ALCOLOCK Canada Reviews

Distracted driving is a leading cause of serious injury and death on Ontario roads and is a punishable offence under provincial law. Despite this, the interlock device requires handheld operation, visual monitoring, and controlled breathing while the vehicle is in motion. Functionally, this is equivalent to operating a handheld electronic device while driving, which is otherwise prohibited due to safety risks.

I have experienced a device malfunction on numerous occasions but in particular while driving on a busy highway during severe winter conditions with reduced visibility. The device prompted a rolling retest and repeatedly failed to accept valid breath samples, displaying the error code “INVALID SAMPLE 05.” Despite multiple attempts to comply while maintaining lane position and monitoring traffic, the device continued to malfunction.

The device then activated loud alarms inside and outside the vehicle, creating a severe distraction for both myself and surrounding drivers. I was forced to pull over immediately on the highway shoulder in hazardous conditions while vehicles passed at high speed. To silence the alarms, I shut off the vehicle and attempted to restart after powering down the device, replacing the mouthpiece, and waiting the required time. The device continued to fail. As a result, I was stranded on the side of the highway in extreme cold temperatures (approximately −30°C), unable to restart my vehicle or access heat. I incurred towing and roadside assistance expenses and was placed in a situation that posed a serious risk to my safety.

This was not an isolated incident. If I recall correctly, I am currently on my fourth or fifth interlock device within a six-month period due to repeated failures. The device has proven unreliable, inconsistent, and unfit for continued use. The installation technician even acknowledged that the device does not function properly in cold temperatures, raising serious concerns about its suitability for Canadian climates. The interlock device was installed under legal compulsion following a refusal charge. I have incurred hundreds of dollars in mandatory installation, maintenance, and replacement costs. Despite these expenses, the product does not perform as advertised and repeatedly fails under foreseeable and common environmental conditions.

In addition to safety risks, the device’s unreliability has caused measurable financial harm. I pay exactly $74.14 per month for a 12-month period, adding up to a grand total of $889.68 (And this doesn't even include installation). Why am I paying for a device that doesn't work? I have missed essential healthcare appointments due to device failures, resulting in approximately $250 in missed appointment fees. I routinely allow an additional 30–40 minutes to start my vehicle, anticipating the code "INVALID SAMPLE 05" multiple times, and delays and failures continue to occur. I cannot even use my windshield washer fluid without setting this device off and having it lock me out.

The design and operation of this device create foreseeable and preventable dangers. If serious injury or loss of life occurs as a result of these defects, the manufacturer should reasonably anticipate liability. I formally request that this complaint be investigated and that corrective action be taken immediately. Should injury occur to myself or others as a result of this product, I reserve all legal rights and remedies available to me. This device requires immediate review, redesign, or removal from service. A product mandated for use in the interest of public safety must not itself create an unreasonable risk to drivers or the public.

I called a week ago for an issue. I left 4 messages, each day. I called and stayed on hold for 1 hour each day (they only let you stay on hold for 30 minutes before it automatically hangs up, so I would call twice). I can't get a hold of anyone. The website is very faulty and I can't add money to my account. I can't get the service techs to reset my device if there is no way to add money to my account. This isn't the first time I've had a major issue. Run From This Company. It's like paying hundreds of dollars to be stressed out and then...perhaps being able to drive? I will say however, when you actually DO speak with someone, the 1-2 staff members that they have on hand are all very friendly and helpful. The wonderful and kind people that work for alcolock are the only good part about this service.

So to summarize: 0 Stars for the device and everything that entails. 5 stars all around to anyone I had spoken to. Your staff is very gracious and courteous, because I suspect they know how horrendous the service provided is and they genuinely feel bad for you.

Was unable to use the car for days, resulting in trying to find alternate transportation to/from work, until the Servicing shop got a new shipment of handsets in. Finally got a brand new handset. Still have the same issue with the unit being different temperature from the mouthpiece. (Both are inside over night in the warmth, so they should both be relatively the same temp.) Took about 15 minutes this morning trying to get the stupid thing to FINALLY work so I could get to work... late. Do not choose Alcolock. Do yourself the favour and go with Smart Start, they have a simple machine where you just blow and go. No blowing too hard/soft and no humming. No extra technologies resulting in issues all the time.

Every time I have had to contact Alcolock during office hours, I have waited on hold for very long periods and have often been kicked out of the queue and forced to leave voicemail, without having my concerns addressed. They say they will return your call within one business day but they ever do. I'm not sure if the problems rest with the staff or with their training and management but I am extremely dissatisfied with alcolock. I had to take my truck in for servicing a few days ago and my device tells me I have a lock-out tomorrow at 23:59. The technician who finally solved the alarm problem assured me that this was resolved and I should not have a problem. I am certain that is not the case -- I don't trust them to know what they are doing -- and I expect that when I try to start my truck after 23:59 tomorrow, I will indeed be locked out and forced to call and recall alcolock to get that resolved.