How Much Does an Ignition Interlock Cost?
Expect to pay $1,000-$2,000 per year for an ignition interlock device. Here's a complete breakdown of all costs involved.
$50-200
Installation
$70-150
Monthly
$1,000-2,000
Per Year
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Complete Cost Breakdown
All potential IID costs you may encounter during your requirement period.
| Fee Type | Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | $50-200 | One-time |
| Monthly Lease/Rental | $70-150 | Monthly |
| Monthly Calibration | $0-50 | Monthly |
| Removal | $50-100 | One-time |
| Lockout Reset | $50-100 | Per incident |
| Violation Reporting | $25-100 | Per incident |
Estimate Your Total Cost
12-Month IID Cost Estimate
* Does not include potential violation fees or lockout resets
Cost by Provider
Compare costs across the three major IID providers.
| Provider | Install | Monthly | Calibration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Start | $0-200 | $75-95 | Included |
| LifeSafer | $50-150 | $70-100 | $20-50 |
| Intoxalock | $0-125 | $70-90 | Included |
Cost by State
IID costs can vary by state due to different requirements and approved providers.
Texas
Duration: 6-24 months
Arizona
Duration: 12+ months
Georgia
Duration: 12 months
Colorado
Duration: 8-24 months
Ohio
Duration: 6-36 months
Tennessee
Duration: 6-12 months
North Carolina
Duration: 12-36 months
Ways to Reduce IID Costs
Compare Providers
Get quotes from all approved providers in your state. Monthly costs can vary by $20-40 between companies.
Look for Promotions
Many providers offer free or discounted installation. Intoxalock frequently runs $0 installation specials.
Ask About Indigent Programs
Many states and providers offer reduced rates for low-income individuals. Ask about assistance programs.
Avoid Violations
The best way to keep costs down: follow all rules, never miss calibrations, and avoid anything that could trigger a false positive.
Financial Assistance Programs
If you're struggling to afford an IID, several options may help:
- State indigent programs - Many states mandate reduced rates for qualifying individuals
- Provider payment plans - Ask about spreading installation costs over time
- Public defender assistance - May help advocate for fee waivers
- Court fee waivers - In some cases, courts can reduce or waive IID fees
Compare IID Providers
Full comparison of features, costs, and customer service
Installation Guide
What to expect during IID installation
Sources
Last updated: March 17, 2026
Cost information compiled from provider websites, state DMV publications, and user reports as of March 2026. Actual costs may vary by location and provider:
- • Smart Start Cost Guide - State-by-state pricing
- • LifeSafer Cost Calculator - Monthly rates and fees
- • Intoxalock Pricing Information - Installation and monthly fees
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ignition interlock device cost per month?
Expect to pay $70-150 per month for the device lease, plus monthly calibration fees of $0-50 (often included). Most drivers pay $80-100/month all-in. Over a 12-month requirement that works out to roughly $1,000-2,000 total including installation and removal.
What is the cheapest ignition interlock provider?
LifeSafer and Smart Start typically offer the most competitive all-in pricing. Intoxalock frequently runs $0 installation promotions that can reduce upfront costs. Get quotes from all state-approved providers — prices vary by location and can differ by $20-40/month for the same requirement.
Does insurance cover ignition interlock costs?
Standard auto insurance policies do not cover IID costs. A few states have indigent assistance programs that reduce fees for low-income drivers. Your provider may also offer payment plans for the installation fee. Check with your state DMV or probation officer about available hardship programs.
What happens if I can't afford an ignition interlock device?
Many states have indigent or low-income assistance programs that cap your monthly fees. Contact your state DMV or the court that ordered the IID — they can point you to approved assistance programs. You can also ask providers directly; most have reduced-rate agreements with states for qualifying drivers.
Can ignition interlock costs increase beyond the monthly fee?
Yes. Violation fees ($50-200 each), lockout resets ($50-100), and missed calibration fees can add up quickly. A violation can also extend your requirement period, adding months of extra cost. Following all device rules strictly is the most effective way to keep your total cost down.
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