Smart Start Reviews

A few times I did get a "live" person only to be put back on hold and put back into the waiting cue! Then there were three times I was asked by a computer generated voice if I would like to leave my number to get a call back rather than waiting, which I did and SURPRISE, SURPRISE...NO call back!! I recommend you run from this company...There are plenty of other interlock companies you can use!!

They get you to give them the money FIRST before scheduling them. Hold times for new customers that haven’t signed up yet. Hold times if you are already a customer are 45 minutes to an hour plus every time. Reps give you different information. I feel like they might just be making ** up as they go to sound good. Liars, thieves, no customer service. Rip off. Stay away!!!

-Called to set up an install. They gave me a date. I went down and found out they were booked up for almost 2 months! Called back and they tried putting it on me saying I didn't schedule one (which is very common practice).

- Called to get an extension because it was a holiday weekend. They said "oh no problem. There's a 72 hour code you can get for $30." Great right? Come to find out at the shop if you USE THE CODE it's another $130 on top of the 30 you already paid!!!! Which they do not inform you of even dodging talking about it when you ask!!

- Called in because I couldn't make the appointment and they said I got a 72 hour extension yesterday and they had the call log which is completely false. "Use the 6 hour code. It's free. No additional charge." Then they informed me since I lived in Colorado I could get 3 of the 6 hour codes so I could use one to get home from work and one in the morning to get to the shop. I asked multiple times to be sure. I called and the code did not change nor work. I called customer service and said that I was told I could use 3 and she replied "they did not say that!" In a yell. I said the call was recorded and to check it but she cut me off saying "no no no. I'm not going to argue with you. You can buy a 24 hour code or a 72 hour code." She was so rude. I asked for a supervisor and waited waited waited and left a message. No call.

Called back because I have to get to work and just caved to buy the code. They said I couldn't buy the code until the manager called me back in an hour. It's now been 2 hours and I haven't got to work. Terrible terrible terrible customer service. They just extort you and blatantly lie to you. Unbelievably shady business. Do not do not do not get smart start.

Today I was transferred to the collections dept from customer service without even listening to why I was calling. When I got to collections the woman on the phone interrupted me as I was explaining myself, FIRST OFF, you do not interrupt the customer. Ever. I continued to explain my situation and she began to yell at me stating that I was talking over her and then she hung up on me. I can't even believe it. I hope this woman gets corrective action for this. I understand you probably hate your job but that's on you. Get busy and apply yourself for a better position where you might find happiness. If you're too useless to do that then deal with the fact that the customer has priority in calls and conversations.

The service and runaround I've been given today has now forced me to find another company to finish out my year with. I don't care that I'm gonna pay a disconnect fee and new installation fee. I will not be disrespected like I have been today again. If you're looking for an Interlock Company take my advice and DO NOT make the mistake of selecting Smart Start. They are only concerned about your money and will not follow through with good customer service after you sign on.

Original Review: June 10, 2021

This company offers low price because you are paying for nothing. They do not answer phone as mentioned by so many others on review list. Call the numbers for yourself another reviewer listed them. Go elsewhere! Terrible!!!

I would not recommend this company to anyone trying to get their life back in order after a DUI. Being convicted and having to install an interlock device is bad enough. It’s shameful and embarrassing. But that’s the price you pay. You then put your trust in an interlock company that should be helping you get through it all, only to find out the cost keeps going up. There’s an extra $90.00 here and an extra $30.00 there. It adds up. The customer service gets worse, if any at all. In my opinion, this is a company that preys on this misfortune and steals from their customers. All they care about is your money. Please don’t be fooled and taken advantage of. Smart Start and their equipment just isn’t a smart choice. Like others had mentioned I’m sure a lot of the positive reviews are phony. It’s not hard to tell which ones they are. Read them.

I would also like to add that I am currently getting this device removed from my vehicle. Between the 1-800#, local franchises, and shops it seems like there is a serious lack of communication. You need to call the 1-800#, then told to “call the shop” and then to “call the local smart start office” only for them to tell you to call the 1-800# again.

Upon removal of the interlock there are spliced wires exposed now, under the hood, which I now have to fix. Their wiretaps were left in place under the dash and a ground wire that was simply just cut off and left dangling under the steering column. Not something you want to see on a 2021 GMC Sierra. Slash and dash gas station mechanics is what you will get on your installs and removals. Very unprofessional.

I am not editing this review, as I stand behind it, but I did talk with a gentleman named Kevin who reached out to me about my experience. We actually laughed a little. I did appreciate the fact that he called me about my concerns and actually reached out to the Massachusetts franchise about my issues. They are now issuing me a refund check for $150. It seems I was overcharged for the removal… go figure. Also they offered me a $50 gift card if I could bring the vehicle back to a different shop 2 hours from where I live to get the wiring issues addressed. It’s likely not worth it for me to do that but I did appreciate the offer. I will just fix it myself. Thanks to Kevin, they are at least offering some sort of resolve. Wish there were more people like him to talk to at smart start. Seems like the rest of the company is run by cats.

I would give Kevin 5 stars for his customer service, but this review is about the company as a whole and the terrible experience I had with them. I would wish my experience I had with Smart Start upon no one.

This is the email I finally received today: “Your lockout from Oct 22nd will not be refunded as the device was not malfunctioning. Introducing a substance like hand sanitizer that is almost pure alcohol into a unit that is designed to detect alcohol is not a device malfunction. This is a direct user error and the only individual that can keep this from happening is you. When a lockout occurs from an error such as this the fees will be due.”

I have not used hand sanitizer in my vehicle since March 15! I have clearly stated this. My mechanic told me the equipment was faulty, AND SWITCHED IT OUT! We are being lied to and treated poorly. This company is violating our god given right to protect ourselves and others during a pandemic. DO NOT! I repeat, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!

I was recently stuck in "temp viol". My installer had no idea what this code meant, nor did Smart Start. One of Smart's technicians spent an hour trying to void it and got nowhere. Finally, he told me to disconnect the negative battery cable for no more than 1 minute. It worked! I've done that 2 more times since and had no problems with the device. It seems to work like pulling the plug on your computer when it freezes. It's like a reboot. I have two more months to deal with this POS. I'll say one thing in its favor, I'll never drink and drive again knowing what I have to deal with.

I have gotten violations just sitting in my vehicle charging my phone. Now they are requesting a breath to use the battery source??? Apparently, you cannot sit in your vehicle and turn your accessory power onto the vehicle without providing a test... It took until today for someone in customer service to tell me If you leave your key forward for 10 min without blowing it will automatically give a violation. News to my ears... They are so back and forth it makes me sick. Everything about this company makes me sick... to the managers, customer service and the people installing them are all liars.

If you turn your vehicle off/ vehicle not running and then turn your key forward to do up a window or put your seat back the device won’t recognize you shut your vehicle off.... nothing but a Scam! I got videos of the device doing some crazy stuff but no one even cares to look at it. They tell you to take a screenshot. Unreal. Try any way possible not to deal with company. I have 9 months left out of a year and I’ve already paid them 2000 dollars Total and booked in 5 days with another violation. Tell me I’m not the only one.

I immediately called Smart Start and after 40 min finally talked to someone who said, "You won't be charged if you go to the web page and file a dispute." WRONG. They never got back to me so after 6 weeks I called again. After another 45 min wait and talking to a rude young woman who talked in circles, she told me that her supervisor said it stands and they are keeping my money. This is what she told me after first telling me to file a complaint again which now I can see would have been a waste of time.

I have read complaint after complaint about this company but I thought naaa not me. I just hope someone who is considering using this service to go somewhere else, anywhere else, because apparently they are making enough money off charging people for false alerts and blaming their lack of professionalism on other people. They don't have to care about customer service. More to follow...

#1 Left home .000 drove for less than 10 minutes and arrived at my client's address. Within the first five minutes of driving you have your first random test which means the camera is still on so they can see your movements, again .000. Started to unpack my tools And then got asked by client if I could move my car So they could do a school run but was unable to start my vehicle due to a high reading and got locked out for half an hour. After the lockout period a .000 reading was recorded. Unfortunately those kids got to school late that day.

#2 Due to Covid 19 the use of hand sanitiser Or any type of hand wipes Sets it off. Depending on what you have for lunch Vietnamese salad roll with chilli and soy sauce any sort of Chinese or Thai cuisine, most fruits Will cause a breach with you being locked out.

#3 The one that upsets me the most. Batemans Bay and surrounding areas recently experienced devastating bushfires which meant most of us had to evacuate. After queueing up for over a kilometre to get fuel And arriving in your only opened service station in town which was very chaotic and very crowded at the time and all 24 pumps going at one time the atmosphere was full of fumes which put my car again in lockdown mode. Having to get help to push my vehicle off the premises which was very distressing and upsetting at the time. Due to the bushfires and the holiday period my local service centre was closed, which meant my only means of transport severely Restricted.

In all three circumstances there has never been any alcohol consumed

Refunds that are due to their customers that are never provided because employees won't answer their phones but instead place you on hold for indefinite amounts of time-- all sales strategies to avoid providing refunds due to their customers. In my case I pre-paid 2 months for an inter-lock device and then when I was eligible to remove it, and owed over $120, I can never get the collections and credit department to either return my call or answer their phones! Think trying to call a supervisor would work? Tried calling Hugo to complain about poor customer service from Ashton and Decora and can't even get a call back from him.

I'm still on hold while writing this review, going on 20 minutes! When you call to get your device installed, the sales department will be nice as pie! But when you need to call them back for other issues, which most certainly will arise, it will be nearly impossible to get any help! Instead you'll get to listen to their background music, of very poor taste, along with details about how to schedule a payment plan on their online portal, which will certainly fail to address the other 99 reasons you might be calling and especially if it includes any money they owe you in the form of a credit!!!! Stay away from them and find a better provider! They are amateurs and can't adequately support the clients they are lucky to have. You've been warned.

Original Review: June 27, 2020

I had this device put on my car 4 days ago. Still haven't been able to drive it because says, 'breathe longer' or 'hum harder'. Then it says 'test' and want me to go through process again. I've blown so much I literally passed out in my own driveway! Easy and simple I call **!

They will frustrate, demoralize and degrade you (I have a response letter from my appeal to prove it) and they will not help you in any way. To Smart Start you are a dumb nobody alcoholic who is being forced by the courts to pay for a service such as theirs and there is no way around it so they completely get away with their attitudes, tones, and disregard of your life because they can, and the courts and PO’s are backing them up. Sure you can switch service providers but the amount of paperwork involved from them, the courts and the dmv not to mention the amount of money it will cost to switch is very costly and will probably drive you crazy.

Choosing their services was the biggest mistake I have ever made as I was fooled by their initial concern and compassion for my needs at the moment. Don’t let them entice you with their lies! I feel they should all be very ashamed of themselves for dwelling on individuals who’ve made a mistake in life then hide behind the courts and laws to force people to pay and treat people like dirt. Karma will no doubt have its day with each of them for the treatment of people in this uncalled and misdirected way. Customers have no way to challenge or complain about their treatment of us and this is unacceptable. Someone needs to hold them accountable for their actions. Thank God I have only 6 weeks left with these morons.

Says on the Smart Start Web Site they will do what ever it takes to help costumers through this time.... they are not going to help, I’ve had the interlock since January this year and my experience has been horrible with their customer service, long hold times, hard to understand customer service reps who make you feel that they don’t want to talk to you. There has to be another company to do this, it’s hard to understand why they are the only ones. I guess the best way to not have to deal with them is don’t drink and drive.... Horrible cash grab by this company with the government’s support!!

There is no supervisor at the call center, they forward you to a voicemail and never call back, rude over the phone and they most of all take advantage of you financially because you already have legal issues. I dont care how nice the techs are. The Corporate office will rip you off. Take a look at the consumer reports on this company, they are incompetent and thieves, they do not send reports to DOL on time in order to make you pay an extra month. It's only a matter of time before someone sued this company for the things they do and the money they steal from people.

Few days go by and I’m out for my birthday with friends and I get a call over the loud speaker That my horn is going off.. ...ANOTHER rolling violation only This time.. the device was in my purse inside the establishment I was in.... so.. back again to get It reset and ANOTHER $67 and missed another day of work. Plus it was my birthday. Tonight.. 1:45am.. sleeping and the horn is going off outside.. device inside my purse...I’m so sick of this...

