California Ignition Interlock Costs

At Smart Start, we have affordable pricing for one of the best Interlocks!

While exact prices vary by state, our expert Program Advisors are available to provide you with a custom quote - schedule your installation today.

Get a quick and easy IID installation with Smart Start! Get started today!

¡Obtenga una instalación rápida y fácil de IID con Smart Start! ¡Empieza hoy mismo!

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I was just arrested for a DUI in California. How much is this going to cost me?

If you have just been arrested or convicted of a DUI in California, you may be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) or car breathalyzer. At Smart Start, we understand that the cost of getting a DUI can be a burden. That is why by choosing Smart Start, you’ll get an IID that’s affordable and have the support you need to successfully finish your Interlock requirement. Our Program Advisors will help you complete your forms for the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Mandatory Actions Unit (MAU) so you can get back on the road quickly and safely.

How do I know if I need to install an Interlock in California?

Updated 6/1/2023

Information provided by the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ website. The information in this section is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to and should not be relied upon or construed as a legal opinion or legal advice or to address all circumstances that might arise. Individuals and entities referencing this page are encouraged to consult with their own legal counsel and their state authority. Some information may be dated and may not reflect the most current legal developments. Smart Start expressly disclaims all liability regarding actions taken or not taken based on any or all content.

If you have been arrested for a first-time DUI that resulted in injury or a repeat drunk driving violation involving alcohol on or after January 1, 2019, and are convicted by the court of a DUI for that violation, then you will need to install an IID.

The California DMV will send you a suspension or revocation letter that will provide you with information about the mandatory IID restriction requirements and regaining your driving privilege.

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California Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program

Starting January 1, 2019, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is conducting a statewide Ignition Interlock Device pilot program that requires all repeat and all injury-involved DUI offenders to install an IID for one to four years, depending on the number of DUIs on your record, to regain their driving privileges.

With this new program, anyone who installs an IID may drive anytime or anywhere, as long as the vehicle has an Interlock Device installed. It also authorizes the DMV to issue an IID-restricted license to those who meet specific requirements without serving any waiting period such as a suspension or revocation.

If you have been convicted of an Administrative Per Se (APS) and you submitted to a chemical test, you may immediately obtain an IID-restricted driver license and accumulate credit toward your mandatory IID restriction period if convicted.

Under the pilot program, those who have received their first alcohol-related DUI may have a court-ordered IID installation period of up to six months upon conviction. In the absence of a court ordered IID, you may apply for an IID restriction for up to six months or opt to apply for a restriction allowing you to only drive to and from your employment and your DUI program for one year without an IID.

Interlock Financial Assistance in California

We at Smart Start, in complying with Section 23700, of the California Vehicle Code, provide an indigent or low-income program to DUI offenders who qualify. Please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website to see if you meet their poverty guidelines.

According to the CA DMV website, one of the following is needed for qualification into the program^:

  • Previous year Federal income tax return (showing income)
  • Previous 3 months of weekly or monthly income statements
  • Public Assistance approval letters (EDD, CalWorks, CalFresh, and MediCal)

^All proof submitted must be current. Paystubs or approval letters from previous months will not be accepted as valid proof.

The information above must be scanned and forwarded to InfoCA@SmartStartInc.com.

If you are applying for this program, and you already have scheduled your installation appointment, or you currently have your Ignition Interlock Device already, any fees that you have paid are non-refundable, even if you are approved for the program.

Upon submission of the above, your documents will be reviewed and we will inform you if you have been approved and to what discount you may qualify for. Please allow up to 10 business days for processing.

The above guidelines are a requirement of the program and must be adhered to, or you may be ineligible.

California Ignition Interlock Service Center Locations

Let’s get started with an installation in California that fits your schedule! From Alameda to Yuba City. We have over 100 locations where our specially trained technicians will help you get back on the road as soon as possible, often with a same-day appointment.

How do I install a Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device?

There are a few steps you need to take to install an IID in California. If you have not yet been convicted of a DUI you can call the California Mandatory Actions Unit to see if you are eligible for an IID at (916) 657-6525. The time you have your IID installed before your conviction counts towards your total required time.

If you have been ordered by the court or the DMV to install an Interlock device, the first step is to contact the California DMV to enroll in a DUI program per your license suspension requirement. Next you should complete the DMV Form 44 as part of the reinstatement process. You will also need to call your insurance provider to get proof of financial accountability such as an SR-22. Once you’ve completed any pending court regulations you are ready to get your Interlock Device installed.

Contact at us at (800) 831-3299 to set up an appointment or fill out this form online. We have over 100 Ignition Interlock providers across California, so we’ll find a location that’s convenient for you.

Ignition Interlock installation in California typically takes a couple of hours, and it’s easy to set a same-day appointment. Our skilled technicians will:

  • Install your Interlock Device
  • Demonstrate the proper way to use it.
  • Give you hands-on training so you’re comfortable using it.