Ignition interlock in Indiana
Indiana has no statewide rule requiring an ignition interlock, so check your court order or license letter to see whether you need one (IIHS). If a judge has told you to get one, here are the basics.
- Companies installing
- 6
- Usual cost
- $70 to $150 upfront, plus $60 to $80 monthly
- Johnson County privileges last
- 5 years and 20 days from the date the order was made
- No blanket state mandate: your own court order or license letter is what controls
6 interlock companies in Indiana
| Company | From, a month | Installation | 12 months, install included | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 LifeSafer | From $50 | $70 to $150 | From $670 | 4.6 of 5 |
 Intoxalock | From $54.99 | Set by each service center | From $729.88install at MADD's typical range | 4.4 of 5 |
 Smart Start | From $59.99 | From $150 | From $869.88 | 4.6 of 5 |
 Low Cost Interlock | From $78.76 | $100 to $250, plus $40 set-up | From $1,085.12 | 2.9 of 5 |
 Dräger (RoadGuard Interlock) | Call for a quoteFirst month free | 1.7 of 5 | ||
 Alcohol Detection Systems (ADS) | Call for a quote | 2.4 of 5 | ||
Prices are each company's national starting price. The 12-month column adds a year of that price, the install price and any set-up fee, or MADD's typical $70 to $150 where no install price is posted.
MADD's national range: $70 to $150 to install, then $60 to $80 a month, or $790 to $1,110 for a year.
When an Indiana judge orders an interlock
An interlock is a small breath tester hardwired into your car. It samples your breath, and if it picks up alcohol, the engine won't start. In Indiana the device often shows up as part of specialized driving privileges. That's a court order letting you drive under certain conditions while your license is suspended.
When a court hands out these privileges, it can require that you only drive a car with a working interlock in it (Johnson County order form). Since the order points to the device itself, it's best to have it in place before you drive under the order. Getting the device fitted early means you can drive under your order from day one.
Who qualifies to request specialized driving privileges?
The form does rule some people out. Johnson County lists three groups who can't get them (Johnson County):
- drivers who declined the breath, blood or urine test police request after a stop
- people who have never had a valid Indiana driver's license
- people who held these privileges before, then picked up more than one conviction for breaking their conditions
The petition itself has you confirm that your suspension didn't come from turning down the breath, blood or urine test (Tippecanoe County petition).
Preparing for your day in court
Your petition is the paperwork you file asking the court for what you want. It needs to travel with an up-to-date certified printout of your Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles driving record (Tippecanoe County). The judge will also want proof that both the prosecutor's office and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles were served with the petition (Johnson County).
When your hearing comes, expect questions about using an ignition interlock (Tippecanoe County). Judges often ask about the interlock, so it helps to have an answer ready. Call us and we'll pass your request to an installer who serves Indiana so they can set up an appointment.
Conditions that stay in force during the order
The Johnson County order spells out its conditions in plain terms (Johnson County). No driving with alcohol in your blood at all, and none within 12 hours of a drink. Controlled substances come with a 72-hour wait too, though medicine prescribed to you and taken the way it was prescribed is fine.
For as long as the privileges last, you must hold proof of future financial responsibility. That's insurance paperwork showing the state you're covered going forward. Keep a copy of the order with you as well, either on you or somewhere in the car.
When the privileges run out
Under the Johnson County form, the privileges expire by themselves 5 years and 20 days from the date of the order. That's also when the stay ends, so the pause on your suspension lifts and any suspension still active applies in full again (Johnson County). Look up the date printed on your own order so nothing sneaks up on you.
Interlock installers around Indiana
Several well-known companies install interlocks across the country, including Smart Start, Intoxalock and LifeSafer. Smart Start and LifeSafer both hold 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot.
What the device runs you in Indiana
MADD gives the national average as $70 to $150 for the install and $60 to $80 per month after that (MADD). Stretched over 6 months, you're looking at roughly $430 to $630 all in. Over 12 months, closer to $790 to $1,110. Your own number turns on how long the order keeps you on the device and which company you go with.
Call or send in the booking form, and your request reaches an interlock company or installer serving Indiana. They take it from there and set the appointment.