I suspected and worried something like this might happen as the unit has been been so unpredictable, recall 2 constantly, which smart start say is just camera issue and if intermittent to not worry, horns/alarms blowing randomly for no known reason, constantly have to unplug handset to reset as it gives me no blow option. Quite a few times I've had to leave it overnight at work or at shopping centers because I couldn't start it. Then next day return and it starts. Anyone had success with disputing these violations? Who to contact, Vic Roads weren't any help.

5 days after having it I went to pick my daughter up from school and my brand new battery was dead. After charging it for 4 hours I tried to start it. The first test said "retry" so I waited 2 minutes and passed. This morning when I tried to start it it gave me an error message and said I had violations. I called the place that installed it and was told to bring it in. The guy told me that on the day it was dead when I tried to blow in it the first time at 7:12pm it had a reading so high that I would've been "belligerent drunk." Keep in mind I hadn't had anything to drink not to mention it only said "retry" and when I took it 2 minutes later at 7:14pm I passed.

I told the guy "so you're telling me my levels were that drunk but I magically sobered up 2 minutes later???" The guy tells me "maybe it was your mouthwash." That makes no sense whatsoever. He told me there was nothing he could do and I had to file a claim with the company. I had to pay him $50 to reset the stupid thing. This thing has been nothing but a nightmare from day 1. It's nothing but a money-making racket for this company. I've had this thing for a week and my nerves are shot every time I even think about getting in my vehicle. Someone needs to do something and make this company accountable.

I deliver pizzas for work and am in my car more than I am not. I have been in the middle of a delivery shift and the unit will say 'warn' after driving for hours. The countdown of the 6 minutes will start and freeze on 5:58 almost every single time it goes off. I was curious if it would keep beeping and let it go for 10 minutes and it will just keep beeping. The unit has left me stranded with my daughter in the car after dinner because it says 'abort pump', it has displayed all numbers and letters while driving. I have not drank since I had gotten into trouble and I was trying to make it to work the other morning and the unit kept displaying 'violation' I kept trying because obviously I hadnt drank and it was 9 AM and it locked me out.

I called Smart Start and she said we had to wait until it let me try again and we tried to air out the car of my perfume, clean inside the piece where the mouth piece goes and swish my mouth with water and it kept saying violation. It said at the bottom violation lockout 72 hour but the lady never told me I had to get it into the shop before the countdown was up. I went to go to the grocery store and it said 'violation lockout' so now I have to take it up in the morning to get it fixed and hopefully get another unit.

I am not looking forward to dealing with the overly rude lady that works at the Smart Start shop and Im sure they are going to try to charge me an insane amount when this is not user error but horrible issues with their units. I wish I had done my research on the smart start devices before I had it installed. I would not recommend this company to anyone. I also think they are a total driving hazard. Not only does the darn thing give me extreme anxiety it's an extreme distraction while driving.

Two months later (I have to have it calibrated every two months) I bring it back to the tech, and he says, "call while I'm calibrating and find out what's up." They tell me, "you should have emailed it. We won't honor it now. It's been 6 months". Thing is I sent it in twice and brought it in twice and they claim they never got it. I have pictures and tracking verification they did.

Not to mention the whole time, since day 1. The device fails. Abort tamper. Then shuts off. Then flashes power completely and won't let me blow. Reinitializes, starts up again and suddenly I have a minute left to blow. Rolling retests during driving, it says "blow/abort tamper" repeats without even allowing a breath sample. I bring it in and show the tech, he says "yeah that's a bad device. Here's a new one." Smart Start says "too bad, pay us". 50$ a time. Video proof of all this. Rolling restart failure, abort tamper then flash and repeat, and rolling retest power flashes and device restart/initializations. All of it recorded multiple times.

Call corp office and smartstart says "nope still gotta pay". After 300$ in 6 months of extra fees for "violations" (always supposed rolling retest violations) the manager says "maybe it's a bad cord, pay us 25$ for the cord and then 50$ for the violation reset, and then 178 for the fees and we will change it. The cord is a 'wear and tear' item so you're responsible for it." WHAT?! You installed a faulty item and I have to pay you to fix it on top of the 300$ in fees it's cost me for having "violations" in rolling retests?!! Guess what.... Not even the cord. Faulty equipment and I get to pay for it. AVOID THEM.

Excuse my language, but this company has you by the balls and they know it and take advantage of the situation by the machine giving these false readings. In my personnel opinion, they set/program these machine's to give these Lockout situation's to get all they can get from you money wise???? Plus, causing you problems with your probation requirements. It Seems awfully strange to me that the violations leading to the Lockouts occur in the Evening time window, 5:00p.m / 8:00p.m. And as I stated to Corporate and the service tech, that time frame is during my dinner/ supper time of the day. And over and over telling them that I have had no alcohol at all the whole time I've had this machine. I was even told by Corporate that they would place my Complaints in my file, and that the tech where I get the machine serviced would check out the unit and replace it if necessary.

You tell the tech what Corporate said and he just replies, "Well something is causing the collections," downloads the machine, takes your payment, and nothing is done as far as checking out the unit???? The machine hasn't been cleaned since I've had it, which leads me to believe it was more than likely not cleaned since the individual before me used it. As I stated previously, your Complaints fall on deaf ears, they are only in it for the money and know there's nothing you can do about it???? I did not even give this company 1 star on the rating scale, they don't even come close to 1 star!!!! Well I guess I have to give at least a 1 star on the rating scale, or my review will not go thru????

After being on hold for 20 minutes (no exaggeration) they answer the phone. They then explain to me information I have already been told about how to avoid violations. I tell them the machine is faulty. Something is wrong. They don’t believe. They tell me that I miss a blow and that’s not what happened so then they redirect to what they call “admin department.” I talk to the admin. They tell me they have no evidence of my incident report. I then getting frustrated ask to speak to management. The employee going by “Z” tells me they don’t communicate with management or even have a number to speak with a supervisor. “So the employees don’t even have to talk to management?” I say. “There is no way for us to contact them at all.” They tell me. “So what can I do to resolve this?” I ask.

They said, “There’s nothing I can or anyone else can do for you sir, I can redirect you to the service department for training on the device,” and so on in this one order I was redirect or sent to three different departments l, after multiple trips to their actually Smart locations. This device is made to malfunction and the customer service is a joke and it’s a loop like someone mentioned earlier.

And so I am going to be contacting an attorney and fight to see if I can get my reimbursement and something to make it so this problem goes away and if there are other people out there who would like to be informed or part of this potential lawsuit please send me an email and description of your experience and I’ll see what we can do about a potential class action law suit.

Wouldn't recommend Smart Start. You better off taking the suspension because you're gonna go through hell with these people . Constant problems with machine to being stranded on the side of the road because of faulty equipment/ improper installing. How this is legal blows my mind. Seriously. A class action lawsuit will happen to this company 1 day and I see a lot of people getting what they deserve. The hell you go through just to have this thing is unbelievable. Words can't describe this **....

While I was on the phone with the tech he mentioned that he thought they had connected the device to the remote start wire instead of the installation wire. While the device was working incorrectly I had received several violation as it would ask for rolling retests while the car was turned off and no one was in it. I had made mention of the recorded violations and asked if Smart Start would relay the information that they mistake with the installation when sending the info over, including the violations to the state. They said that the state had access to the file and could see the notes. Well lo and behold, they did not inform the state of their mistake and the state revoked my driver's license.

The only course of action I had was to hire an attorney and repeal the revocation and provide proof of their mistake. So, I called Smart Start and asked them to provide me with the service records so I can forward them to the state as proof of Smart Start's mistake. They refused to do this even though they read the record to me on the phone and it was the exact information I needed. Aside from that getting a hold of a competent employee is like rolling the dice, you will lose almost all of the time. The only access they give you a manager is a voicemail of which I have made several calls to and the call was never returned.

The only course of action I can see that might retrieve a result is to sue them for gross incompetence and plead my case to the judge and hope they see the same disgusting injustices that I have experienced from this company. This is the worst service I have received from any company, not limited to these circumstances. Why is it you are always treated the worst by companies when you have no other choice... I thought Monopolies were illegal, I guess not if they work with the state. If you have another option I can only assume they will be much much better than Smart Start. Save yourself the trouble and choose their competition, there is no way they can be worse than Smart Start.

Yesterday I took the car to the shop to get my monthly calibration and mechanic couldn't finish because there was a hold on my account. Yet when I called no one could tell me what the hold was for. This was the 3rd month in a row that there was a mysterious hold on my account. So here I go back to the shop this morning. My time and money are valuable and this company has wasted much of it. The legal system dished me out my consequences for my DUI. It is not Smart Start's job to do so. There are many other companies that you can use for an IID. DO NOT USE THIS ONE. I don't even know how it is legal to operate this thieving business. The reviews speak for themselves.

Seems like taking it to one of their “recommended” dealers is another joke, since nobody seems to know how this machine works. This company is a laughing stock and loves collecting money from you. Good luck trying to speak to a manager or supervisor about your issues, they are always never around. Check out all these reviews about Smart Start Inc and you’ll get the idea of what your future might hold with their device installed in your vehicle. Can’t wait to have it out of the car and never have to deal with ** Start Inc again!!!!

One person from their collection department told me to fill out an incident report online which I did. It said wait 7 days for a response. After 2 weeks still no response. But I got a response every week from collection department now looking for monthly fee plus lockout fee. I informed them I was waiting for a response to my incident report. The next day customer service responded "There is no incident report from me." So I sent in 8 more incident reports. 4 days later, I got a response, "You were not charged a lockout fee." I don't know if they're customer service people can't read or can't comprehend simple English. Dealing with them and trying to get them to comprehend the situation is impossible.

This started three months of constant every four days paying $75 to get the violation lock taken off, resulting in a $400 total extra bill before they finally gave me an ancient Ken said that doesn’t require as much long capacity to pass. No problems since (except For one, after I swallowed a handful of vitamins after lunch and drink half a pop and immediately blew another violation). (I rinsed my mouth and blew right after and it was fine. The violation remained though.) I was shuffled from one person and one department to another everyone saying just fill out the incident report until finally corporate office referred me back to the poor tech-support guy who was the only one that finally helped me with a unit that would work for me. His hands are tied, everyone’s hands are tied...

No matter what they state on their website regarding these occurrences no one is giving you any refunds back. This type of false claims and basically stealing from the already struggling to get back on their feet financially strapped person doing everything right should be brought to justice. Everyone says there’s nothing they can do and I won’t stop until something is done about this. Within a short amount of time this company could be completely out of business if we speak up in the right places, I am giving them a few more chances to make it right, as should the other people who have experienced the same, then take it to another level. If I had known this before signing with Smart Start I never would have other people need to know.

This is not a company to be trusted, you can do absolutely everything right and end up owing them so much as the violations continue for no reason, while they promise you to get back with the refund within 2 to 7 days. I wish the first time this had happened I had switched companies but now I am in too far. I will get my money back, I have a debt to pay for my actions leading up to this, compliance with everything, yet this company “robs from the poor”. It is the worst kind of thievery. Just to be clear when my three months of violations were occurring every four days; I would pay the money to get a violation cleared, and the first blow on the drive back home it would violate me again every single time. Nothing had changed, my headset if that was the problem, should have been changed out after a couple of these Incidences as I asked, not after three months and $400 worth later.

Their webpage doesn’t work either! How can laws the written to require someone to have a device like this when they don’t even work. I absolutely hate the feature of having to blow while driving. You either risk the traffic to pull to the curb to try to get the test off or blow while you’re driving and possibly swerve out of lane. People have enough problems trying to get to work after having a DUI. This is a great way to create more homeless people. I gave up alcohol three years ago and started boxing. I have one of these now because THE COP SAID HE Would CHARGE ME WITH a OVI EVEN IF I PASSED THE BREATHALYZER TEST.

I was hit on a bike and needed hip surgery at the time of the stop for a non working license plate light. The cop asked “Do you take anything for pain?” I said only before bed. It’s expensive testing to prove how much of an opiate is in your system. So if they wanted to jam me up I figured the year suspension beats an OVI neither impaired me that night. Lorain County Ohio has no public transportation. I HAVE TO DRIVE to get to work. It’s 30 miles and 5 to 32 degrees c. I can’t imagine this thing is going to get better with wasting time money and gas just 4 days into it. And the biggest insult is like paying for this thing.

