The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

How Has Ignition Interlock Technology Advanced Over the Years?

February 14, 2018

Ignition Interlocks haven’t always been the reliable technology it is today. Like a lot of revolutionary products, it took some trial and error to come to the current Ignition Interlock Device.

So, how did it all start? What happened to make Ignition Interlocks what they are today?

The Taguchi Gas Sensor

Older Ignition Interlocks had a different sensor in them versus the one used now.

The Taguchi gas sensor or T-cell, named after Naoyoshi Taguchi, could detect natural gas, which means it could tell when gas was present even if it was odorless. These sensors also detected alcohol.

Ignition Interlocks with T-cell sensors were solid and jump-started the industry, but there were still some hiccups in the device’s design where users could circumvent or bypass their breath tests. In addition, the test patterns were blow-only and had no anti-circumvention features. This also allowed “curb side service”, a term that refers to an intoxicated driver finding a sober person to blow into the device for them.

Smart Start’s founders recognized this, and in 1992, Smart Start was created to provide more reliable Ignition Interlocks.

Now, the Ignition Interlock industry uses alcohol-specific fuel cell technology to maintain utmost accuracy with breath tests. Rolling retests were also incorporated under federal Ignition Interlock standards in 1992 to combat bypassing attempts like “curb side service.”

Breath Test Patterns in Ignition Interlocks

In the late 80s and early 90s, various breath patterns were introduced for Ignition Interlocks.

The breath test patterns were learned. The patterns required the user to blow, then pause, and then repeat this process a couple times. This pattern’s goal was to deter someone other than the intended user to use the device and test it.

A couple other advancements happened during this time. Temperature and pressure sensors were developed and used to determine a human versus a non-human providing a sample into the device.

Advanced anti-circumvention features today include humidity sensors and the requirement to “hum” while blowing. This technology is designed to ensure a human is delivering the breath sample.

Other Features to Ignition Interlock Technology

Advanced anti-circumvention features today include other breath test patterns such as blow-hum or straight hum. Cameras have become standard equipment on Ignition Interlocks, and identify the person delivering the breath sample.

Ignition Interlocks are an effective tool against drunk driving. In multiple studies, it’s been proven that all-offender Ignition Interlock laws reduce recidivism in offenders and reduce drunk driving fatalities. With strong state Ignition Interlock laws and technology, we can only see a safer future on our roadways.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Call our Customer Care Center today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

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The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

When Do I Need an Ignition Interlock in North Carolina?

February 13, 2018

You may need an Ignition Interlock in North Carolina if you are convicted or arrested for DWI. Below are different cases where an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is mandatory in North Carolina. When you need to choose an Ignition Interlock vendor to fulfill your requirements, Smart Start can help with a reliable device, and get you back on the road.

