Intoxalock vs. Smart Start: How Two IID Providers Compare

Choosing the right ignition interlock provider can make meeting your requirements easier, safer, and less stressful from the very beginning.

Just as your DUI journey is unique to you, so are ignition interlock providers. When you are required to install an ignition interlock device (IID), the provider you choose can shape your entire experience. A quick comparison between Intoxalock® and Smart Start may help you see what your day-to-day experience may be using the device and how each provider stacks against the other.

This blog isn't considered legal advice; always consult with a qualified DUI attorney if you have specific questions. If you're convicted of a DUI and need to learn more about ignition interlocks, call our team at (888) 283-5899.

How to Choose the Best IID Provider for Your Needs

How do you know what to look for in an IID provider and what considerations to think through as you evaluate one company to the next?

Here are some common categories to examine as you compare ignition interlock companies:

• Locations
• Pricing
• Blow Pattern
• Usability
• Support

With that in mind, this breakdown shows how Intoxalock® and Smart Start differ so you can choose the device, service, and pricing that works for you.

Features	Smart Start	Intoxalock
Device Design	Smart Start devices have a full numerical keypad, similar to an older cell phone model Smart Start screens require you to read it while testing, so you would need to look at the device while retesting and may need to pull over	One button No need to look at device while driving to operate or retest Sleep mode - Intoxalock devices have internal heaters for fast startup, but you can put them in sleep mode if needed so they won’t draw power from your car
Blow Pattern	Smart Start devices use a blow-hum pattern. This is difficult and distracting for many and can lead to lockouts	Intoxalock devices use a simple blow-inhale-blow pattern that’s easy to master and perform even while driving
Locations	Smart Start has more than 2,000 locations, roughly only half of the locations Intoxalock has	Intoxalock has more than 5,500 locations, more installation centers than any other provider, with 91 percent of customers within 15 miles of a location
Pricing	Smart Start pricing info varies by state, and you must call to get the info for your state	Intoxalock base lease rates start as low as $1.96 per day (plus additional required charges), and an optional device protection plan for $10 a month Intoxalock offers bi-monthly payment options too
Support	Smart Start customer support available 24/7 in multiple languages	Educational materials can be accessed in the Intoxalock Mobile app and customers can pay their bill and manage their account there too!

Intoxalock vs. Smart Start: Locations

Locating an interlock service center near you may not seem like a big deal, but it's definitely something to consider. You'll be going for your IID installation appointment and also heading there regularly for calibrations. Ignition interlock devices require regular calibrations. In most states, you bring the device to a certified technician every 30 to 120 days so they can calibrate it, refresh the data, and make sure it’s reading breath tests correctly.

When you add in the potential for lockouts and your interlock removal appointment, choosing a provider with locations near your daily routine saves you time, reduces travel costs, and helps you stay on schedule for every appointment.

With more than 5,500 service centers across the United States, Intoxalock leads the way on installation locations. Intoxalock has the largest network of authorized installers in the country, and about 91% of customers live within 15 minutes of an approved service center location.

Smart Start lists a little more than 3,000 locations across the U.S. They cover many regions, but drivers in rural or spread-out areas may need to travel farther for each visit.

A nearby service center does more than add convenience. It helps you stay compliant, stay on track, and move through your program with fewer interruptions.

Intoxalock vs. Smart Start: Pricing

Ignition interlock device pricing can feel confusing when you begin this process. An IID isn't typically a product you own. Every ignition interlock device is leased, not bought outright, which makes daily rates and flexible payments important.

Intoxalock offers simple pricing with lease rates starting as low as $1.96 per day (plus additional required charges); installation and removal are separate and vary by service center location. You can add a Device Protection Plan for an estimated $10 per month to help cover replacement costs if your device is damaged, stolen, or stops working. You can pay through the Intoxalock Mobile App, online, or by mail. You can also choose flexible, bi-monthly payments if you want to spread out your costs.

Smart Start advertises daily pricing as low as $1.99, but the exact amount varies by state and location. You typically need to call a Program Advisor to get an exact quote. They offer bi-weekly payments, but it does not list detailed pricing upfront, which means you might spend more time gathering information before you can compare your full cost.