They are a company that has the opportunity to entice people that have court-ordered obligations and then they feel ok with charging high fees and trust me their online incident forms review is a joke. You will be denied and not nicely. I even received an initial response letter to an unfortunate accidental incident where I dripped only a drop of hand sanitizer into the mouthpiece unknowingly and as a result, blew a violation that cost me $100 within 72 hours and the letter was not signed by the cowardly employee but in it they went on to call me stupid and blame me for my mistake, as if it couldn’t happen to them. They also advised me to not call or appeal their decision as all reps and management are aware of my incident and I will only be disconnected and ignored going forward. The letter was so directly disrespectful and blatantly rude that it felt personal.

These clowns sit in an office and consider everyone guilty and a drunk and treat you the same. They feel they are untouchable and it gives them a god complex to treat us this way. So, should you still choose SS don’t say I didn’t warn you of their horrible attitudes when you make that first call. Also, they have a $100 removal fee when your obligation is up and they will time it so you end up paying for another month of their services even though your obligation is done and the iid is removed.

Be aware as they are horrible and money-hungry feeding off of court-ordered iid drivers. How the CEO can read all of the same reviews on the internet about their horrible customer service that I have read and then continue to allow their despicable behavior is beyond me. They all should be ashamed of themselves at the end of each day for treating other human beings in a manner that only knocks them down more in life. I would choose no stars but that’s not an option unfortunately. The only comforting thing to me is that I truly believe in karma so what comes around goes around and they will one day get a taste of their own attitudes.

Original Review: I was required to have the IID device for a one year period. Searching several suppliers I chose Smart Start because they were pleasant to speak with and seemed the best choice per my budget. I had the IID in my vehicle for 6 months, made every calibration and payment when required, and then I was laid off. The 3 months following my layoff I had trouble making the monthly 83.00 calibration payment. I called Smart Start multiple times requesting payment arrangements or some sort of assistance and this is when they began to speak to me with a dismissive arrogance! They could care less if you can afford their monthly charge or not and won't have any mercy on you regardless of your situation.

I had two instances where when I went in to get the calibration and I was advised I missed a rolling test and that was not true. I was like a hawk watching this device because each incident is an additional $75.00 charge. So, your device has one or two "Unknown" instances per requirement period and they simply deny the appeals, that's up to an additional $150.00 per client they are making without argument per year! You can appeal it a hundred times but who's going to listen to us? In their eyes we are all alcoholics getting what we deserve but in my case it's still pending in court? Fairness is not at all in play here!!! Also, another scam, and I believe they are all scams, is the following:

I have a thought why this is so, or at least this is my theory... Smart Start is greedy and getting very wealthy from those good Americans that have made a mistake and have a court order to place the IID in their vehicle. If Smart Start simply denies their client's, those that chose them over all the others, any help at all, they get rich!

I will use a hypothetical number: If they have 5000 clients and half of those clients (2500) simply can't pay one month out of the required 12 months (one year) installation charge, this simple denial of help will make them on average an additional $207,500 per year! Figuring the average monthly calibration at $83.00 multiplied by 2500 = $207,500. Job security? Fraud? Each missed calibration, at least in my state after the 5th day, gets you another month added to your IID requirement. I now have two months added to mine. Imagine if 2500 clients each had two added months, they would double the above number.

My point in closing, they will all be very courteous and kind when you are choosing the supplier to use but whatever you do, if you have Smart Start at least, don't miss a payment and call in expecting help from them. The above is just a guess on my part but there is no reason they cannot work with those who are in hard times to therefore help keep them remain compliant with the states court orders. They say they are there for their customers, to help you through this requirement but they are full of it, bottom line is they care only about their bottom line at the end of the day. My point: Be cautious, don't miss a payment, know if your state allows a grace period after the appointment date and be prepared not to get help from these companies as I'm sure they are all pretty much the same!

Original: I had to have the device in the car for a year longer when it was installed. The installation was great but whenever it came to remove the device, I had already overpaid the account by $120.00 as there were 2 Violock fees that were paid and should have been returned. Then I was told by corporate that they did not have the requests for repayment since November and when taking out the device I had to pay the $60.00 removal fee and the $70.00 fee as the one credit that was given for the last Violock could not be credited. I've been waiting since December 8th for my credit back for the overpayment since December 20th and have had no response. The email was sent to Fernando ** who claims to be able to credit my account.

I also want to express genuine appreciation to the garage where the unit was installed and is calibrated. They are a caring mom and pop garage who NEVER treat their interlock (breathalyzer) clients any different than their other customers. They listened if I had a problem, and if they were able to provide a solution, always offered it.

On that note, the initial customer service with Smart Start was excellent, again, never treating me like a criminal or as if I had done anything wrong. That was basically where the courtesy ended. I had one time (as mentioned above) that I received a violation because my battery had died and I was allowing the car to run for a bit to charge it after the jump start. I went inside to go to the bathroom, and missed the prompt. Fine. Went next day to get recalibrated, and the garage owner told me to file an incident report and request a refund, since I didn't violate because of drinking.

I filled it out, emailed it, and although the email confirmation says response in 5-7 days, I had to call after 2 weeks, where I was met with ignorance, and the representative informed me my request had not need reviewed, and to email it again. I did so and received a response of no refund. Ok, so I accept that because I made the mistake of leaving the unit w the car on. HOWEVER, in the recent few weeks the unit has been acting up, (taking an extensive amount of time to analyze, asking for immediate retreats etc). Tonight I had gone to work, driven on break, drove home from work (all with more than one prompt for testing, and passing). I stopped home, picked up laundry, and again started car with no problem (note: not eating, drinking, touching or applying anything).

About 5 min later when I pulled into parking lot of laundromat, requested test again. No problem. Used to it after 7 mos. VIOLATION. For no reason. Requested a retest after 1.5 min, which I thought might clear the violation. Nope, I PASSED and still was left violated with a 4 day time limit to have it calibrated. I started my laundry, started car, again with no issue. Also was prompted to blow again before I got home, also no problem. Called customer service, explained what happened, even offering to go to my local police to be tested and documented that I was sober. Was transferred through 5 or 6 people, telling each the story, each telling me they were unable to help me, but "maybe this department/person could"...

Basically all of the representatives/operators telling me it's "not their problem". Finally after customer service, troubleshooting/service dept, credit/collections, and back to customer service, I was told I would not have a choice but to pay to have it calibrated (even though I made it clear that was financially impossible), and to file an incident report, requesting a solution, or if I paid for calibration, a refund. This company has ABSOLUTELY no fail-safe as to how a client could make a case and prove that it was device error, not a mistake or violation on their part. While we ARE advised in the beginning that certain foods or drinks could show up as a false positive, this has NEVER happened, and I eat and drink MANY different things.

I have, in fact violated due to residual alcohol in my system the day AFTER drinking. Again, I take responsibility for my genuine violations. However, receiving a positive reading when I had done nothing to trigger it, and all the while ALL the other tests this evening I PASSED (except for one at the end of the night, where it requested an immediate retest, which I also passed. I feel like this system/company has no availability for an innocent person, who is TRYING to do the right thing and is paying a RIDICULOUS amount for Smart Start's SERVICE to be able to legitimately plead their case in the event the device malfunctions or tests incorrectly.

Basically the client is stonewalled and told they have no choice but to pay for the extra calibrations (even if they are unable), or they receive more violations, vehicle lockout, or worse, additional punishment from the DOT if they violate too many times before removal. I feel as if we are being scammed, stolen from, and being taken advantage of. And we have absolutely no representation to defend us. I intend to continue to call the company and speak to every representative, every supervisor, every technical support person until the very last minute before I receive a lockout. I admit and take the punishment when I do wrong, but if I am innocent, I will fight tooth and nail to prove myself right.

You've already adapted for a long period of time without a car...keep acting like you don't have a car for another year. This program will teach you no lessons, it will just be a continuous nightmare in which they profit. Drive the minimum mileage, bring it in on time...get it out and move on. The more you drive, the more problems you'll have...the more it will cost and longer you will have it.

So I got the device removed and brought the new vehicle with device in hand to the service station and was told after they finished that it is now $200, $150 for vehicle transfer/install and $50 for the violation for the unit losing power. 2 things to keep in mind, 1 the installer did not have to transfer just install (supposed to be free), and I was told the $50 was for the violation lock for loss of power. Not for the download I was explained. After the service station finished they even tried to resolve it and understood exactly where I was coming from since there is no vendors to remove the device and it supposed to be free install and this was clearly not a transfer since it was nothing for him to remove and reconnect. Anyways I then spoke to a lady named Taylor ** who then basically called me a p.o.s. liar and told me that I was told this price.

Well lo and behold I had my phone on speaker with 2 others listening in when all I was told was the $50 download and free install. I told Taylor to pull up the phone call (I also work for an agency comparable to them, I know their calls are recorded). She says she will look into it and get back to me tomorrow, I told her I would also like an apology after she listens to the phone call and verifies that the info I reiterated is true and I'm not a liar! I gave this company the benefit of the doubt last time and worked to resolve the problem. Now is going to be a little more complicated. This reiterates my original review... This is my fault and I'm a liar?!?! Previous Review: First thing is if anything goes wrong it is 100% your fault! They take no responsibility for faulty equipment or if the installer damages anything. If you ever need customer service and call them they give you the run-around and blame you. They never respond to emails.

Original review: First thing is if anything goes wrong it is 100% your fault! They take no responsibility for faulty equipment or if the installer damages anything. If you ever need customer service and call them they give you the run-around and blame you. They never respond to emails. My state (WI) allows me 1/2 priced interlock pricing and the company won't honor the court order.

What on earth people hire that person as a customer service representative. She kept repeating me 'Do you think I know?' more than 3 times. She wanted to argue with me or piss me off on purpose. I asked her that "what do you mean, it's customer service, are you trying to argue with me?" She said, "No, because I don't know." Even though you don't know what the company handles for this hurricane issue, you shouldn't have said, "Do you think I know?" with that looking me down voice tone like you are starving to fight with somebody who seems easy to attack. She was so rude, not helpful at all. I don't have any issue with the product but customer service. Jesus Christ!

However this is not the reason for this review. There's been one bright spot in this whole experience for me and the technician at the 25 Road location Grand Junction Colorado. His demeanor is stellar. He's always patient and I'm sure it's a very difficult position to work in. I always feel better leaving than when I arrived. He should be commended and also get a raise. I've seen aggravated client and I witnessed firsthand his patience and professionalism. I really appreciate it in a world gone crazy with rudeness. He always explains everything calmly and does the best you can to go to the extra mile for me. He's a really good guy.

There are more foods and drinks that would do the same thing as cigarettes and energy drinks such as cheese and bacon rolls and tomato sauce, so I guess I am not the only one? And when is the company going to do something about this? Hopefully a full class action goes ahead and with all the money that they make they could correct the issue and for once give an honest and true reading of .000.

Remember almost everything is your fault when it comes to damage, violations, lockouts, car accidents! I've heard of devices failing from being left in hot, cold temps or water damage. Don't use mouthwash with alcohol before you even think about blowing or you're dumb. Don't drink at night and then blow in your device the next morning, ever. Don't think "oh it's been long enough". I seriously am a Smart Start master and this was cake for me after awhile. The worst part was avoiding having people in my car. I have a decent car I worked hard for.

I couldn't have friends, co workers, girls, or anyone in my car without being embarrassed and sometimes judged. I have more excuses why I can't give you a ride or use my car to go out than anything. It's over. I will never drink and drive ever again! It's called UBER. I'd rather pay $5k-$10k for an UBER than get another DWI. It ruined my life and finances and mental stability for a while. All the court dates, lawyers, fines/fees, classes, stress lectures, IID, dealing with RMV and the billion other crappy things DWI/DUI brings. I'm done. Bye Smart Start. I will never see you again. I can promise that.

I ask the guy (different person) if I can just give him my real ATM number (not the prepaid), and he says yes. So I make the payment and it goes right through on my actual bank account. Next day, I just happen to check the balance on the prepaid card since they told me it was declined and wouldn't you know, it's missing $75. I call Smart Start and tell them and immediately I'm treated like a convict (which I'm not aside from DUI). They tell me that I need to provide them with a bank statement. I tell them I don't have a statement because it's a brand new prepaid card. They say oh well they can't do anything about it. I hope they all burn.

With any interlock, it is important to have a good battery, good alternator and good battery connections. This device is accurate and alcohol specific. I work with solvents that contain alcohol and having it on my hands and clothes never caused a positive, food and non-alcoholic drink never caused a positive (though they tell you to drink water before use). I only blew positive once and that's because I drank heavily the night before and still had the equivalent of 1.5 drinks in my system. I had one issue where my battery voltage was low and the unit registered a circumvention, I was able to call customer service and get it easily resolved. I was always treated respectfully by every member of their staff. I had this in my car for 9 months.

So if you need work done on your vehicle you get to pay a mechanic to sit on hold all day? Seems funny the breathalyzer the cops had worked fine but this cheap junk doesn't. ** them. I'm pulling it out brew my own beer or shine. Had enough of your scams stupid Canadian government. Managed to quit drinking for a year now this ** I can't afford to drink or drive and ** you intact insurance. Worst program ever for MADD Canada. How about go after car thieves that kill people! Maybe leave people working for a living alone. Now I'm sober and mad as all get out.

So the next day my daughter stop by and took my kids to my ex. She took them to the hospital end it up cutting my kid's finger to let everything out. So it left me thinking what if I live in a house with a garage or stuck in a gas station that catches fire or come across a arm robbery and that the only vehicle your family depends on so by the time you start the damn car you're dead. I'm sorry to say this but alcoholics that dont want to see the light are going to find a way to continue drinking and driving vehicles that are not theirs. Now I'm stuck at home or catching the bus or rides to put applications or interviews and people get fed up cause of me taking their time. Like I said faulty machines as well depends on it you being free. Cause supposedly didnt blow cause damn machine never beep when it was suppose to.

So last month between servicing appointments, I stopped at the shop at told them my analysis time was getting really long and I would like to have the head unit replaced. I told them that I don't want anything getting in the way of my scheduled removal in January since the machine analysis time eventually gets so long, it just kicks it to a violation. He said they didn't have any more head units available at the time and all he could do was re-calibrate it. Same head unit was left in. Smart Start has an agreement with the WA DOL that they enforce. No violations for a minimum of 4 months in order to get it removed. Since I've been staying on top of the way my machine behaves (also not drinking, eating, no cologne, etc...) I "KNEW" I was good for a Jan 24, 2018 removal and haven't had any cost-incurring malfunctions in over 10 months.

Today is Jan 10, 2018. I was driving home and kicks me violation... twice. Then froze. Twice. Then started acting normal again. BUT... that violation was there now. And regardless... I will STILL have to pay to clear the code tomorrow. After it gave me the initial violation, I started recording video with my phone which clearly shows the abnormal behavior of the machine. I will be going there tomorrow to see what they tell me, considering I requested a new head unit FOR this very reason, AND have video of the entire fiasco. If they say I have to keep this in for another 4 months minimum... I just... can't even, right now.

About 5 minutes later, on my way to the service station, the same thing! They insist I must have used mouth wash, which I did not. I was forced to pay a $75, which I did not have! After an hour on the phone, mostly waiting, I was told to find a credit card and the situation would be reviewed in the next 3 days! Absolutely unfair! It only took a few hours for an email to say that I have been reimbursed as a COURTESY to my Smart Start account. This was followed by a list of instruction if DMV sends me a violation notice! This is a complete scam that leaves people with no choice but to make magic money appear for them to put in their pockets! I have read numerous reviews stating the same problems. This company needs to be investigated!

I am trying to go thru the proper channels. We all need to stop the madness. Allowing senseless impaired drivers kill people. "Put a interlock" system in "Every" car, truck and motorcycle. We will try the new device for a month. If there are any issues it's coming out to have LifeSafer install one of their devices. Court papers does not say, I must use Smart Start. I rode Metro for 1 1/2 years. I can easily go back to doing what I had before and Mary can save all her monies for monthly charges, insurance and the headaches. Again, it's Mary's car. She CANNOT operate the device properly or efficiently. She wants the authorization complete by next Friday or in the works. STOP THE MADNESS, INTERLOCK "EVERY" CAR so no one drives impaired...

The company doesn't care about speedy service and getting to the bottom of sensitive issues when they say they will call you back they don't, they don't put pertinent information in your file so that when you speak to a different person it's all there in black and white. The truth of the matter is... they make hand over fist for doing absolutely nothing, the customer service representatives hate you and themselves and it shows. The people at my local 76 station, however, are merely the vendors they have to install and remove the devices and maintain the compliance, as the company is based on the East Coast. So if you have a VIOL or a lockout, they don't care about why, or if there is a question or an issue you have to call and talk to the miserable desk people who literally must just get yelled at and put people on hold all day long.

All the vendor does is ask you for $60, they reset your device and send you on your way... no matter what, how or why your device malfunctioned. It's simply a government mandated money scam that makes an entire enterprise off of people who are going through a rough time and are in trouble with the law, no matter your criminal history, how many times you have offended, or anything having to do with the ethical treatment of humans. Rather, customers paying a lot of money to be treated like garbage for 4+ months while being compliant.

The installer Camper City told me that cares for this there he can't call them. They won't take his call. Is all up to you and a form on the Smart Start website to fill out to get your money back. You fill it out. You hear nothing. They credit your acct. Only I was told at Smart Start no refunds for the next time you need them? Damn what a shock! Who wants that when you made your last payment and having it taken out. As I said I asked Camper City Kevin for help. No good asking. He said they wouldn't talk to him about refunds?

Also you're charged at time to take out another 69.00 to take the damn junk out. I was scared to drive for reason. The device wouldn't work and then need tow to Camper City. Try getting that money back? Anyway good people stay away from Smart Start company and any company that installs Smart Start devices for these rip offs. Why is this world changing so much? So many rip offs and scammers now. With no help for people getting their money taken as a man holding a gun to your back??

Between this time I would blow in it to start it and then again about 5 min after. The third time my interlock would shut off again. I would have to pull over and shut my car off and this kept happening. Well when my 7 day violation was up I couldn't start my car. It said "violation lockout" so I called the customer service number and they told me that within those 7 days I was supposed to go and get it reset. I explained to them I did not know that and that I wasn't drinking so I don’t know why I got the violation. All they said was that I should of read the manual. So I had to pay 60$ to get a code so I could start my car and had 6 hours to bring it in and get it reset, so I had to pay 110$ to drive my car even though it wasn't my fault!

When I went I told the guy working that my device is messing up so bad I can barely drink because I never know if I'm gonna have to pull over on the highway or be at a busy intersection, he told me I'd have to wait until my appointment to get it collaborated. Also my windshield wiper motor went out on my driver’s side where the device is. I've never had problems with my car before! This device is costing me so much money and it is a piece of crap!!! I want out! I'm spending so much money on it for me to not even wanna drive my car!!! I do not recommend this device to anyone. Stay as far away as possible!!!

I get an email from Smart Start with a number to call for help. It was time for to pay my monthly fee. The number on the email they sent me is wrong, it goes to some non company that says your call will be recorded for customer service, and then silence till u hang up. So I call the number I stored in my phone, again I finished that call by telling her to ** off. So from installation to calling their main office in Texas, every step of the way was, and is so bad. Bottom line if you deal with this company be ready for misery frustration and ulcers from a company that knows damn good and well you have no choice, you have to deal with them.

Check this out, I'm filling this review out and right below the review/comment box is another little box that says "order number". I go get my paper work to put in the order number, yeah there is no order number on any of the paper work, I'm looking at it all right now, there is no order number. See every step of the way, lol. ** anyhow. ** THIS PLACE!!!

I have blown one warn because I rinsed my mouth with sweet tea and one because I used my asthma inhaler, but I now use artificial sweeteners in my tea and haven't blown a warn once using it. I have been eating something multiple times when I got the little sounds telling me to blow, and I have never had a warn with food, including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, fries, crackers and anything else I happened to be consuming at the time. I've worn perfume and done multiple other things that I was warned could cause a bad blow. Didn't happen! I have a feeling that the people who say they had a bad blow and weren't drinking, well honestly, I think they are lying.

Oh, SS has claimed you get 5 free missed blows, that's a lie! The times I have missed a blow because of my asthma, I have been charged every single time! I was able to get out of the charge but you don't get anything for free!!! Except for the mouthpieces. I don't feel like at $73 a month that they are really free! I do wish there was a program in NC for low income people in this program. I live on $911 a month disability and it's almost impossible to pay for this, gas, car insurance and rent and utilities. Anyway, I want you to know, you aren't in this alone ladies and gentlemen. It's a long road but it will end eventually. And remember, don't drink and drive! You might just save your own life!

I'm not giving them my hard earned money, every week I go there, all I know they better give me all of my money back. They suck. IT IS THE WORST COMPANY EVER, they really are, I’m done, going through someone that cares, and does not charge ya every ** time when clearly it is not your ** fault. That company, Smart Start are CON ARTIST THAT TAKE PEOPLE'S MONEY. Don’t go through Smart Start, THEY ARE NO GOOD.

So here I am, wasting my time, my gas, my kids time, leaving work early to give these guys my money and prevent my car from locking out. I never did find him. My car locked out and I had to be at work so I called and got the code and went to work. The code was only good for 6 hours. I had kids to pick up from school and stuff to do after work so I called when it was close to the end of my shift. These JERKS really wanted to charge me for another code trying to tell me about MY responsibility. I was cheated! I called LifeSaver and I have an appt in 2 days for the same price with people who will actually do their job. I wouldn't recommend Smart Start to anybody! What a JOKE of a business.

When I went in August, (when there are July readings) there were problems and my PO said he need to record our session for training purposes and I didn't think anything of it until he tells me I had a dismal July. Now in the State of Texas, according to SS, will not give you a report for the month -- it is against state regulations. I had not done anything different - mainly drink Monsters and ate gummy bears with no problems in pre-trial readings nor June. Well, I had the service transferred from my older car to my newer one in late June with a new box.

There had been weird behaviors from the box - having me blow 4 times in a 5 minute period with the device indicating that I had passed. I got a warning and told swish water - odd, since that had no effect on my previous box. I told the PO that I would swish water every time I blew and to report the issue to SS. I did so a week or so later and the SS folks said they would look at and change the settings. Come this week (August report), the results for August came in - me religiously swishing water to bring the readings down. When I went into my monthly PO meeting, a "supervisor" to warn me that if I had another bad month I would face a judge.

The kicker was that at the last day of Aug and during Trump's visit of all days. I get into my car the box initiates and says blow. But I can't blow and get the solid tone that let's one know how long to blow while it takes a sample. I tried over and over. I call tech support at SS and go through an hour of troubleshooting, only to learn that pump on the interlock was kaput. Now I would imagine that if there was bad pump it wouldn't just go out immediately - that there would be a slow - in my case 2-month death. And that had something to do with the reading and that the sensor measuring BAC does not have the proper air ratio to get a proper reading. They replaced my box and am HOPING that solves the problem.

What is mysterious to me is that PO's Supervisor said I had a fail, when I always hit #3 to make sure I have no violations, car always started without a re-blow and got chastised for turning my car off for 5 minutes (I was donating food to the food pantry and they say to turn cars off and I also didn't want to miss a rolling blow). Their conjecture of my reading was an indicator for use when I have not had a single drink since May of last year. I asked where that conclusion came from, I was told that it was provided by SS and I asked SS what the parameters are and they said they are set by the county.

SS says they can't give me monthly reports per state law. I only have a few months on it. I bought a BACtrack device for $85 to test the SS tester. The interesting thing is that there was only once that the reading went to .001, most were .005-9 (which there is a small amount of alcohol from the flora in your mouth) after drinking a Monster, smoking a cigarette and still definitely below 2 mark. DON'T DO THIS WITH YOUR INTERLOCK - please drink and swish all the water you can before, during and even a few minutes after - I've had rolling blows come up with engine off and if not for me having to collect my things, would have never noticed.

Third, Smart Start. You have problems. Many many problems but I will focus on one major. Software. If you want to reduce complaints and actually begin to provide a (hell, any) service, repair and fix your (or your middle man service provider) software problems. 'Ill attempt to focus on this and not the lockout codes and service codes and everything created ad hoc to attempt to mitigate your flawed service offerings... so I try...

