This Branch Of Smart Start Conspires to Defraud Clients of a Program Mandated by the State of North Carolina for any 2nd DUI conviction by: Changing the settings on my machine and not telling me that the machine would issue violations for having the key on only, without entering the pass-code that I was instructed to enter to activate the system so that no one else that did not know the code could tamper with it. I had a 30 minute interview and signed a multi-page contract that stated that I would not eat or drink basically before trying to start the car to bind me to any fees accrued by my negligence so this shows lack of leadership skills or just blatant disrespect for Smart Start customers by trying to defrauding "them”. 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 the 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time at that office but I was not told that if I turned on my ignition and did not enter the security code that was now superseded by the ignition key within a few minutes that the machine would set my alarm off and there would be a $50 charge.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 is 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.
The company claims to calla the DMV to verify if you're eligble to have an interlock device placed into your car, place you on a hold (while they are probably answering other poor consumers), then say you are required. I went to the DMV after getting the device placed into my vehicle, they stated it was never required and to go back to get the device taken out. When you call Smart Start, they then want you to hold so they can "call the DMV" again to verify, in which they place you on hold for hours with no response. What kind of person runs this company?
They have fees associated with taking the device out too....go figure. I wonder how many people fall for this that this goes unseen. They just throw money down the drain for a device that's not needed on their vehicle for months. I suggest to any people with this issue to call the DMV yourself and not deal with such a scammer.
I wouldn't be suprised if they don't have a refund guarantee for effing up like they did either......still on hold...
Beware of this company they install alcohol breathalyzer ignition devices. I have a long story but I'll make it very short.. Beware this company will install a device in your vehicle and in my opinion won't give the proper the information to the department of motor vehicles in order to collect monthly payments. You can't get any of their employees to return your phone calls or emails and the installers are very unprofessional they don't disclose any information about how to use the device and what and how you would cause any violations. Unprofessional group organization they should be shut down please beware of this business they pray on negative situations.
Beware of this company they install alcohol breathalyzer ignition devices. I have a long story but I'll make it very short.. Beware this company will install a device in your vehicle and in my opinion won't give the proper the information to the department of motor vehicles in order to collect monthly payments. You can't get any of their employees to return your phone calls or emails and the installers are very unprofessional they don't disclose any information about how to use the device and what and how you would cause any violations. Unprofessional group organization they should be shut down please beware of this business they pray on negative situations.
I want to join the growing list of concerns regarding the Smart Start ignition interlock device. I have had one installed for three months now. It has nearly caused a serious accident (winding country road with no shoulders) and just today gave me a violation. I have not had a single drop of alcohol for 18 months. I drank water before the test as suggested. No luck. I called for the violation code and it did allow me to get to the dealer. Being a Saturday the dealer was closed for the weekend. I had to pay a large amount to cover private transportation to my home, 18 miles out in the country from the Smart Start Dealer's location in the next town. Monday I hope to find a way to get back to my truck.
Tuesday I have a friend who is visiting and who has to take a flight from an airport 120 miles from my home. Assuming they get my truck back on the road do I dare use it? No! So I will have this individual co-rent a car with me and drive. Of course I have to get the car back. I am hoping a neighbor can join me to do that driving. Here is another big expense. It is due to the serious and to my mind irresponsible peddling of an obviously faulty device. Just take a look at the other complaints concerning Smart Start on the internet. Now look for positive comments; the only ones I could find are from Smart Start. Surprise, surprise.
In my experience the Smart Start (strange name given its performance) has become less reliable over the time I have had it. In fact, the last time I drove it to the dealer for its monthly check it worked, then locked him out! To give violations (which cost still more $$) when the driver has not had a drink for 18 months is irresponsible. The machine is faulty. If I am not mistaken all traces of alcohol should be eliminated in 18 months! (Yes, no mouth wash used, etc.).
I am contacting my legal advisor Monday. If Smart Start tries to mess me over, as they apparently have done to many others, I will take what ever actions necessary to defend myself and prosecute them.
