Monthly costs to rent the device are typically the first question a driver asks when seeking an interlock provider. The driver may also ask for a referral from you. Importantly, however, a driver’s ability to complete a time restricted period of interlock use on time without a license violation or license extension is largely determined by the service offered by the provider.
For the administrator of a monitored offender, the salient feature of service becomes whether the features of service that you care about most fail or are portrayed as not being failed. (Again, “features of service” is in contrast to “Features.”)
Installation quality determines the failure rate for the next twelve months
Understand that an “intermittently failing” device means it’ll rarely fail on the very first use. Rather, it can intermittently malfunction months down the line (perhaps when it gets very cold outside or after someone has replaced the battery), and what happens then is that the failure gets logged into the monitoring service’s files as an “anomaly” that the driver must explain.
Soldering instead of scotchlocking wire, wiring up to a truly switched circuit rather than an accessory socket, and a cable with sufficient slack to reach across to the driver’s side of the car without strain are just a few of the basic install parameters which can indicate whether a good install has been carried out or not.
What a good installation appointment looks like
But when you do book them in for a fit, allow 90 minutes to 2 hours, not 30 minutes, check that the technician completes a full vehicle diagnostic before any cutting is started, and takes and develops photographs of the install points. It’s also very important to have a full live demonstration of a rolling retest, with you as the driver, rather than just the technician. It’s also very useful to have a printed reference card given to you, and a 24/7 phone number that is staffed by live people outside of normal business hours.
Calibration intervals and what happens when one is missed
As mentioned above, the calibration of the device’s data is certified and then transmitted. This window can be easily missed and in some jurisdictions this could mean that the device locks up for good and the vehicle is to be towed. In addition, the missing of an appointment can be reported in itself as a breach.
When comparing providers for services to the monitoring authority, ask how they manage the appointment risk for calibration, and if the driver is based in the South Bay it is worth shortlisting San Jose ignition interlock services that already run flexible calibration hours. Look at how many channels of communication the provider has with the client (email, phone, text, web site), how soon they start sending reminders, and whether the client can cancel/reschedule an appointment without calling a live operator in a call center.
| Service model | Typical calibration interval | Driver time cost per visit | Main risk |
| Shop visit at fixed location | 30 to 60 days | 45 to 90 minutes including travel | Limited hours, missed windows for shift workers |
| Mobile technician at home or workplace | 30 to 60 days | 20 to 30 minutes | Scheduling density in rural areas |
| Wireless or over the air calibration | Varies, device dependent | Minimal | Not accepted by every monitoring authority |
| Mail in handset exchange | 60 days | Shipping turnaround | Transit delays counted against the driver |
Compliance reporting is the product the authority actually consumes
It is a very different service to the driver who uses an interlock and to the monitoring authority who reads reports of events recorded by an interlock. A good provider of interlock services is one that serves both well.
Check what sort of report their monitoring system produces, particularly how ‘events’ are classified (e.g. A ‘warm restart’ logged as a ‘refusal’). How do they treat ‘passenger blow[s]’ (e.g. By mouth) without sight of the related camera shots? How do they deal with ‘contested events’ and how long does it take to resolve any related ‘violations’ (and consequent license ‘extensions’)?
Questions that separate reporting systems
- Does the driver have read access to their own event log, or only the authority?
- How quickly is data uploaded after a calibration or wireless sync?
- Is there a documented dispute process with a named review stage?
- Are reports formatted to the requirements of the relevant state or provincial program?
Choosing a provider, and the questions worth asking first
When it comes to selecting a provider to supply ignition interlock services, you should look for coverage, response times and the provider’s certification to ensure they can provide services to clients under the relevant jurisdiction. Beyond this, it’s worth remembering that clients will move for work or other reasons, will likely need to have a calibration at short notice, and transfers between providers rarely have no cost attached to them.
Be sure to include in your initial discussion with a thorough ignition interlock service provider the total cost to complete the program for your Restricted Driving Period (e.g. For a one year restricted license the total cost for all parts of the program would include the cost to install the device, all required servicings, any required lockout service[s], full removal of the device and the lease deposit to return the device).
A short due diligence sequence
- Verify state certification for the exact device model, not just the company
- Map service locations against the driver’s home and workplace
- Request the published fee schedule in writing, including removal
- Confirm after hours support hours and whether they reach a technician
- Ask about average wait time for an emergency lockout code
Where convenience genuinely reduces risk
Features of convenience are worth spending money on if they remove a point of failure in compliance. This includes things like evening and Saturday installation or calibration, mobile service to clients’ homes, and self service rescheduling of appointments. Loyalty pricing or a branded app, however, are not worth paying for.