The "Smart" Start allows for a 2 minute (yes folks, it gets pretty stupid) grace start after turning the ignition off. Other than complete stupidity in motion, the software glitch responsible for this brilliant piece of social engineering leads to a hardware responsible for keeping the electric service leeched from our batteries fully operational and draining the battery for however long the vehicle is parked. Question: What happens when our headlights remain on with engine off for any amount of time, anyone (Smart start, come on, I know you can take a wild guess, look at the gigantic mountain of complaints that lead to this identical flaw in your "service" offerings... you can tell us!)?

Anyway, the AAA man got here before SS could consult on a final answer... AAA not only guessed correct, he's been on the scene enough to know exactly how to fix the crisis at hand caused by SS. It happens 100's of times every day all over the SS service area. Thanks AAA man. A simple battery recharge to solve a problem caused by the Smart Start that was installed to solve a problem that is high on the public's conscience but nil on the Smart Start capability because it's a con. It puts a small bandaid full of holes on a weeping wound that flows like money into the Smart Start and MADD blood money coffers. This service does not in any logical, applicable or appreciable manner provide any safety to the public from those that dwi. It's a false sense of security and now all that care are aware.

*Total money OoP in 6 months NOT including the routine fees paid to Smart Start, $900. $900 in tow fees, mechanics fees, "lock-out" codes, "violation fees". Then there Uber fees, lost income, children with me stranded in the heat with no A/C. I could go on but I will wrap this up and will certainly be back for another round of updates. P.S. Thank you for replacing your admittedly defective hand held device after 3 months (of void customer service and responsiveness and singing the Stranded in the Heat Smart Start Summertime Blues... when can we expect a defective software fix?). Till next time. For a really Dumb Move, get a Smart Start! Peace!

In the 2 years I've had the interlock in my car, I've had (6) failures and (1) major violation offense all of which are device failure. Smart Start will only replace cords and head units, all have which have been done multiple times and not the device itself which at this point is what should be done. Worse than the paranoia the malfunctioning equipment causes, because your driver's license is on the line at all times, I've been treated like a second class citizen, talked at and talked down to every single time I had to get on the phone with Steve (the manager in Harrison Twp MI).

Failures happen, it's how you respond and Smart Start got its 6th failing grade from me yesterday. I didn't even mention Steve does not call you back, you need to hunt him down sit on hold, get hung up on all demonstrating there is no value placed on my (the customers) time. Yesterday alone I spent 2 hours 15 minutes on the phone with the net result being I got talked at, talked down to and told how it would be. Again, nothing done and I am forced to live with it. There are multiple providers for Ignition Interlocks. If I had to do it all over again, Smart Start would be my VERY LAST choice.

My current issue stems from the fact that I evacuated from Hurricane Irma. After driving for 23 hours straight I finally found a vacant hotel in Tennessee that had room for a family of 5 and a dog. Lord only knows how many times I tested in that 23 hour period with no issues because I no longer drink. We arrived at the hotel and I ran in to grab the key (we preregistered for the room so didn't think it would take any time) while my wife stepped out of the vehicle to inform family where we were at. I had just tested so I didn't think I'd need any tests any time soon and wanted the AC on for the dog and kids waiting in the car. In the few moments I was inside the lobby of the hotel the device violated me for a missed test. First thing I did when I got into my room was call them.

The recorded message says they have accommodations for people that were affected by the hurricane. When I talk to the representative I was told there is nothing they can do for me but give me an extended lockout code or I could drive to a shop an hour from my location and have the device serviced. Now I was in a completely unfamiliar area dealing with the uncertainty of whether my entire life was going to be wiped out and their solution was to drive to some town I don't know and pay to have the device serviced only days before it was supposed to be removed anyways. I pleaded to them that this was a huge mistake and I'm not comfortable driving to an unknown area to pay a stranger that I'll never see again to work on my car. My only recourse was to use their extended lockout code.

Thankfully my area was spared the damage that was forecasted but here it is days AFTER I was supposed to have the device removed. I have only hours left on my extension code. I called to see about having the device removed and it says it takes 2 business days for the process to occur. I call customer service and explain the situation and am told we can give you another code for $35. I've been out of work for 2 weeks now, it cost $600 for hotels and several hundred in gas not to mention feeding a family of 5 on the road. I'm being told there is nothing that can be done. So now not only will I have to pay the money for the removal I'll also have to pay for this lockout code for a service that I'd no longer be using if it wasn't for the evacuation. You're not a person to this company, just a source of cash, keep that in mind. There are tons of ways to tack on extra fees and they find ways to do it at any chance they can. BEWARE.

Recently I had a MAJOR electronical issue. My mechanic told me they didn't re-mount my battery (to keep it from moving) after installation. So it slid and the positive battery cord was constantly rubbing against the pulley and chewed the cord off... Which caused it to lose its grounding and throw the electricity throughout the engine, which could have fried my entire CP system and engine!!! I KNOW the battery WAS mounted before I had the interlock system installed. The "technician" was apparently too lazy to secure my battery after installing the Smart Start interlock. This could have caused my van to be totaled and ruined.

My review will be for the (almost) 6 months I had it in my car. Before I got it installed, I thought, "How hard can it be to blow into this stupid thing? I know friends that had it, shouldn't be too hard right?" I'm a young woman, quite healthy for being in my late 20's, no problem right? Well WRONG! I got it installed in the beginning of March '17, and for that month was my constant calling/crying for about 2 weeks because I was having such a hard time with it! Due to frustration of not being able to blow into the device correctly. I ended up getting 2 violations because I was not able to provide a breath sample during the rolling re-tests, it just came to a point I said "** IT!" It was not worth the risk to be late for work and rack up "violation fees" ($55 bucks a pop!) so I decided to search for any van-pools at work and found one that had room for one more but it required me to start my shift an hour earlier, so I van-pooled for 2 weeks!

But because I wanted my driving privileges back, I didn't want to appear as "non-compliant" so I decided to give it another shot, and not to mention I am pregnant and when you have a growing fetus that pushes up on your diaphragm, it's very difficult to blow & hum for a steady 7 seconds! Anyway, I trained myself into keeping a rhythmic blow and since then I haven't had too much trouble with the device, there were a few times where I just couldn't get it right and the countdown from 5/6 minutes to provide a breath sample can easily stress you, cause anxiety and mess you up.

My 2 complaints are; 1: I think everyone in cahoots with this company should at least dedicate an hour or two to show us how to properly use the device. When they were done installing it in my car, I think I sat there for like only 15 minutes with one of the technicians who was trying to train me. While he was very patient and understanding, 15 minutes is not enough to properly train someone for a device such as this (it makes you wonder, is it programmed to make it difficult so the company can make MORE $$ off of us? Who knows, I honestly wouldn't put it pass them) 2: If this device is really to "only detect alcohol" and to prevent us from drinking and driving, why the hell should we pay for "lockout, violation" fees??? Because after failing to give those couple of rolling re-test when I first got it, I was able to provide a sample right away after and still passed!

So it makes me scratch my head that we have to pay $55 bucks to get it reset before it locks us out, especially when I was able to pass the test, obviously I wasn't drinking. I do not disagree with an interlock system for a vehicle for repeat offenders but for first time offenders with no criminal background, it's kind of ridiculous. We all know why it's here, it's all $$$. I made a mistake, and I will comply with the law and I'd love to drive normally again (and hopefully SOON!!!) but as a first time offender with no prior convictions, not even so much as a speeding ticket on my record, I feel it's very harsh, but hey... Money talks.

But after having this dumb device in my car, let me just say, I will not be drinking and driving ever again. While I haven't experienced what majority of the other reviews, I can honestly say I feel pretty lucky only experiencing the minor issues but I can totally sympathize with everyone, having this device is really humiliating and puts a damper on your bank account, it stresses you out mentally AND physically.

I am livid and finally get a referral to a Mike ** who tells me I can get a notarized letter the car is inoperable, so I ask why I wasn't told that when I first contacted about the car! This guy snaps at me and implies I never contacted them until I got the letter from PennDOT and threatens to hang up on me because I'm trying to explain that I have the emails and have been working on this since the incident! Wouldn't it be stupid of me to comply for 10 months, and not report the car inoperable with only 2 months left to complete?

I said his associates never gave me the option to refile that the car is inoperable! He tells me he said all he had to say. So I print the D. L. 21 form and Lo behold there is a box for my situation. Also I reviewed my emails and notice that the associate specifically told me I could not have a car in my name, in Brackets! So I call back and these people really tried to tell me I have to call PennDOT to credit that window of noncompliance!

I said it's not rocket science that you all have to correct that and send that to PennDOT! I am still waiting for them to get back! Meanwhile I called another agency and the first thing he said was an inoperable car is no problem and told me what to do! Intoxalock. So I said if this is common why did they give me such a hard time? He said, "Because they wanted you to keep paying for the device." WOW...

I was afraid once I did succeed in getting it started, I would get stuck somewhere and not be able to get home. After many, many internet sites, there was one that a woman said to take a DEEP BREATH through your NOSE and then blow evenly through the machine. Wow... that was the secret!!! I have had very little problems since. The machine is very finicky so I have had some experiences where I had to blow through my nose a few times, but most of the time it is successful. Felt the necessity to share this with those of you who are having the same nightmare experiences I was having. I feel much more confident now. Please pass on.

When I went to a new mechanic with the device for calibration (because the geniuses at Candlewood Valley Motors in New Milford, CT were part of the issue - not installing properly) he flat out said that he advises every customer to go with a DIFFERENT IID company because they are TERRIBLE. Why? Because they are impossible to get on the phone (even for the mechanic, terrible customer service and the faulty violations). Smart Start gets you in as the low-cost leader (with that waived installation fee/and lower monthly fee) - but once they do - try to get a hold of someone without having to hold on the line for 20 minutes. Smart Start tries to conduct everything through forms submitted through their website and then does not respond to them.

If you are having issues - my advice to you is to make sure YOU ARE THE SQUEAKIEST WHEEL they ever dealt with. I sure did - I committed to calling and emailing them several times a day and got the attention of senior management - who apologized and wrote letters supporting that it all came down to malfunctions. I'm actually proud to say they lost their license to do business in the NY county where my case was because of my efforts. This is your life - it behooves you to get Smart Start's attention. Ask to speak with supervisors when you get on the phone. And then ask for their judicial liaison if you feel you are not being treated properly. Good luck everyone.

Look, people make mistakes, that does not give any technician of this company make you feel like you are not worth the beating heart in your chest. I have dealt with the blow box before with another family member and all I can say is that this is the biggest CASH COW on the planet. The machines are not all that reliable, the company makes up the rules every time you go in for your calibration. So be wary if getting one installed. You MUST drive a minimum 100 km every month or they add a month to your sentence.

Do NOT use mouthwash, eat marinade sauces or spicy foods as this will also set your device as a fail and you will have months added to your sentence. My family member who had this in before had a 1 year sentence, by the time he had the damn thing removed, it was 16 months later and with fines, courses, installs, replacement part costs due to malfunctions, and various other charges for ** rules, it cost over $10 thousand dollars. Be wary of their "additional" rules that they don't inform you about until you go in for the calibration as some of these rules are so bogus, you'd swear they are making them up as they go so they can get more money out of you.

I contacted the main office somewhere in the toothless, hard to understand part of the country and they were not only rude but told me they would get back to me in 3-5 business days. My state's DOL website says I no longer need an IID, I have even been pulled over by a police officer for using it (he thought I was on my cell phone) and told I don't need the device. I can even look up the removal authorization myself and try and show it to them, but the Smart Start headquarters hasn't been able to find this info going on 2 months, meaning I have to keep paying for service or they will impound my car. This is why only people that have a reading level above first grade should be allowed to run a business. The south is full of cousin ** crooks and some of them own this company.

You have to submit an incident report trying to put in technical terms just how jacked off their equipment was when malfunctioning and then hope they side for you and then they reimburse you the next month. Like you just got cash falling out of your pocket for this. And on top of it my battery died for 3:55 and they generated a report that put me back in court 4 different time for 3-4 hours each suggesting that I was tampering with it. Like I somehow was able to disconnect their device, get hammered drunk then 3:55 later magically be sober enough then to start my car to go to work after a jump start from a friend.

If you like being ripped off, ** with and constantly thrown through legal system, then by golly this is the place for you!!! If you have no other option I highly recommend installing a GO-pro device to monitor the behavior of the problematic product. This will be to protect YOU by having actual video evidence of this thing going haywire and avoid having to try and explain all the strange things it has in store for you. Good luck. You'll need it.

