Ignition interlock in Maryland
If you're convicted of a DUI in Maryland, even a first offense, you'll be required to use an ignition interlock. That means a device gets installed in your car, and normal driving depends on it.
- Won't start if your BAC reads above
- 0.025
- Fee to enroll
- $47
- Device checked
- every 30 days
- Clean record to finish
- final 3 months
- Agency in charge
- Maryland MVA
- Companies installing
- 7
7 interlock companies in Maryland
| Company | From, a month | Installation | 12 months, install included | Trustpilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 LifeSafer | From $50 | $70 to $150 | From $670 | 4.6 of 5 |
 Guardian Interlock | From $50 | $70 to $170 | From $670 | 3.7 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.
Who runs the interlock program?
The program is overseen by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, known to most people as the MVA. The MVA writes the rules, while a state-approved interlock company handles the install and the monthly checks on your device.
So what is an interlock? It's a small breath tester that connects to your ignition. Before starting the car, you blow into it, and if it detects a blood alcohol level over 0.025, the engine stays off. Court and MVA paperwork usually shortens blood alcohol level to BAC.
Keeping your license rather than losing it
When Maryland suspends your license, it sends an Order of Suspension, the notice that takes your license off the road for a set period. If you qualify, you can enroll in the interlock program and keep driving rather than sitting out the suspension, and no hearing is needed.
If your BAC came in at 0.15 or higher, a restricted license is off the table. That leaves the interlock program as your only option to change the suspension. Calling now means your request goes straight to an installer who can schedule you.
Rules if you've been convicted before or are under 21
Maryland counts you as a repeat offender if you rack up 2 DUI convictions or more in a 5-year span. Your license would be suspended for 1 year, though you can instead spend 1 year in the interlock program and stay on the road.
Drivers under 21 face their own rule. A 0.02 BAC test result can lead to a suspended license lasting at least a year.
For commercial drivers there's one additional requirement. You have to switch to a non-commercial license first before joining the program.
Life with the device
Your provider inspects the device every 30 days, which works out to roughly one visit per month. The device has a camera too, and someone reviews the video to confirm you were the person behind the wheel.
A violation happens when the device records that you broke a program rule, like failing a breath test. Every month with a violation can extend your program by 30 days. To graduate from the program, your final 3 months have to be violation free, so staying clean toward the end counts most.
What an interlock costs in Maryland
Nationwide, MADD estimates installation at $70 to $150, plus $60 to $80 each month you keep the device. Over 12 months, that adds up to roughly $790 to $1,110 in total.
Each company prices things differently. Intoxalock advertises a monthly lease starting at $54.99, and Smart Start starts at $59.99. LifeSafer lists monthly pricing between $50 and $120, and Dräger doesn't share its rates publicly.
Help with costs if you're on assistance
The MVA can waive the $47 enrollment fee if you get medical assistance or food assistance. On top of that, interlock providers are required to cut their rental rates by 50%, which can shrink your monthly payment quite a bit. Bring up the discount when you schedule.
Interlock companies installing in Maryland
You can pick from several providers with Maryland install sites: Smart Start, Intoxalock, LifeSafer, Dräger, Low Cost Interlock, Guardian Interlock and ADS are all options. They vary in both pricing and customer ratings. Smart Start and LifeSafer, for instance, both hold 4.6 out of 5 on Trustpilot, while Dräger sits at 1.7.
When you call or submit the booking form, your request reaches an interlock company or installer that covers Maryland, and they'll take it from there to set up your appointment. A short phone call is the easiest way to get it done.