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Alcohol Detection Systems vs Smart Start

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
Smart Start logoSmart StartSSI-20/3040 of 44 state listsApp Store 2.0 from 113 ratings

Where each one is approved

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIndianaKansasMaineMassachusettsMinnesotaNew JerseyNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTexasWyomingConnecticutMissouriWest VirginiaIllinoisNew MexicoArkansasCaliforniaDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaHawaiiIowaKentuckyMarylandMichiganMississippiMontanaNew HampshireNew YorkOhioOregonTennesseeUtahVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinNebraskaSouth CarolinaIdahoNevadaVermontLouisianaRhode Island
BothOnly Alcohol Detection SystemsOnly Smart StartNeitherNo list we could read
Both 26

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

Only Alcohol Detection Systems 2

Pennsylvania, Vermont

Only Smart Start 14

Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Alcohol Detection Systems vs Smart Start: the devices

Alcohol Detection SystemsSmart Start
How you blowThe Determinator 2 asks for a blow / suck / blow sample.1Blow and hum for 3 to 4 seconds. Some states use blow-inhale-blow, and the pattern depends on your state.2
CameraThe Determinator 2 comes in a hand-held version with a camera.3Optional, and whether it is required depends on your state.4
Warm-upNo warm-up time is listed. The device must warm to operating temperature before it asks for a sample.5Not published
Rolling retest windowThe time you get to give a rolling retest sample is typically 3 minutes.65 minutes to respond once prompted, per a 2017 Kansas manual. Smart Start's current rules may differ.7
SensorNot publishedAlcohol-specific fuel cell sensor.8
GPSNot publishedOptional.9
Real-time reportingNot publishedOptional.10
Size and weightNot publishedSmart Start says it is no bigger than the average smartphone.11
Electric and hybrid carsNot publishedSmart Start says the device is compatible with most electric vehicles.12
MotorcyclesNot publishedSmart Start says the device is compatible with most motorcycles.12
AppNot publishedThe free Smart Start Client Portal app handles account management.13

Alcohol Detection Systems vs Smart Start fees

FeeAlcohol Detection SystemsSmart Start
Monthly leaseNot publishedfrom $1.99/dayNational, varies by state. Smart Start advertises no long-term contract.14
InstallationNot published$150.00Filed in New York15
CalibrationNot published$25.00Filed in New York16
RemovalNot published$94.99Filed in New York17
Lockout or violation resetNot published$80.00Filed in New York18
Missed appointmentNot published$55.00Filed in New York. Not charged with 24 hours notice.19
Closing or admin feeNot published$69.50Filed in New York20
Enrollment or set-upNot published$40.00Filed in New York21

In Texas

Alcohol Detection SystemsSmart Start
Certified service centers6144
Advertisedby quotefrom $1.99/day*
Installby quotefrom $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, smartstartinc.com, ksrevenue.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. Blow into the device for three or four seconds while humming at the same timesmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices
  3. Determinator Hand Held with Cameranmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/ADS-User-Manual-Determinator-2.pdf
  4. Optional camera for positive identification Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  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. The typical time allowed isnmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/ADS-User-Manual-Determinator-2.pdf
  7. Once prompted for a retest, you have 5 minutes toksrevenue.gov/doviidmanuals/SmartStart.pdf
  8. Alcohol-specific fuel cell technology Yes Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  9. Optional GPS tracking Yes Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  10. Optional real-time reporting Yes Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  11. no bigger than the average smartphonesmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices/best-ignition-interlock
  12. compatible with most electric vehicles, motorcycles, and other vehicle typessmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices/best-ignition-interlock
  13. downloading our free Smart Start Client Portal appsmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices/cost
  14. From $1.99/Day* - No Long-Term Contractssmartstartinc.com
  15. Install Vehicle Model >5 Years Old*criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  16. Calibration, Inspection, Monitoring Fee*criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  17. Removal Fee*criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  18. Service Lockout Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  19. Missed Appointment Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  20. Administrative Closing Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  21. Enrollment Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf