition interlock cost total that reflects your state, company and months.
- State
- Company
- Months
How much is an interlock device per month?
- Monthly fee, national average
- $60 to $80 per MADD
- Installation, national average
- $70 to $150 per MADD
- Calibration visit
- $20 to $25 at Intoxalock, Smart Start and LifeSafer
The device is a rental, not a purchase, and two things are covered by the monthly fee. The device stores each of your breath tests, and the company then reviews them. You also bring the car in now and then to the service center, where staff check that the device still reads alcohol correctly. Calibration is the name for that visit.
Interlock calibration cost and monthly price, by company
| Company | Monthly lease | Installation | Calibration |
|---|---|---|---|
 Smart Start | From $59.99 a month | From $150 | From $25 a visit |
 Intoxalock | From $54.99 a month | set by each service center | About $20 a visit |
 LifeSafer | $50 to $120 a month | $70 to $150 | About $25 a visit |
 Dräger | Prices given on the phoneFirst month free | ||
 Low Cost Interlock | From $78.76 a month | $100 to $250Plus a $40 sign-up feeRemoval $129.50 | $25 a visit |
 Guardian Interlock | $50 to $120 a month | $70 to $170 | Included in the monthly fee |
 ADS | Prices given on the phone | ||
 ALCOLOCK | $60 to $90 a month | $70 to $150 | Included in the monthly fee |
 Monitech | By phone | Free | – |
Any price you click opens that company's own price page. A dash means the company does not post that fee; it quotes it on the phone.
Totals use each company's own published prices, not a quote for your state unless the company posts one, so the installer's bill could differ. The total doesn't include violation fees, lockout resets or state program fees.
Costs that a cheap monthly rate may not include
Low Cost Interlock's pricing list is one example: $40 to sign up, $25 per device check, removal at $129.50, and $125 buys a code to restart your car if the device blocks it, like after a failed breath test.
A lower monthly rate doesn't guarantee a lower total. Extra fees can leave the company that seems cheaper costing more, so ask about charges for removal and calibration before you book.
What to do if you can't afford it
Can't pay for the device? When you book, ask about help. Drivers who can't pay get help in most states from the company or a state fund, according to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving).