Portable alcohol monitoring systems provide real-time information about a person’s sobriety, and the benefits of this are invaluable: accountability, peace of mind, and reassurance that your loved ones (including children) are safe. Still, when selecting a service… there is an actual dollar amount to consider.
So, to make your decision easier, we’ve taken a look at the costs of the most popular remote alcohol monitoring systems. Check out the chart below for an overview, and keep reading for more details.
| SYSTEM | COST | EXTRA FEES |
|---|---|---|
| BACtrack View | $79.99-$129.99 per month | None |
| Soberlink | $129-$259 per month | Breathalyzer purchase: $249-$749 |
| SCRAM CAM (Continuous Alcohol Monitoring) ankle bracelet | $10-12 per day → $300-$360 per month (on average, but pricing varies) | Initial installation fee: $50-$100 Other fees (i.e. for violations and service calls) may vary |
| SCRAM Remote Breath Pro | Pricing varies | Fees vary |
| Smart Start SmartMobile | $130 per month | None |
SCRAM CAM (Continuous Alcohol Monitoring) Ankle Bracelet Cost
The continuous alcohol monitoring bracelet (CAM) by SCRAM is an ankle-fitted device that measures the wearer’s perspiration every 30 minutes to detect alcohol ingestion. It is typically a court-ordered measure in DUI cases but, in some instances, people do choose to wear the bracelet voluntarily.
So, how much will you pay for a SCRAM device? That isn’t entirely clear because the costs associated with a SCRAM ankle monitor vary widely, depending on several factors:
- Geographic location
- The wearer’s income
- Financial obligations (i.e. children and dependents)
According to a 2021 FAQ roundup from SCRAM, costs range between $10-$12 per day ($300-$360 per month), while initial setup fees are $50-$100. Additional fees include charges for violations, maintenance, and more.
However, some reports contradict these figures. A 2021 article from Injustice Watch, discussing how SCRAM has been implemented in Cook County, Illinois, details prices set by a local distributor (CAM Systems):
The sliding scale rates that CAM Systems currently offers defendants range from $12.40 per day for people making $0 to $20,000 per year to $24.40 per day for people making more than $70,000 per year, according to records from the office of the chief judge. These costs add up to between $372 and $732 per month, respectively. CAM Systems deducts $1 from the daily rate for each dependent child. The company charges the defendants a $170 flat fee covering installation, periodic maintenance, and removal. Other charges can arise, from damage to the device or service calls that require CAM Systems staff to visit people’s homes. Each violation, including drinking alcohol or tampering with the device, comes with a $110 fee.”
To sum it up: Because SCRAM doesn’t publish exact figures on its site – and many distributors don’t, either – you’ll need to contact your local distributor directly for pricing information.
SCRAM Remote Breath Pro Cost
The cost of SCRAM’s other portable alcohol monitoring device – the SCRAM Remote Breath Pro – is even less clear.
The SCRAM Remote Breath Pro uses a handheld, wireless breathalyzer device to monitor a client’s sobriety. Like other services in this article, it also offers several testing options (scheduled, random, on-demand, and client-initiated tests).
SCRAM doesn’t list specific or average prices for the SCRAM breathalyzer on the company website. Individual distributors don’t generally list them, either.
Like the CAM ankle monitor, costs vary based on geographic location, the needs of your monitoring program, and your service provider. To get accurate pricing, you’ll need to reach out directly to your local authorized SCRAM distributor.
Smart Start SmartMobile Cost
Smart Start (known for its ignition interlock devices) markets its SmartMobile breathalyzer exclusively for family law use cases. The device can perform various types of tests (scheduled, random, or on-demand), uses facial recognition, and records GPS location.
Smart Start charges a flat $130 monthly fee for the SmartMobile program.
Soberlink Cost
Soberlink is another breathalyzer-based alcohol monitoring system that offers programs for addiction recovery and family law use cases only. Clients select one of two breathalyzers (app-connected or with a cellular connection) and – if using alcohol monitoring for family law – choose one of two programs: daily testing or testing during parenting time only. Soberlink offers scheduled testing (no options for randomized testing) and three tiers for its programs: Basic, Plus, and Premium.
To determine how much you’ll pay for Soberlink, there are two factors to consider:
- Monthly subscription tier. Plans range from $129-$259 per month.
- Additional fee for the breathalyzer. Soberlink requires all clients to purchase a breathalyzer. This price depends on which breathalyzer you select and how long you plan to commit to the service. The breathalyzer fee ranges from $299-$749.
What’s the key difference between the Soberlink and BACtrack View?
Get the details in the BACtrack View vs. Soberlink analysis.
BACtrack View Cost
Finally, there’s us – BACtrack View.
The BACtrack View remote alcohol monitoring system, which leverages an app-connected breathalyzer, works with your iOS or Android smartphone. You have a range of fully customizable testing options – scheduled, random, and on-demand tests. Monitors on the account receive alcohol test results in real-time, which are not only stamped with the time and location of each test, but also a video of the person taking that test. BACtrack View’s court-approved system includes the BACtrack View app and BACtrack Mobile, a portable fuel-cell breathalyzer that delivers police-grade accuracy.
BACtrack View provides three plan options, all of which include a free breathalyzer and no activation fees. Plans range from $79.99 to $129.99 per month. All plans come with a 14-day free trial, and none of the plans require a contract – so you can cancel at any time.
“Using BACtrack View became like a little assignment – every time I would blow and see the zeros pop up, I was really proud of myself. I was really happy that my parents would know that I’m safe – and you can’t put a price on that.”
Consider more than cost
Yes, cost is critical. Especially if you’re in the midst of a court case – for custody, perhaps a DUI – and already dealing with sizable legal fees.
But it shouldn’t be your only consideration when selecting an alcohol monitoring service. Here are 3 other factors to think about:
- Portability. All of the devices for the services listed above are technically “portable.” But can you fit it in your pocket? Toss it into your purse? Is it small and discreet… or large, bulky, and heavy? If you need to bring your device around with you, portability is key.
- Testing schedules. No two alcohol monitoring use cases are exactly alike, meaning the best testing scenario for you may differ from someone else’s. Would random testing – so the Tester can’t anticipate the time of a test – work best for rebuilding trust and accountability? Would on-demand or scheduled tests work better? How about a combination of all three? Think carefully about the type of testing (and schedule) that is ideal for your situation.
- Real-time notifications. How would you prefer to receive reminders to test, or test result notifications – text or email? Does this, in turn, impact the price of your alcohol monitoring service, or the plan tier you select? These are important questions to consider when evaluating different alcohol monitoring services.
While cost may be a primary concern, it’s crucial to also consider the other factors mentioned above when selecting an alcohol monitoring service. At the end of the day, the most effective and successful monitoring program will be one that meets your specific needs and goals. Take the time to research and compare different options, ask questions, and carefully evaluate your priorities before making a decision.
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