	Record	License Revocation	When Smart Start Can Help	Ignition Interlock Requirement
First DWI Conviction (No prior conviction within 7 years of the most recent DWI offense date)	First DWI conviction and a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 or more	1 year	When eligible, after 45 days from your date of conviction, you may obtain a Limited Driving Privilege (LDP). If you have an IID in your vehicle, OR at the end of one year, you become immediately eligible for a license with an IID	1 year. For the use of an IID with an LDP, the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will issue you a credit toward 1 year
1 Prior Conviction (Within 7 years of your most recent DWI offense date)	1 prior conviction that occurred within 3 years	4 years	With an IID, no conviction for a motor vehicle offense, and 12 months’ abstaining from alcohol, you can apply for a conditional restored license after 2 years have elapsed from date of conviction	3 years**
	1 prior conviction that occurred more than 3 years earlier, and within 7 years of your most recent DWI offense date	1 year – You won’t be eligible for an LDP	After 1 year from date of conviction, you receive immediate eligibility for a license with an IID	1 year
2 Prior Convictions (Within 7 years of the most recent DWI offense date)	If on the date you were charged with your most recent DWI charge, you had 2 prior convictions that occurred within 5 years	Revocation is permanent	With no other violations, and if you successfully used Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) for 120 days without alcohol use, then you can apply for a restored license with IID conditions in 3 years If you successfully used CAM for 1 year without alcohol use, then you can apply for a restored license with IID conditions in 2 years	7 years**
	If on the date you were charged with your most recent DWI charge, you had 2 prior convictions that occurred within 7 years, but do not have (1) conviction within 3 years OR (2) within 5 years	1 year – You won’t be eligible for an LDP	After 1 year, you’ll be immediately eligible for a license with an IID	1 year
DWI convictions and punished under N.C.G.S. § 20-179 (f3) (Laura’s Law)	Punished for DWI at aggravated level (1)	Permanent revocation	With no other violations and if you successfully use Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) for 120 days without alcohol use, then you can apply for a restored license with IID conditions in 3 years If you successfully use CAM for 1 year without alcohol use, then you can apply for a restored license with IID conditions in 2 years	5-7 years**
Felony DWI	3 or more convictions within 10 years of most recent DWI charge	Permanent revocation	With an IID, no conviction for a motor vehicle offense for 10 years, and not an excessive user of alcohol, you can apply for a conditionally restored license after 10 years has elapsed*	5-7 years**
Vehicular homicide </strong >conviction based upon DWI	Convicted of DWI in a crash that caused the death of another	Permanent revocation	With an IID, no conviction for a motor vehicle offense for 5 years, and not an excessive user of alcohol or drugs, you can apply for a conditionally restored license after 5 years has elapsed*	5-7 years**
Felony with serious injury	Serious injury caused in a crash and driver was DWI	4 years	With an IID, no conviction for a motor vehicle offense, and 12 months’ abstaining from alcohol, you can apply for a conditional restored license after 2 years has elapsed*	2-3 years**
Felony with aggravated serious injury	Felony aggravated serious injury is serious injury caused by an impaired driver and the driver had a prior conviction within 7 years	Permanent revocation	With no other violations, and if you successfully use Continuous Alcohol Monitoring (CAM) for 120 days without alcohol use, then you can apply for a restored license with IID conditions in 3 years If you successfully use CAM for 1 year without alcohol use, then you can apply for a restored license with IID conditions in 2 years	7 years**

* Elapsed time starts from date of conviction. The law may impose other requirements such as a substance abuse assessment and treatment or education, valid automobile insurance, payment of fees, etc. ** The DMV may impose an IID as a requirement for the conditionally restored driver’s license for up to 5 years under G.S. § 20-19(e3). However, G.S. § 20-17.8 may control. When G.S. § 20-17.8 applies, if you had a BAC of 0.15 or more, an IID is required for 3 years when the revocation period was originally 4 years. When G.S. § 20-17.8 applies, if the driver had a prior conviction within 7 years and the original revocation was permanent, then the IID is required for 7 years. See G.S. § 20-17.8(c). If you have any questions about your Ignition Interlock program, Smart Start is here to help. Our Customer Care Center stands by 24/7/365 for our clients. Just call (800) 831-3299 and a Customer Care agent will assist you.

Save time and money during your IID program. Discover quality and affordable Interlock Devices at Smart Start. Get Started!

Need an Ignition Interlock in North Carolina?

Smart Start can help you get back on the road quickly. We provide an affordable program, a reliable, 24/7/365 customer service team and an easy-to-use Ignition Interlock. Make sure to ask about any current state specials or discounts! Schedule an appointment with North Carolina’s Ignition Interlock of choice today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

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What if My Family Member Passed Away and They Had an Ignition Interlock?

February 9, 2018

If a family member passed away and they had an Ignition Interlock in their vehicle, you may be wondering what the next steps are. What happens, and how do you get the device removed?

First off, we don’t want you to worry. There are many things you are probably taking care of during this time. Removing your family member’s Ignition Interlock will not be one of them.

Smart Start is available to help our clients and their family members through any part of their program. Our Customer Care team will be able to assist and walk you through next steps when you call us at (800) 831-3299.

Ignition Interlock Removal Process

The device removal process varies by state or even by county in a situation where an Ignition Interlock client passes away. However, in most cases, we will need to provide your passing family member’s death certificate to their Ignition Interlock oversight agency or court. Then, the agency or court can authorize the removal of our Ignition Interlock.

Once we have authorization, the removal process can begin. On the blog, we have listed the process by state so you know exactly what to do.

