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Alcohol Detection Systems vs LifeSafer

Your state's approved list decides first: in most states you can only choose from the companies on it. Where both are approved, the device, the service centers near you and the fees are what differ.

Alcohol Detection Systems logoAlcohol Detection SystemsDeterminator28 of 44 state lists
LifeSafer logoLifeSaferLifeSafer L25034 of 44 state lists

Where each one is approved

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIndianaKansasMaineMassachusettsMinnesotaNew JerseyNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTexasWyomingConnecticutMissouriWest VirginiaIllinoisNew MexicoArkansasCaliforniaDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaHawaiiIowaKentuckyMarylandMichiganMississippiMontanaNew HampshireNew YorkOhioOregonTennesseeUtahVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinNebraskaSouth CarolinaIdahoNevadaVermontLouisianaRhode Island
BothOnly Alcohol Detection SystemsOnly LifeSaferNeitherNo list we could read
Both 24

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont

Only Alcohol Detection Systems 4

Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania

Only LifeSafer 10

Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Alcohol Detection Systems vs LifeSafer: the devices

Alcohol Detection SystemsLifeSafer
How you blowThe Determinator 2 asks for a blow / suck / blow sample.1Take a deep inhale, then blow and hum a consistent tone. The hum is saying "DO".2
CameraThe Determinator 2 comes in a hand-held version with a camera.3Optional or state-dependent. Some states require a camera.4
Warm-upNo warm-up time is listed. The device must warm to operating temperature before it asks for a sample.5Up to 3 minutes in extreme cold. You can pre-program warm-up periods.6
Rolling retest windowThe time you get to give a rolling retest sample is typically 3 minutes.73 to 10 minutes, depending on your jurisdiction.8
GPSNot publishedAvailable on Class II and III configurations.9
Real-time reportingNot publishedAvailable on the RTD configuration. New York lists a separate cellular service fee on Class 2 and 3.9
Operating temperatureNot published-40 °C to +85 °C, according to LifeSafer Europe's L250 page.10
Size and weightNot publishedAbout 12.52 cm high and 6.24 cm wide, and 4 oz. (114 g).11
ScreenNot publishedA simple screen. It looks monochrome in the product photo.12
MotorcyclesNot publishedAvailable in some states. LifeSafer says it is the only provider that installs on a motorcycle.13
AppNot publishedNo consumer app found on the LifeSafer site.

Alcohol Detection Systems vs LifeSafer fees

FeeAlcohol Detection SystemsLifeSafer
Monthly leaseNot published$86.88Class 1, filed in New York, Feb 2025 v2 schedule14
InstallationNot published$50-$150National, varies by state and provider15
CalibrationNot published$20Class 1, filed in New York, Feb 2025 v2 schedule16
RemovalNot published$62.50Class 1, filed in New York, Feb 2025 v2 schedule17
Lockout or violation resetNot published$56.25Class 1, filed in New York, Feb 2025 v2 schedule18
Missed appointmentNot published$30Class 1, filed in New York, Feb 2025 v2 schedule19
Damage or lossNot published$150Class 1, filed in New York, Feb 2025 v2 schedule20
Insurance or protection planNot published$11.40Class 1, filed in New York, Feb 2025 v2 schedule21

In Texas

Alcohol Detection SystemsLifeSafer
Certified service centers6138
Advertisedby quoteunder $3/day
Installby quote$50–$150

Texas DPS service center list; prices advertised Oct 23, 2026. Texas interlock guide

InterlockCompare is independent and isn't affiliated with either company. Not legal advice.

Sources 21 sources from 4 sites, including nmtsc.unm.edu, lifesafer.com, criminaljustice.ny.govShow

Every fact on this page comes from one of these.

  1. providing a Blow/Suck/Blow samplenmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/ADS-User-Manual-Determinator-2.pdf
  2. deep inhale, blow and hum a consistent tonelifesafer.com/devices
  3. Determinator Hand Held with Cameranmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/ADS-User-Manual-Determinator-2.pdf
  4. Some States require the addition of a cameralifesafer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/l250-clienthandbook.pdf
  5. The Determinator must warm to operating temperature before a sample is requestednmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/ADS-User-Manual-Determinator-2.pdf
  6. device may take up to 3 minutes to warm uplifesafer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/l250-clienthandbook.pdf
  7. The typical time allowed isnmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/ADS-User-Manual-Determinator-2.pdf
  8. typically between 3 and 10 minutes, depending on your jurisdictionlifesafer.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/l250-clienthandbook.pdf
  9. LifeSafer L250 (Camera, GPS, RTD)criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Qualified Manufacturer Listing Devices-01202026.pdf
  10. Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °Clifesafer.eu/device
  11. Approximately 12.52cm H x 6.24cm Wlifesafer.eu/device
  12. deep inhale, blow and hum a consistent tone) and a simple screenlifesafer.com/devices
  13. Yes, in some states. In fact, we are the only interlock provider who can install on a motorcyclelifesafer.com/faqs
  14. Monthly Leasecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdf
  15. installation and monthly rental fees range from $50 to $150lifesafer.com/faqs
  16. Calibration Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdf
  17. De-installation Feescriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdf
  18. Lockout Override/Violation Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdf
  19. Missed Appointmentcriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdf
  20. Partial/Other Damagecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdf
  21. Optional Insurancecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/LifeSafer NY_Pricing 123 February 2025 v2.pdf