Smart Start Reviews

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.

The machines were due back the 1st of the month. The guy is only open 2 days a week in town, until 3:30, when most people work until 5, and he takes lunch and locks up while he's gone. So if you get a normal lunch from 12-1, good luck getting him. I work 3 jobs, and my husband drives a truck, so it was VERY hard to get them to him each month. I have had to drive 45 minutes away to get them calibrated before because he's so hard to catch. We didn't realize we would have to pay for a full month's service even though we weren't using them this entire month.

We took them back on the first day we could, the 12th, when he was here in town. It was $160 to clean them and another $160 for the month of May, plus $210 in lockout fees. The deposit you're supposed to get back, doesn't exist. They REFUSE to take them back unless we pay them to do so. He told us that if we dropped them off without paying the fees, that he would set them outside and charge us with theft! Are you kidding me?! This company has lost its mind!! They can charge whatever they want, because people don't have another choice.

If you have to get reports from them...GOOD LUCK!!! It took 3 weeks to get reports from them, and when you would get them, half of the report would be missing. We literally called MINIMUM 3 times each month trying to get our full reports. It was a NIGHTMARE!! Customer service is a complete joke!! They are rude. They treat you like a POS, and quite frankly do not give a damn about anything but getting your money. Worst company I have EVER dealt with!!

Today I got an email stating that as a one time courtesy they will credit my account. Their machine violated me as missing a rolling test when the engine was not started. The machine malfunctioned by not asking me to blow or even taking a blow in my desperation. I was trapped. No electronic device is so sophisticated that they are not fallible. This technology certainly is not. My real complaint is that Smart Start is holding my freedom and livelihood (I drive quite a bit for my job) in their uncaring hands. I explained to them in great detail the event and they spent no time to truly look into the situation.

There is a gps and a camera installed with the unit, so they should have been able to tell that the vehicle was not started. The events of the last month were transmitted to them when I went in to clear the violation. I drive 3-5k a month so you can imagine the hassle this unit is. I always give a clean sample and have had it for over four months. Their lack of diligence is alarming. There seems to be no recourse to this mandated device. I am their customer, but there is no customer service.

I was stuck on the side of the road with my brother-in-law (4th stage COPD). I passed every test, ran into heavy construction, and traffic - losing 3.5 minutes trying to turn. I stopped abruptly, almost getting slammed into by vehicle behind me. Needless to say, anxiety ridden, could not blow correctly... lock out! Not to mention, another test must have been required not even 2 minutes later and my horn was going off, pulled over and had to pass again. No representatives, just a roll back to go online. I have been practicing breathing into an Airlife gadget to strengthen my lungs. I am terrified to have to drive tomorrow. Violations, and lock-outs that are 100% not deserved but I have to pay for them. I hope to get to the bottom of this... will keep you informed.

My vehicle was totaled and had Smart Start remove the device. Also paid 80 for removal so it was reported to the DMV. Also I called DMV to let them know about my vehicle being in a car accident. Also Smart Start already knew and it's considered Tamper. Removal without having it installed in a different vehicle. Are you kidding me? How the hell am I going to installed the thing in a different vehicle? When I was just in a car accident. SO that made my 3rd. Now I can't get my license until 2017. I need to get lawyer advise.

(I left convinced that I would never return there for service. These people literally stated to me that they were untrained and uninformed). I was able to crank my vehicle after blowing into the device, even though the device displayed an error message: Recall 3 71h. I completed the hour long drive with minimal problem, only the many times that I was prompted to blow into the device. I did not drive the vehicle again until the following Tuesday. The difficulties surfaced and multiplied.

I contacted Smart Start technical support and was told that the recall message was a simple communication error and that I should perform a hard restart. I did this per the instructions given by the support tech. After the hard restart, I cranked the vehicle and the device displayed: VioLck04day. I was able to crank up, drive distances, shut off the vehicle, and restart the vehicle two (2) times after that. Upon the third attempt to start the vehicle, the device only displayed error messaged and did not prompt me to blow for over an hour, stranding me at a store.