Smart Start Ignition Interlock Removal Series

Part 1: A general Ignition Interlock removal guide

Part 2: The proper removal process for your Interlock program broken down by state: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida and Georgia

Part 3: Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine and Maryland

Part 4: Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey

Part 5: New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Carolina

Part 6: South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming

We hope we have helped alleviate some of your worries during this time. As always, if you need more assistance or clarification on what to do, Smart Start’s Customer Care Center is available at (800) 831-3299.

Do You Need an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start will get you back on the road if you need to install an Ignition Interlock. Call our Customer Care Center today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

Schedule an Installation

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

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The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

What if I Need to Leave My Vehicle But Have an Ignition Interlock in It?

February 8, 2018

If you need to leave your vehicle for a while but you have an Ignition Interlock installed, such as military deployment, you may be wondering what to do. Or if you are a family member, you may need to know what to do with your loved one’s Ignition Interlock in their vehicle.

There is not one answer since these certain rules differ from state to state but can also vary by your county. It makes a difference whether the type of state you are in is an administrative, judicial or hybrid Ignition Interlock state.

Ignition Interlock State Laws if I Must Leave My Vehicle for a Long Period

Depending on where you live, you may be able to either:

Continue with your Ignition Interlock program;
Pick up where you left off when you return; or
Have the device removed with proper approval.

For some cases, it is possible that a family member or spouse can bring your vehicle with the Ignition Interlock installed to our service center for regular services such as calibration appointments.

In some states, your State Authority must contact our Customer Care Center for device removal authorization. After the removal authorization is processed by our team, you can then call Smart Start to schedule a removal appointment. Or you can approve a family member or spouse to do this for you.

Please keep in mind that you cannot drive a vehicle without an Ignition Interlock if you must use one!

Our Customer Care Center is always standing by and ready to assist. If you ever have any questions during your Smart Start Ignition Interlock program, call our team at (800) 831-3299.

Need an Ignition Interlock Installation?

Smart Start can provide a reliable Ignition Interlock with fair prices, many locations and 24/7/365 customer service. Call today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

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The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

Need Ignition Interlock Financial Assistance in Nebraska?

February 7, 2018

If you’re eligible, you could receive Ignition Interlock financial assistance in Nebraska during your required program period. An applicant needs to meet 150 percent or less of the federal poverty guidelines, but the state will review all your financial details.

What Does the Nebraska Ignition Interlock Indigent Fund Cover for Me?

The Nebraska Ignition Interlock Indigent fund is overseen by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). If you qualify, the state’s funds will cover your Ignition Interlock installation, your device removal and monthly monitoring costs.

How Do I Apply for the Nebraska Ignition Interlock Indigent Fund?

Fill out Nebraska’s indigent Ignition Interlock form to be considered for eligibility to their indigent fund. The form will ask for your household income, other monthly income, liquid assets, and more to determine your eligibility. You should also submit any additional documentation they need to review with your form.

Below is Nebraska DMV’s address to send your Ignition Interlock Indigent Form.

Department of Motor Vehicles
PO BOX 94877
Lincoln NE
68509 4877

Or you can fax your form to the DMV at 402-471-8288.

Apply for your Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP)

Once you are approved from the DMV for indigency status, you need to apply for your Ignition Interlock Permit, or IIP. To apply for your IIP, here’s what you need to do.

Install your Ignition Interlock from a state-approved provider, such as Smart Start. Make sure you bring the supporting documents from the DMV that shows approval for Ignition Interlock financial assistance.
Fill out your IIP application and then send it to the DMV, or fill it out online.
Provide your installation certificate to the DMV with your IIP application. Your vendor will provide this to you after installation, or you can opt for your vendor to email or fax the certificate to the DMV. To make this process easier, Smart Start will gladly do this service for you!

Finally, it should take about 10 days for your IIP to be issued to you from the DMV.

As the worldwide provider of Ignition Interlocks, Smart Start is here to help you with your program. If you have any questions about your Smart Start Ignition Interlock program, call our team at (800) 831-3299.

Ignition Interlock Indigent Programs by State

Need an Ignition Interlock in Nebraska?

Smart Start is a certified Ignition Interlock provider in Nebraska with a reliable device and 24/7/365 customer service. Make sure to ask about any current state specials or discounts! Call today to schedule your install appointment and receive a quote at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

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Why is the Legal Drinking Age 21-Years-Old?