Several people have suggested a class action lawsuit. I will look into this. This is not funny. This is a serious misuse of power. Smart Start has apparently found a niche that will allow them to lease shoddy hardware. They do not help when help is sought.
OK...for those who want to comment. I did indeed have a DUI. It was a stupid and wrong action on my part. I pleaded guilty because I was. I went to jail, had a $2500 fine, and had to attend several months of drug prevention counseling. Fair enough. I am the one who made the mistake. But this Smart Start fiasco is beyond the pale.
If you have comments, either pro or con Smart Start (and do not work for Smart Start!) I encourage you to join the discussion. It is likely that only group pressure and action that this company can be brought to justice.
Thanks for reading, and good luck! And, please do not drink and drive - ever. Its just d**** dangerous and irresponsible. I know. I did. Never again, Smart Start or no Smart Start.
The Smart Start IID will not recognize my blow. It is my husbands device in our van. I can't drive it.
The device gives faulty readings. My husband blew a 0, went to the store, blew a warn, got home and blew a 0.
We had the truck in for service and followed directions from smart start. Received 7 violations = 7 more months = $560 mor dollars. Got the violations dismissed after several phone calls to smart start.
The device would not recognize that the van was started, so was forced to blow every two minutes for 51 minutes in 14 degree weather waiting for someone at smart start to answer the phone. Problem not resolved.
The device turns on for 5 seconds every 30 seconds, which means that for every ten hours your vehicle is parked and off it is draining the battery for 100 minutes. Smart Start says that we have a faulty battery. We know how much this thing drains the battery so every night that we have below freezing temperatures or don't plan on taking the van, we plug it into a battery charger.
The device I am required by law to use is defective. It is an automotive interlock device and it will tell me that I am blowing to hard then too soft...then hum louder to the point of me trying to unlock my vehicle 15 times. Then it will lock me out and i have to wait 5 minutes to go through the same thing again. I understand I broke the law but if I am not under the influence then the car device should start the car not put me though all this added frustaration and aggravation.
Smart Start Interlock Device is supposed to put on the road again. You can pay your dues, yes DWI is wrong, but people make mistakes. I paid my dues. I am a person with a breathing capacity problem. This device is more about exhaling and humming the correct way and strongly, than not drinking and driving. I don't even drink anymore. I just want my independence back. I pay the required monthly fee every month. This device has sent me to my doctor 3 times in the past few months, as it has severely inflamed my lungs and windpipes. I have always been shortwinded. I am on symbicort and my doctor says twice a day. I was informed to not use it and drive, as it will say that I am intoxicated. Seriously! With all the advanced technology, this is the best you can do. Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. I have the device on for a year and I have two years left. But, if I can't use my inhaler, then I can't drive. And nobody in the state gives a darn, must be lining alot of pockets. So many people keep drinking and driving and don't abide the law. No allowances or a special device for people like me. Was informed if I was able to get it adjusted I only had 30 days from time the dmv sends me a medical packet, have 2 doctors examine, fill our the medical packet and get it back to dmv. If the 30 days elapse, they take your license forever. I picture all types of things keeping it from making the 30 day deadline. And, then it may not get approved anyway. Class action lawsuit against smart start anyone? Because if you don't start your car every 8 days, they turn off your battery. I am retired, but we still need a car, at least in this big city. And they can't make a device, for us folks to use our inhalers and gain independence again, perhaps even work again. And they simply could care less. I didn't care that the device had to be on for 3 yrs, but I never realized I still wouldn't drive much, as it is medically harming me. And, I believe I will be possibly be penalized for not driving much. Geez, would if I could.
I was owed a refund from a lockout charge that occured while getting my car service. It just so happened that my 1 year of interlock requirement was up the following week and my device was removed. The company's credit department told me that they don't handle that kind of thing and hung up on me when I asked for more information, like where I had been faxing service affidavits in the past when I HAD received credit against my lease. I guess since my lease was up and the equipment was gone I am just out the fee from having my car serviced. The people on the phone were absolutely terrible to deal with too. There are several other companies that provide this same service, use them instead!