Technical support was not available within the time period that I was experiencing these issues. Fortunately, I was able to flag down a nice stranger who performed another hard restart on the battery, as I am not skilled in the mechanics of vehicles. The vehicle started up and I drove for about 30 minutes when the device began to sound a piercing alarm and display the violation error message.

On Friday, I contacted Smart Start technical support, explained the situation, and was advised to contact the installation site, drive to their location, and proceed with resetting the device. I contacted Bryant Pharmacy, spoke with ** and **. I was told that I would need to pay $45 for a reset because of the violation error. I told them that there would be no payment made for a procedure that was indisputably no fault of mine. I reminded her that I left the install site, after initial install, with a defective device. After a conversation, it was determined that upon my coming to the install site and having the staff reset my device, the root cause of the violation message would be determined; therefore, whatever caused the violation code to appear would determine whether or not I was responsible for the violation.

When the service tech at Bryant Pharmacy finished the procedure, I asked what had been the issue that caused the violation message and the potential lockout. She could not give me an answer. She simply stated that "We don't know what caused it." I was confused because it seemed to me that the cause of the violation was the deciding factor in rectifying the entire situation. The only explanation that the service techs provided to me was that my car battery was not providing enough voltage to the IID and that was the cause of the error messages.

They advised that I should buy a new car battery. The battery that is currently in my vehicle was installed in January of 2015 and is in perfect condition. During the drive home, I repeatedly checked the battery voltage status by pressing # 2 on the device. The device displayed 14.83V each time. I checked the device at least 10 times on the 1-hour drive home. My battery is not the problem.

After many conversations with Smart Start representatives, the install service techs, and several other companies who deal with the Smart Start installs, I have decided to leave my car parked until such time as it can be diagnosed by another install sites service tech. I have spoken with Bret, a representative of Custom Car Audio in Rock Hill, SC, and he seems very knowledgeable of the IID and Smart Start. I gather from our conversation that the issues I have experienced with the IID are unnecessary, and the lack of information regarding any resolution is absurd and bad business practice.

Here are the major problems with the Smart Start system: (1) If this is designed to keep you from drinking and driving, why does it allow you to start the vehicle and drive if you have had alcohol? It should lock you out completely for any amount of alcohol detected. After all, isn't that the whole idea with having it?! You can get a DUI/DWI for any amount of alcohol so why does Smart Start think you should be half lit before they think you shouldn't be able to drive?

(2) The consumer already pays, in my opinion, a ridiculous amount for the monthly service. To add to that cost Smart Start places the burden on the 'consumer' to deal with and pay for flags, lockouts, penalties that are the Smart Start's system's fault?! I am paying you for a service and you charge me because your equipment is faulty?! Makes absolutely no sense but that leads me to my next complaint.

(3) Why does the entire engine turn off when you're locked out? My equipment failed, as it does routinely, and I have to pull over in a parking lot because I am locked out with an infant in the car with no air conditioning. This is an EXTREMELY SERIOUS PROBLEM if you live in Louisiana as I do during any season of the year. While I understand that Smart Start, like it's competitors, are solely in this for profit, they most certainly could take responsibility when due. I would not ever recommend going with Smart Start for an interlock device.

After 30 minutes of letting it sit, it finally starts and I drive it home. I wake up in the morning with a dead battery. Installer comes to my house and says that I have a bad battery. I had a warranty so I go exchange my battery. Put in new battery and car seems back to normal. Wake up in the morning and brand new battery is dead. I'm furious, so I call the guy and he says to get a jump and bring it in. He re-wires some ** and says that should do it. Nope, I go to work for 8 hours and come out to a dead battery. I call him furious and tell him to take this piece of ** out of my car. Damn guy charges me $75. Needless to say after having the device removed, I have not had anymore problems. By the way this is the office in Avondale, Arizona.

I'm a woman alone now in a dark parking lot. I had to walk a mile to a phone and get a ride. Customer service finally answered and said I just didn't get enough training. Next day I had to go to get the failed test taken off. Smart Start tech took it off and was very nice. I get out of there and a mile down the road it says "heating". It was a decent day not too hot or cold so I called and they said I got a faulty device so come back. Now I pull over to retest and it won't work. Nothing. Stuck in crappy area of town on a side street for 3 hours. They tell me to tow it at my expense. Umm, No way. It costs $480 to tow my car and I'm mad now.

I finally somehow get the thing started, but two minutes down the road it's heating again and won't even let me test. I drive until horn is blaring and lights flashing and pulled into their shop that way. Not fun or safe driving that way but at least I didn't have the towing bill. Had them take the damn thing out. Went to Draeger (autosafe). Much easier to use. You still have to blow and then inhale but no humming. A little more expensive but worth it. What good is a device that is supposed to let you drive but won't let you start your car unless you sing and blow? POS! Horrible customer service! Ripoff!

When I called about the skipped test, they told me that the office was only open on Tuesday and Thursday. The ADDRESS was for the closest office, which was 45-60 minutes away. I happened to just look up the website on the Monday (4 days after Thanksgiving was going to be Tuesday), they said that the office was open 6 days a week, so I called them. Yes, they are open 6 days a week. The office that I had it installed was still listed on the website, but it was shut down. It took me 2.5 hours round trip to get the device "reset". Monitech is pretty close, maybe 2 miles from me. I figured that had to be a better choice. The 800 number for Smart Start isn't bad if you get hold of someone. I just told them that I wanted a place closer to where I live. The 800 will schedule you for a removal, but I still had to call the closest office to me, and that was the 45-60 minute drive.

THEY said that corporate is in Texas, but since it's NC, they do what they want, and they won't schedule a removal. You have to call in the morning you want the device removed. They will tell you when to come in. Some of the problems with that is, when you have the device removed, you can't drive, so you need someone else to drive your vehicle. I had an appointment to get a Monitech device installed, and when I told them that if they couldn't remove the device in the morning, I couldn't make the installation appointment on time. "That's YOUR problem, not ours". The truth is, there aren't any GOOD alcohol ignition interlocks. The problem is that the government forces you to have one, and the companies know it, so they could care less about good customer service (AND yes, I do realize and agree that when you have a DUI, you broke the law).

Now my biggest concern is can I change the battery with this thing in my car. The place that installed it said we can. All we have to do is unplug the unit & change the battery then plug it back in. But I've read on some sites you can't unplug it. Also like a lot of others said we've been having cold weather & it takes this stupid device FOREVER to warm up. At least 5 to 10 minutes so you have to sit in your car in 15 degree or below weather waiting & waiting for the device to warm up. And after you blow into it you can't go back inside because it might just decide to make you blow again in 2 minutes after you've started your vehicle. There is no rhyme or reason as to when you have to blow into it. It could be 5 minutes for the rolling retest or it could be 20. It went off while I was in the middle of taking my driving test. I'm 41 & have not taken that since I was 15. I was already nervous. Talk about adding anxiety to nervousness.

And now to call to ask if we can change the battery in my now dead vehicle. I guess I will be spending the entire evening waiting on the phone for them to answer. Thankfully I haven't had any horror stories like some of you have had but then again I have just gotten my license a couple of weeks ago after having the device installed on 12/16/15. I just wish they wouldn't put us on hold for so long. I feel for all of you who have missed work & had so many faulty devices. One thing I did read is to wrap the device up in a towel & sit it up straight to keep it warmer. Don't know if it works but I'm willing to try.

In the morning when it's 20 degrees and there's 2 feet of snow on my car I have to wait 5 mins for the device to "warm up" (sometimes more) before it allows me to blow into it. So I'm stuck sitting there in freezing temperatures at 530am waiting for an ancient piece of machinery to "warm up". It's very laughable. So then; once the device is "warmed up" you blow into it and you can then start your car. But wait... you're then prompted within a seemingly random amount of time to blow in it again. So warming up your car is not really an option. I let my car run 5 minutes in the morning before work and came out and it said that I had 45 seconds to blow again before a lockout! If I would have waited another 45 seconds my car would have been out of commission. So if you live in freezing temperatures I suggest using a different IID providing company.

Another issue: I was jumping my friend's dead battery (in freezing temperatures) and it caused a "delayed lockout" on the device, giving me 72 hours to call them. This happened on a Saturday night. It is now Tuesday and I have yet to get a hold of them! I have called them 3 separate times only to be on hold for 30 mins each time. (I am writing this as I am on hold. The customer service just came on after 32 minutes and put me on hold again after receiving my name).

