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Intoxalock 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.

PASSED
IntoxalockIntoxalock 1001A37 of 44 state listsApp Store 1.7 from 899 ratings
Smart 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 IntoxalockOnly Smart StartNeitherNo list we could read
Both 33

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Only Intoxalock 4

New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Vermont

Only Smart Start 7

Alabama, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Rhode Island, Virginia

Intoxalock vs Smart Start: the devices

IntoxalockSmart Start
SensorFuel cell, on both the 1001A and the eLERT.1Alcohol-specific fuel cell sensor.2
How you blowBlow, inhale, then blow again into the mouthpiece. No humming is mentioned.3Blow and hum for 3 to 4 seconds. Some states use blow-inhale-blow, and the pattern depends on your state.4
CameraOptional or state-dependent on the 1001A. The eLERT includes a camera.5Optional, and whether it is required depends on your state.6
GPSAvailable on the 1001A in Class II/III configurations. The eLERT includes GPS.7Optional.8
Real-time reportingAvailable on the 1001A as an advanced add-on. The eLERT includes it.9Optional.10
Warm-upAbout 6 seconds normally. Intoxalock says it can take up to 3 minutes in extreme heat or cold.11Not published
Rolling retest window6 minutes, according to the Intoxalock FAQ. Your state sets the actual rule.125 minutes to respond once prompted, per a 2017 Kansas manual. Smart Start's current rules may differ.13
ScreenLED text display. It shows your breath alcohol reading only in states that allow it.14Not published
Electric and hybrid carsNo exclusion is stated. Intoxalock asks you to tell your representative to get an estimate.15Smart Start says the device is compatible with most electric vehicles.16
MotorcyclesNot supported. Intoxalock says its devices are not designed for motorcycles.17Smart Start says the device is compatible with most motorcycles.16
BatteryA New Mexico manual says to start the vehicle 4 days a week for 5 minutes to keep the battery charged.18Not published
AppThe Intoxalock Mobile App is for your account, on Android and iPhone. Bluetooth on the handset is not stated.19The free Smart Start Client Portal app handles account management.20
Size and weightNot publishedSmart Start says it is no bigger than the average smartphone.21

Intoxalock vs Smart Start fees

Both companies file a fee schedule with New York State, so these rows compare the same kind of number: the New York amounts. Prices in other states differ, but the list shows which fees each company charges. Check the filing dates: an older filing may not match today's prices.

FeeIntoxalockNY filing, Feb 2021Smart StartNY filing, Apr 2025
Monthly lease$99.99Maximum filed in New York22$112.95/moFiled in New York23
Installation$125-$250Filed in New York24$150.00Filed in New York25
Calibration$3.00Filed in New York26$25.00Filed in New York27
Removal$75.00Filed in New York28$94.99Filed in New York29
Lockout or violation reset$75.00Filed in New York30$80.00Filed in New York31
Missed appointmentNot published$55.00Filed in New York. Not charged with 24 hours notice.32
Closing or admin fee$59.99Filed in New York33$69.50Filed in New York34
Enrollment or set-up$27.50Filed in New York35$40.00Filed in New York36
Damage or loss$150-$3,000Filed in New York37Not published
Insurance or protection plan$5-$10 bi-weekly / $9.99-$19.99 monthly (deductible $200 or $500)Filed in New York38Not published

In Texas

IntoxalockSmart Start
Certified service centers532144
Advertised$89.99–$101.99/mofrom $1.99/day*
Install~$100from $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

  1. Utilizes fuel cell technologycriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  2. Alcohol-specific fuel cell technology Yes Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  3. blow, inhale, and blow again into the device’s mouthpieceintoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/faq
  4. Blow into the device for three or four seconds while humming at the same timesmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices
  5. many states now require interlock devices with camerasintoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/faq
  6. Optional camera for positive identification Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  7. Intoxalock 1001A (Camera, GPS, & RTD)criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Qualified Manufacturer Listing Devices-01202026.pdf
  8. Optional GPS tracking Yes Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  9. a camera to verify driver identity, real-time reportingintoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices
  10. Optional real-time reporting Yes Yes Yessmartstartinc.com/about-us
  11. Intoxalock may take up to 3 minutes to preparenmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/New-Mexico_Intoxalock_Users-Manual.pdf
  12. you’ll have a 6-minute window to provide a breath sampleintoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/faq
  13. Once prompted for a retest, you have 5 minutes toksrevenue.gov/doviidmanuals/SmartStart.pdf
  14. LED screen reading of breath alcohol content (BrAC)intoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices
  15. Let your Intoxalock representative know if you drive an electric-powered vehicle or hybridintoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/faq
  16. compatible with most electric vehicles, motorcycles, and other vehicle typessmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices/best-ignition-interlock
  17. Intoxalock IIDs are not designed for use on motorcyclesintoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/faq
  18. at least four (4) separate days per week for five (5) minutes eachnmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/New-Mexico_Intoxalock_Users-Manual.pdf
  19. Download the Interlock App for Android and iPhoneintoxalock.com/app
  20. downloading our free Smart Start Client Portal appsmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices/cost
  21. no bigger than the average smartphonesmartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices/best-ignition-interlock
  22. Monthly Lease Paymentcriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  23. Standard Protect Monthly Plan (Includes Roadside Protect and DPP)criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  24. Installation (varies based on vehicle type)criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  25. Install Vehicle Model >5 Years Old*criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  26. Data Processing Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  27. Calibration, Inspection, Monitoring Fee*criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  28. Removal Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  29. Removal Fee*criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  30. Lockout Reset Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  31. Service Lockout Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  32. Missed Appointment Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  33. Administrative Closing Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  34. Administrative Closing Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  35. Account Set Up Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  36. Enrollment Feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdf
  37. Damage, lost, stolen or unreturned device feecriminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf
  38. Device Protection Package (Optional)criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Intoxalock-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdf