Generally, you can expect to pay $75 to $125 for the initial installation of a breathalyzer in your car. The court may also expect you to pay calibration fees and a monthly lease.
After a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle. These devices are a type of breath test that measures your blood alcohol content (BAC) before allowing you to operate your vehicle.
When you work with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer, they can explain your potential IID requirements in greater detail as they fight to defend you against DUI charges.
What Does it Cost to Have an IID Installed in My Car in California?
Drivers will likely need to pay around $75 – $125 to install an ignition interlock device (IID). The installation fee varies depending on the interlock provider or service provider you select to install the certified ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
Some service centers in Los Angeles or other parts of the state may waive the installation fee under specific California Vehicle Code provisions or pilot programs.
We recommend contacting several service centers to check their prices before you schedule an installation appointment for an ignition interlock system. Companies that handle ignition interlock device installation in California include:
- Intoxalock
- Smart Start
- Guardian Interlock Systems
These businesses have offices throughout California and can handle installation on your behalf after a court order mandates the installation of an IID on your steering column.
A Los Angeles DUI lawyer can also help you understand how IID installation may impact your driving privileges and avoid license suspension.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
You May Have to Pay an IID Enrollment Fee
Some service providers, like Smart Start, require drivers to pay a one-time enrollment fee to hold an installation appointment after a conviction for a first-offense DUI or for repeat DUI offenders. You may not have to pay this fee at all locations or with all companies.
Depending on your driving privilege status, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) may also require proof of enrollment before granting a restricted license.
Do IIDs Require a Monthly Payment in California?
Yes, drivers typically have to pay a monthly lease to the installation company while using an IID. The monthly cost can average around $70 – $100, depending on the interlock provider and the calibration fees charged.
These costs will continue throughout the entire time you are legally required to keep an IID installed in your vehicle under California law.
What Does it Cost to Calibrate Your IID?
Drivers dealing with an IID can expect to pay a minimum of $25 for regular calibration and maintenance fees. You may have to pay this fee every 60 days to keep your breathalyzer instrument or ignition interlock device properly working.
Companies charge different rates for their calibration tests. We recommend that you review the costs in your area before scheduling the mandatory installation of your interlock device. Each service provider must ensure that the IID accurately measures BAC.
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How Long Do You Have to Pay for an IID?
You have to continue paying lease and upkeep fees until the removal of your IID. The court may order you to keep an IID in your vehicle for a lengthy period under the California Vehicle Code. In many cases, the court will require you to use an IID for:
- Up to six months for first-time offenses if no one was hurt
- Up to 12 months for a second DUI conviction
- Up to 24 months for a third DUI conviction
- Up to 36 months for a fourth or subsequent offense
These fees can increase the costs of having a breathalyzer or ignition interlock device by thousands of dollars. Working with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer can help you face IID requirements, maintain your driving privileges, and ensure compliance with Department of Motor Vehicles regulations.
Charges That Require You to Install a Breathalyzer
Not all DUI convictions require installing a breathalyzer in your vehicle. The court may order you to install an interlock device if you:
- Faced a first-time DUI conviction
- Refused to submit to a legally requested chemical or breath test for the first time
According to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), some charges always require interlock device usage. The court may require you to place an alcohol ignition interlock device in your vehicle before you can legally drive after a DUI causing injury, for example.
Functions of an IID in Your Vehicle
How does an ignition interlock device work? IIDs measure your blood alcohol concentration before you are allowed to operate your vehicle. Your vehicle will only start once you have blown into the IID and had your BAC assessed.
Additionally, the IID in your vehicle requires you to provide random samples as you drive. Generally, you must provide these samples every 45 minutes.
Some drivers worry that if they fail a random test, their vehicle will stop in the middle of the road. IID devices will not shut down your vehicle automatically, as this could endanger other drivers. Instead, the device will report a “fail” to the court.
Can You Avoid the Mandatory Installation of an Interlock Device?
Installing a breathalyzer and paying for upkeep can become expensive. Repeating the breath sample test every time you drive your vehicle can quickly become frustrating. However, if you work with a DUI lawyer, you may avoid the requirement to install an IID.
A Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer can handle your claim and build a defense to help you avoid a restricted license, IID requirements, fines, and jail time. Our team may take steps to get your charges dismissed or reduced. We can also represent you in court if you are facing a restricted license.
How Can a Lawyer Help After a DUI?
After being charged with a DUI in California, you may feel overwhelmed by the potential penalties, court appearances, and impact on your driving privileges. An experienced attorney can help you understand your rights, protect your license, and work toward reducing or dismissing the charges.
At Simmrin Law Group, our Los Angeles DUI lawyers have extensive experience handling complicated DUI cases under California law and can guide you through every step of the legal process. Here’s what our team does to help:
- Explaining your legal options: A criminal defense lawyer can review the details of your case, explain the charges, and outline possible defense strategies.
- Challenging the evidence: Your attorney can examine the accuracy of breathalyzer results, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing, and field sobriety procedures for errors or violations.
- Representing you in court: A skilled drunk driving lawyer will advocate on your behalf during hearings, plea negotiations, and trial proceedings.
- Protecting your driving privileges: Your attorney can represent you at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hearing to fight a potential license suspension.
- Negotiating reduced penalties: Legal counsel may help reduce your charges, minimize fines, or secure alternative sentencing options such as probation or DUI programs.
- Guiding you through IID requirements: If the court orders an ignition interlock device (IID), your lawyer can explain the process and help ensure compliance with California Vehicle Code regulations.
- Supporting repeat offenders: For repeat DUI offenders, your lawyer can work to limit penalties and protect your long-term driving record and employment opportunities.
Get Assistance With Your DUI Charges From Simmrin Law Group
So, how much does it cost to have a breathalyzer installed in your car in California? The cost varies because you’ll have to pay for the initial installation, a monthly lease, and calibration appointments. Our team at Simmrin Law Group can work to defend you from DUI charges.
Our criminal defense lawyers in Los Angeles may be able to resolve the charges you’re facing in your favor. Call us for a free case evaluation or complete our online contact form to learn more about your options. Then, visit our FAQ page to learn more.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form