I do not even drink... ever!!! I have paid over 2000 for violation locks. I want that money back!!! This is insane. I could be behind the wheel totally wasted and no one would ever know. It does more harm than good and it is a major distracted driving hazard on top of everything else. It is very difficult for my friend who is healthy as an ox to blow in it. Let alone myself. So asthmatics you're not alone. I feel your frustration!!! That's all.

My interlock has been malfunctioning an insane amount. A connectivity issue. You try to call the smart start company and they direct you to email. I've sent 5 emails, probably more. Fully explaining my situation. Why should I have to pay 60 bucks for "service fees" to fix a violation that occurred because YOUR equipment disconnects while I'm driving. It's unsafe - if you don't blow you will get a violation and have to pay. Pulling over FIVE times in a ten minute simple drive across town isn't safe either. Having the alarm of my car BLARE because the interlock sets it off isn't safe as it's distracting as well. This was literally all tolerable before, it was what it was. I can't even handle driving my own vehicle and I get this stupid thing out in a month. I don't even know if I can last a month.

The sad thing is, when we get these installed we don't get a choice of ** companies. At least not in Saskatchewan. It's not like our phone companies where we can choose which one sucks the least and go with that one. Smart Start is the only option. And they're HORRIBLE. You want people to avoid driving under the influence? Stick them in my ** car for a day. They would probably off themselves before they even had a chance to drink. Sober for a year as of tomorrow and this blow box makes me feel like booze is the answer. It is so stressful and causes so much anxiety. Such a safety hazard if it malfunctions and THE BIGGEST MONEY GRAB EVER.

Yes - we all screwed up and drove under the influence and deserve a blow box. I actually think the concept is kinda great. This company though? Oh. My. God. I could write forever. But alas, it's my birthday so I'm gonna go dream of a time where smart start GETS BACK TO ME and books me an appointment to fix THEIR machine...that I pay insurance for. Until then I will try not to cause a five car pile up to add to my conviction record. What's the point of even taking the task of writing a review seriously anymore anyways? There's clearly SO many negative reviews with oddly similar experiences on here and they aren't doing anything to fix it. I sent them a link to this page in case they failed to notice that they are the worst company of 2017. The reviews are getting pretty bad this year. Don't drink and drive because the blow box itself will make you wanna end your life.

I deliver pizza for a living so I am in my car constantly. I am now terrified every day when I work if during a rolling test the thing starts to malfunction. It'll say, "Blow longer, hum stronger" comma. It will do that several times then it says I have a violation. Now I know when it doesn't work on the first shot I start to panic period because this is happened to me twice in one week.

Last night as I was driving to a customer's house. I started the car it said 'pass'. I started driving. Then it said low with a countdown right after that. So I blew and it said 'pass'. Then again it started a countdown. This happen the whole drive for three and a half miles. I must have blown into it about 18 times. As soon as I blew the last pass in front of the house immediately shut off the car. Thank God when I got back in and restart it, it worked properly. I don't know how this company has been getting away with their faulty equipment for so long. I have contacted my lawyer to hopefully recoup my money and change interlock devices.

Another time I went to start my vehicle (I was not at home). Had to get to work and the interlock malfunctioned and I could not start my vehicle! I called for technical support and had the joyful experience of sitting on hold for almost 30 minutes before my call was answered just to be told to unplug the unit from the cord and replug it in so it would reset itself. Something I would have never dreamed of doing as I did not want anything to go against me at the DMV.

The final straw to add insult to injury one month prior to my (per DMV) removal date I contacted Smart Start to start the removal process. My calibration date is the 6th of each month, my removal date is on the 12th, I assumed they would prorate and just charge me for the few days I have to keep the unit installed until the 12th... But NO Not Smart Start, they DO NOT Prorate or charge partial months, on the 6th I am required to pay $75 for another month then on the 12th I have to pay another $75 to remove the distraction driving causing interlock! What a RIP OFF policy! I have been Sober over 3 years, drinking and driving is no longer an issue for me but Being Ripped Off is.

If you have to have an interlock installed in your vehicle, I hope you are dealing with your issues and I hope you also look to another company to install your system, do your research and make sure you are not going to be penalized twice by a greedy company that survives on others misfortunes.

Blow Harder, Blow Longer, Blow Softer and of course my favorite: VIOLATE. Bite me!!! That's happened 3 times because of something I ate although the most recent time it violated me I was drinking water and then had to explain to the RMV what happened. Clearly I WASN'T drinking when all my tests prior to and immediately after said VIOLATION were good. Also it sets my car alarm off at random, turns my hazard lights on, stalls my car and finally when shutting the car off it supposed to give you 2 minutes where you are able to start the car again without testing. Be careful of this because it switched on me from counting down to asking me to blow so it switches modes randomly as well.

Last but not least their call center Customer Service Reps are rude, condescending, uninformed, unprofessional. They suck!! I didn't at all appreciate being spoken to like I am a criminal without any right to common courtesy!! I wouldn't recommend this company to an enemy!! They should be shut down and put out of business since this is people's lives they are messing with. People lose their right to drive and go to jail just because of this defective piece of crap. It's beyond me why they haven't been sued yet.

I happened to run across this site because I was looking up a code on the machine and saw all the BS people wrote here, probably while they were passed drunk at home because they won't face the fact the normal people usually don't get DUIs and refuse BREATH TESTS, because they don't drink and drive. I glad this happened and I have to have it a year. It's just another reason I shouldn't drink. I realize I don't have to drink to have fun anymore. In fact when I see people drinking now I feel sorry for them, that they need to poison themselves to feel numb to socialize. This machine works fine. Never had a problem. Going in month 4, they were cheaper than Guardian too. Good luck, if you don't drink and drive you will be fine.

We are going to have it load tested at Autozone today. The alternator is putting out 14.5 volts so that should be charging the battery ok. The company says the interlock only draws 20ma, but our battery might old enough that it can't keep up. I'll see what the load test says and decide if need to replace/upgrade the battery to a higher capacity. It took a couple days to get the blowing/humming technique just right. We have found that breathing in through your nose until your lungs are full, then exhaling into the machine works well. Before that we had trouble with blowing too hard/soft, inhaling, etc.

Our installation technician stressed to us the importance of keeping the unit clean/dry and away from potential contamination sources/fumes. Unit should be close to room temperature for best operation. He also stressed to not eat and mouth rinse before blowing. We take the control unit out of the car every time we park. We bought a small neoprene pouch for the control unit and that goes into my wife's purse. Keeps the unit from getting dirty or too hot/cold. We also keep water bottles in the car for mouth rinse before blowing. We have not had any problems with the machine malfunctioning, our issues have all been related to learning how to blow properly and those have mostly been resolved with the nose-in breathing technique. We are going to have this thing for 3 years so we figure that taking care of it and using it correctly will make it tolerable.

Hope this info helps someone with their interlock decision. I have read many more negative reviews than positive ones for interlocks, but did come across one from a guy who believed that many negative reviews were from folks who were just not using the machines correctly. Based on our short experience, I would agree with that. Just got a call from my wife, car has been starting ok all afternoon as she runs around town. She feels like the 1st start of the day is easy and subsequent starts may take 1 - 3 blows to get right, but she has not had any lockouts or violations.

UPDATED ON 02/27/2017: Had a 4 day lockout violation over the weekend. Think it was because we shut off the car while the interlock was waiting for a blow. While at the shop getting it reset, we changed control devices. The first unit had a oval mouthpiece which we found kind of hard to get a good seal with. We now have a round mouthpiece (more like a straw) that is easier to seal and seems to require less air. Unfortunately we were given a used/dirty unit. It has been giving abort/tamper messages and yesterday it took 3 tries to start the car. When we tried to start, the battery was dead and needed a jump. We called the company and had a good representative.

First thing we learned was to pull out the mouthpiece and check for moisture. We had a small amount of water dribble out of the unit. Next we checked the rear of the unit for dust/dirt and sure enough, it is pretty dirty in there. So we are going to the shop this week for a cleaning or replacement unit. Unfortunately, those troubleshooting steps were not in the instruction book from the shop. We had to call the company, but at least they knew right away what to look for. As far as the battery dying, the car had sat for two days without driving, but the company rep said the interlock should not be draining that much capacity from the battery. He said to have the shop check the installation again for issues.

Other than this weekend, the interlock has been ok. We took an 8 hour trip last week with no issues. For what it's worth, last time we visited the shop, there was a customer there who was getting service. He had changed from another company to Smart Start and said he got better results from Smart Start. When we went through alcohol rehab classes, we heard many horror stories about interlocks in general, so I think we are doing ok so far.

Firstly, I am all for MADD and repercussions to drinking and driving BUT Transport Canada... until you get a better program designed, with the manpower to run it and working equipment that can handle Alberta's winters - this program should be pulled immediately. We are driving from Lac La Biche to Calgary and we have had the thing shut off on use 8 times (2 hrs into the drive) and took us 7 minutes to get it started at our pee stop... this is our third unit all with the same issues.

ALSO false fails have lead to us getting three extensions which = Unnecessary money out of our pockets for something that we couldn't prevent. Another ALSO, called Smart Start about getting a replacement last month and... bf and I both called twice each and couldn't get through (I waited on hold for 40 minutes), we also left two call back numbers and after three days of no return calls SENT AN EMAIL and still no return call. I called a fifth time and waited 45 minutes at work to get through. Horrible. Horrible. Horrible.

Then just a few days ago I get a letter in the mail from Alberta transportation adding 5 more months onto my penalty bringing the device to now October to be removed. When I phoned and talked to Irwin in Edmonton Smart Start, he said he would have to call the service dept where I went for my appointment to check with the guy to see if the machine was faulty. He called me back said that there is nothing that they can do. I now would have to pay 250.00 and put it to the review board. What kind of outfit is this place. Very dishonest. It's nothing but a money grab. They install faulty machines that don't work and when they tell you the machine is faulty that's why the fails they can't be honest and do the right thing and fix it without penalty to you. I think the media should get involved and an investigation should be done on this so called Smart Start company.

No training videos because he couldn't get it to work. When I went back the next time he wasn't there anymore, he had been fired. I did fairly well the 1st month until my 1st lock out violation of not getting my blow test done in time. What an experience of flashers going off and many, many beeps beeping in gridlock traffic. Totally out of breath when the violation lock out comes up on the screen. Got it reset and the same exact thing happened to me a week later in the same exact location. Since then there have been many violations for no alcohol related blows. From being in a car wash, to having lemon in my water to I don't even know. But at $53 a pop, with a few being credited back to my account. I can't NOT afford this any longer and worried to death the DMV may call me in for a hearing. I've waited and put up with a lot of bumming rides, riding with others and so much $$$$$ on transportation. I can NOT do this for the next 30 months!!!

I had 3 violations in one day and Smart Start said they would not credit me back anymore. I didn't drive my jeep since that one day. I had it towed back to them at the shop and asked them to remove it. I've had a new one installed with another company that following week and so far so good. I did my homework this time. It's my life and my pocketbook. And we have choices!!! In the end be your own advocate. I hope my review helps another person know that... Good Luck!!!

Anyways back to the first day, unfortunately that wasn't part of my plans to turn around and I decided to risk it as I had meeting and work agenda. So that was a very scary experience and a couple close call accidents and I definitely shouldn't have driven with the device like that. I was told though "it's up to you if don't want to turn back." Bad choice on my part but with it being my very first day I did not realize how much blowing that would be involved and nor how frequently so I didn't think it was gonna be so terrible.

The device is so inconsistent with how long and hard to blow I end up getting winded dizzy and have missed countless tests this past couple days. The horn blasting while driving in the city has caused me to experience my first bit of road rage. I was driving down a main street in Vancouver and with the horn going off during rush hour and couldn't get off the main street safely deal with the device. When I finally could get to a side street a guy followed me and then got out of his vehicle and pounded on my window then proceeds to scream at me for being an ** driver. The stress and anxiety cause me to not be able to blow hard enough. I have experienced shortness of breath, panic attack, screaming, crying, sweating, shaking, dizziness all while under the influence of Smart Start.

I have called to schedule appointments and where I live the closest place is an hour and a half north of me and this time of year the roads are very unpredictable and it isn't reasonable to have to take a day off work for a violation that this faulty device has created. So it drained my battery, it's brand new, I got a violation for that. Call back time takes 4.5 hours and an hour on a good day. My list goes on and on. There's at least 10 more issues. I will add them later. I have to go for now.

