Ignition interlock in New Hampshire
When a New Hampshire court or the state tells you to put an ignition interlock device on your car, a company that serves the state can handle the installation for you. The device itself is a small breath tester that gets wired into your vehicle. Before you drive, you breathe into it. The car won't start if your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC, the alcohol level in your breath) is .020 or higher.
- Agency in charge
- New Hampshire DMV
- Companies installing
- 4
- Order length
- 12 to 24 months when the DWI was aggravated or a repeat offense
- Under 21
- until you turn 21, or 12 months at minimum, whichever is longer
- Start blocked at
- a breath alcohol reading of .020 or more
- Typical cost
- roughly $790–$1,110 over twelve months, based on national MADD averages
4 interlock companies in New Hampshire
| 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 |
 Dräger (RoadGuard Interlock) | Call for a quoteFirst month free | 1.7 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 has to install one?
In New Hampshire, a judge or the Commissioner of Safety has the power to require a device. A revocation or suspension tied to an aggravated DWI means you have to install one. And if you've had another DWI after a first, the court will order one as soon as your revocation or suspension runs out.
The IIHS notes that after a first DUI, an interlock is what lets you drive during a suspension.
How long will you need it?
For aggravated or repeat offenses, the law says the device stays on for at least 12 months but no more than 2 years. Drivers under 21 keep a court-ordered device until they turn 21 or until 12 months pass, whichever stretch is longer.
What it costs
Installation and monitoring come out of your own pocket. Nationwide, MADD estimates installation runs $70 to $150, with monthly service between $60 and $80.
When the full price is out of reach, you can ask for a hearing; the state may credit you with as much as three-quarters of what installation and service cost. The DMV lays out the program here.
Having the device put in
After the order takes effect, these are the steps.
- Schedule an installation appointment with a company operating in New Hampshire.
- Get the device put on your vehicle.
- Submit the installation certificate to the DMV yourself, because the provider and service center cannot send it for you.
- Once the DMV takes the certificate and gives back your driving privileges, an interlock restriction goes on your license.
Need an installation appointment? Call us or send the booking form, and we'll pass your request along to a New Hampshire provider so they can get your appointment scheduled.
Keeping the device working right
Providers have to recalibrate each device at least once every 180 days, unless the court says otherwise. Recalibration is just checking the device and tuning it so the readings stay true.
What happens if you break the order?
Violating the order brings a hearing, and that can stretch out your requirement or take away your driving privileges. If you drive a vehicle that doesn't have an approved device, 24 months may be added to your order.
Getting the device removed
When your eligible review date arrives, you'll need to file a removal request with the Bureau of Financial Responsibility. Mark the date on your calendar so you don't miss it.