Program Can Put You Behind The Wheel After Conviction

At Jeffrey B. Ring & Associates, our attorneys understand that the loss of driving privileges has an enormous impact on your daily life. Under the Ignition Interlock Device Program begun in 2011, a drunk driving conviction does not have to keep you off the road.

For first DWI offenses testing under .16, the program is optional. For first offenses testing .16 or greater, and for all subsequent DWI offenses, it is mandatory. In either situation, if you qualify and you want full driving privileges, you must install a device on your vehicle.

At Jeffrey B. Ring & Associates in Minneapolis, I can help you sort through the questions you have about the program and get you safely behind the wheel.

What Is An Ignition Interlock Device?

A device about the size of a hand-held calculator is installed in your vehicle. It is connected to the ignition wiring. Before the car can start, you must blow into a tube on the device. The device tests for alcohol. If it finds none, the car will start.

The device also has a camera that takes a photo at the time the test is taken. This information is recorded for the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).

While you are driving, the device also randomly requests a breath test. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle continues to operate, but the alcohol results are submitted to the DVS.

As the driver, you bear the cost of installing and insuring the device, plus a monthly maintenance fee. The device is leased to you by one of several state-approved manufacturers. The state of Minnesota does not collect a fee for the program.

How Does The Program Work?

If you have a first DWI offense, a second offense within 10 years or a third offense at any time, or if you refused to take an alcohol test upon arrest, you have two options:

  • Apply for the program and have the device installed to receive full driving privileges
  • Live with the license revocation issued for your offense

The device must be used for 90 days for a first offense with an alcohol concentration below .16, although this is optional, and it is mandatory for one year if the test is .16 or above, or for a test refusal.

For second and third offenses, the duration is one year for an alcohol level below .16, and two years for higher levels or a refusal.

If you have a third offense within 10 years or a fourth offense ever, participation in the ignition interlock device is required to regain your driving privileges.

For third, fourth and fifth offenses within 10 years, you must participate in the program for three, four or six years, respectively. For many of these longer restrictions, the first year is a limited license only, with full privileges thereafter.

The time period can be extended for any additional ignition interlock violations.

I Can Help You Restore Your Driving Privileges

Contact my Minneapolis firm for information about ignition interlock devices and how they can help you get your life back on track. Your initial consultation will be free.