How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost?

Last Updated on January 7, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The decision to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle is rarely one made lightly. More often than not, it comes after a DUI conviction and is mandated by the court. And on top of the emotional toll, there are real financial costs associated with the installation and maintenance of an IID.

But how much exactly will an ignition interlock cost you? What factors influence the pricing? And are there any ways to reduce the costs involved?

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about ignition interlock pricing, including:

• Average costs for interlock devices and installation
• Cost breakdown of different pricing components
• What impacts and influences pricing
• How to spend less on an IID system
• Future cost projections and market trends
• And much more…

How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Device Cost?

The total cost of an ignition interlock device has two main components:

• Installation fee: This one-time fee covers the physical installation of the device in your vehicle. It typically ranges from $70 to $150.
• Monthly leasing fee: Since interlock devices are leased, not purchased outright, you’ll pay a recurring monthly fee for the use of the device. This averages $60 to $140 per month.

So for the first month, expect to pay around $130 to $290 between installation and lease fees. Costs in subsequent months will just be the monthly lease fee.

In total, budget roughly $1,000 to $2,000 for a 6-month lease. Of course, costs can vary based on your state requirements, device features, and other factors.

When deciding between different interlock systems, the cost often influences which model a customer chooses. Lower-end devices tend to be more affordable, while premium or “smart” devices with added features cost more but may provide greater functionality.

It’s also important to remember that installation prices can fluctuate based on who does the installation and where you’re located. We’ll break down these cost components later on.

According to Shouse Law Group, the average monthly cost for an IID typically ranges from $70 to $100. In addition to this monthly fee, there may be an installation charge that usually falls between $75 and $100. Depending on the length of time a person is required to use the device—ranging from six months for first-time offenders to up to 48 months for repeat offenses—the total cost can accumulate to several hundred or even thousands of dollars.

Another source, Wisconsin OWI, notes that installation costs for an IID generally range from $50 to $150. They report that monthly rental costs average between $60 and $80, and that individuals can expect to spend between $820 and $2,260 over the course of a year if they are required to have the device installed for that duration.

According to Low Cost Interlock, ongoing costs for leasing an IID typically range from $60 to $90 per month, which includes calibration and maintenance fees. They emphasize that while installation fees can vary, they usually fall between $70 and $150. Additionally, some states offer financial assistance programs to help offset the costs for individuals who may struggle financially after a DUI conviction.

Real-Life Interlock Cost Examples

To give you a better idea of real-world pricing, here are some anecdotal cost examples from people who have used ignition interlocks:

• Michelle from Missouri paid $70 for installation and $68 per month for her basic interlock device. With a 3-month lease, her total came out to $286.
• James from New Mexico shelled out $125 upfront for installation, then $85 per month for his mid-range device with an optional camera. For a 6-month lease, his overall cost was $640.
• Gabriella from California got a top-of-the-line smart interlock installed for $150. With additional features like GPS tracking and real-time monitoring, her monthly cost was $130. After 1 year, her total expense was $1,620.

As you can see, costs add up over time, especially for longer lease terms. And this doesn’t even include installation and maintenance costs.

Installation itself averages $50 to $150 depending on your location and provider. Some shops charge hourly install rates of $50 to $75. Complex installations or premium devices can rack up bigger labor fees.

Maintenance and calibration every 60-90 days quickly tacks on another $100 to $300 per year. Unanticipated repairs or replacement parts due to damage can also drive costs up.

Gabriella from the example above paid $50 for each calibration service, so after 1 year she spent an extra $200 on maintenance – making her total nearly $1,820!

You might also like our articles about the cost of drug and alcohol testing, normal breathalyzers, or hair drug tests.

Breaking Down Interlock Costs

To understand what goes into the pricing, let’s break down the different cost components:

Hardware Costs

This includes the physical interlock device itself and any accompanying installation parts.

• Interlock device: The main control unit costs $150 to $500 depending on the model. Basic devices start around $150, while “smart” options with extra features run $300 to $500.
• Installation kit: Adapters, fittings and cables to install the device typically add $50 to $100+ in parts costs. Complex installations require more hardware.

