Can you put an ignition interlock on a Tesla, hybrid or EV?
Interlock companies do install on electric and hybrid cars, but few publish details by model. None of the companies we checked publishes a Tesla-specific policy, so call before you book and give them your exact year and model.
What each company says
| Company | Electric and hybrid cars |
|---|---|
 Smart Start | Smart Start says the device is compatible with most electric vehicles.1 |
 Intoxalock | No exclusion is stated. Intoxalock asks you to tell your representative to get an estimate.2 |
 RoadGuard | New York's fee schedule lists a higher hybrid install fee ($200 vs $100). RoadGuard makes no compatibility statement.3 |
Extra install fees for hybrids and EVs
Some New York fee schedules list a higher install price for hybrid or electric vehicles.
| Company | Install fee |
|---|---|
| Smart Start | $241.00 · Installation, hybrid or electric vehicle · Filed in New York4 |
| RoadGuard | $200.00 · Installation (hybrid) · Filed in New York3 |
Battery drain
The device draws power while the car is off, which matters more if the car sits for days.
| Company | Battery |
|---|---|
| Intoxalock | A New Mexico manual says to start the vehicle 4 days a week for 5 minutes to keep the battery charged.5 |
| RoadGuard | Runs on a 12 to 24 V supply, with a maximum draw under 2 A and under 1 mA on standby.6 |
Questions to ask before the install
Ask whether the company has installed on your year and model, whether a software update on the car has ever caused a lockout, what the install costs for your car specifically, and what happens if the 12-volt battery dies while the device is installed.
More guides
- Best ignition interlock companies in 2026
- Cheapest ignition interlock: 12-month costs compared
- 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
- Can you put an interlock on a motorcycle?
- Does an interlock have a camera?
- Help paying for an interlock
- Getting the interlock removed
Sources 6 sources from 5 sites, including smartstartinc.com, intoxalock.com, criminaljustice.ny.govShow
Every fact on this page comes from one of these.
compatible with most electric vehicles, motorcycles, and other vehicle types
smartstartinc.com/ignition-interlock-devices/best-ignition-interlockLet your Intoxalock representative know if you drive an electric-powered vehicle or hybrid
intoxalock.com/ignition-interlock-devices/faqInstallation Fee (Hybrid)
criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Draeger-Device-and-Fee-Schedule-8-15-2021.pdfInstall Hybrid or Electric Vehicle*
criminaljustice.ny.gov/opca/pdfs/Smart Start- NY State Pricing Schedule 04242025.pdfat least four (4) separate days per week for five (5) minutes each
nmtsc.unm.edu/wp-content/uploads/New-Mexico_Intoxalock_Users-Manual.pdf12 V to 24 V
rockallsafety.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/drager-interlock-7000.pdf