Cheapest ignition interlock: what a year costs at each company
On the fee schedules companies publish or file with New York, a 12-month order starts at about $1,205 with LifeSafer, and the low ends sit within about $255 of each other. The cheapest option for you depends on which companies your state approves and how long your order runs, so compare totals, not the daily rate in the ads.
12-month cost by company
Monthly lease times 12, plus installation, removal and any enrollment fee, from each company's own schedule. Calibration visits are left out because each state sets how often they happen; budget for them on top.
| Company | Monthly lease | Install | Removal | Enrollment | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LifeSafer | $86.88 | $100–$250 | $62.50 | none listed | New York filing, Feb 20251 |
| Low Cost Interlock | $78.76"as low as" | $100–$250 | $129.50 | $40.00 | National schedule, Sept 20262 |
| RoadGuard | $92.00 | $100 | $69.00 | none listed | New York filing, 20213 |
| Intoxalock | $99.99maximum | $125–$250 | $75.00 | $27.50 | New York filing, Feb 20214 |
| Smart Start | $97.95lowest plan, autopay | $150–$200 | $94.99 | $40.00 | New York filing, Apr 20255 |
New York amounts apply in New York, and Intoxalock's and RoadGuard's filings date from 2021. Sources are on each company page.
What companies advertise
Advertised daily and monthly rates are the starting point in the ads. They usually leave out install, calibration and removal.
| Company | Advertised | Where it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Start | from $1.99 a day | National advertised rate; conditions on its site |
| Intoxalock | as little as $2.50 a day; $70 to $120 a month typical | National, varies by state and vehicle |
| Low Cost Interlock | as low as $78.76 a month | National fee schedule |
| Guardian | $50 to $120 a month; $0 upfront in CO, NM and CA | National ranges |
| LifeSafer | $50 to $150 install and monthly rental | National range |
Ways to pay less
- Compare every company on your state's list. Your state's guide links its approved list; get a written total from at least two.
- Ask about financial help before you install. Several states make companies discount for drivers who qualify. See financial assistance by state.
- Avoid the fees you control. Missed appointments and lockouts carry fees at most companies; see the fee comparison.
- Check upfront offers. Guardian advertises $0 upfront in Colorado, New Mexico and California.
Is the cheapest interlock a safe choice?
Any company on your state's approved list meets that state's device standards, so a lower price from an approved company doesn't mean a lesser device. A company that isn't on your state's list won't count toward your order, whatever it charges.
More guides
- Best ignition interlock companies in 2026
- What is an ignition interlock device?
- What an interlock costs for your whole order
- Failing a test when you haven’t been drinking
- Interlock violations and what happens next
- Interlocks on Teslas, hybrids and other EVs
- Can you put an interlock on a motorcycle?
- Does an interlock have a camera?
- Help paying for an interlock
- Getting the interlock removed
Sources
Monthly Lease
criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdfAs low as $78.76
lowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricingMonthly Fee
criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Draeger-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdfMonthly Lease Payment
criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdfStandard Protect Monthly Plan (Includes Roadside Protect and DPP)
criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf