Ignition Interlock Cost: Parts, Labor & Average Price

An ignition interlock device is a breath-testing unit wired into a vehicle's ignition. The driver blows into it before the engine will start, and it may ask for repeat tests while the car is running. A court or motor vehicle agency usually orders one after a DUI or similar offense, and the person ordered to use it normally pays for it.

Because it is a court or DMV requirement, the cost is not something you shop for freely. The device must come from a vendor your state approves, and the length of the requirement depends on your state and your case. This page explains the fees that make up the total. It is general price information, not legal advice. Your state's DMV and a licensed attorney can tell you what applies to you.

The bill has three parts. There is a one-time installation fee, a recurring lease charge for the device, and a fee each time the unit is calibrated. Calibration means a technician checks the device for accuracy and downloads its records, and it usually happens on a set schedule, often every month or two, depending on the state.

Some vendors also charge for removal when the requirement ends, for a missed appointment, or for a lockout reset. Those items are less predictable, so ask for the full fee schedule in writing.

States set their own rules on which vendors are approved, how often the device must be checked, how long you must keep it, and whether any fee limits or assistance exist. Some states have programs that reduce the cost for people who cannot afford it, and others do not. Because of this, a national average can mislead. The figures below are specific to the states named.

California

These California figures come from BACtrack, a company that sells breathalyzer devices, so they reflect one vendor-side view of the market. They apply to California only. A person in another state should not assume the same ranges.

Washington

Washington's figure comes from a state legislative review of ignition interlock programs. It is stated as an annual device cost and applies to Washington. It is much higher than a simple reading of the monthly lease alone might suggest, which shows why it helps to add up every fee over the full period.

The two estimates cover different places and different measures. One is a California figure for twelve months. The other is a Washington figure for one year of device costs. They are not directly comparable, because the states have different vendors, fee structures, and calibration schedules. The ranges may also include different things, such as installation, removal, or only the recurring charges. When you compare, check which state and which fees each number covers.

The required period is set by the court or the motor vehicle agency, not by the vendor. It can depend on the offense, whether it is a first offense, and state law. Because you pay monthly, a longer requirement raises the total directly. If you have questions about how long your requirement lasts, or whether it can be shortened, ask your attorney or the DMV.

You generally cannot buy a device off the shelf. Your state keeps a list of certified vendors and service centers, and your order will usually require one of them. Compare approved providers on points such as:

• The installation, monthly, and calibration fees
• Whether removal is included or billed separately
• How close the service centers are to your home and workplace
• Appointment hours, since missed calibrations can carry penalties
• Any charges for lockouts, early removal, or damage to the unit
• Whether the contract has a minimum term or an early-termination fee

Read the lease agreement before you sign. If a vendor's price looks far below others, ask what it leaves out.

The device fees are not the only costs. The offense that triggered the requirement may carry fines, court costs, reinstatement fees, and insurance changes, which are separate from the interlock. You may also lose time at work for appointments. Ask your attorney or the DMV which charges apply to your situation.

You cannot change the requirement yourself, but you can control a few things. Shop approved vendors for the lowest total, keep your calibration appointments, and avoid lockouts and damage fees. In states with assistance programs, you may qualify for reduced fees based on income. Your state agency can tell you whether such a program exists.