Smart Start Ignition Interlock Device

After two years of driving with a Smart Start ignition interlock, I am finally able to have it taken out.

[@creakyvibez000]

Thank you for your video suggesting my content. Much appreciated sir

[@redxmeduza]

I had one installed voluntarily because I'm in recovery and want to hold myself accountable. Only sober for 3 weeks but I'm on the right path, and it sounds like you are too. Congrats on 2 years! 🎉

[@michaeliorg4980]

I’ve been sober just over six years. What has made the biggest difference for me is human connection and knowing why I choose sobriety over drinking. The truth is I really enjoy drinking but I love my life without alcohol even more. One day at a time!

[@michaeliorg4980]

CONGRATS ON THREE WEEKS!!! I’m here for you if you need support.

[@redxmeduza]

​@michaeliorg4980 6 years!! That's incredible. I feel the same way you do, I love drinking but I love being sober and in control of my life more.

[@DonaJ-bp6pd]

THAN YOU SO SO MUCH FOR POSTING, it's my first DUI, I'm looking at it as my savior, praying it actually is. I don't want me now, I want me previous self

[@michaeliorg4980]

Hang in there! You will get through this.

[@Rs-yh4ve]

I love how humbled happy you seem. This video is heart felt and helpful and I am happy for you.

[@skittlessunshine5518]

99 days sober today! Got mine installed today. Congrats on the sobriety and getting your freedom back!

[@michaeliorg4980]

Congrats on another day of sobriety! Take it from me, it is going to feel like you will never get that thing out of your car! Time will fly by and before you know it, you’ll be making your own video of the day you got yours out!

[@skittlessunshine5518]

@@michaeliorg4980 thank you soooo much!!!

[@20vannesa]

Will other people notice if you have the interlock? I don’t want people to know 😔😭

[@christinehagler9547]

That's awesome Michael, you should be very proud of yourself!

[@christinehagler9547]

I don't really value the opinions of people who don't know how to turn caps lock off

[@Rough-inevitable]

I feel you bro. Glad you’re making good decisions and get it removed. Thanks for sharing

[@michaeliorg4980]

I’ve had it out now since September and I will still occasionally get in my car and turn the ignition to start, waiting for the device to beep telling me I can blow in it. 🤦‍♂️

[@bcoyblevins]

Congratulations!! I'm in awe of the vulnerability here. ❤

[@bcoyblevins]

Right as I left that comment a drunk driver crashed into my living room. Seriously, thank you for your commitment to staying sober!

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@bcoyblevins are you serious!??? That’s too crazy to be for real!!!

[@bcoyblevins]

@@michaeliorg4980 I agree! But it happened. Literally right after I clicked send. We're lucky to be alive. He went through the living room and through the garage only to be stopped by the outer wall of the garage. We live on a residential street, too, so it really doesn't make sense or feel real.

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@bcoyblevins that is SOOO CRAZY!!! And totally makes sense… alcohol.

[@bcoyblevins]

@@michaeliorg4980 👎 I sent you a pic on Insta. It's my newer account so it was probably in your hidden folder. It's unreal. The photo doesn't quite show how crazy it was.

[@scorpionman2313]

I am proud of you buddy. Keep up the good work.

[@kelseyautry]

Congratulations on getting it out! I just mine installed yesterday & Im so scared of it. I don’t drink- my DUI’s we’re not from alcohol but I can’t seem to get the hum & blow down. 😭

[@michaeliorg4980]

It’s crazy that they make people use an alcohol interlock device who don’t have issues with alcohol. Time will fly by and before you know it, you’ll have that thing out of your car. In the meantime, keep working on that hum & blow!

[@maximowantago3957]

Thank you very much. This video was very cool . And good for you . I've never had to face this kind of thing before. But now I know the way I must take .

[@TOTALCAMARO]

I had one installed and the only problems it gave me was “hum stronger” which with my smart start you have to hum and blow at the same time. The only time it irritated me was when it would tell me “blow longer” and I was just starting to blow in it. Really are you serious smart start? Mine only gives you 5 minutes to succeed. Hopefully after my next hearing it will be removed. Congratulations on your success 😊

[@michaeliorg4980]

Oh yeah, I hated when it would tell me to blow longer or hum stronger 🤣 Best of luck to you! Before you know it, you’ll be driving your car without that thing telling you to blow longer! Hang in there!

[@TOTALCAMARO]

@@michaeliorg4980 Thank you very much. I was wondering if others had that problem. I took my car into get an oil change and the mechanic had the same problem. And that’s where I got the thing installed. I told him that made me feel better . lol

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@TOTALCAMARO the installer of my interlock became my mechanic too. I was too embarrassed to take my car anywhere else!

[@gusgus1816]

Thanks for the info Matt Damons brother

[@michaeliorg4980]

😂

[@nsme6942]

We should have the right to say no to interlocks

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@nsme6942 I believe that you do have the right to say no. If you do say no, you also will be giving up your driving privileges. You would need to check your states codes related to this.

[@cindyangiefunes]

Good luck in life buddy thank you for the video

[@KayMaria40]

Congratulations!!!

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@KayMaria40 thanks!!!

[@vikingstorm32]

I ate a slice of pizza on lunch break once and my intoxalock started asking me to blow. I never got a chance to rinse my mouth with water, and I failed the test. I spent like an hour on the phone when I got off work trying to explain to intoxalock that I had a slice of pizza

[@michaeliorg4980]

What was the result of the hour long phone call, did they believe your story?

[@seshusaurav1154]

I’m happy that you fought it, congratulations. I just got my first DUI and going through a lot. My court hearing is due in Jan 2023 but I’m scared of the outcome as I blew 0.14 and was stopped for speeding 55/70. Failed all the FS tests. Had no other factors on the arrest. I was jailed when caught and spent 10 hours in the jail. This is in Virginia and I’m expecting a mandatory license suspension for an year. I might be permitted to drive with a restricted license but with the interlock installed. How much does the car insurance go up after the dui where we have to get an SR22 or FR44 insurance?

[@michaeliorg4980]

I wish I had the answer about the insurance. For me my insurance is about $100 a month just for liability on a car that is not worth more than $1000. From my understanding the court and the DMV are separate. You could probably just ask you insurance directly about cost and then also ask the DMV about the interlock. I just don’t think they get the notification until you are actually sentenced. I highly suggest getting a good lawyer, if you haven’t already.

[@miketaylor3578]

Did you get a beer afterwards? Just kidding. Your video was very helpful and congrats. I just got a second dui and my lawyer said i will have one of these. Could be worse.

[@michaeliorg4980]

Fortunately, my desire to have a beer is not as great as my desire to stay sober. I was a celebratory drinker and would always pat myself on the back with a drink. Fortunately, by the time I had this installed I had been sober long enough that I was not tempted to celebrate with alcohol when I got it out. You’re right, it could be worse. However, it can also get so much better. Take care! It is going to feel like forever, but it will actually go by pretty quick.

[@Trainy2]

I spilled some gas in my car and the fumes gave me a failed test. I also live in a humid area and sometimes it won't work if it got condensation inside from it

[@michaeliorg4980]

Bummer! The first time I had an interlock device and I was still actively drinking, a bottle of wine broke in my car and it made me fail a test while I was driving and so I had to pull over and roll all my windows down and then wait until it all cleared out. So, I feel your pain!

[@kellymeyers6548]

Why did you choose Smart Start after having Intoxalock? I am trying to choose between the 2 devices/companies. Sooo paranoid and scared about making this decision. In my case I will need it for 5 years. Drinking is not a concern for me. The ease of using the device and customer service are my primary considerations. Any experience would be greatly appreciated! Congratulations on your SOBRIETY!

[@michaeliorg4980]

I did not choose either of them. Intoxalock was the only option in my area the first time and Smart Start was the only option the second time. They both have their pros and cons. I feel that intoxalock had the better device that was more reliable but smart start was easier to use. I felt the smart start app was really easy to use and I made all my payments through the app. Plus, I made notes on the app every time the device had a malfunction. I recommend going to the App Store and reading the reviews of the two apps for more information. Maybe make a decision based on the reviews.

[@kellymeyers6548]

@@michaeliorg4980 gotcha. Thank you for taking the time to reply. 😀

[@bderbinful]

I’m trying to make the same decision. Although the judge ordered the device install for a year, the state of Florida added an additional year 😫

[@1digitalwatcher697]

Congrats lets drink to that !! orange juice

[@simpatico4004]

I have had the device for two months. I haven’t failed a blow (I don’t drink at all) but i currently have a 4day violation lockout warning. I really have no idea how I violated. Guess il know when I take it to the shop.

[@michaeliorg4980]

Do you ever leave your car running while you’re not in it? Or maybe have your music too loud so that you don’t hear the device telling you to blow in it? Missing a test can be counted as a failed test and depending on the state your in, one failed test can put you in a lockout. Have you downloaded the app on your phone yet?

[@stitchoooalphaomegaxxx9534]

I still fucking drink lol and failed miserably that had to remove it and just have someone else take over my car. It still doesn’t destroy your alcoholism.

[@michaeliorg4980]

You’re right, an interlock device doesn’t keep you from drinking. I wish you the best of luck as you continue on your journey! Hopefully you’re driving now or at least will be driving soon. I had a similar experience with my first interlock because I was also still actively drinking. My original 1 year was extended to a year and a half because of all the failed attempts to drive my car after drinking.

[@bderbinful]

I was recently diagnosed with asthma a COPD. My pulmonologist gave me a letter asking the state to lower the breathing scale because I cannot blow into it when I originally had intoxilock installed in my car. That company is nothing but a scam. I had that device removed and am now looking into the device you had (smart start). I’ve been sober almost 11 years and it really sucks that I have to have this device installed for the next 2 years. With my lung issues, I don’t think I will be able to drive with this thing beeping every 5 to 10 mins and especially driving on the highways. Any suggestions?

[@michaeliorg4980]

Congrats on your sobriety! That totally sucks that you have to have an interlock device. With smart start you don’t have to do the inhale like intoxalock would make you do. You only have to blow into the device while you make a humming sound. My advice would be to not overthink or over stress about it too much. If you use an inhaler, first make sure that it isn’t going to cause a failed blow, but then perhaps use the inhaler before you have to drive anywhere. I don’t have asthma so I don’t have any advice from personal experience. Best of luck! Things usually aren’t as bad as we think they are so hang in there!

[@bderbinful]

@@michaeliorg4980thank you! How many times does it beep while driving? I’m a half hour drive to work and it is stressing me out if this device also beeps every 10 to 15 mins like intoxilock! Please let me know. Thank you!

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@bderbinful the smart start is easier to blow in than the intoxalock. You only have to breathe out while humming. I would guess you will blow once to start and then 2 or 3 times on your drive to work.

[@bderbinful]

Thank you so it will beep every 10 mins. That is really crazy and will definitely stress me out. I know I shouldn’t stress out about it and just do it. I have a drs note asking to lower the breathing scale. Thanks for you kind words of wisdom. Happy new year!

[@tyroneperry5008]

I got monitech. Why does it ask you to blow when you turn your car off?

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@tyroneperry5008 it randomly will alert to blow in the device and it’s just coincidence if it asks you to blow right as you turn the car off. How is Monitech?

[@Drew-xe9sp]

Why did you decide SmartStart over Intoxalock this time around? I’m trying to decide between the two companies for a more reliable machine. Thanks and congrats!

[@michaeliorg4980]

I just saw this comment, sorry I didn’t respond earlier. Intoxalock wasn’t available anymore in my area. I had no choice but to use smart start.

[@chickenfoot8803]

Smart start “doesn’t blow, it sucks” 😉 Not condoning drinking and driving btw.

[@Drew-xe9sp]

@@chickenfoot8803 I’ve had smart start for about 2 months now and no real problems so far

[@jayzzz1234]

We must all go through that walking riding a bike asking for lifts.

[@michaeliorg4980]

Now I try to be as giving as possible when someone asks me for a ride.

