What a Smart Start interlock device does
A Smart Start interlock is a breath-testing device installed in your vehicle's dashboard that prevents the engine from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath. The device connects to your ignition system and requires you to blow into a mouthpiece before the car will turn over. If the breath sample registers above a set limit — typically 0.02 blood alcohol content — the engine will not start and the device logs the failed attempt.
Smart Start is one of several interlock manufacturers approved by state courts and the Department of Motor Vehicles. When a court orders an interlock installation as a condition of keeping your driving privileges, you choose from approved vendors in your area, and Smart Start is among the most widely available options. The device itself costs money to install and maintain, and those costs fall on you.
The interlock stays in your vehicle for a court-ordered period, which varies by state and by the specifics of your case. During that time, you cannot remove it yourself — only a certified technician can do that, and only when the court order expires or a judge orders its removal.
Key Takeaways
- Smart Start interlock devices require a breath sample before your engine will start, and log all attempts — both passing and failed — for the court to review.
- Installation and monthly monitoring fees are your responsibility, and costs vary by location but typically run $70 to $150 per month plus an initial installation fee.
- You must visit a Smart Start service center for monthly calibration checks, and missing appointments can result in violations reported to the court.
- Driving with a failed interlock test or tampering with the device are serious violations that can extend your interlock requirement or result in additional penalties.
- The interlock period is set by the court and varies widely depending on your state, the offense, and whether it is a first or repeat violation.
How the installation and setup process works
Once a court orders interlock installation, you contact a Smart Start location in your area to schedule the appointment. Bring your vehicle, a valid photo ID, and proof of the court order. The technician will inspect your vehicle to confirm it is compatible — most vehicles from the 1990s onward work with the device — and then install the unit into your dashboard, usually taking 30 minutes to an hour.
During installation, the technician will explain how to use the device, show you where the mouthpiece is located, and walk you through a practice breath sample. They will also give you a schedule for your monthly calibration visits and explain what happens if you miss one. Before you leave, you will receive documentation of the installation, which you may need to show to the court or your insurance company.
Smart Start will also set up a monitoring account in your name. This account tracks all of your breath tests — when you took them, whether they passed or failed, and any violations. The court can request this data at any time, and some courts review it regularly as part of your probation or license suspension conditions.
Monthly maintenance visits and what they involve
You are required to visit a Smart Start service center once a month for a calibration check. During this visit, a technician will test the device to make sure it is reading breath samples accurately, read the data from your device to the monitoring account, and inspect the unit for any signs of tampering or damage. The visit usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
If you miss a scheduled appointment, Smart Start will notify the court. A missed calibration is typically treated as a violation of your interlock order, and the court may impose additional penalties — such as extending the interlock period, fining you, or suspending your license further. Mark your appointment dates on a calendar and set a reminder; many Smart Start locations will also send you a text or email reminder a few days before your appointment.
The cost of each monthly visit is separate from the installation fee. Monthly monitoring fees typically range from $70 to $150 depending on your location and the specific terms of your court order. Some courts or probation departments may cover part of this cost in certain circumstances, but you should assume you will pay the full amount unless told otherwise.
How the breath-testing process works each time you drive
Every time you start your vehicle, you will see a prompt on the interlock display asking you to provide a breath sample. You have a set amount of time — usually a few minutes — to blow into the mouthpiece. Blow steadily and naturally; the device will tell you when it has collected enough breath to analyze.
If your breath sample is below the legal limit set by your court order, the engine will start normally and you can drive. The test result is logged in your account. If your sample is above the limit, the engine will not start, and the device will log a failed test. You can try again after a waiting period, which is typically five to 15 minutes depending on your device settings.
Some interlock orders also require a rolling retest — a breath sample taken while you are already driving, at random intervals. This prevents someone else from blowing into the device before you drive. If you fail a rolling retest, the device will log the violation, sound an alarm, and may disable the engine after a set time. You will not be stranded on the road, but you will need to pull over safely and the violation will be reported to the court.
What violations are and how they affect your case
A violation is any action that breaks the terms of your interlock order. The most common violations are a failed breath test, a missed monthly appointment, or tampering with the device. Tampering includes trying to disconnect the interlock, asking someone else to blow into it for you, or using a device designed to bypass the interlock.
When a violation occurs, Smart Start reports it to the court through your monitoring account. The court then decides what to do — options include extending your interlock period, imposing a fine, suspending your license further, or in serious cases, filing additional charges. A single failed test is usually not enough to trigger court action, but a pattern of failed tests or missed appointments will be.
Tampering is treated much more seriously than a failed test. If you are caught trying to bypass the interlock or asking someone else to blow into it, the court may view this as a violation of probation or a new offense, and penalties can include jail time, substantial fines, or a much longer interlock requirement.
Costs you will pay and what they cover
Smart Start charges an installation fee when the device is first put in your vehicle. This fee varies by location but typically ranges from $100 to $300. You also pay a monthly monitoring fee, which covers the calibration visit, data monitoring, and account maintenance. Monthly fees are usually $70 to $150 depending on where you live.
If you need to remove the device before your court order expires — for example, if you sell the vehicle or the court modifies the order — Smart Start charges a removal fee, typically $50 to $100. If the device is damaged and needs to be replaced, you may also pay a replacement fee, though this depends on whether the damage was your fault.
Some states or counties have programs that reduce interlock costs for people with low income. Contact your local probation department or the court that ordered the interlock to ask whether cost reduction is available in your area. You may need to provide proof of income to may have access to.
How long you will have the device and when it can be removed
The length of your interlock requirement is set by the court and depends on your state's laws, the offense you were convicted of, and whether this is a first or repeat violation. In some states, a first offense may require an interlock for three to six months. A second or third offense typically requires a longer period — often one to three years or more.
You cannot remove the device yourself before the court order expires. Only a certified Smart Start technician can remove it, and only when you have written authorization from the court. When your interlock period ends, contact Smart Start to schedule a removal appointment. The technician will disconnect the device, restore your vehicle to its original state, and provide you with documentation that the interlock has been removed.
If you believe your interlock period should be shortened — for example, because you have had no violations and have completed part of the required time — you can petition the court to modify the order. This requires filing a motion and potentially appearing before a judge. Success depends on your state's laws and the judge's discretion, so speak with your attorney about whether this is an option in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I blow into the interlock and it fails?
The engine will not start, and you will have to wait a set time — usually five to 15 minutes — before you can try again. A single failed test is logged but does not automatically trigger court action. However, if you have multiple failed tests over time, the court may impose additional penalties.
Can someone else blow into the interlock to start my car?
Technically yes, but the device is designed to catch this. Rolling retests — random breath samples taken while you are driving — are meant to prevent someone else from blowing into the device before you leave. If you ask someone to blow into the interlock, you are tampering with the device, which is a serious violation.
What if I have a medical condition that affects my breath test?
Certain medical conditions, medications, and foods can produce a false positive on a breath test. If you believe a failed test was caused by a medical issue, document it and bring it up at your next calibration visit or contact Smart Start directly. You can also report it to the court, though the burden of proof is on you.
Can I drive someone else's car while my interlock is installed?
No. Your interlock is installed in your vehicle only. If you drive someone else's car, you are violating the terms of your court order. You must use only the vehicle with the interlock installed during your interlock period.
What if I move to a different state?
Contact Smart Start and the court that ordered your interlock when ready. Some states recognize interlock orders from other states, but the process and requirements vary. You may need to transfer your order to a Smart Start location in your new state, or the court may modify your order. Do not assume you can straightforward move and ignore the interlock requirement.