Labor Costs

Installation, maintenance and removal of the device all require labor – which comes with fees.

• Installation: Usually costs $50 to $150, potentially more for complex setups. Hourly install rates typically range from $50 to $75.
• Calibration & maintenance: Expect roughly $50 to $100 every 2-3 months for calibration and maintenance visits. Depending on shop rates and services performed, this could be higher.
• Removal: When your lease ends, some shops charge $50 to $75 to uninstall the device, others include it free with installation.

Subscription & Service Fees

• Monthly lease fees: As mentioned previously, this averages $60 to $140 but varies based on your interlock model and features.
• Insurance fees: Some providers offer optional insurance for $8 to $15 monthly in case your device is damaged or stolen.
• Monitoring fees: For “smart” devices with real-time violation reporting, you may pay monitoring fees around $30 monthly on top of the lease.

Additional Legal and Insurance Costs

On top of the costs to lease and install an ignition interlock, you may need to budget for additional expenses:

• DMV fees: Administrative fees for license reinstatement and an interlock restriction can cost over $100.
• Traffic school: If required, traffic school classes range from $150 to $300.
• SR-22 insurance: High-risk SR-22 car insurance will be 2-3x higher than regular rates for 3+ years.
• Legal fees: Lawyer fees to handle your DUI case can cost $2,000+ depending on complexity.

As you can see, it all adds up! Be sure to account for these additional costs beyond just the interlock device itself. Having a complete budget overview will help you plan and make financially smart decisions.

What Impacts the Cost?

Interlock devices might seem simple, but a variety of factors influence their pricing models. Here are some of the key cost drivers:

Materials: Higher grade materials, proprietary components, and military-spec builds drive up hardware costs for premium interlocks.

Labor: Regional average wages and a shop’s overhead expenses impact installation and service labor fees.

Brand Reputation: Leading brands with lengthy track records can command higher pricing in the market.

Market Demand: When demand is high in a state with strict interlock laws, providers may increase pricing.

Seasonality: Installations spike around peak DUI seasons – summer holidays and end-of-year events – often raising costs.

Technology: Advanced features like cameras and real-time violation reporting add to hardware expenses and monthly fees.

Economy: Rising inflation and supply chain issues have pushed costs higher across many industries, including automotive and consumer electronics.

Regulations: Stricter state laws mandating advanced interlocks with specific features enable companies to charge higher prices.

With so many variables at play, lock-in rates upfront with price guarantees when possible. Be wary of lowball quotes that seem too good to be true!

Interlock Alternatives

While ignition interlocks are mandated for DUI offenders in all states, you may have options when it comes to purchasing the device itself:

Basic IID: Costs $150 to $400 for the hardware with basic breath testing functionality. Monthly leases run $60 to $90.

Smart IID: With added features like cameras and GPS tracking, smart interlocks range $300 to $500 for the device and $90 to $140 monthly.

Portable breathalyzer: For personal use or voluntary monitoring, basic portable breathalyzers cost approximately $50 to $200 to purchase outright. However, these are NOT commonly accepted alternatives for court-ordered IIDs.

Continuous alcohol monitoring: Some courts allow ankle bracelets with transdermal alcohol detection rather than vehicle interlocks, but these are generally much more expensive at $300+ per month excluding hardware costs.

While it can be tempting to choose the cheapest option, make sure to consult your attorney to avoid any non-compliance with court mandates. And be wary of used or refurbished devices which may not meet state standards.

Spending Less on an Ignition Interlock

Despite their mandatory nature, there are still some ways you may be able to reduce interlock costs:

• Look for new customer discounts and promotional offers from national providers like Intoxalock, LifeSafer, Smart Start, and others. Just be sure to read the fine print!
• Ask about insurance waivers if you have auto coverage that includes ignition interlock devices. This can save you $8 to $15 monthly.
• Time installation wisely to avoid demand surges around holidays that typically come with price hikes.
• See if your state offers hardship assistance programs or payment plans for low-income individuals who cannot afford interlock fees.
• Research shops thoroughly and compare quotes – lower overhead costs can equate to cheaper pricing for cost-conscious consumers.
• Consider asking family or friends to go in on a shared lease if you all drive compatible vehicles. Just make sure to get court approval!