Since the upfront cost of IIDs is similar across service providers, the best way to save on pricing is by choosing the most convenient location. With over 5,500 locations, Intoxalock helps reduce your out-of-pocket fuel costs at each calibration. If you are locked out of your device, our extensive network provides important savings on any necessary towing charges.

Intoxalock vs. Smart Start: Blow Pattern

An ignition interlock requires blowing into the device to pass your tests. Most IIDs have a specific blow pattern you need to make to provide the device with your breath sample. The blow pattern becomes part of your daily routine as soon as you start using an ignition interlock device. A simple pattern is often easier to adapt to and makes learning how to use your IID a smoother, less stressful experience when you are already managing a lot of new changes.

Smart Start typically uses the blow-hum method. This pattern requires you to keep a tight seal on the mouthpiece and hum while you blow. Some drivers may struggle to perform this blow pattern smoothly, especially during random retests, and the extra steps may create warnings or lockouts if you do not match the pattern exactly.

Blow patterns may also depend on state regulations. If a customized pattern is needed, Smart Start devices can be adjusted, but this requires extra approvals, added hurdles, and potentially more of your time.

Intoxalock uses the blow-inhale-blow pattern, and it stays the same in every state. You insert the mouthpiece, blow, inhale deeply, and blow again without removing it. Most drivers learn it quickly and say it feels natural during both startup tests and retests.

A straightforward blow pattern gives you one less thing to worry about each day, which can make the entire process feel easier to manage.

Intoxalock vs. Smart Start: Usability

When you shop for a new appliance, many people look for something that is easy to use. You want something compatible with your likes and dislikes, something that is easy to operate, and something with a simple design or interface.

Deciding on an ignition interlock is no different than this thought process. A user-friendly device that is compatible with how you live can make each test feel less stressful and easier to incorporate into your new post-DUI routine.

Why Intoxalock’s One-Button Design Helps

Intoxalock keeps things simple with a single button. You power it up, complete your test, and the light-emitting diode (LED) display shows the result without any menus to sort through. Drivers will find:

• One-button operation that helps limit distractions
• A clear and easy-to-read LED display
• A simple process for both startup tests and random retests
• After a random retest notification initiates, the state typically allows several minutes for you to pull over safely if you're in congested traffic or difficult driving conditions like extreme weather

A clear, simple design gives you control and helps you manage each test safely. Intoxalock focuses on helping reduce distractions so you can stay centered on the road and choose the safest way to complete every retest.

The Smart Start Interface

Smart Start devices rely on a keypad and a series of on-screen directions. You may have to look down, read what the device wants, and press the right keys for each test and retest. It may take more focus to get through the steps.

Drivers may find:

• A multi-step process to complete each test
• Required visual attention to read and follow on-screen menus
• A more complex panel of buttons compared to a one-button IID

Intoxalock vs. Smart Start: Support

When you’re in an ignition interlock program, having dependable support can make the whole process easier to manage. Both Intoxalock and Smart Start offer 24/7 help from bilingual teams and state specialists, but the way you reach that help isn’t the same.

Intoxalock gives you 24/7 access through chat, email, and phone, which means you can reach someone in the way that feels easiest at the moment. The Intoxalock Mobile App also helps you pay your bill, schedule appointments, review educational materials, and locate service centers. Customers often point to this level of guidance in Intoxalock’s strong Trustpilot rating.

Smart Start also offers 24/7 bilingual support and access to state specialists. You can call or email their team, and their Client Portal App lets you handle payments and scheduling. Smart Start includes SmartBot, an automated assistant for basic questions.

Both providers give you solid support, but Intoxalock offers multiple ways to connect with a real person and get the help you need quickly.

Get in Touch with Intoxalock

If you are comparing ignition interlock providers, you do not have to figure it out alone. Intoxalock can walk you through your state’s requirements, explain what to expect, and help you schedule installation when you are ready.

You can reach a state specialist any time by calling (888) 283-5899, using our online chat, or sending a message through the Intoxalock Mobile App. Our team is here to answer questions, help with pricing, and guide you through each step so you can move forward with confidence.