Compare Ignition Interlock Providers: Real Costs, State Approval & Locations
If a court or the DMV requires an ignition interlock, you’ll lease the device month to month — and the total cost, the number of service locations, and how hard the device is to use vary a lot between providers. Here’s how the major companies actually compare.
Compare the four largest interlock providers at a glance. Tap to call any provider for a free quote in your state.
| Provider | Monthly lease | Locations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intoxalock | $60–100 | 5,000+ | Call for a quote |
| Smart Start | $70–100 | 2,000 | Call for a quote |
| LifeSafer | $65–95 | 1,500+ | Call for a quote |
| Guardian | $70–100 | 1,000+ | Call for a quote |
Monthly lease is only part of the cost — see the full fee breakdown below. Prices are typical ranges; your exact quote depends on your state and device.
Our picks at a glance
Best overall
Intoxalock
Most service locations and 24/7 support. The safest default if you want convenience.
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Cheapest
LifeSafer
Often the lowest quotes, especially on monthly lease. Fewer rural locations.
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Most locations
Intoxalock
5,000+ service centers means shorter drives for calibration in most states.
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The fees nobody tells you about
Providers advertise the monthly lease and stay quiet on the rest. Before you sign, ask every provider about all of these:
- Installation: ~$70–150, one time
- Monthly lease: ~$60–110, the number you see advertised
- Calibration visits: every 30–60 days, sometimes bundled, sometimes extra
- Removal fee: ~$50–150 at the end
- Device protection plan: an optional add-on that’s often upsold hard — you can usually decline it
- State program fee: varies by state; check your state page
The cheapest advertised monthly rate is often not the cheapest total. Use our cost calculator to estimate the full amount for your state and term length.
How we compare providers
We compare providers on total cost (not just the advertised monthly rate), number of state-approved service locations, device usability, billing practices, and recurring customer complaints from public review sources. We verify pricing directly with providers and re-check it every quarter. We may earn a referral fee when you contact a provider through our site — this never changes which provider we rank first. See our editorial policy for how we test and rank.
Interlock rules vary by state — check yours
Every state sets its own rules for who needs an interlock, how long, and which providers are approved. Select your state to see the requirements, approved providers, and real costs where you live.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does an ignition interlock cost per month?
Most drivers pay $60–110 per month to lease the device, plus a one-time installation fee of $70–150 and a removal fee at the end. Calibration visits every 30–60 days may be bundled or billed separately. Your total depends on your state and how long you’re required to keep the device.
Can I choose any interlock provider?
Not always. Each state approves a specific list of providers, so your choice is limited to vendors approved where you live. Check your state page to see which providers you can use.
What happens if I fail a breath test on the device?
A failed test is usually logged as a violation and can lock the vehicle temporarily. Depending on your state, violations may extend how long you’re required to keep the device. Some failures are false positives — things like mouthwash, energy drinks, or certain foods can trigger a reading.
How long will I have to keep the interlock?
It depends on your state and offense. First offenses commonly run 6–12 months in states that require a device; repeat offenses run longer. Your state page has the exact durations.
Can I get financial help paying for it?
Some states offer assistance programs that reduce the cost for low-income drivers. Availability and eligibility vary — check your state page to see if a program exists where you live.
Do I need SR-22 insurance too?
In most cases, yes. Drivers who need an interlock after a DUI usually also have to file SR-22 (or FR-44 in some states) insurance to reinstate their license. See our SR-22 guide for costs and the cheapest providers.
Which interlock provider is the cheapest?
LifeSafer often has the lowest quotes, but the cheapest advertised monthly rate isn’t always the cheapest total once install, calibration, and removal fees are counted. Compare total cost, not just the monthly lease.
How do I get the device installed?
Once you have your court order or DMV notice, you call an approved provider, schedule an appointment, and the install takes about 60–90 minutes. You then file proof of installation with your state. See your state page for the exact steps.
Advertising disclosure: ignition-interlock-compare.com is an independent comparison site. We may receive compensation when you contact a provider through our phone numbers or links. This compensation does not influence our rankings or the information we publish. We verify pricing directly with providers and cite official state sources.