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Guardian vs Low Cost Interlock

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.

Guardian logoGuardianGuardian AMS 2500 (name from NM directory; site names no model)16 of 44 state lists
Low Cost Interlock logoLow Cost InterlockLCI-77719 of 44 state listsApp Store 1.4 from 11 ratings

Where each one is approved

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIndianaKansasMaineMassachusettsMinnesotaNew JerseyNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth DakotaTexasWyomingConnecticutMissouriWest VirginiaIllinoisNew MexicoArkansasCaliforniaDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaHawaiiIowaKentuckyMarylandMichiganMississippiMontanaNew HampshireNew YorkOhioOregonTennesseeUtahVirginiaWashingtonWisconsinNebraskaSouth CarolinaIdahoNevadaVermontLouisianaRhode Island
BothOnly GuardianOnly Low Cost InterlockNeitherNo list we could read
Both 10

Arkansas, California, Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont

Only Guardian 6

Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada

Only Low Cost Interlock 9

Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Guardian vs Low Cost Interlock: the devices

GuardianLow Cost Interlock
SensorFuel cell. Guardian says the device uses fuel cell alcohol-specific technology.1The LCI Co-Pilot uses a quarter-size electrochemical fuel cell sensor.2
Warm-upGuardian gives no warm-up figure. It says you may see a slightly longer warm-up during extreme cold.3The LCI-777 warm-up may take up to 2 minutes.4
Operating temperatureGuardian says accuracy exceeds NHTSA specifications of -40° to 180° F. This is a marketing claim.5The LCI Co-Pilot handset is rated for -45 °C to +85 °C.6
Size and weightGuardian says the handset is similar in size and shape to a cell phone, and it is removable. No weight is given.7The LCI Co-Pilot handset measures 4.75 x 2.5 x 1.75 in and weighs 148 grams.8
MotorcyclesGuardian says it does not install its device on motorcycles.9Not published
How you blowNot publishedThe LCI Co-Pilot uses a blow/hum or straight hum pattern, depending on your state.10
CameraNot publishedOn the LCI-777, a camera is an optional accessory. An icon shows on the handset when one is attached.11
GPSNot publishedOn the LCI-777, GPS is an optional accessory. An icon shows on the handset when it is attached.11
Real-time reportingNot publishedThe LCI-777 shows a GSM icon when its cellular reporting hardware is attached.11
Rolling retest windowNot publishedThe LCI-777 asks for a sample 5-7 minutes into a rolling retest. The device FAQ gives a minimum of 5.12
ScreenNot publishedThe LCI-777 has a color display.13
AppNot publishedLow Cost Interlock offers an app called Warm Up App.14

Guardian vs Low Cost Interlock fees

FeeGuardianLow Cost Interlock
Monthly lease$50-$120/monthNational15as low as $78.76National, varies by state and vehicle16
Installation$0 total upfrontColorado, New Mexico and California only17$100-$250National, varies by state and vehicle18
CalibrationNot published$25National, varies by state and vehicle19
RemovalNot published$129.50National, varies by state and vehicle20
Lockout or violation resetNot published$125National, varies by state and vehicle21
Closing or admin feeNot published$150National, varies by state and vehicle22
Enrollment or set-up$0 total upfrontColorado, New Mexico and California only17$40National, varies by state and vehicle23
Damage or lossNot published$20-$500National, varies by state and vehicle24

In Texas

GuardianLow Cost Interlock
Certified service centers103
Advertised~$3/day$70–$100/mo
Installfreeby quote

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 24 sources from 2 sites, including guardianinterlock.com, lowcostinterlock.comShow

Every fact on this page comes from one of these.

  1. The Guardian IID features cutting-edge fuel cell alcohol-specific technologyguardianinterlock.com/guardian-ignition-interlock-device
  2. Quarter-size Electrochemical Fuel Celllowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LCI-Co-Pilot-User-Instructions.pdf
  3. you may see a slightly longer warm-up period during extreme coldguardianinterlock.com/support/faq
  4. This may take up to 2-minuteslowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2016-11-09-LCI-777-User-Manual.pdf
  5. Accuracy exceeds NHTSA specifications (-40° to 180° F)guardianinterlock.com/guardian-ignition-interlock-device
  6. -45°C to +85°Clowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LCI-Co-Pilot-User-Instructions.pdf
  7. similar in size and shape to a cellular phoneguardianinterlock.com/support/faq
  8. 4.75 x 2.5 x 1.75 inlowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LCI-Co-Pilot-User-Instructions.pdf
  9. No, we do not install our device on motorcyclesguardianinterlock.com/support/faq
  10. Blow/Hum Techniquelowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LCI-Co-Pilot-User-Instructions.pdf
  11. Sync GPS GSM HUB Cameralowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2016-11-09-LCI-777-User-Manual.pdf
  12. 5 to 7 minutes to submit a breath samplelowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2016-11-09-LCI-777-User-Manual.pdf
  13. Color Displaylowcostinterlock.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2016-11-09-LCI-777-User-Manual.pdf
  14. Warm Up Applowcostinterlock.com
  15. Leasing an ignition interlock device generally costs between $50-$120 per monthguardianinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  16. As low as $78.76lowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  17. Offer valid in Colorado, New Mexico, and California onlyguardianinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  18. Installation (one-time)lowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  19. Calibration (per visit)lowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  20. Removal (one-time)lowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  21. Unlock codelowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  22. Administrative transferlowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  23. Set-up / enrollment (one-time)lowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing
  24. Device replacementlowcostinterlock.com/ignition-interlock-pricing