Smart Start, Inc. Reviews
This Branch Of Smart Start Conspires to Defraud Clients of a Program Mandated by the State of North Carolina for any 2nd DUI conviction by: Changing the settings on my machine and not telling me that the machine would issue violations for having the key on only, without entering the pass-code that I was instructed to enter to activate the system so that no one else that did not know the code could tamper with it. I had a 30 minute interview and signed a multi-page contract that stated that I would not eat or drink basically before trying to start the car to bind me to any fees accrued by my negligence so this shows lack of leadership skills or just blatant disrespect for Smart Start customers by trying to defrauding "them”. 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 the 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 is 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.
The company claims to calla the DMV to verify if you're eligble to have an interlock device placed into your car, place you on a hold (while they are probably answering other poor consumers), then say you are required. I went to the DMV after getting the device placed into my vehicle, they stated it was never required and to go back to get the device taken out. When you call Smart Start, they then want you to hold so they can "call the DMV" again to verify, in which they place you on hold for hours with no response. What kind of person runs this company?
They have fees associated with taking the device out too....go figure. I wonder how many people fall for this that this goes unseen. They just throw money down the drain for a device that's not needed on their vehicle for months. I suggest to any people with this issue to call the DMV yourself and not deal with such a scammer.
I wouldn't be suprised if they don't have a refund guarantee for effing up like they did either......still on hold...
Beware of this company they install alcohol breathalyzer ignition devices. I have a long story but I'll make it very short.. Beware this company will install a device in your vehicle and in my opinion won't give the proper the information to the department of motor vehicles in order to collect monthly payments. You can't get any of their employees to return your phone calls or emails and the installers are very unprofessional they don't disclose any information about how to use the device and what and how you would cause any violations. Unprofessional group organization they should be shut down please beware of this business they pray on negative situations.
Beware of this company they install alcohol breathalyzer ignition devices. I have a long story but I'll make it very short.. Beware this company will install a device in your vehicle and in my opinion won't give the proper the information to the department of motor vehicles in order to collect monthly payments. You can't get any of their employees to return your phone calls or emails and the installers are very unprofessional they don't disclose any information about how to use the device and what and how you would cause any violations. Unprofessional group organization they should be shut down please beware of this business they pray on negative situations.
I want to join the growing list of concerns regarding the Smart Start ignition interlock device. I have had one installed for three months now. It has nearly caused a serious accident (winding country road with no shoulders) and just today gave me a violation. I have not had a single drop of alcohol for 18 months. I drank water before the test as suggested. No luck. I called for the violation code and it did allow me to get to the dealer. Being a Saturday the dealer was closed for the weekend. I had to pay a large amount to cover private transportation to my home, 18 miles out in the country from the Smart Start Dealer's location in the next town. Monday I hope to find a way to get back to my truck.
Tuesday I have a friend who is visiting and who has to take a flight from an airport 120 miles from my home. Assuming they get my truck back on the road do I dare use it? No! So I will have this individual co-rent a car with me and drive. Of course I have to get the car back. I am hoping a neighbor can join me to do that driving. Here is another big expense. It is due to the serious and to my mind irresponsible peddling of an obviously faulty device. Just take a look at the other complaints concerning Smart Start on the internet. Now look for positive comments; the only ones I could find are from Smart Start. Surprise, surprise.
In my experience the Smart Start (strange name given its performance) has become less reliable over the time I have had it. In fact, the last time I drove it to the dealer for its monthly check it worked, then locked him out! To give violations (which cost still more $$) when the driver has not had a drink for 18 months is irresponsible. The machine is faulty. If I am not mistaken all traces of alcohol should be eliminated in 18 months! (Yes, no mouth wash used, etc.).
I am contacting my legal advisor Monday. If Smart Start tries to mess me over, as they apparently have done to many others, I will take what ever actions necessary to defend myself and prosecute them.
