Ignition Interlock Cost – What You Can Expect

The average cost of an ignition interlock device (IID) is between $70 and $100 per month. The ignition interlock provider might also charge an installation fee, which is typically between $75 and $100. Depending on the severity of a person’s driving under the influence (DUI) offense, and the number of months a person has to use the device, total costs can range between a few hundred dollars and a few thousand dollars. IIDs are also referred to as Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices (BAIIDs).

Ignition interlock devices are miniature car breathalyzers that get installed in the dashboard of a motor vehicle. Before the driver can start the car, he/she must provide an alcohol-free breath sample. If the IID detects alcohol in the motorist’s breath, the device prevents the party from starting the car. Installation of an IID is a common penalty in DUI cases.

In most drunk driving cases, a judge may order a defendant to install an IID. Installation, though, is mandatory in cases involving:

• repeat DUI convictions, or
• convictions under Vehicle Code 23153 VC, DUI causing injury.

What are the total costs associated with an ignition interlock device?

The total cost of an ignition interlock device will vary based upon the facts of a person’s DUI charge and the device’s provider.

With that said, though, the average cost of the device itself is between $70 and $100.

The provider of the device may also charge for an instillation cost. Ignition interlock installation typically runs between $75 and $100. However, the majority of today’s providers provide a free installation.

A party may also face monthly fees for calibration and maintenance of the device.

The length of time that a person has to use an IID will vary depending on the severity of the person’s underlying DUI. For example, a person with a first-time DUI conviction will normally have to use the device for six months. However, repeat DUI offenders may have to use an IID for 12 to 48 months.

Given this range, the total ignition interlock device cost can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.

Note that under California’s mandatory IID pilot program law (Vehicle Code 23700 VC), if people cannot afford the cost of their mandatory IID, they will receive financial assistance and are only obligated to pay a portion of the costs.¹

A few common ignition interlock providers in California include:

• Intoxalock,
• Guardian Interlock Systems, and
• Smart Start, Inc.²

Companies have installation locations throughout the state.

What is an IID and how does it work?

An ignition interlock device is a type of mini-breathalyzer instrument that gets installed on the steering column of a person’s vehicle.

Prior to starting the car, a motorist has to blow into the device and provide an alcohol-free breath sample. If the IID detects the presence of alcohol, the driver cannot start the vehicle.

If the driver successfully starts the auto, then IID requirements result in drivers providing random samples, between five to 15 minutes after their cars start and then about every 45 minutes thereafter.

If a motorist fails to pass a test after starting the vehicle, the person can still drive the auto. But the IID will register a failed test that ultimately gets reported to the court.

Note that an IID detects a person’s breath alcohol content (BrAC), it does not measure a person’s Blood Alcohol Content or Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) directly.

IIDs are capable of detecting:

• if a driver or another party is tampering with the device,³
• all engine starts and stops, and
• all breath results.

Is it mandatory to install an IID following a DUI?

Under California State laws, a judge may order a driver to install an ignition interlock device for:

• a first offense of violating Vehicle Code 23152a VC, driving under the influence,
• a first offense of refusing to submit to a chemical blood or breath test,
• a first offense of violating Vehicle Code 23152b VC, driving with a BAC of 0.08% or greater, or
• violating Vehicle Code 14601 VC, suspended license violations stemming from DUI convictions.

Meanwhile, a judge will order drunk drivers to install an IID for:

• repeat DUI convictions, or
• convictions under Vehicle Code 23153 VC, DUI causing injury.⁴

Are there other penalties for a DUI arrest?

Yes. A judge can impose penalties in DUI cases that are addition to, or in lieu of, the installation of an IID. A few common ones include:

• misdemeanor probation or felony probation (typically 3-5 years),
• DUI school ranging from three to nine months,⁵
• fines and penalty assessments totaling between $1,500 and $2,000 (depending on the county),
• a driver’s license suspension or the revocation of a defendant’s driving privileges,
• completion of a drug or alcohol treatment program,
• confinement in county jail,
• work release,
• attending a victim impact panel, and/or
• indirect consequences like increased car insurance premiums.

Given the severity in California’s DUI sentencing, it is critical for DUI offenders to get help from a skilled DUI attorney. Defense lawyers can help drivers tailor a legal defense to contest any criminal charges they face.

Additional resources

For more information, go to these California DMV webpages:

• Ignition Interlock Devices (IIDs) – General information about how IIDs work and when they are necessary in California.
• Approved IID installers – Names and contact information of legitimate companies that install IIDs in California.
• IID Installation and Removal Request Form (DL 925) – The form you need to submit to the DMV in order to get an IID installed and then removed.
• IID Exemptions – A list of conditions that could exempt you from the requirement to drive with an IID in your vehicle.
• IID Interlock Exemption Request Form (DL 4062) – The form you need to fill out in order to apply for an IID exemption.