What Costs Should You Expect During an Interlock Program?

Many Ignition Interlock Programs are priced as a series of individual components and as a result, it is easy to fail to anticipate how costs will unfold in the second and subsequent months of a Program. Typically the Program participant, and the case manager too, anticipate that there must be a single monthly fee to install and then service the Interlock on a Program. However not.

Here’s where your money goes, how service schedules result in recurring charges, and how failing to comply with program requirements can result in charges that are beyond your control and therefore unforeseen. Charges for ignition interlock service vary significantly by state and county, so it is best to contact the monitoring authority, as well as the DMV in the participant’s state for information regarding all approved providers and their fees for services for all cases in that state.

The cost structure behind installation

For the cost of installation, the one time cost for the ignition interlock device and wiring harness to connect to the vehicle’s ignition system to start the vehicle, depends greatly on the make and model of the vehicle. Some vehicles such as ones with push button start, hybrids and even some with aftermarket alarms or remote start systems can require additional wiring or even parts to connect to the vehicle’s ignition system. These can cost more to install and are usually charged as a surcharge to the standard cost of installation.

The price for the enrollment or setup fee for most providers is paid at the time of service for the installation of the interlock device. This fee sets up the participant’s account, reports the participant to the appropriate monitoring authority, and provides the first driver serial test for the interlock device.

What to confirm before the appointment

• Whether the state requires a camera-equipped unit, which carries a higher lease rate than a standard device
• Whether the vehicle is owned, leased, or financed, since lienholders may require written consent
• Whether the participant needs an employer exemption, which changes both documentation and device configuration
• Whether proof of installation must reach the licensing agency before driving privileges resume

Recurring charges and the service calendar

Typically, the monthly lease cost for the ignition interlock device includes scheduled calibration for the device. The service can be scheduled between 30-90 days, but 60 days is typical. Each service includes downloading the lock’s data log, verifying all the sensors on the lock for proper operation and then uploading the lock’s data log to the state’s monitoring authority. Drivers on the Central Coast who want a predictable service schedule often do well booking calibrations with Low Cost Interlock Santa Maria well ahead of each due date.

Devices are placed in a warning status for a set period of time and then locked permanently until a service visit is completed to have the lockout removed and the vehicle started. These appointments should be placed in the participant’s calendar at the time of installation and reminders set for several weeks prior to the appointment time.

Typical cost components at a glance

Avoidable costs driven by compliance behavior

Just as the costs of a successful program differ from those of an unsuccessful one, so too do those of smooth as opposed to costly behavior. You might include in your cost estimates the failures associated with initial testing (i.e. Failed first attempt at testing), missing of re-testing rollovers (i.e. Of re-testing samples), as well as instances of tampering. The number of violations in each category that will extend the term of your program in addition to the normal length, in months, and thus multiply your lease charge for that period, can vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

It is also important to advise clients that while many substances will provide a negative test result for hours after use, there are others that will test positive for days and even weeks after consumption. Examples of these types of substances are mouthwash, breath sprays and food in the mouth. These need to be rinsed out with water and adequate time allowed to pass before conducting a test. A failed test sample can be retested in a proper test sequence. The vehicle will not start if a test sample has returned a positive result but switching off the ignition and immediately re-starting the vehicle to re-test for alcohol will not prevent a positive test result for other substances.

Cost control steps worth communicating early

1. Never let another person provide a breath sample, since camera units document the attempt
2. Pull over safely for rolling retests rather than skipping them
3. Report mechanical issues to the provider rather than disconnecting the battery
4. Keep the service receipt from every visit as a compliance record
5. Ask about violation review procedures before assuming a reading is final

Removal, reinstallation, and comparing providers

Lastly, it is very important to note that the cost to have the ignition interlock removed from a vehicle in addition to installing it in another, will save a participant a lot of money if they plan on buying and selling a lot of cars while serving out the term of their sentence. Removal must include complete restoration of the vehicle’s ignition wiring to original condition.

Remember, when you are shopping for an Interlock Provider, there are many hidden costs associated with the service even after the initial setup cost. Advertised monthly cost for Interlock service from a provider like Low Cost Interlock Santa Maria must be compared to the total estimated cost to complete the term of your Interlock required by your court.

Questions that reveal the real total

Finally, ask if the provider includes calibration in the lease price, or if it will be charged in addition to the regular price. Inquire as to the cost of unlock resets. Ask if the provider charges for missed service appointments, and if there are programs for indigency or to pay for the services in installments. Verify the answers against the monitoring authority’s approved interlock provider list.

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