And always get any promised discounts, rebates or incentives in writing prior to signing an agreement or contract.

Expert Insights on Maximizing Value

Industry experts have some valuable cost considerations and money-saving tips for ignition interlock shoppers:

“It’s about finding the optimal match between cost and features based on your personal risks and needs,” says Scott Kennedy, founder of SafeStart Interlocks. “The biggest value gap is when someone pays premium pricing for bells and whistles they likely don’t require.”

“Shop around for the best installation price, then look for subscription package deals and loyalty discounts from national vendors to minimize monthly costs,” advises Pam Dent of Car Breath Interlocks. “This can lead to significant savings, especially for longer lease terms.”

“Don’t cheap out on monthly service just to save $10 bucks – it’s crucial for the device’s accuracy and reliability. Proper calibrations avoid costly repairs down the road,” stresses Ron Simmons, owner of Interlock Service Centers.

Most experts agree – finding the “sweet spot” in terms of price for the particular features you require delivers the best long-term value. Maintenance is also key to minimizing expenses and preventing more expensive damages.

Customer Experiences

In general, reviews around ignition interlock costs are mixed. Here are some key themes among customer feedback:

• Many are unhappy about the high overall costs but admit it’s likely the cheapest impact of a DUI.
• Others say the expense seems justified by the harm that could be prevented by stopping intoxicated driving.
• Most customers acknowledge you get what you pay for – cheaper models have more issues.
• Many note ** installation is quick and affordable**, the monthly fees add up over time.
• Those receiving hardship assistance or on payment plans are much more positive about costs.
• Most say local provider reputation and customer service is worth higher pricing.

While perceptions on costs vary, clearly affordability programs and quality installers improve experiences. And cost-conscious shoppers ultimately prefer more budget-friendly devices as long as they are reliable.

Future Cost Projections

What could interlock costs look like down the road? Here are a few predictions based on market trends:

• Technology improvements leading to lower manufacturing costs could mean more affordable lease pricing in coming years.
• Changing state laws may lead to wider mandates for advanced “smart” devices among offenders, potentially raising average monthly lease fees.
• Overall inflation will likely drive steady but small 1-3% annual price hikes nationwide over the next 5-10 years.
• Provider competition should bring better promotional offers and help curb drastic price inflation.
• Cheaper alternatives like ankle monitors may experience a reduction in pricing and gain wider adoption.

While future pricing is hard to predict, costs are expected to hold relatively steady or increase modestly. Mandatory nature and established pricing models will likely prevent drastic market swings.

Cost is a major factor shaping consumer behaviors and trends surrounding ignition interlocks. For example:

• Budget-minded offenders gravitate toward more affordable models, increasing demand for low-cost devices.
• Markets with financial assistance programs in turn see expanded access among lower-income populations.
• Jurisdictions that mandate advanced “smart” interlocks ultimately have higher average monthly costs.
• Lower pricing from leading national vendors encourages greater standardization across states.
• Offender reluctance around high costs leads to more first-time installation delays or non-compliance.

Ultimately, cost considerations ripple out to impact manufacturing, regulations, access, and broader market dynamics. Careful cost analysis is key for both consumers and industry professionals.

Final Words

At the end of the day, determining how much an interlock costs involves looking at the total costs across installation, monthly lease fees, maintenance, and potential add-ons.

While interlocks undoubtedly represent an unwanted financial burden for most, they are still far more affordable than the alternative costs of continued unsafe driving behavior.

Armed with the detailed pricing breakdown and cost-saving tips in this guide, you can now make carefully informed budgeting decisions as you shop for and install your ignition interlock device. Considering total costs upfront prevents monetary surprises down the road.