So the outcome of the phone call was as follows: the customer service rep had me go outside and do the whole routine of starting up the car (which takes 5 minutes). I got the device up and running and the error message said "viollock36hrs". The rep said I had 36 hours to get the vehicle back to where I had it installed in order to continue. He then ended the call abruptly. The call took a total 47 minutes from start to end. 32 minutes on hold, and 15 minutes speaking with a human. It's only been 4 days and I already have a "violation". I can only imagine what is to come. PS. I recommend getting a new car battery because this device is power hungry and stays on even after you turn your car off.

Also if the device fails for any reason it cost you to have it reset. $75.00. If you leave your vehicle running to warm up in the winter longer than 5 min. it goes to lockout and costs you $75. If you miss an appointment for any reason when their people have to be there anyway it cost you $75.00. OH, and all of this has to be reported to the state each time and that cost you even more. This is the biggest scam and license to steal that I have ever seen. Much worse than credit cards. In the 70's the banks put pressure on the states to close down small loan companies in Michigan who were charging 18% just so they could charge 24.99 on their credit cards and all of their late fees which put them way, way over the usury rate which is really criminal. This must be investigated as these companies are making billions and so does the state. Super bad.

Then my car went into a 4 day lockout mode so I had to take it in for service. My car wouldn't start so I had to tow it and pay $60 to remove the lock. Smart Start wouldn't reimburse me for the machine's fault and they took about 3 hours to answer every time. Along with transferring me to the automated answer machine several times. Don't use Smart Start. They suck and have poor service. I heard there are better machines on the market.

Although they waived the fee for it not working (since it wasn't my fault) and provided me a new unit, they considered this waiver my one free waiver they provide to all customers. Which caused me not to qualify for an actual waiver that resulted in my wrong doing in the future. Which actually happened a few months later while washing my car with the music on and forgot all about the unit in the car. Second thing is that I am a single mom so although I get the car serviced by them I may not have the funds to pay on that service at that time, so I call the 800 number. They say it's up to the tech to leave the balance on my acct until I can pay. The tech says it's up to Administration. Either way it's not like I'm going to disappear. I can't go anywhere with the damn device still in my vehicle so why not work with me instead of against me.

They treat you like a hardened criminal, as if you've murdered or killed someone! Or did them any harm! Little do they know this was my first offense and besides traffic tickets nothing else on my record, but the way they treat you is like short, cut throat, and flat out disrespectful. From their tone of voice, demeanor, and unwillingness to help! I have now been ordered by the court to remove the interlock device. So I called the 800 number to find out options for removal. They say, I can fax in removal request, email it or provide it to the technicians upon visit to remove it.

A few days later, taking the less complicated option of presenting it to the tech, I first called to see if I had to make an appt as I was already leaving my home to go to Irving Texas location Smart Start. He stated no appointment necessary but that I or they can fax it to Administration and within 24 hours if approved they can remove. I let him know I was not told that. He then instead of trying to find a solution he argued with me for 10 minutes about rules and guidelines as if I pulled the story out of my ass about what I was previously told to do. Keep in mind I live 45 minutes from this location, so I called 800 number. After waiting on hold for 30 minutes, a rep answered and stated that I was completely right they could've removed once I showed them the paperwork but it's at their discretion!

The rep also stated that his suggestion was to go ahead and fax it to him directly but that I still wouldn't be able to get it removed because they close in an hour and wouldn't have time to remove. If I would have been aware that the process wouldn't be as smoothly as described I would've faxed the information in days ago as I had received it days prior to this incident. As simple as it was to install it should be the same when removing. You would think that the lawyer I paid $3500, the court I paid $1900, an alcohol class for $100, Smart Start install fee of $75, plus Smart start fee of $75 a month for the last year, plus the 3months of weekend jails I had to do would be enough.. especially for a first time offender.. not to mention the $45 to remove it!!!