[@jayzzz1234]

I will be taking that same view, after 16 months off the road I'm getting my interlock fitted this week just to drive again will feel so good, 23 years on the road it's my first ever offence bit harsh but okay, appreciate you taking your time to make these videos.

[@mikecochrane2074]

thanks for your video. i have been sober for 8 years and finally getting the chance to get a baiid. which device would you recommend, the smart start or the intoxalock. i am looking for the most easiest one to use of all the devices. TIA

[@michaeliorg4980]

Probably the one that is cheapest. Smart start was easier to use.

[@michaeliorg4980]

Congrats on 8 years!

[@mikecochrane2074]

@@michaeliorg4980 i am also looking into the low cost interlock, which by name i am sceptical, but the rep video i watched made theirs seem easy also. now i need to figure out which shop i feel most comfortable dealing with mechanic wise.

[@mikecochrane2074]

@@michaeliorg4980 thank you

[@kyngdlee]

I just got this installed it always says hum louder like dag how loud do I need to hum it’s so annoying.

[@michaeliorg4980]

I completely agree, so annoying! Just blow like no one is watching! Because believe, no one is! Time will fly by and before you know it, you’ll be getting it taken out. Hang in there!

[@kyngdlee]

@@michaeliorg4980 thanks so much buddy I can do it fine when no one is watching but as soon as people in the parking lot start watching I can’t get it.

[@sumlight38]

Does anyone know if these will make you fail test if you smoke weed inside your car or high under influence? ~ asking for a buddy

[@michaeliorg4980]

As far as I know, they currently do not detect THC. However, the consequences for driving under the influence with an interlock device already installed are going to be even more extreme. Tell your buddy to be careful.

[@sumlight38]

@@michaeliorg4980 thanks man !

[@erikolson4454]

Personally, l think that all vehicles should be required to have this installed because it will significantly reduce the amount of drunk drivers on the roads, and save life's

[@michaeliorg4980]

While this is a very good idea and I certainly agree. However, the outrage it would cause regarding infringement on personal freedom and our right to choose would be insane. Just think of all the people who are already complaining about the requirement to have these in their vehicles after they get a DUI/DWI! Now imagine the people being required to blow in a device to drive who have never been drunk in their life. Also, it would be seen as another way for big business to make money off us common folk.

[@erikolson4454]

@michaeliorg4980 I will agree with you on that

[@unknown-xf4ko]

There is a technology called DADSS (driver alcohol detection safety system) under development that detects alcohol in the drivers breath passively in ambient air or by using touch based sensors. This technology is eventually going to be mandated in new vehicles.

[@user-ui9cw4ww4y]

did you ever have an issue with the device itself not turning on at all? i have a 2019 accord and i get mine out on the 27th. no issues until this past month . i have to ply with it unplug it plug it back in and wait and it works eventually. however these past few days it doesn’t even turn on. i think it’s the battery but i had that tested as well as the alternator and starter and it all passed. now i’m ubering because the damn thing won’t turn on at all. i’m thinking of just putting in a new battery it’ll be less expensive than ubering everyday to work.

[@michaeliorg4980]

I never had that problem. However, I suggest telling the interlock company you are having the issue with it not turning on. Also, call the place that installed it and ask them what is going on. Basically, document the issues you are having so they don’t turn around and say that you were trying to drive the car without using the interlock device. Document that you are even unplugging the battery. I used the smart start app on my phone and I would use the notes any time there was an issue to ensure I documented it.

[@user-ui9cw4ww4y]

It’s impossible to get a hold of any location, it just leads to the 1-800 number. Good call on the notes thing on the app, I didn’t even see that until now. I’m planning on getting it towed to the location where I get it calibrated tomorrow to figure something out. I did put all these issues in the notes just now. thanks !

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@user-ui9cw4ww4y best of luck with it!!! The good news is you get it out soon! You’ve made it this far, keep doing the right thing until it’s out and then make sure you keep doing the right thing so you never have to have one again!

[@user-ui9cw4ww4y]

yes that’s the plan !

[@gusewaksidhu4477]

I got 18 months driving Suspension because of First time DUI in Ontario, how long I have to wait for interlock?

[@michaeliorg4980]

That will depend on the department of motor vehicles or drivers license division in your area. For me, I was able to drive with the interlock as soon as my license was no longer suspended. For me, I had a 2 year license suspension and then another 2 years with the interlock device.

[@gusewaksidhu4477]

@@michaeliorg4980 I have AZ license but DUP happened with car , I got 18 months license suspension and 18 months driving probation from Ontrio court, now I am doing back on track program but stopped drinking permanently, but I lost my truck job now suffering from stress, I think I have completed 3-6 months for interlock, thanks

[@MrDatvaguy]

I just got the same device in my car 2 days ago. Does it really drain your battery?

[@michaeliorg4980]

I never had an issue with either of my interlock devices draining my battery. So no, it does not drain your battery. If you have power issues with your car, I would talk to a mechanic or whoever installed your device.

[@MrDatvaguy]

@michaeliorg4980 I feel so much better now that u said that. Thanx yoy so much, Michael. On the smart start site, it says that if your battery voltage is at 12 or below, that you need to charge your car battery or change the whole battery. Also they said that you can check your battery voltage by pressing #2. So I did that and by the grace of GOD, my voltage says 14. I feel so relieved man thanx again

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@MrDatvaguy from personal experience, the only issues that really ever caused me problems was when I was drinking. It’s my opinion that as long as you’re not drinking and trying to use your device, the issues the device might have will be minimal. Hang in there! Time flies and before you know it, you won’t have the device in your vehicle anymore.

[@Jerry-me1fy]

I ate a pizza and failed😂

[@michaeliorg4980]

Oh no!

[@DanielPeipi]

Yeast will probably do it 😂

[@redxmeduza]

The install tech told me pizza and burgers could cause a "false" fail bc of yeast. Two of my favorite things lol 😂😫 she told me if I eat those before I try to start to just drink a lot of water.

[@jjjohny_a5965]

stay away from lifesaver interlock they have bad cameras and they give no help on there phones

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@jjjohny_a5965 that’s good to know!

[@bernadettehill2930]

I have it was just installed and I’ve missed work for the second day now because I blow blow, blow, and blow but can’t seem to start my car with the same device-- now I’m a smoker with shortness of breath often -- someone please me with advice on how to start my car - 2day I’ve missed work because I can’t blow the machine on

[@bernadettehill2930]

HELP ME PLEASE SOMEONE- I’ve missed work for the 2nd day now - because I can’t seem to blow hard enough or long enough without becoming to short winded -- I need some serious helpful suggestions

[@bderbinful]

Which device do you have? I had the intoxilock and I couldn’t blow either since I have asthma and COPD. My pulmonologist gave me a drs note requesting that they lower the breathing scale. I have an appt next month with the DMV and hopefully they will approve.

[@mikelentz5709]

When you blow you need to hum while you blow. Say the word do when you blow and hum it. Like dooooooooooooooo.

[@mikelentz5709]

When you blow you need to hum while you blow. Say the word do when you blow and hum it. Like dooooooooooooooo.

[@mikelentz5709]

When you blow you need to hum while you blow. Say the word do when you blow and hum it. Like dooooooooooooooo.

[@yoex9973]

If you drove for an hour how many tests would it have you do? When would they generally occur

[@michaeliorg4980]

There was no set time for when it would go off. If I had to say an average time it would probably be every 5 to 6 minutes.

[@amykrieg6224]

@@michaeliorg4980 I have asthma and need one for two years. Why the hell does it ask so often? They treat you like a raging alcoholic that can't survive without booze. I was sleeping in my car when I got my DUI. I don't even think I can produce a sample that often.

