Ignition Interlock

As of July 1, 2009, the ignition interlock device will be mandatory for certain repeat DWI offenders in Minnesota. The ignition interlock program originally started as a pilot project in Hennepin County and Beltrami County. Due to the success of these pilot programs, the State Legislature made the move to mandatory programs in all Minnesota counties. At the time of the pilot project, Minnesota was 1 of 5 states that did not use the ignition interlock device in any capacity.

WHAT IS IGNITION INTERLOCK?

The ignition interlock device sits under the console or dashboard of your car and is connected to a blow tube that looks very much like a cell phone. To start the car equipped with an ignition interlock device, the driver must blow into the tube and hum for a certain period of time. If there is no alcohol detected from the driver’s breath, the car’s ignition will start and is ready for use. However, the driver is not done blowing. As the car is being driven, the device prompts the driver to blow into the tube every 15 minutes. These repeated blows are commonly known as “rolling tests” which make it harder for the driver to cheat the device. Some devices even take pictures of the driver blowing into the device at these 15 minute intervals. While not perfect, these devices are certainly here to stay and preliminary research indicates that recidivism is less than 10 percent.

HOW MUCH DOES THE IGNITION INTERLOCK COST?

The ignition interlock device requires a $90 installation fee plus a $5 per day fee while in use.

For more information on the statewide Pilot Program and guidelines for interlock use.

Hennepin County residents wanting more information on the program can contact:

Emil Carlson-Clark
(612) 348-6871
Emil.carlson-clark@co.hennepin.mn.us