The right hand never knows what the left is doing. This company is not on one accord. They treat you horribly, and act like they're doing you a favor with their nasty ass attitudes! So I'm sitting here now with a court order to remove this unit, I've paid my dues, sat out my time, and learned from my mistake... but now I'm being held captive by Smart Start with their rules and regulations when they aren't even the entity who regulates or mandates its install or removal. I want this behind me!!! I hate this company and want to be done with their poor service once and for all! Piece of crap!!!

Recently this device had me blow 8 times while in line at Burger King... something is wrong with this device!!! I also installed a 2nd device to the family car. It is a different HEAD after 47 tries. I took it back to the installer. I can't blow, hum, quite right. I had no voice for 2 days following. Not good for being a cashier at Costco. Members complained that I was rude... I could not talk!!! I'm sure this will be on my record both at work and with SS... DMV too!

5th - I was about to leave a job site 60 miles from home. Same thing, wouldn't let me blow into it, got my vehicle towed in again 60 miles. Didn't get home til 3 am. Had to miss another day of work the next day getting it fixed. Every time I have to find someone to pick up all my tools and I have to spend about 45 min, 3 times, each time this happens just transferring the tools to another vehicle.

6th - I drive 4 hours over the mountain pass to my dad's. 5 miles from my destination, the interlock once again won't register my blow. I can't turn the vehicle off in the middle of nowhere or it won't restart, so I turn around and drive 4 hours back to the service center. The whole time the thing was causing my horn to beep for 4 hours, that was a Saturday night. Spent 12 hours total until I got home. Had to have someone pick me up. Was stuck without a car until Monday. Had to miss work again Monday and get a ride in to get the vehicle fixed. Once again faulty equipment. Totally their fault. 7th - the next day I drive to the job site, have to take a ferry to get there by the way. Same thing happens again. Bad equipment. I'm stuck on an island. Now at my wit's end.

I'm a patient person but this is ridiculous. I pay my bill early, never had a violation, do everything I'm supposed to. They haven't reimbursed any of the over 1000 in tow bills or missed work. The worst is every time I call, it takes 45 min to talk to someone that can never help. They treat you like garbage. Once you're signed up they don't care.

After 5 out of the 8 violations, I blew in the device after 2 minutes and passed (4 rolling retest included). Even when I passed the retest, I am still forced to pay $75 to have the violation removed. Even though these are not alcohol related, I am forced to pay. I failed 1 again after a violation and another I felt so defeated, I just didn't blow again. I have been reimbursed once for a violation on my first day because I turned my car off and the IID said to blow. This company is a rip off. I emailed my DMV to ask who is monitor/regulating these companies. I would not recommend anyone deal with this company. It is the holiday season and I have been unable to contact any of the other IID companies, but I am desperately trying to get rid of this thing ASAP.

On top of everything, you cannot call or get a hold of anyone in their area office or corporate office. You can call the 800 number, complain and then the same people at this local facility call you back and tell you they have to call their boss and never call you back. When I followed up, the manager literally told me that it was my fault, come back to reinstall the device with them or I could "go to hell" cause I had no choice, "do it or lose your license". Their competing brands are as I found very respectful and aware that having to have these devices installed as a result of my mistake is embarrassing and went out of their way to make it as painless as they could. Lastly, as the fees are controlled by the state, don't make the mistake of spending a dime on Smart Start in Spokane. They deserve to go out of business.

After searching the Internet and finding Smart Start number I called them. Hour and half later Smart Start told me to plug in the device, see what it says. It said absolutely nothing like everything was working properly. It says blow, I blow it, passed me, no errors pop up. I have a probation officer, called her, called Smart Start, called everyone, there's no possible way I failed. I haven't had one sip of alcohol in over 6 months, to be more exact March 12. I told them there has to be a test that you can take to prove you weren't drinking. There is ETG test. Guess what? I took the test and passed. It was negative. Probation officer said I blew .04, 2 mins later .01. She said that's not possible. Well no kidding, also not possible I blew anything. I have not had one sip of alcohol. I do however work with chemicals a lot but remember I passed when I left work.

I checked the myths, facts on Smart Start. It says spicy food won't let you blow bad. Well either it was the bite of pizza or the equipment. Either way it failed me and I haven't drank one single drop of alcohol. The problem with the etg test is it can detect alcohol from 72 hours so if your Smart Start gives you a false positive you can only prove it by the etg test so do not drink especially if you're on probation so you can prove your case. I did not get in trouble only because I passed the etg test.