[@THE-RED-LETTER-PROJECT]

@@amykrieg6224 I have a Smart Start IID in my car right now 8/16/23. I'll be straight up with you. If this man has had it for 2 years he would KNOW, just like myself. That handset is like a clock. Exactly 5 min.theres a "rolling test" doesn't matter if you start the car/run in the house ect. 5min no matter what it will want a retest. After the first start+5min re-test, if you do not turn off the car the next test is 30min. For me a 2nd rolling test is very rare, I dont drive 30-40 miles straight very often. They say always turn the car off if your not inside, incase of some random test. not likely but Smart Start has a key pad that you can enter simple codes to tell it your "idling" how many rolling test you might of missed, music was to loud ect. you get 5 missed test before you get a violate. Thats #3 then will go though all the violations remaining. Most importantly is a .0 anything rolling test. Your cars lighs/hazards/horn ALL go off. Pull over, call Smart Start. Ive never experianced a lock out or a rolling test fail. I did start the car, forgot my wallet in the house, took over 5min to find it. Blew the sec I got in the car. Called them they said it wasnt a big deal, you have 4 more remaining. Any questions let know. I had asthma, i understand.

[@bderbinful]

@@amykrieg6224I’m in the same situation. I also have COPD. There is no way I can blow into that damn thing every 5 to 10 minutes! That’s crazy!

[@manuelbarrera4696]

What happens if you fail?

[@michaeliorg4980]

A few things can happen and it depends on the state that is requiring you to have the interlock device. For me I could only have one failed test between calibrations. When a person fails more than allowed they have to have the device calibrated earlier than the scheduled date, otherwise the device does a lockout and you can’t drive at all. Basically, it means you pay more money in addition to the money you are already paying monthly. Another thing that can happen is you have additional time added to your already required time. The first time I had an interlock device I had an additional 6 months added because I blew in the device two times with a BAC over .08.

[@vinnie4442]

This device is horrible Customer service nonexistent both in person and over phone Fine if yours work well for duration. You should put aside 300-500 bucks just for device claiming no blow when you did. Scan company. If you signup with these jokers you have no one to blame but yourself. You have been waned…

[@michaeliorg4980]

Oh man, I feel your pain! I feel so grateful that I’m past that part of my life. Yeah, if you can get with a different company then I would do that. In my area, smart start was my only option.

[@RobertMason-lj5lg]

What's the cost?

[@michaeliorg4980]

It typically is a monthly service fee and will depend on where you live. I was paying about $90 a month. If you have to have your device serviced or recalibrated earlier than your next scheduled service then the cost can go up.

[@Dave-tw9ib]

it all a money rip off I had it for 9 mts pay every month then 125 to take it out bullshit mto

[@michaeliorg4980]

@@Dave-tw9ib yeah, there is a lot of ways to make money off of people’s addictions. In my opinion, quitting drinking is the healthiest thing I have ever done for my physical health and my bank account.

[@stephensullivan1879]

Mine stopped clicking after two days smart start devices are trash. My wife can’t blow in it and I feel bad she has to pay for my consequences

[@michaeliorg4980]

Are you saying the handset that you blow in stopped working? Have you been able to get that handset replaced?

[@adamjeffery1300]

I live in the bush with dog either of us get bitten by snake either or both of us die if I have had a drink mmmmm that's all good aye

[@michaeliorg4980]

Yeah, that sounds like a dilemma.

[@ericmartin5289]

This guy obviously has no clue what he's in for they are going to run him through the wringer and take all his money

[@michaeliorg4980]

Thank you for the comment. Perhaps you didn’t actually watch the video. This was my SECOND time having an interlock device requirement because of my own unhealthy choices. I know EXACTLY where I have been and so I actually do have a clue. I have not had the interlock device in my vehicle since September 2022. How are they going to run me through the wringer and take all my money?

[@paigedag.o.a.t7400]

I agree smart start is a scam they want to get you for tons of money

[@griffinsmith3825]

Man I get discriminating the drunk did we but duck This thing. I have one and it sucks, it never registers my hum. Most of the American population drives drunk. At lease once.

[@michaeliorg4980]

Alcohol is literally one of the worst drugs we can put into our body. Blowing in those devices is the worst! I’m fortunate that I was able to get sober when I did, cause I never want to get caught drinking and driving again. I will literally go to prison for a very long time if I were to get a 4th DUI.