Smart Start

I was required to install a Smart Start ignition interlock device as part of my DUI sentence. I was initially excited to get the device, as I thought it would be a next step towards license restoration. However, I was quickly disappointed with the device. The first problem I had with the device was that it was outdated. The device was slow and clunky, and it often froze up. One time, while I was driving, the device froze and started flashing and beeping. This caused me to panic, and I almost caused an accident.

After thoroughly interacting with SmartStart, I regret to inform readers that my experience with this company warrants a one-star rating. I cannot recommend this company to anyone in need of their services. First and foremost, customer service is abysmal. I have never dealt with such incompetence. Their product becomes useless at the end of each month and goes into service lockdown. Despite paying a monthly leasing fee for the device on time, it refuses to function as it should. It is disheartening to think that a product intended to serve a crucial function can be this unreliable.

I do not know how consumer affairs gives them a 4 star rating with so many complaints! This company REFUSE to acknowledge their paying customers or ANY fault in their device even though the proof is on paper! Smart Start are training under AJEN MONITORING SYSTEMS and DO NOT even have a legitimate complaints department. While I am already destitute as a single mum with four children exiting DV and have an upcoming trial, I have now suffered a four month extension because of faulty readings which they will not assist with. Their compliance manager abused me and hung up telling me to get a lawyer if I want any results in regards to a “frozen device” which keeps occurring. I have been forced to go to a local tribunal but have spent money, time, energy and been imprisoned for 4 extra months on this faulty device. DO NOT use smart start if there is another option. These people only care about $$$ and keeping their government contracts with the interlock program. Smart Start do not care across the board and should have been monitored and disciplined a long time ago.

This device has repeatedly triggered a test after the vehicle has turned off. I have a push start so I am unsure if this is part of the problem or if it's due to the installation, but it has attempted to violate me for no reason whatsoever on multiple occasions. I have documentation of this defect within the product and will be looking into finding an attorney who is willing to launch a class action lawsuit against this company for misrepresentation of their product in conjunction with their vendors.

When you are having a rolling retest it should give you 6 minutes to get it. After one blow it shows missed test. I've had it recalibrated and contacted customer service with no positive results. So I get a lockout and have to go in early and pay even more money. Do not use!!!

Don't ask for help, don't ask for an extension of your cal dates, don't for ask for anything period. They won't help you. Even getting thru to a person takes FOREVER. Not kidding you, go somewhere else.

4 months ago I had a device installed in my car and wasn't supposed to. Instead of helping me they cont. Making me pay the fee. Kimberly from Ten-sc collections hung up on me 2 times and was trying to charge me another 232$ to remove it. So I took the device off myself and gave it to the place I got it from ATV Augusta. Matt the CEO did not like that. He was called on 12-9 at 8:38 am from atv augusta to let him know I was returning his device. He raised his voice, was rude and disrespectful. (Karma will get him and Kim.) I have the conversation recorded on my phone and everyone at atv augusta heard too. If these are the type of people you're hiring maybe you need higher standards. Everyone should be treated fair and with respect.

I would like to give 0 stars. Absolutely the worst customer service and scammers. Nothing but problems since day one... Takes hours to get ahold of someone for help. Faulty devices. Calibration is 70+ miles away

Like most customer service businesses, Smart Start is a function of the people who help you. Derrick in Grand Junction, CO is wonderful. Knowledgeable and waaay helpful! If I get in trouble like this again, I will choose Smart Start.

I have really bad asthma. I cannot blow longer at times when it tells me to. I just got this calibrated and almost got locked out of it. Blew into it 20x. Right at 20sec. It let me pass. My lungs hurt! There’s times I barely blow into it and it lets me pass. I nearly passed out. When I drive at night the bright green light is very distracting. I don’t text and drive, this thing is almost like a distracting phone, you have to multitask. You have to read why it’s not letting you pass. You have to wait for a count down. Not sure why this can’t be easier! Also if you have a Volkswagen your EPC light will turn ON. Don’t waste $180 getting it diagnosed. It’s the device.