I know this is a long post but it's the absolute truth. The company that monitors my breathalyzer said, "You should not eat or drink anything before blowing." Oh ok I guess that's against the law. Took a bite of pizza and I might go to jail for that. Remember it's pizza. Glad I didn't eat the whole slice. The device would have said I blew something ridiculous so do not drink alcohol, do not eat or drink anything before the test so if it gives you a false positive you can take etg test and prove your case.

Supposedly, I was going to be reimburse for those violations, but when I called the number to Smart Start Credit Dept., 877-485-7042, I found that there is no credit dept. for the state of Florida. One Smart Start associate said to leave a message online. On top of that, I got a letter from the state of Florida threatening to revoke my licence because of the violations. Do yourself a favor, and DO NOT USE SMART START INTERLOCK SERVICES.

I was treated disrespectfully and Accused of lying by representatives and was also given the runaround through their TERRIBLE phone tree. Long hold times and rude, disrespectful, condescending, representatives await once you finally get a human being on the line. Don't waste your time or money with Smart Start, there are MUCH better options out there. Do yourself a favor and just move along! I've had enough, I'm having the device removed Friday (for yet another fee) and switching to a more reputable/respected company.

A brief history into my account will show that I currently have 3 violations. These violations ALL occurred after the device allowed my car to start. The equipment would then not register a completed test with the error message "mouth closer" and a wait time. The mouth closer message causes a time delay before the next test can be administered and increases the time between each mouth closer message. This in turn would go beyond the five minutes that one is allowed to take the test and results in a missed test/violation. I would then pull over, restart my car to turn off the horn alarm, and take the required test to allow my car to start. The test always passes and the machine allows me to drive on my way. This causes a $50 violation fee that is clearly no fault of my own.

About 2 to 3 months ago this happened and the telephone (18008803394) technician advised me to have my machine exchanged for a new one. The associate at the Pompano service center denied my request at that time. During this latest issue, the associate denied my request this time stating that my violation was caused due to a "dirty" mouthpiece. I have about 8 months left to satisfy this imposed interlock requirement and I am terrified that these equipment violations will continue, costing me additional fees and I have no idea if any of this will affect the completion of my mandated 2 year requirement with the state.

Updated on 12/29/2015: Not only am I on my 3rd replacement unit in 3 months, I have had over 10 violations because of this defective product and company. So, I start my car and go to the UPS store. I'm in there for 5 minutes. I try to start my car and the unit is completely blank. Didn't even come on. So I call the installer and get the usual BS and I'm told to call Smart Start. They expect me to sit in a freezing car for 45+ minutes while I'm on hold. I walked home.

Levels then was 0.000. The technician downloaded all the information from the device. He was very confused. He step me through the entire morning as far as times blowing into the machine. Now, if I blew a .0144, then how in the world could I have passed less than a minute later with a .000? This has me concerned about some of the other warns I have had in the past. I will admit that on two occasions I have had a few to drink and had a bac pop up. The first time I let my truck at work and caught a ride home from work as well as back to work the next morning. I am now being put back in level 2 classes. For what reason, I don't know.

The program is designed to keep people from driving while drinking. It works if the court system and any other entities involve were not so money hungry. I am thinking about going to see the judge and talk to him face to face about the situation. For what good it will do, I have no idea. We all need to stand up for what few rights we have left in this country and demand that something be done about this company.

2 days ago, it took 10 minutes before I could start the car because device read "temp change". And today, I got a "viol" first blow. The device waited 2 minutes, I drank water and still blew a "viol". I have not consumed alcohol since I was put on probation in June. One prior time I had a fail, waited the 2 minutes and blew just fine. I realized that my toothpaste contains Scope. I have since switched toothpaste. However, today is a mystery unless it was the NyQuil that I took last night at bed. Could that still be in my system? Still on hold now (26 minutes).

