Ignition interlock in Michigan
To get an ignition interlock in Michigan, you pick one of the State's approved companies and book the install. Ready to book? Call us and we'll connect you with a Michigan-area installer who can get your appointment scheduled.
The State lists 5 approved companies. Service centers: companies must have one within 50 miles of anywhere in Michigan If your gross income last tax year was below 150% of the federal poverty line, the device is free; you'll still owe the installer a daily upkeep fee, capped at $2.00. Over 6 months, most people pay somewhere in the range of $430 to $630
6 interlock companies in Michigan
| 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 |
 ALCOLOCK | From $60 | $70 to $150 | From $790 | 2.3 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.
Which companies can put in the device?
In Michigan, only manufacturers the Secretary of State has authorized may install a device, and the State lists 5 of them right now. Each is a private company that the State has approved. None of them gets a State endorsement or recommendation, so you pick the one you want.
Each company sets its own prices and policies.
Getting the list and booking an appointment
Once you're approved for a restricted license that comes with an interlock requirement, the department sends you the names of approved manufacturers, and any of them can take your call. Ask about cost and service center locations, and schedule your install.
Who has to use an interlock?
If your first DUI involved a BAC (blood alcohol level) of 0.17 or higher, you'll need an interlock to drive while your license is suspended.
What an interlock costs
MADD reports national averages of $70 to $150 for installation and $60 to $80 per month for service. For 6 months, that adds up to about $430 to $630 in total. These are national averages, so your Michigan quote may differ.
Help with device costs for lower incomes
Michigan law says manufacturers must provide the device without cost if your gross income last tax year was below 150% of the federal poverty line. The installer still charges a daily upkeep fee, capped at $2.00.
Day-to-day use of the device
To start the car, you breathe into the device, and it takes a digital photo of the person giving the breath sample. Once the engine is running, a first retest sample is required within 5 to 15 minutes.
If alcohol shows up or you skip a retest, the car won't start again after it stops until you blow below 0.025. When that happens, the device gives you 5 days' notice before it locks out for good, so have it serviced right away. The company also checks your device from time to time to make sure no one has tampered with it.