Third Judicial District Ignition Interlock Program

The Third Judicial District's Ignition Interlock Program serves those that either live in or have a criminal case that originated in the Third Judicial District. Third Judicial District serves the following counties: Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona.

The Ignition Interlock Program enhances public safety by giving the eligible alcohol offender the option of having an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installed on his or her vehicle, helping to ensure safe and legal driving. The device is the size of a hand-held calculator and includes a blowing tube. The IID is installed near the steering wheel and connected to the engine. The IID prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects a certain alcohol concentration level after the driver blows into the tube. The device requires additional “rolling retests” while the vehicle is being driven. There are costs of installing, leasing, calibrating and removing an IID.

The Ignition Interlock Program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division.

Effective July 1, 2011, first-time alcohol offenders with an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or above and all second-time alcohol offenders have the option of regaining their driving privileges by participating in the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program.

Drivers that received a notice of revocation or cancelation prior to July 1, 2011, have the option of enrolling in the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Device Program.

Drivers whose licenses are canceled and whose privileges are denied as "inimical to public safety" are required to enroll in the Ignition Interlock Program for a period of three to six years in order to regain full driving privileges.

In 2016, the Third Judicial District received a grant from the DPS, Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to develop an Integrated Judicial and Administrative Ignition Interlock Program that coordinates with the current state administered program.

The Third Judicial District Ignition Interlock Program was established to provide guidance and/or financial assistance to individuals that require an Ignition Interlock device to drive legally. The program can provide financial assistance for individuals who cannot afford Ignition Interlock and qualify for up to one year. (If funds are available.) The installation must be pre-arranged with District Program Staff prior to installation to receive financial assistance.

The Third Judicial District has checklists with links to required forms to help you in the application process to the State for ignition interlock as well as to apply for assistance through the DVS and the Third Judicial District:

The Third Judicial District Ignition Interlock Program will facilitate enrollment and may provide financial assistance to participants so they can drive legally and safely. The eligibility factors are income, household size and child support obligations. Learn more about eligibility factors.

Below are some of the financial benefits offered by the Ignition Interlock Program for eligible applicants:

The Third Judicial District will pay entire installation fee.
The Third Judicial District will pay the entire account set up fee
The Third Judicial District will pay 25%, 50% or 90% of the monthly lease and monitoring fee for up to 12 months.

Those eligible for assistance through the Program are responsible for the cost of recalibration, recall, resets and device removal. (Effective March 1, 2017)

No. If you are required to get an ignition interlock device, you cannot drive legally until all requirements have been met and Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) processes a certificate of installation.

If you are unsure if you need new license plates or if others have been seized, contact a local license bureau for information. You will need a licensed person to sign for the plates.

No. You have to be listed as a driver on the SR 22 Insurance Certificate.

You only need to submit an application if you need help with processing or satisfying other Department of Vehicle Services (DVS) requirements. Many people are able to use the MN DVS Online Self Services website to complete the entire application process online. Using this website may decrease DVS processing time for your license re-instatement.

No. Job-search time is not allowed on a limited license and should not be included on the application form. Driving time can be updated as employment status and needs change.

If you have questions about your financial assistance eligibility, email the Ignition Interlock Program.

If you do not need financial assistance, a list of vendors certified to operate in MN, can be found online on the MN DVS Online Self Services website.
Note: The Third Judicial District Ignition Interlock Program does not endorse any manufacturers, vendors, or products.

Call the Department of Vehical Services (DVS) (651) 296-2848 or (651) 296-2025 or send an e-mail to DVS Ignition Interlock Program. Include your full name date of birth and driver’s license number. Include specific addresses, hours, and relevant details to help DVS staff justify the changes.

This is the most common issue for ignition interlock users that can cause license cancellation and/or time extensions with an ignition interlock requirement.

Users get a BAC reading/failed test and do not follow the directions for re- testing. There can be false BAC readings so it is important to follow guidelines of the testing process.

Once applicants who are approved to receive financial assistance from the Third Judicial District and are also approved for installation by Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, the Ignition Interlock Coordinator will facilitate device installation with the participant and the certified installation center.

Potential Ignition Interlock participants are required to choose one of the following Ignition Interlock manufacturers certified through the State of Minnesota's Department of Public Safety, as of July 1, 2017.

For additional information please contact:

Brad Nelson
Ignition Interlock Program Coordinator
Third Judicial District Administration Office
1696 Greenview Drive SW, Ste. A
Rochester, MN 55902
Office: (507) 722-7261
FAX: (507) 285-7476

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Third Judicial District Ignition Interlock Program

Is my license reinstated because I paid the reinstatement fee?

Do I need special “W” plates with ignition interlock?

Do I have to be the registered owner of the car that ignition interlock device will be installed in?

Do I need to submit an application to the Third Judicial District Ignition Interlock Program if I do not need financial assistance?

My license has been cancelled and I am looking for a job. Can I request driving time to look for a job?

I need a quote for ignition interlock. Whom should I contact?

How do I change my limited license driving hours?

What if I have a failed alcohol start test, but have not consumed alcohol?

Email the Ignition Interlock Program