February 6, 2018

Many U.S. citizens know that the legal drinking age for alcohol is 21. It seems odd at first, considering you can vote, enlist in the military or even adopt a child in some states at 18. So why is the minimum drinking age 21?

The Minimum Drinking Age Act

There was a time where many states had a minimum drinking age range that was between 18 to 21-years-old. In 1984 when Congress passed the Minimum Drinking Age Act, all states gradually began to raise their legal drinking ages to 21.

By 1990, all states were enacting this law. The Minimum Drinking Age Act says that if states do not raise their legal drinking age to 21, they lose eight percent of their federal highway funds.

How Did the Law Change to 21-Years-Old?

The history of how this law came to be can be traced back as far as the Prohibition era. In short, however, with the passing of the 26^th Amendment in 1970 that lowered the voting age from 21 to 18, some states followed suit with their minimum drinking age, and lowered that to 18 as well. Other states kept their drinking age between 18 to 21-years old.

Studies were soon after published, showing an increase in vehicle fatalities that correlated with the states’ minimum drinking ages. In 1984, the Minimum Drinking Age Act was written with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)’s support.

Multiple studies, including a 2010 report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), have concluded that there are reductions in traffic fatalities since the enactment of the Minimum Drinking Age Act. On MADD’s website at the time, traffic reports were showing a 62 percent decrease in alcohol fatalities among teen drivers.

Another measure that keeps our roads safe are mandatory Ignition Interlock laws for all DUI offenses.

Mandatory Ignition Interlock laws see a reduction in traffic fatalities and lowers recidivism in repeat offenders. With the many safety measures we have in the U.S., such as the legal drinking age and mandatory Ignition Interlock laws, we can only see a safer future on our roads.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Smart Start can provide a reliable device, an affordable program and 24/7/365 customer service. Call our Customer Care Center today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

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

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The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

When Do I Need an Ignition Interlock in Texas?

February 1, 2018

Updated Feb 15, 2024

In Texas, you may need an Ignition Interlock upon a DWI conviction. Texas is an all-offender Ignition Interlock state, which means you’ll most likely need an Ignition Interlock whether it is a first or repeat offense. However, the decision for an Ignition Interlock requirement in Texas is up to the judge in your county of conviction. The judge can make this decision based on several factors such as your type of condition, number of offenses, and more.

As of January 2018, here are the different cases based on your condition where an Ignition Interlock Device is mandatory according to Texas Law.

Condition of Bond with a DWI Conviction

Offense Number	Ignition Interlock Requirement?
First	Judge’s Discretion
.15 BAC or Higher	Judge’s Discretion
Subsequent	Yes

Condition of Bond with Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter Conviction

Offense Number	Ignition Interlock Requirement?
First	Yes
Subsequent	Yes

Condition of Probation with a DWI Conviction

Offense Number	Ignition Interlock Requirement?
First	Judge’s Discretion
.15 BAC or Higher	Yes
Subsequent	Yes, not less than 50 percent of your supervision period

Probation Condition with Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter Conviction

Offense Number	Ignition Interlock Requirement?
First	Judge’s Discretion
.15 BAC or Higher	Yes
Subsequent	Yes, not less than 50 percent of your supervision period

Occupational License Restriction
If your driver’s license is suspended due to a DWI offense, you may be eligible to apply for a restricted Interlock license, or occupational, license. To be eligible, you need insurance (SR-22), pay a $10 Interlock license fee to the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and install your Ignition Interlock on all vehicles you operate. Keep in mind that you must apply for your occupational license 15 days after the DWI charge.

Offense Number	Ignition Interlock Requirement?
First	Yes
Subsequent	Yes, not less than 50 percent of your supervision period

If you are a minor and placed on probation, a judge will most likely order you an Ignition Interlock under Texas state law.

When Do I Install an Ignition Interlock?

For condition of bond, you’ll need to obtain your Interlock Device in Texas before the 30th day after the date you were released on bond. For probation, you’ll need your device before the 30th day after your DWI charge.

How Long Will I Need an Ignition Interlock in Texas?

Since Texas is a Judicial Ignition Interlock state, the decision for how long you’ll need your Ignition Interlock is up to your judge. However, a first DWI offense with a BAC of .08 or higher usually needs an Ignition Interlock between 90 days to one year. For a second offense, it can be between 180 days to two years. Subsequent offenses can last between one and two years.

Smart Start is the ultimate Ignition Interlock provider in Texas with the most service locations state-wide. If you have any questions about your Ignition Interlock Device requirement or your Smart Start program, you can call our team at (800) 831-3299.

Need an Ignition Interlock in Texas?

Smart Start is a Texas born and raised vendor with a reliable device, more than 100 locations and local customer service that’s 24/7/365. To schedule an Ignition Interlock Device installation appointment, call us today at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

Schedule an Installation

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

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The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

False Positives on Ignition Interlocks?

January 29, 2018

Court judges rely now more than ever on Ignition Interlock technology. So it may not seem shocking when judges don’t believe individuals who say products like breath mints cause ‘false positives’ on their Ignition Interlocks.

In fact, in a news article related to someone blaming breath mints for a ‘false positive’ on the Ignition Interlock, prosecutors say that an “Ignition Interlock is one of the best ways to protect the community from drunken drivers.”

Breath Mints and False Positive Ignition Interlock Tests?

There’s a misconception with Ignition Interlocks when it comes to someone drinking alcohol and taking a test, versus using a product such as breath mints with alcohol in it and then blowing into the device.

There are no ‘false positives’ from an Ignition Interlock when you consume or use a product that has some alcohol in it. The device is meant to detect alcohol in the user’s breath.

When one uses mouthwash for instance with some alcohol in it, the device will detect this alcohol content from your breath. That is why Smart Start always recommends clients swish their mouths with water. The alcohol from the mouthwash will quickly dissipate from the water, and then they can take their test again. Alcohol in these types of products are much more quick to dissipate versus drinking alcoholic beverages.

In the late 80s and early 90s, Ignition Interlocks were reliable. However, there were still ways for users to bypass or circumvent the device. Now, with state-approved vendors’ devices using alcohol-specific fuel cell-technology, Ignition Interlocks are a dependable, solid tool that stops drunk driving. In fact, as of January 2018, mandatory, all-offender Ignition Interlock laws are present in 30 states and D.C.

If you must use an Ignition Interlock, rest assured that you will have a dependable device. All vendors’ devices that are state-approved must follow current federal standards to ensure a seamless, reliable and easy Ignition Interlock program.

Need an Ignition Interlock?

Choose Smart Start to get you back on the road safely. To schedule an installation appointment, call our Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

Schedule an Installation

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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The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

I Need Ignition Interlock Financial Assistance in New York!

January 26, 2018

If you need Ignition Interlock financial assistance in New York because of a DWI conviction, you may be eligible for the state’s affordability program. This program can assist some clients who are qualified with the various costs of an Ignition interlock program, such as installation, monthly fees and/or removal costs.

In New York, the court determines an individual’s eligibility based on affordability. In other states, the regulatory agency of Ignition Interlocks will look at one’s indigency status.

Who is Eligible for Ignition Interlock Financial Assistance in New York?

In New York, clients can only be eligible for the affordability program if they are on conditional discharge or probation. Those who must use an Ignition Interlock through the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are not eligible.

How do I apply for Ignition Interlock Financial Assistance in New York?

You may ask the court to waive the installation fee and monthly charges by filling out New York’s Ignition Interlock Financial Disclosure form. This form will ask you to provide your monthly income from wages, personal property, monthly expenses and more. Make sure to fill out your information as accurately as possible so the court can determine your financial status. Once done, take the financial disclosure form and three additional copies to your sentencing court or State Authority.

The state suggests applying for New York’s affordability program as soon as possible because you only have 10 days after sentencing to install your Ignition Interlock!

If you are a Smart Start client, you can also call our Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 for any questions related to your Ignition Interlock program.

Ignition Interlock Indigent Programs by State Series

Need an Ignition Interlock in New York?

Get back on the road fast with Smart Start, New York’s Ignition Interlock provider. Call our 24/7/365 Customer Care Center at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form to schedule an installation appointment.

