Ignition Interlock

How Ignition Interlock Works

This Minnesota Department of Public Safety video explains how ignition interlocks work and their benefits for road safety.

http://www.minnesotatzd.org/topics/videos/

MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY NEWS RELEASE

LESS THAN 1 PERCENT OF MINNESOTA DRUNK DRIVERS REOFFEND AFTER USING IGNITION INTERLOCK

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Less than 1 percent of the 10,664 DWI offenders in Minnesota who have used or are currently using ignition interlock have reoffended since the program’s statewide inception in July 2011, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.  To date, 3,283 people have graduated from the interlock program—meaning, they used the device for the required period without reoffending. There are currently 7,381 people using ignition interlock in Minnesota.

Ignition interlock devices are connected to a vehicle’s starter. The only way a driver can start the vehicle is by blowing into the device and measuring an alcohol content under 0.02. If the alcohol content is at 0.02 or above, the car will not start and the information will be recorded and later transmitted to the monitoring authority. “Interlock devices are proving to be effective tools that are keeping the vast majority of past DWI offenders from repeating their mistakes,” says Donna Berger, Office of Traffic Safety director. “In turn, this technology is cutting down on impaired driving and creating a safer driving environment for the traveling public.”

As the interlock program continues to limit the amount of DWI reoffenders on Minnesota roads, law enforcement around the state continue a nationwide DWI enforcement crackdown scheduled to run through Labor Day. Law enforcement statewide arrested 425 for DWI during the first weekend of activity (Aug. 16-18), including several at or above an alcohol-concentration level of 0.16, making them eligible for interlock.

Who Is Eligible for Interlock

Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level must use interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges, or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to install interlock and use for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.
Based on historical data, officials expect around 21,000 DWI offenders to be eligible for interlock sanctions during a given year. Cost of an interlock is $3-$4 per day. There are 32 states—including Minnesota—that use ignition interlock for first-time DWI offenders.

Interlock Features

• “Rolling re-tests” require driver to provide a breath sample three to five minutes after starting the vehicle, and randomly thereafter.
• In-car cameras record all breath tests. Video and test results are available for DPS to monitor.
• Specific hum or “suck back” patterns required when providing breath sample.
• Users are required to have the interlock calibrated monthly by a service provider. Service providers will run reports that indicate how many times the vehicle started, number of rolling re-tests, and any test fails (an alcohol-concentration limit of 0.02 or above). Service providers will send reports to DPS for review and to take appropriate action or extend sanctions.