Here I am, 5 weeks into having the product and my starter will not work. I had to walk home 2 1/2 miles. I called Smart Start looking for help and I had some guy named Mike who talked to me like I was trash. He acted like I had no business talking to Smart Start and that it was my problem. I was also told that my mechanic has to verify that he's a legit shop owner in order to work on the vehicle. I extremely dissatisfied with the product, but even more disappointed with the terrible customer service. Not all of us who have to use this product are bad people.

I asked why they can't manufacture a device that actually detects drinking alcohol even at low levels but they won't because it would affect their bottom line. I encourage everyone to send complaints to the company, consumer affairs, the BBB, the DMV and more importantly your state representative. A class action suit would be the best thing to do to stop the collusion and major profits from this partnership between the DMV and the manufacturers of all of the Interlock devices - they all are corrupt and need to be stopped. MADD is probably also profiting from this since at least in some state they were the ones to petition for this and set the threshold limits which are a joke.

When I initially had this installed my car would refuse to start around 1/10 tries and it got to the point where after numerous attempts nothing would happen and I had to have it towed to the service shop. Let's not forget the warns and the one fail it gave me for no reason. Now I have to pay as well a 50$ fee for missing my appointment which is a rip off and they're also telling me that oh hey you actually have 3 months longer on your term than what you initially signed up for I cannot WAIT to have this thing out of my life!!!

Anyways, I have a hardship license and Wednesday was my first day of driving. I started my car really easily and rolling test was easy as well. Thursday and Friday I drove to work without any issues using device. I had no issues with device as well. I started my car on first try with one steady blow into device about 7 seconds long and was on my way to work. Saturday I started my car fine as well no issues. On my way back home I had a little trouble getting my car started at first. It took me three tries to start my car. It kept saying blow harder. I eventually got it started. I figured I am still new at learning device and eventually it's going get easier once I can get use to blowing technique.

After about 5 minutes, I had to take rolling test. I was having issues as device was telling me blow harder. For some reason I wasn't doing it correctly. Eventually the device went into lockout violation with 4 days remaining for me to take it to service center. It kept saying blow harder. I think I wasn't blowing long enough. I've watched video several times and even practice. I will have to take my car into service center tomorrow for them to reset it. I am so frustrated because I may have to pay $50.00. Does anyone have any good tips using smart start iid 20/30. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

He got very edgy with me as I ask a lot of questions, then told me he won't change it because I wanted to pay one of my household bills instead of them. "See now you messed up Steve because now you are telling me that you won't do it because I want to keep my lights on, gas on, food on the table for my family. That's awesome." Very long story short I never got it moved. Was treated like a dog and I had to contact my car insurance company and phone company to move the dates up and get charged late fees. But they did it, no problem. I work in customer service. I have for a very long time, and by far this company needs education on customer service. I thought Comcast was bad, but Smart Start and this supervisor Steve bit the nail on the head. I wasn't asking a lot or saying I was going to pay, but wow to how I was treated that day, I couldn't believe it. I even called the head office and they were a little more nice, but still rude.

Went out next morning and blew into the device and it wouldn't work. It said "wait 2 minutes" which I did. Blew again and it worked but came up violation lockout in 48 hours. Thought here we go again. Had to wait until Monday to go to service station. Called local Smart Start to tell them so they could call service station and check reading so I wouldn't have to pay the $50. Was in for quite a shock. They said $50 and I said why and they said came up alcohol detected. I ABSOLUTELY did not drink any alcohol and called Smart Start for an explanation. Of course I got another excuse when explained I didn't drink. She said I need to rinse my mouth out with water before each use. I had nothing to drink or eat that morning the violation came up (had only brushed teeth an hour before).

If that's the case why didn't it happen for the year I've had it. I understand I need to pay to be allowed to drive but these extra trips and expenses are ridiculous and to come up as alcohol detected. There is obviously something very wrong with the device. Smart Start should have reviewed my records and seen how many times I've had to go for service. Excuse after excuse to get more money for no reason. DO NOT HAVE SMART START INSTALLED IN YOUR CAR!!!