Driving under the influence of Smart Start is dangerous and it's just a matter of when it's gonna cause me to have an accident or cause someone else to have one with all the chaos horn blasting. Picture of me stranded on Dec 23 while trying to get the device to work. Very cold experience.

They blamed my 2013 GMC with all violations. Each violation is $75 dollars. You can wait on the phone for 30+ minutes for help and they still blame you. After each violation I had to submit incident reports explaining what happened. It didn't help because they send it to motor vehicle departments anyway. Then motor vehicle sends a letter if you want a hearing or you can send documents. I was able to send documents to motor vehicle and have 2 violations taken off.

Then I hired a lawyer for $500 to get 5 more violations erased. Removed The Smart Start last week and went to a different breathalyzer. No problems since, but I still have several violations to take of if Smart Start so desires. Do not give up! Send every violation to Smart Start incident report and save it if you can. I can't seem to save anything that I send other than the form. Good luck.

Furthermore, if I disconnect my device -- once I arrive at home -- without waiting several minutes, the horn will continue honking until I reattach the device and do another breath test. This technology is clearly badly flawed. Furthermore, the customer service in Calgary, Alberta, Canada (north location) is quite half **. The guys at the shop there do not seem to know what they are doing. Fortunately, the service from the people at the 1-800 number appears to be better.

So for the first few days I would start my car. I drive a 2014 RAV 4. Fairly new. Should be ok right? So it started fine but then the Horn would start honking. I leave for work at 6:30 am so I can't get a hold of anyone at Smart Start till 7. So have had to drive with my horn honking. A couple times I was told to disconnect my battery. This has worked. but it shows on my reports and I never want them to think I am trying to skirt the system so I keep my own notes and video when I can. So 2 days ago I go back into the shop and they do a complete reinstall. New machine, new cords, new wires.

For the most part had no issues. Things were great till last night I go out to my car at 8:55 and smart idle (which I pay extra for and have used before) won't turn on. I press #7 when the * is showing and nothing. I try for 5 min so I have to get back into work to finish up and I come out at 9:15 to my horn honking and the machine stating "vioLck04day". I call this morning to be told I have to pay $55 to have the shop reset this. I go out this morning at 6:34 to start my car and smart idle works. It starts at 8.00 but doesn't start countdown so I leave the car and go inside and come back out at 6:45 and the timer is still at 8.00 but the horn isn't blowing so all is right with the world. I get to work at 7:30, I park my car, keys in pocket, interlock in purse, close my doors and my horn starts honking all on its own :-( I have had to pull the horn fuse again. I have another appointment today and just want answers. :-(

I was excited to get my driving privileges back, but I've given them back up somewhat because of the anxiety this machine has caused me. I'd rather not drive at all than deal with this thing and its inaccuracies. It regularly doesn't recognize me as blowing hard enough, humming loudly enough and stops mid-blow to alert me not to inhale (which I've never done). The worst thing that's happened is that it's given me FAIL and VIOLATION warnings, meaning it's detected alcohol, on two separate occasions. I've not consumed alcohol in any form since last winter (it's currently November -- so, almost a year). I don't even use alcohol-based mouthwash or real vanilla, if that tells you how little alcohol could be in my system at any given time.

I was stuck in frigid weather recently, unable to start my car for nearly 2 hours, thanks to the "smart" machine. Could it have been gum I was chewing? Hand sanitizer on my hands? Who knows, but the machine went on the fritz. Most recently, a snack my husband ate was responsible for both a fail and violation. He hasn't had a drink in even longer than I have. So, not consuming alcohol in any form is not good enough, you also should refrain from eating bread and some fruits, too, unless you want to ruin your life again. The shop that installed the machine into my car can't stand the company either, and are currently looking to pawn the service off onto any other auto-shop that will take it off their hands. They say they've been nothing but an inconvenience and a headache to deal with since Day 1.

My advice to anyone with options in the breathalyzer department is to do your homework and go with the company with the least amount of problems reported. I have been worried SICK that I'm going to be in trouble with these false alcohol detections. My livelihood depends on this machine being accurate -- and it's finicky at best. To me, it seems the company has set it up to fail. Good luck and don't drink and drive!

In the end I was able to Get free installation. First and second month fee free. Cheapest removal cost ($60). I did not have to hum using the device. I did not have to blow then inhale. I only had to blow for 4 seconds. My top complaints would be The handheld device should dim the screen backlight when in idle mode especially at night. The beeper should be linked to the stereo so that way you can play your radio loud while the window is open on the highway. Body temperature sensors should have been on both sides of the mouthpiece. One fixed date for recalibration not a different date every month. If you're a busy adult you're like me and you will forget your recalibration date, a reminder of the due date should be shown on the device 5-7 days prior not within only 48 hours.

If you get or give anyone a jump start, the device will go haywire and require a breath sample every 1 minute until the jump is removed. Takes 1 minute 20 seconds to analyze itself before starting the car... Too damn long like WTF dude! Glitches and rhythms I picked up on using this device (I'm a numbers guy. I like to keep track of things and I'm excellent at troubleshooting so this helped me a lot more). After the initial start up, (depending if it was cold outside or not for the device needing to heat itself) the first rolling retest will be at minute #7 after the initial start if the device has to heat itself or minute #16 if it doesn't need to warm up. The second rolling test will be 19-22 minutes after the first rolling test. The third rolling test is exactly 30 minutes after the second rolling test is completed. After 5 rolling retests the 6th rolling retest will be every 45 minutes give or take.

There is one way you can start the car without having to blow and the device will never know you actually started the car or not. There's a way to bypass a rolling retest but only once which can buy you an additional 20 minutes of driving time if you decide to drink while driving. The Do's and Dont's of having this interlock. Don't fail a rolling retest, if you do, your car goes into lockout mode immediately and your suspension extends 3 months and unlike failing a starting test which you get many attempts at before a violation is noted and a chance to withdraw it with the SOS via letter, a failed retest bypasses all those factors and goes straight to the penalty.

Do not unplug it while car is running, same penalties as failing a rolling retest, they call it "tampering". No need to avoid items containing alcohol such as toothpaste or mouthwash, or even blowing a breath full of menthol smoke into it, it never gave me a problem regarding anything of that nature. Do not spray cologne at it, near it or in the car without either covering it with a towel or airing the car out. Cologne contains alcohol and it leaves a mist of it floating around and it can and will pick up those Microscopic traces of it and register a fail... Can you imagine if it was a rolling retest... Unplugging the device and removing it is truly one of the best anti-theft systems out there. Unplugging the device allows you to work on the car and disconnect the battery for days without any problems.

My experience using this device: Well not having to hum is already a huge advantage I opted for over my friends, also I got a brand new device upon installation and it never once gave me a single problem using it. I never had to wait longer than 2 minutes to speak to a phone rep. If you do what it tells you to do you'll be just fine using it. Minimizing the consumption of alcohol and not driving after a minimum of 8 hours after drinking is your best bet. It never suddenly shut itself off, or mysteriously went into lockout mode all on its own, or gave me any technical issues of any kind. I never failed or gotten a warning using it.

All these reviews I'm reading on here are of people who committed a fault or a mistake but are not admitting to it and accusing the device for it instead. ALL OF THEM! Let's put it into perspective here, say you have a Blu-ray player and all these years it's been working just fine until one day it will not play the movie you inserted. Out of frustration you will attempt to configure all new settings, maybe physically attack the box by hitting its side and finally deciding to body slam it in the floor after and then that's when you found our after all this that you plugged a regular DVD into it and not a Blu-ray DVD... However you still insist it was the Blu-ray player at fault and not you. Thankfully mine was removed earlier today and to say I'll miss it is not a joke. As you become so used to it it becomes second nature having it there, but thankfully I can now.

Well good night all. I wish you all the best and remember having this device is a privilege to drive, you wouldn't be here if you were the perfect law abiding citizen you claim you are... You're a criminal and keep that in mind. It'll actually ease your mind more than you think. I was never found guilty of the DUI but I did refuse to blow at the time of the arrest thus why I got a 1 year suspended license, my friends all blew and are now still suffering the consequences of having a DUI on their records...

Smart Start subcontracts their work so when you go to a shop for a monthly calibration you are not dealing with the company themselves. The tech shops hate them as much as I do. My issues have not been alcohol related with the company. My issues and "your" issues if you choose to ignore the countless negative reviews from this company and give them your business we be as follows. Within three weeks of getting the device installed I took my car in for a oil Change and maintenance by mistake the auto shop caused a violation, for a missed test because the car was left running. When this happens you have three days to make it to a subcontracted shop and pay them $100 so that they can clear your device otherwise the car won't start and will have to be towed at your expense to a shop. Remember this part. If any issue arises and your car will not start you will have to have the car towed at your expense.

The shop put on the receipt what happened. I sent this to Smart Start and they would not reimburse me. Remember this point. They have their device in your car and if you need it to get to work like me you have no choice but to pay. The device during the winter has to warm up before it allows you to start the car. So warming up your car basically can't happen. I drive a BMW so my install was more money because of the push button. This device also did something to my starter in May. I went to start my car so I could go to work. The car wouldn't start. Called the unhelpful rep at Smart Start who basically said I had to take my car to a mechanic. I had the car towed $125, paid over four hundred for a new starter (device is hooked into your starter), missed work that day and because it was a Friday basically didn't get my car until Monday.

When I got my car back it wouldn't start to move the car off the lift. Mechanics can call in and have the device disabled. However the car would not start... Smart Start gave me a code to unlock the car. They told me I had a few hours to get to a shop or I would have to have my car towed to a shop (this is for recalibration). When I get to the shop they charged me 65 dollars because it was not an appointment day. I had work the next day and had no choice.

The next day when I went to start my car the device would not come on. Yeah this happened. I had to have my car towed again charged again at the shop for an non appt day and was late to work. I reported all of this to Smart Start. And they refunded me. Get this - $125 dollars which was put on as a credit for their bill next month. Which by the way wind up being split between the next two months. It was such a insult that if I had a choice I would have told them to keep it.

I am missing some other things but let's talk about today. Smart Start creates automatically your appt date. This has always been. In the past if I needed to change my appt date if I called in they would change it. I work so I need to arrange this around work. I called last night and this morning both ladies I spoke with including today's gem Kaloni (female) from the Texas office told me that they can not change the date, and the shop has to do this. I know this to be wrong, so I convinced Kaloni to call the shop. "I needed you appt to be today instead tomorrow because I am off today."

When Kaloni called the shop, the shop manager told her that he can not change the date and that they have to. Mind you I am in the middle of this. The shop manager also explained to her that that he will charge me if I come in today a shop fee plus Smart Start fee. Which she said he isn't supposed to do. Again in the past I call they change the date no problem. The shop manager got off the phone and I now spoke to Kaloni from the Texas office alone. She was rude couldn't get a manager and could not call the office in New York.

This was more frustrating because I knew she didn't know what she was talking about. Also look at it like this, I'm talking to Kaloni and obviously she isn't smart and isn't willing to help me, but I'm at the mercy of someone who by the end of the conversation I would assume is in her mid-thirties and currently going to school to obtain her ged diploma. Nobody is perfect but this is crazy. So bad that I stopped doing what I had to do to write them a review.

If you choose this company you're crazy. If you are in NY and have already paid 20k because of a dwi. Dealing with Kaloni from the Texas office will just blow you away. So in a nutshell this is a scam. If you miss a test and then blow into the device 30 secs later with the camera in your face you will be charged $100 dollars and have three days to take your car in to pay them. I guess they know they have you in a bad spot but, they are horrible. Not everyone who gets a dwi is a drunk. I think we all know this. However if you choose to deal with Smart Start at some point you will have a horrible experience. Again the worst company product I have ever paid for with my hard earned money. You have been warned.

I was in my driveway when I was ticketed, not on a public road so I wasn't out "drunk driving" but who am I to argue with the law right? Be that as it may, this device is designed to MAKE the user fail. After my one day I was violated twice because as I was breathing out the machine interpreted me removing my mouth from the device as a fail?! How is that possible? I even became light headed and almost fainted from blowing so many times. This company and this device are the biggest scam in history and the legislation designed to procure the installment of the device needs to evaluate these cases on a per case basis, not as a standard. Smart Start and its devices are a scam and so is our government. Silly little country that USA.