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

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By providing my information and clicking “Book Your Install Now,” I authorize [Insert Legal Name of Franchisee, distributor, or affiliate] to contact me at the phone number above via phone and/or text using multiple and periodic autodialed and prerecorded calls and texts for marketing purposes. Not a condition for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. To opt-out of texts, reply “STOP”.

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The information in this blog is for general informational purposes only, may not reflect the most current developments, 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. See full disclaimer.

Can I Take My Ignition Interlock Inside When It’s Too Cold?

January 25, 2018

You may be thinking; can I take my Ignition Interlock inside when it’s too cold? The weather right now is cold and harsh in the states, mainly up North, so what happens with your Ignition Interlock when it’s outside in your vehicle?

Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Program and Cold Weather

Not to worry if you’re with Smart Start! We offer a simple and stress-free Ignition Interlock program for our clients. Since 1992, we’ve been manufacturing Ignition Interlocks that are reliable and sturdy, no matter where you are.

Our devices take only a few minutes to warm up if it is left in the vehicle in freezing temperatures. When the screen displays HEATING when you turn the key or push the button in your vehicle, the device is quickly warming up to be ready for your breath test.

There’s one thing clients can do, however, with their Ignition Interlocks in freezing weather.

Here’s how to avoid the warm-up time with your device before your start your vehicle when the temperature starts dropping.

Take Your Ignition Interlock Inside During Freezing Weather

In nearly all states, you can disconnect your head unit from the curly cord and simply bring the device inside with you. Then, next time when you drive, re-connect the head unit and it will initialize and be ready for you to take your initial breath test immediately before starting your vehicle.

If you’re in Wisconsin or New York, however, you are NOT allowed to disconnect your head unit! As of January 2018, these are the only two states that do not allow clients to disconnect their head units. The device’s warm-up time, however, should only last between three to five minutes.

If you’re a Smart Start client, that means you have 24/7/365 customer service standing by, ready to assist. If you have any questions about your program, simply call our team at (800) 831-3299.

No matter how cold it is outside, Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock is still your dependable tool to getting back on the road.

Do You Need an Ignition Interlock?

Get back on the road quickly with Smart Start. We are a reliable provider with a dependable Ignition Interlock and superior customer service. Schedule an installation appointment with us at (800) 831-3299 or fill out our short online form.

Schedule an Installation

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 consent to 1A Smart Start LLC and/or its franchisees' reaching out to me multiple times on an ongoing basis using telephone, text and/or email, including autodialed and prerecorded calls and texts, about our products, services, promotions, and other offers. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services. To opt-out of text messages reply "STOP", and to opt-out of emails click the unsubscribe link in the email. For texts, text "HELP" for help.

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By providing my information and clicking “Book Your Install Now,” I authorize [Insert Legal Name of Franchisee, distributor, or affiliate] to contact me at the phone number above via phone and/or text using multiple and periodic autodialed and prerecorded calls and texts for marketing purposes. Not a condition for purchase. Message and data rates may apply. To opt-out of texts, reply “STOP”.

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Find a location near you!

The Taguchi Gas Sensor

Breath Test Patterns in Ignition Interlocks

Other Features to Ignition Interlock Technology

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Ignition Interlock Removal Process

Smart Start Ignition Interlock Removal Series

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Ignition Interlock State Laws if I Must Leave My Vehicle for a Long Period

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What Does the Nebraska Ignition Interlock Indigent Fund Cover for Me?

How Do I Apply for the Nebraska Ignition Interlock Indigent Fund?

Apply for your Ignition Interlock Permit (IIP)

Ignition Interlock Indigent Programs by State

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The Minimum Drinking Age Act

How Did the Law Change to 21-Years-Old?

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When Do I Install an Ignition Interlock?

How Long Will I Need an Ignition Interlock in Texas?

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Breath Mints and False Positive Ignition Interlock Tests?

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Who is Eligible for Ignition Interlock Financial Assistance in New York?

How do I apply for Ignition Interlock Financial Assistance in New York?

Ignition Interlock Indigent Programs by State Series

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Smart Start’s Ignition Interlock Program and Cold Weather

Take Your Ignition Interlock Inside During Freezing Weather

Do You Need an Ignition Interlock?

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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
We can get you a quote faster if you fill out the information below.

Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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Want to speed up the installation appointment process?
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