Updated on 01/22/2016: After months of problems with the device - as described by other customers - I had the device calibrated (its regular monthly calibration). I drove the car from New York to Colorado. ALL the way across the country, the device malfunctioned: blow harder/softer, hum stronger/softer, don't inhale, etc. resulting in a 4 day lockout. I was so afraid of getting stranded somewhere in Iowa, for example, and not being able to restart the car, that I was unable to turn the car off for the entire 1800 mile distance!!! Smart Start has the worst customer satisfaction of possibly any product... and certainly the most defective product coupled with THE WORST customer service I have experienced in my 66 years.

Now I have an order to have the device removed. When I called to make and appointment, the local Smart Start shop available to remove the product has the following message on their answering machine: "the mail you are trying to reach is no longer in service"... because the proprietor does not want to answer his phone!! I complained to Smart Start corporate about this who said "oh well, there's nothing we can do about it"... even though the Smart Start name is on the door. And the money grab is astonishing!!! And for something that does not work. I call that EXTORTION. My offence was drinking and driving for which I paid dearly and will never, ever do again. In fact I no longer drink at all. However that does not justify a corrupt, dishonest company to take advantage of me and many, many others. SHAME on SMART START and all those individuals associated with the company.

The machine gave me problems by making me blow every five minutes and then locking into a constant countdown loop. I explained this to the service tech that addressed the problem and I was told that he reprogrammed the machine, they think that it was always on and that would stop the excessive blowing and clocking issues. I should not have to go into why there was a distraction at this time at that office but I was not told that if I turned on my ignition and did not enter the security code that was now superseded by the ignition key within a few minutes that the machine would set my alarm off and there would be a $50 charge. I cannot even get into my car now without thinking that I may be defrauded by a simple spring trap after this occurred.

I would just chalk it up to negligence but the main rent-a-cop that seems to have authority at this office due to the amount of smart remarks that he can regurgitate gave me a number to call for an office line that is never answered so I am guessing that the State has also mandated them to treat the customers like a cat in a bag to be poked with sticks. I say this because the remark that was made to me that I should not have drank and drove when I complained about the malfunctioning machine. I also say this because I pay 2 months at a time and I had just paid for the 4th & 5th months when this issue occurred, I cannot get the ghost owner on the phone, he will not return my calls and the 800 number does nothing but reconnect me with the dead end answering machine.

I was told to use an office in Burlington, North Carolina to make payments so I can avoid any future confrontations that are likely to arise from this office in Greensboro, NC. If you want the possibility of the same things happening to you, use Smart Start. I am looking to have my machine switched to the only competitor in NC when the next payment is due. I have downloaded the procedure manual for entrepreneurs and there is not even a violation for this type of scenario! Oh, and I will pay this $50 fine when my ashes re-salt the earth.

Updated on 08/03/2015: I just got another lock out fine of $50 for driving down the road! The machine keeps going into a 2 minute countdown and asks for me to blow over and over. I got tired of blowing and tossed the unit into the seat and drove to the Smart Start Branch in Greensboro NC AGAIN, and this time I was forced to pay the $53 fine to remove the lock-out from my car. I was told, "I can't let you slide because you have been having to bring it in several times for service". What the ** is that!!! I had to bring it in for service because the device keeps malfunctioning, it does not read the same voltage as a new car for some reason. So if I am to be treated fairly I have to buy a new car for them to cut up the wires on!

This place is A SCAM, plain and simple. I am going to file a lawsuit as soon as my mechanic writes a statement for my lawyer. I would rather pay a mechanic and a lawyer to go to court than these thugs. I may just get the punitive damages that I am going to be asking for if not all of what I am having to invest in this suit! I am not a certified mechanic but I was a Tech for 5 years and I was so good at my job I was promoted to Shop Foreman. Now I just design circuit boards and computer cables – even more technical than knowing that there is something wrong with this system in general.

I would go so far as to say that you could dial in the amount of money that you want to earn off of each device and there is a 99% chance that the car will do the rest by false violation, if you have a car that does not read 14v with the key on, only, as a theoretical model. I am getting someone that does have a certification to write a report along with my knowledge, this should sting a bit, along with the video footage of this device going into a 2 minute re-blow loops! You should sue too. All you have to do is go to your local courthouse and ask for an affidavit to file a civil suit, or just type in your state's name and then Legal Aid for proper directions. Let's get a class action lawsuit started on top of that!