I left and went to a garage. Sure enough now my battery needed replaced. They then checked my system again after replacing the battery and said no issues are registering. This is within 29 hours of install. 40 hours after installation my car begins doing the same things it did the previous day. I returned to the install place. He of course said "it must be your alternator." And sure enough I can now smell burning of electrical parts or rubber. All within 48 hours of install. There were of course no problems with my vehicle prior to installation. My vehicle is not that old 2007, not in bad shape, low mileage, well maintained, bought brand new and only owned by me. I had just had my alternator and battery checked, no issues.

Now within 48 hours, I'm into this adventure for way more than a suspended driver's license, which at this point is cheaper than Smart Start. The install place was more helpful than the company itself, but they are not Smart Start itself. I would never recommend this product to anyone. It should be taken off the market, before it does more damage to more people and there should definitely be a class action lawsuit against the company.

Updated on 10/31/2016: I want everyone to know the ongoing issues and problems with this company. After replacing my alternator and battery, I was immediately locked out of the device because the electrical system was interfered with. I took it in to get it recalibrated after having it installed for a week. They were going to charge me fees, I complained to the company, Smart Start, not the contracted company, and they did it for free. The next problem is the department of transportation wants a copy or log from the company of all the issues that I have experienced plus copies of the receipts from the automotive work. Smart Start told me that I had to get an attorney and a court order to get these copies sent to the department of transportation.

Also now while driving down the road, I hear this clicking or ticking noise in my dash. This started after the install of the device. I can normally pull over, so easy right. Shut the car off, unplug the device for 15 seconds, plug it back in and blow and start, etc. However, I'm now worried that this is probably going to give me violations. Giving the upstanding service and quality of the device I wouldn't be surprised. Also a word to the wise absolutely do not brush your teeth before blowing into this device. I would recommend eating or drinking lots of things before blowing. Also don't let your car warm up with the device in it, even though it's freezing outside. You will get violations for both of these things.

Same issue the next two days. One support man was nasty as could be and basically told me that my state requires me to have gps and that's what it does. Sorry you can't tell me it takes 15 for me to start my car. Called the next day when having this issue while on my lunch break from work. By the time the lady picked up about 15 mins I was in tears and at wit's end. 4 days of this machine and I wanted to rip it out. She was very very nice told me of a fix but to her it sounded like a modem issue and to bring my car back. So I did and they replaced the modem. Went to get my first service and was advised that they yet again have to change the modem. Another issue was I was out and about ran into a store 30-40 mins tops, go to blow and it tells me to hum harder which I did over and over to the point the next day my throat hurt and then got the message to hum lighter.

The machine then locked out. This happened a few times while I was waiting on hold. A very nice gentleman answered and he knew what the issue was. Somehow my machine reset itself to the factory settings. I had other issues of being overcharged on a fee and was told to call the next day and speak to the admin dept. So I did. We talked about the fee issue and I told her that I wanted to speak to someone about the issues I have been having. She emailed someone who was to call me and they never did. I brought my car back on a Monday to have this issue corrected for it to happen yet again on Friday. When speaking to someone at Smart Start they said it was because my battery was low. My car is newer and I had been out driving around so my battery would have been charged. Had it been sitting for a week or two sure I would totally get it.

Oh and when I brought my car back to get it fixed again the car had been off a good 10-15 mins yet this device let me start the car WITHOUT blowing. I wish I could say that was it... the end of my issues but nope. Yet again I was out and while driving I got a recall 5 message on the screen. So not finishing the errands I needed to do I went right home and called their tech support. The girl then was able to help and I asked is this a normal issue. Was advised no it doesn't happen a lot and had something to do with the handset and the modem connecting. The modem yet again. The modem I had replaced and was on my 3rd one. Asked her about the fee issue again as no one called me back a few weeks prior and she transferred me to the admin dept. Was advised to fill out an incident report one about the fee and another one about the issues I was having.

That email like this review (so I am sorry for that but I feel people should know before making a decision on choosing them). Filled out the report and preferred method of contact I put phone call. I wanted to speak to someone. Because I don't honestly believe this machine is suppose to work like this and I hope no one else was going through the same things. Was advised it could be 7 days before I get a response... Ok no big deal. I'll wait. The next day I did receive two emails. One regarding the fee and it was being credited to my account. So a big thanks for giving me my money that you over charged me back and other about all the issues. I was advised to bring my car back to have the tech look over the machine and swap it out at my earliest convenience and at no charge to me. Well no kidding no charge to me because I would not pay for your faulty machine and my convenience???

How about no time is convenient. I go down about every 2 weeks if not more to have something fixed, swapped out or replaced. I yet again called back and was told that the shop was contacted about my issue and for them to service it. I told the girl that the email response is unacceptable that I wanted to speak to someone. She sent out another email and said this person would call me back but it might not be that day. OK no problem. Well folks a week has gone by and no phone call. So I called again tonight, spoke to one girl, explained my issues and told her I want to speak to someone, that I am sorry I pay for a service from them, their machine doesn't work as it should and clearly there is an issue.

After being put on hold - mind you the whole time talking to this girl I was cool, calm and collected, no screaming, no yelling - another girl gets on the phone with a huge attitude!!! What am I looking for that I was given email responses that the fee issue was taking care of so what do I want done... I never spoke to the other girl about the fee issue as yes it was taken care of. That I have to speak to the tech dept and that the lady that was suppose to call me back that she will not call me back!!! She said I was told to go to the shop and have the tech look at and that they were advised of the issue... funny because when I was there to get my device serviced they said they knew nothing about. So I am curious how where they contacted? Was transferred to the tech support, blood boiling at this point and I nicely explained yet again all the issues.

The person who apparently is not going to call back was emailed again. I was given this person's name a few times when I have called and if she is not the one to help me that's fine but have the common courtesy to call me back and tell me who can help me!!! It's customer service 101!!! Clearly there are tech issues here but the issue needs to be looked into!!! Swiping the machine out over and over again doesn't solve my problems. You know what if I didn't have a phone while out having one of these issues??? How am I suppose to call and find out what's wrong? This whole situation has not been handled correctly on their part.

After two weeks of successfully using the system - One morning as I was going to the gym, the car wouldn't start after several passed tests. I called and tried to do a soft reset, still no luck. I then took it in to Smart Start and some kid went out and looked at it. He unplugged maybe two wires within 1 minute and said: "Yeah bro, I don't know what's going on, but it's not our system, but I'm also not a mechanic so you need to take it there." Another 75.00 trip after 75.00 getting there.

Then I took it to a well known mechanic and had them look at it and run not one, but two diagnostics on my car which is covered completely under warranty for anything mechanical or electrical. After two days of thoroughly inspecting my car and in constant communication with Smart Start to even remove and completely disable the unit, they decided to completely remove it themselves (The mechanics at Auto Shop).

The MINUTE they removed it, my car started perfectly. They kept it another day to run every possible test they could to ensure it was indeed the unit. Indeed it was. I know this is a biased review but I take very well care of my car, and I haven't even owned it a year and it's a certified pre-owned Honda under 100K miles. There was never an issue ever since this system was installed.

So after another 400 bill that I have to pay - and all the Uber/Lyft rides I had to take to work and back and ANYWHERE I needed to be, I am now out about 800-900 dollars within 3 weeks of being ordered to use the system. The whole program isn't even 900 dollars. I submit all of my receipts and invoices and tow tickets to Smart Start as advised by my PO and per Smart Start's website.

After a week I follow up: "Sorry we cant reimburse you as it wasn't our fault. When we installed, you had to get a new battery. So there was something wrong with your car then. We aren't sure what happened but we don't think it was our unit." Me: "But the mechanic(s) well multiple said and diagnosed it was indeed the unit blocking my entire electrical wiring and Anti Theft system?" SS: "Umm yeah we don't know, sorry." What. In. The. Heck.

So anyways I contact my PO let them know the situation. I also remind them I am a recent college graduate who did not score a lucrative job upon graduation, and don't have unlimited funds. Granted, I am aware I made a huge mistake, I don't expect to be treated like this with the lack of professionalism and competency. I proceed to get a court ordered removal order and new install set within a week. I now have been paying for ride-share transportation for 3 weeks at around $30/day.

After getting the orders in I attempt to go to the Smart Start location simply to really drop off my equipment and pay the removal fee of $50 even though remember, there is nothing to remove since the mechanics already did it and refused to reinstall it back in there. They then proceed to to tell me instead of $50 it's $160 because of a lockout, and calibration fee even though the system has been out of my car theoretically 3 weeks. So that's where it ended, and I will more than likely see Smart Start in court to recoup all the losses I have incurred in the last 3 weeks as I have tracked and kept everything and conversation with them.

After waiting a full week to hear back I decided I needed to call Laurie back. When I spoke with her she was incredibly unprofessional, shouting, telling me she had done all she would do (which was send over the stockpiled reports). Why she didn't call me to update me is beyond me. She told me I had to call the DMV and sort everything out myself, despite the fact that none of this was my fault. I don't do the downloads, I don't send the reports, I don't do any of it. My job is to go to my appointments and pay the fees so that they do their job. She didn't quite seem to grasp this notion. She asked me what I wanted her to do so I told her - "I want YOU to call and make sure this mess is sorted out since it was your company that caused it in the first place."

She told me she has far too many clients to help and that if she did that I would be taking away her time to help other clients. Wait, what? Am I also not a client in need of assistance? Your crappy company screwed up and now it's my responsibility to sort it out? I could go on and on about her unprofessionalism, but I think you can pretty well guess how well the rest of our interactions went. After hours of back and forth with the DMV and Smart Start I sorted their blunder out.

In summary - go with ANY other interlock provider. Smart Start is unprofessional and inattentive. Had I been pulled over I likely would have gone to jail for driving under suspension. Smart Start is not worth the risk they pose to your well-being! PS - Laurie, you're a miserable individual who lacks any sort of logic, reason, or common sense. I would say you deserve to be fired but I think a dead-end, crappy job is exactly where you deserve to be.

There is only one download/installation center in Calgary a city of 1 mil plus. It takes me over an hour to get to the center as I live north off the city. I have been told several times that new centers will be opened up... WHEN? I had my car into the dealership for repairs. It took 2 hours for Smart Start to get back to them to tell them how to start my car... POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE ALL AROUND. I have had times where I tried to get in touch with them and could not. The device seems to be designed to humiliate the user. Without warning it will emit a loud squeal if a loud blow is required. It is loud enough that everyone for several cars can hear it. It doesn't need to do that. If a longer blow is required so be it, but there is no warning until you are actually blowing on the device.

Money seems to be a large motivation. Not only is the monthly fee high which a lot of people can't afford... I know our fault to drink and drive. I accept that fully. It was my fault. It cost me just about double what I thought I would pay due to my car. Set up looks the same as any other car. The first day I had it I ended up with a lock code due to not blowing in time. It cost me $55.00 to have it reset... $55.00 for 5 minutes work. Again I accept full responsibility for my actions and am happy that I can drive. However a device that puts my safety in danger is a real concern.

I have called several times when I have had issues and they (Smart Start) do not try to resolve issues with you. I understand my mistake damn it but for a service at $140 a month, Smart Start do your damn job and quit ripping people off. By the way when the cam kept falling off they said they would note it and not worry about it. Well I just found out that the monthly fees will be going up because they will be going wi-fi for the cam. Wow all of a sudden it's imperative that the pics are downloaded right away. Not, it's a way to scam more money from us and for the owner of the company to have more capital in his company with new technology.

Can not believe that a company is allowed to run like this. Bet if the owner got a DWI and had his own product in his vehicle things would change. As for them telling us that the computers are random as to when and how many times to blow an hour are random, BS!!! Mine goes off every 10 min and I confronted them on this as well. They said there is nothing they can do, again BS!!! Good luck to you customers with your endeavors if you use Smart Start and the grueling times ahead of you. I'm looking for some other options (Different company) as I write this as well.

This is causing me to be terrified to use my car. I've lost a job over the fact that I can't get to work on time because of the rolling checks. That's when they force you to be a distracted driver every 10 minutes. I actually don't mind blowing to start the car. Asking people to deal with this while driving should be illegal. Texting and talking are illegal. Everyone who deals with Smart Start should somehow band together to sue this company in a class action suit. IT’S A MONEY GRABBING BUSINESS!!! Tell everyone you know to use another company, anything but Smart Start. It's not a Smart choice.