In California, it costs between $75 and $150 to have a breathalyzer installed in your car. The monthly lease for a car breathalyzer in California is between $70 and $100. Your total costs could be hundreds or thousands of dollars over the length of your sentence.
A car breathalyzer, also called an ignition interlock device, is a common penalty when you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. You may also be required to attend an alcohol treatment program, pay fines, and possibly spend time in prison.
We can connect you with a Los Angeles DUI lawyer who can help you understand your rights and choose the best path forward if you have been arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Don’t leave your legal defense to chance.
The Full Cost of an Ignition Interlock Device in California
Fees can vary based on your situation and provider. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs associated with ignition interlock device (IID) installation:
- Installation: $75-$100
- Monthly lease: $70-$100 per month
- Monthly calibration and maintenance: $25 per month
If this is your first DUI offense and no one was injured, you might be ordered to have the IID installed for a mandatory period of up to six months. For repeat offenses or first-time offenses with injury, the install period ranges from 12 to 48 months.
Altogether, the cost of having a breathalyzer installed in your car can total anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how long the device is installed, the provider you use, and the features of the IID. This is on top of the other costs of getting a DUI in California.
What is a Breathalyzer (IID)?
If you are convicted of DUI in California, one of your penalties may include the mandatory installation of a breathalyzer device for your vehicle. This device forces you to test your breath for high levels of alcohol before the car starts.
A breathalyzer is meant to prevent you from drinking and driving again. You are financially responsible for installing and maintaining the device, which is more properly known as an ignition interlock device (IID).
An ignition interlock device must be installed on every vehicle you drive or own, except employer-owned vehicles. Once it has been installed, you must have it serviced at least every two months to ensure it is working properly.
Is Breathalyzer Installation Mandatory?
Mandatory installation may or may not be required with first-time offenders, but it’s a mandatory requirement for subsequent offenses within 10 years.
A judge may order you to get the instrument installed with a first-offense DUI if you:
- Refused to submit to a blood or breath test
- Violated California Vehicle Code 23152(a) VC driving under the influence, particularly with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.015% or more
- Were driving with a license suspension or revoked driver’s license
If someone is injured as a result of your driving under the influence, you will be ordered to have an IID installed on your vehicle.
You may be able to fight this penalty. A DUI defense attorney can look at your case and look for weak spots. In some cases, you may avoid the IID installation and other penalties.
How Ignition Interlock Devices (Car Breathalyzers) Work
Ignition interlock device (or IID) is the common name for car breathalyzers installed after a DUI conviction. These IIDs are small, cell-phone-sized breath instruments usually installed on the steering column of your car.
When the court orders you to have a breathalyzer installed, you must use an authorized installer and provide proof of installation. The court then notifies the DMV of the device so police officers will know about it if they pull you over.
Here’s how IIDs work:
- IIDs require you to provide a breath sample in your car
- If you provide an alcohol-free breath sample, you’ll be able to start your vehicle
- If the device detects alcohol content on your breath, the car won’t start
- After you start driving, the IID will request a random sample about 5-15 minutes later and 45 minutes after that. These are known as rolling samples, and you’ll have a six-minute period of time to comply.
If you fail the test while driving, the instrument will not stop your car but will record your failure. A report with all results is sent to the court or the DMV. The device also records all starts, stops, and any tampering with the breathalyzer.
Can Someone Else Drive My Car with an Ignition Interlock Device?
Yes, another person can drive your car as long as they are sober and follow the correct procedures. However, if you intend to drive, you are the only person allowed to provide a breath sample.
The cord won’t reach the back or passenger seats, and it requires a certain breath pattern. If anyone else provides a breath sample for you, it’s a crime. Non–compliance of any kind with the device can lead to license suspension or revoked driving privileges.
The purpose of ignition interlock devices is to prevent drunk driving—now and in the future. According to the International Council on Alcohol, Drugs, and Traffic Safety, installed IIDs help reduce repeat DUI offenses by 40-95% when combined with a comprehensive service and monitoring program.
Talk to a DUI Defense Lawyer for Free Today
How much does it cost to have a breathalyzer installed in your car? Around $100, but the mandatory installation of a breathalyzer ignition interlock device is just a portion of the total cost of getting a DUI.
To avoid these penalties, contact an experienced DUI defense attorney who can discuss alternative options and avoid harsh penalties.
A DUI attorney in the Los Angeles area knows the law and how to help you choose the best path forward. They can manage your legal defense strategy and help you stand up for your rights. Call today so we can connect you with a leading California DUI lawyer for a free consultation.
