The Ignition Interlock device for people convicted of drunk driving was originally introduced to Minnesota as a pilot program that was limited to Hennepin County and Beltrami County (Bemidji) in 2009-2010. Now, this is a statewide program that became mandatory in July 2011 for all repeat DWI offenders and even first-time offenders who test at .16 more. An ignition interlock device is an in-car Breathalyzer that, when used correctly, stops drunk drivers from driving. More importantly, ignition interlock can save your job by allowing you to get back on the road after zero days of revocation time rather than having to possibly have your driver’s license revoked for a year or more, with no work permit available in some cases Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys can provide you with information about the device and help you decide if it is right for you.
Talk to our Minneapolis ignition interlock device attorney today to learn about an in-car Breathalyzer. Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at 952-522-5026 or toll free at 866-929-7597 for a free initial consultation. We offer two metro area office locations for your convenience.
Table of Contents
Driving After DWI With In-Car Breathalyzer
When the device is installed in your car, you will be required to blow into a Breathalyzer. If the device measures alcohol on your breath greater than .02 (the equivalent of roughly one drink), your car will not start. Additionally, you must continue to blow into the device every 15 to 30 minutes while driving.
Our attorney, Max A. Keller, is committed to identifying ways to prevent or minimize the impact of a DWI conviction. For many Minnesotans, the ignition interlock device is a great option. Even if you have just one DWI on your record, the device can prevent you from any further offenses. By having an ignition interlock device installed in your car, you may also be able to obtain a driver’s license within 30 days’ administrative approval time, rather than being without a driver’s license for one year or more. Under the new law, which took effect July 1, 2011, a first-time DWI offender who tests .16 or more loses his or her driver’s license for one year, with no work permit, unless he or she goes onto ignition interlock. Unlike prior law, the driver is immediately eligible for ignition interlock; there is no waiting period involved.
With a restricted license or “work permit,” you can only drive certain places: to work, school, treatment programs, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and other necessary locations.
However, with the ignition interlock device in your car, you can drive legally, anytime and anywhere, unlike the old law’s work permit. You can also avoid the problems and punishments of a subsequent DWI. With the ability to drive legally through ignition interlock; you are much less likely to lose your job due to DWI. There are various mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines for second-time offenses. If you sign up for the ignition interlock program, you can potentially avoid the mandatory minimum jail term, stay out of jail and keep your job.
Call for Your Free Initial Consultation
Schedule your free initial consultation with an attorney who has extensive knowledge of the Minnesota ignition interlock device system. Call Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys at (952) 522-5026. You can also contact us online.
Helpful Links
- Is your DL Revoked?: DL Status
- DL Revocation & Cancellation Periods After a DWI
- Ignition Interlock Vendor and Installer
- Driver’s Manual
- Ignition Interlock Overview
- Ignition Interlock Program Guidelines–19 pg. Brochure
- Forms to Sign up for Ignition Interlock
- Ignition Interlock Vendors/Installers
- Ignition Interlock Checklist – Revoked Drivers
- Ignition Interlock Checklist – Canceled Drivers
- Special Review Form (if you have had a prior DWI)
- Form For Work Vehicle Exemption from Ignition Interlock
- DPS Office Locations
- Plate Impound Form for Innocent Owners
