Overview
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.