If you were convicted of DUI, or if you refused to take the breath test or blood test when you were pulled over, you may be required to get an ignition interlock device (IID), or car breathalyzer, installed in order to work your way back towards unrestricted driving privileges. But man, a DUI is expensive! With lawyers fees, court costs, fines, jail time, possible loss of your job, and more costs, you’re probably wondering how much an IID or breathalyzer is going to set you back. The good news is, not much. The actual installation cost for an ALCOLOCK ignition interlock device is generally in the ballpark of $100.
Costs Will Vary from State to State
All 50 states have ignition interlock laws, and they regulate who has to get a car breathalyzer, or interlock device, and for how long. They also regulate interlock vendors. We have to meet basic requirements in order to meet the NHTSA model specifications for ignition interlock devices. But the base model comes with one cost, while the models with a camera and/or GPS come with an increased cost, because of the additional technology and reporting.
Which type of device you have to get will depend on your state. How long you have to have the device installed will depend on if this is your first offense, or subsequent offense. You may also have to have the device in your car longer if someone was injured as a result of your DUI.
Cost of Service Visits
Beyond the initial cost of having a breathalyzer installed, you will be responsible for paying for regular service visits. These costs can be as little as $3 a day. That’s less than you would pay for a latte or espresso at Starbucks, and certainly less than you would pay for a craft beer. In most states, you have to bring your vehicle into a service center every 30 days. In other states, you may be able to bring it in every 60 days. Your paperwork will tell you what you need to do.
At regular maintenance visits, the technician will examine the device, recalibrate it if needed, and transmit all of the information the device has recorded to your monitoring agency. That may be the DMV, the courts, your probation officer, or other agency. For your convenience, your device will give you reminders of these appointments for several days in advance.If you fail to bring your vehicle in for service at the appointed time, or reschedule within 7 days of the initial scheduled visit, the device will enter a permanent lockout.
If you have a permanent lockout because you failed too many tests, or tried to tamper with the device, there will likely be an additional charge related to resetting the device. In some instances, your service technician can do that remotely, but in other situations, you will have to pay to have your vehicle towed in for service.
Voluntary Installation
Now, if you voluntarily had a car breathalyzer/IID installed, the monthly costs will be considerably less, because the technician does not have to transmit all of the information to the state or the courts. You will need to discuss maintenance costs directly with your vendor.
Total Cost Depends on You
So the total cost for the length of your ignition interlock program actually depends on you, to a certain extent. If you abide by all the rules and don’t have any violations, you can complete the restricted driving program in the shortest amount of time. But if you have a series of violations, those can add time onto your program. In some states, a serious violation can result in you having to start the whole restricted driving period over from the very beginning. Ouch!
Each additional month that you have to have the IID installed means an additional service visit and associated charge. Once you complete the program satisfactorily, the state will tell you that you can have the device removed. In many cases, an IID vendor will remove the device at no additional cost. But if there is evidence that the device has been damaged in any way, you will be responsible for those associated costs.
Schedule Ignition Interlock Device (Breathalyzer) Installation
If you just got an interlock restricted license and have to get an ignition interlock device installed, ALCOLOCK offers fast and affordable installation. We have service centers around the country. Call the service location nearest you to set up your IID installation. You can also call ALCOLOCK directly at (866) 700-9300. Be sure you have your paperwork with you when you call, as we will need some of that information.
In most situations,we can get your installation taken care of within 48 hours of your call. You will need to have someone drive you to your appointment, which will last about an hour. During that time, the technician will install the IID in your vehicle, show you how to use it, and explain what all of the sounds, lights, and messages mean.The appointment may take longer if we need to train another driver in the use of the device. And finally, before you go, you will schedule your first service visit. Those generally take about 20 minutes.