Several people have suggested a class action lawsuit. I will look into this. This is not funny. This is a serious misuse of power. Smart Start has apparently found a niche that will allow them to lease shoddy hardware. They do not help when help is sought.
OK...for those who want to comment. I did indeed have a DUI. It was a stupid and wrong action on my part. I pleaded guilty because I was. I went to jail, had a $2500 fine, and had to attend several months of drug prevention counseling. Fair enough. I am the one who made the mistake. But this Smart Start fiasco is beyond the pale.
If you have comments, either pro or con Smart Start (and do not work for Smart Start!) I encourage you to join the discussion. It is likely that only group pressure and action that this company can be brought to justice.
Thanks for reading, and good luck! And, please do not drink and drive - ever. Its just d**** dangerous and irresponsible. I know. I did. Never again, Smart Start or no Smart Start.
The Smart Start IID will not recognize my blow. It is my husbands device in our van. I can't drive it.
The device gives faulty readings. My husband blew a 0, went to the store, blew a warn, got home and blew a 0.
We had the truck in for service and followed directions from smart start. Received 7 violations = 7 more months = $560 mor dollars. Got the violations dismissed after several phone calls to smart start.
The device would not recognize that the van was started, so was forced to blow every two minutes for 51 minutes in 14 degree weather waiting for someone at smart start to answer the phone. Problem not resolved.
The device turns on for 5 seconds every 30 seconds, which means that for every ten hours your vehicle is parked and off it is draining the battery for 100 minutes. Smart Start says that we have a faulty battery. We know how much this thing drains the battery so every night that we have below freezing temperatures or don't plan on taking the van, we plug it into a battery charger.
The device I am required by law to use is defective. It is an automotive interlock device and it will tell me that I am blowing to hard then too soft...then hum louder to the point of me trying to unlock my vehicle 15 times. Then it will lock me out and i have to wait 5 minutes to go through the same thing again. I understand I broke the law but if I am not under the influence then the car device should start the car not put me though all this added frustaration and aggravation.
Smart Start Interlock Device is supposed to put on the road again. You can pay your dues, yes DWI is wrong, but people make mistakes. I paid my dues. I am a person with a breathing capacity problem. This device is more about exhaling and humming the correct way and strongly, than not drinking and driving. I don't even drink anymore. I just want my independence back. I pay the required monthly fee every month. This device has sent me to my doctor 3 times in the past few months, as it has severely inflamed my lungs and windpipes. I have always been shortwinded. I am on symbicort and my doctor says twice a day. I was informed to not use it and drive, as it will say that I am intoxicated. Seriously! With all the advanced technology, this is the best you can do. Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. I have the device on for a year and I have two years left. But, if I can't use my inhaler, then I can't drive. And nobody in the state gives a darn, must be lining alot of pockets. So many people keep drinking and driving and don't abide the law. No allowances or a special device for people like me. Was informed if I was able to get it adjusted I only had 30 days from time the dmv sends me a medical packet, have 2 doctors examine, fill our the medical packet and get it back to dmv. If the 30 days elapse, they take your license forever. I picture all types of things keeping it from making the 30 day deadline. And, then it may not get approved anyway. Class action lawsuit against smart start anyone? Because if you don't start your car every 8 days, they turn off your battery. I am retired, but we still need a car, at least in this big city. And they can't make a device, for us folks to use our inhalers and gain independence again, perhaps even work again. And they simply could care less. I didn't care that the device had to be on for 3 yrs, but I never realized I still wouldn't drive much, as it is medically harming me. And, I believe I will be possibly be penalized for not driving much. Geez, would if I could.
I was owed a refund from a lockout charge that occured while getting my car service. It just so happened that my 1 year of interlock requirement was up the following week and my device was removed. The company's credit department told me that they don't handle that kind of thing and hung up on me when I asked for more information, like where I had been faxing service affidavits in the past when I HAD received credit against my lease. I guess since my lease was up and the equipment was gone I am just out the fee from having my car serviced. The people on the phone were absolutely terrible to deal with too. There are several other companies that provide this same service, use them instead!