Montana Ignition Interlock Device Questions

An Ignition Interlock Device is a piece of electronic equipment that tests your level of alcohol consumption and prevents you from driving your car, truck, SUV, or crossover vehicle until you can pass a test. It is installed in your vehicle’s electrical system and interrupts the starter in the event of a failed test. In cases of a DUI or a DWI charge, an Ignition Interlock Device and restricted driver’s license can often take the place of a suspended license.

You can always call Smart Start at 1-800-831-3299, and we’ll help you determine your eligibility. (Calling us first might also save you time.) You can also check with your alcohol state authority or your local department of motor vehicles (DMV), department of public safety (DPS), or related institution for specific eligibility requirements. In some cases, if your license is suspended due to a DUI or DWI charge, you can get an Ignition Interlock Device, and a restricted driver’s license will allow you to get back on the road.

Never. In fact, our devices have a safety feature where, if your vehicle does shut off or stall, you’ll have a full two minutes to restart your vehicle without first taking a test.

Your court documents will specify exactly what is required of your Ignition Interlock Device. Smart Start is a certified ignition interlock provider, so we’re able to meet all of the alcohol state authority’s requirements to ensure that you’re compliant within your state or county. Just make sure that you have your court documents when you contact our Customer Care Center, and a friendly advocate will make sure your device fits your program. Call us today at 1-800-831-3299—or fill out the online form, and we’ll call you.

The overall cost of an Ignition Interlock Device is a combination of installation fees, monthly service fees, and removal fees. Exact pricing is state-specific. To find out the exact ignition interlock price in your state, call 1-800-831-3299. A Smart Start customer care advocate will help you determine the exact amount for your area of residence, but know that we always strive to give you the best value and the lowest cost in your total ignition interlock package.

Visit our Locations page and enter your zip code to find a list of locations nearest you. We have over 1,500 locations, so you’ll surely find something close.

Yes. You can either fill out our online form to have a customer care advocate contact you to schedule an appointment, or call 1-800-831-3299 to speak with a trusted Smart Start advisor today. In some cases, same-day installation appointments may even be available.

Bring a photo ID and proof of residence in the form of a document verifying your address. You may also be asked to bring any documents that pertain to your case, depending on the state in which you or your program are located. If any other documents are required, one of our friendly customer service advisors will let you know.

Check with your alcohol-state authority or your local department of motor vehicles (DMV), department of public safety (DPS), or related institution. If you’re eligible for an IN-HOM™ SMART Mobile™, call 1-800-831-3299 to speak with a customer care advocate and acquire an IN-HOM™ SMART Mobile™ for the duration and completion of your program.

In many states, you cannot drive on a suspended license. In other states, your travel with a suspended license is significantly restricted. However, with a restricted driver’s license, you can drive anytime and anywhere as long as you have an Ignition Interlock Device installed.

You can fulfill your requirement by borrowing a vehicle and installing an ignition interlock there, or by using one of our portable, handheld devices like the IN-HOM™ SMART Mobile™.

Some states do require you to get special insurance during your program. Unfortunately, Smart Start does not work with your insurance company—we only work with you. We know that each case can be completely different in the eyes of your insurance company, so you should contact them directly with any questions about their requirements during your program.

It varies, depending on a person’s constitution and metabolism. Make sure to rinse your mouth out with water before taking a test to ensure maximum accuracy.

No, but the technology is constantly evolving as legislation changes within the states.

NO. You are encouraged to make a full stop before taking any test. There will be times when your device will prompt you to take a rolling test (or a test while the car is running), but you will always have plenty of time—roughly six minutes—to pull over comfortably and safely before taking your test. Taking your time to stop safely will not incur a violation.

We have very special instructions for your mechanic HERE.

You can always ask our friendly service technicians for instructions at your installation appointment. You can also find online training videos with step-by-step instructions for using your IID or your IN-HOM product.

An Ignition Interlock Device is the proper term for devices mistakenly referred to as “car breathalyzer” or “car interlock.” Technically, Smart Start offers all of these–and at very affordable prices with low-cost installation.

This means you are in service grace period countdown and you have 2 days remaining before you lock out. You must take your vehicle to the nearest Service Center to have it calibrated before the countdown ends. You can find the location nearest you here.

This means you are in your violation grace period countdown and you have 2 days remaining before you lock out. You must take your vehicle to the nearest service center to have it calibrated before the countdown ends. To find your nearest service center, click here.

This means you have lost all your points and have exceeded the violation grace period. You must now call 1-800-880-3394 to obtain a one-time unlock code in order to take the vehicle to a Smart Start service center. You can also click here to obtain a one-time, six-hour unlock code. You must take your vehicle to a service center within 6 hours of entering the code to regain the use of your device. If you fail to take your vehicle to the nearest service center within 6 hours, you will unfortunately have to tow your vehicle at your own expense.

This means you have missed your monthly service and have exceeded the service grace period. You must now obtain a onetime unlock code to take the vehicle to a Smart Start service center. Call the Smart Start corporate office to obtain this code.

Press the # key, then the 1 key on the keypad to display your appointment time.

“Blow harder” means that your breath sample did not last long enough for your test to register. “Hum stronger” means that you began humming either too late or too soon. It might also mean that your hum was not strong enough to register. “Blow softer” means that your breath sample was too strong. “Don’t inhale” means that you might have inhaled while your lips were still around the mouthpiece, therefore sucking air into the unit. “Abort tamper” means that you covered the vent on the back of your IID while blowing. “Mouth closer” means that you’ll need to hold the Ignition Interlock Device more firmly against your mouth to avoid letting the device pull away as you blow.

“Abort lock” means that you have exceeded the allowed number of aborts during a 15-minute period and will need to wait until the countdown completes before you attempt another test.

Press the # key and then the number 3 on the keypad.

Yes. Whoever is driving the vehicle MUST take a breath test and pass before driving. Any failed test will still be your responsibility.

“Initial BAC” means that the device has detected alcohol during your initial test. “RRTEST” means that the device detected alcohol during your rolling re-test. “CIRC” means that circumvention has occurred in the form of you disconnecting your handheld while driving. “Templock” means that your test detected a low level of alcohol and your device has been temporarily locked based on your state’s limits. “RRSkip” means that a rolling re-test skip has occurred because you did not take a test when prompted after your initial test. Even if you are at your destination, you must test again if your device prompts you to do so.