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If you have been recently convicted of a DUI, you may be court ordered or legally required to have an interlock device installed on your car. Motorists in this situation may be curious as to who is responsible for installing that device. In short, it must be installed at a federally certified interlock company. Below, we will discuss the installation process of a car breathalyzer so that you can get back on the road as quickly as possible.   

Who Installs Ignition Interlock Devices?

The government requires that the people responsible for ignition interlock device installation must work for a state licensed interlock company. At Low Cost Interlock, our certified technicians have been through rigorous screening and training on automotive electrical systems. All of the official LCI locations have received certification and insurance to ensure that your motor vehicle is in good hands.

The Installation Process

If you choose to use Low Cost Interlock as your service provider, installation is fast and simple. Just follow these steps and you will be well on your way:

Receive a Pricing Quote

To get started, you will need to reach out to Low Cost Interlock for a pricing estimate for the car breathalyzer. Prices are not universal and often depend on your location, state, and severity of DUI. In order to get an accurate estimate of the cost of an interlock device installation, you will have to fill out the following information:

  • First name
  • Last name
  • Home address
  • State you reside in
  • Zip code
  • Cell phone number
  • Email address
  • Driver’s license number
  • VIN
  • License plate number
  • Court papers:
    • Address of the court
    • County
    • Case number
    • The specific judge assigned to the case
    • Your attorney’s name and contact info

Low Cost Interlock will use these details to formulate an upfront and meticulous assessment of expected costs. Their goal is to give you a detailed pricing quote so that you know immediately what you will need to budget. In addition to monthly expenses, it will state how often they suspect you will need to bring in the device for recalibration (typically every 30 to 60 days). As a note, there is a small labor fee for every calibration appointment.   

Find the Low Cost Interlock Location Nearest to You

Low Cost Interlock currently operates in 25 states with at least 5 more states coming soon. Rest assured, we have service locations all over the states we are currently in, so finding out where to get an interlock device installed won’t be a problem. To find the spot closest to you, check out our Interlock Installation Locations. Simply type in your name, phone number, and zip code, and you will find the best service location for both installation and recalibration.

Installing the Interlock Device

Upon finding a certified service provider, a professional installation technician will do a routine assessment of your vehicle’s mechanical and electrical systems in order to ensure that everything is running properly. Once he has the green light, the technician can start to attach the interlock device to the engine’s starter. This LCI device is composed of two key components:

  • Handset – The part you blow into to provide a breath sample.
  • Relay Module – The part that connects to the handset, measures the BAC (blood alcohol content), and stores reports. If the BAC sample is low enough, the engine ignitor is free to turn on the car.

In a standard car, installation shouldn’t take more than an hour or two. However, if you are installing an interlock device on a modern or luxury car, especially those with push-to-start ignitors, it may take longer.

Interlock Device Education

Once the device has been installed, the installation technician will give you a rigorous rundown on how the device functions. They will show you how to use the breathalyzer test and what any lights or indicators may mean. In addition, LCI will have you watch video training manuals for further instruction. Upon completion, you will be able to pay for the device and sign the lease agreement.

Once installed, if you attempt to remove the breathalyzer device or tamper with it, there can be serious ramifications, including extensions, suspensions, fines, and jail time. Low Cost Interlock offers insurance, which covers damage or theft of the $2,400 device. Naturally, we suggest that our users purchase insurance for their own fiscal safety.

Do Not Wait to Install

Unfortunately, a California study found that “The majority of offenders who are ordered by the court to install an ignition interlock in their vehicle do not do so.” Failing to abide by a court order and continuing to drive without a mandated interlock device is felonious. It can result in:

  • Complete revocation of the license
  • An extension of the suspension of their driving privilege
  • An extension of the required time with an interlock device
  • Harsh fines
  • Jail time

Do not wait to do your duty. The penalties for dereliction are far harsher than the cost or hassle of getting a device installed. At LCI, we do our best to make this installation process as painless and easy as possible. Thanks to the benefits of installing a car breathalyzer, we can get you back on the road, driving safely, and paying your dues.

Sources:

McCurley, J. Driving Laws. Ignition Interlock Devices: Costs and Requirements. https://dui.drivinglaws.org/interlock.php

Low Cost Interlock. Interlock Installation Locations. https://www.lowcostinterlock.com/locations/

DeYoung, DJ. NCBI. An Evaluation of the Implementation of Ignition Interlock in California. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12429104