If you’ve been convicted of Driving While Impaired (DWI) in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you’re likely looking for ignition interlock device installation locations in Minnesota. Well you’re in the right place, because ALCOLOCK has multiple locations throughout the state for your convenience. From Warroad to Worthington, from Bemidji to Brainerd, with a host of locations in between, you’re sure to find a location that’s convenient to you.
An ignition interlock device is essentially a car breathalyzer that is designed to keep you from driving drunk. You blow into the device before starting your car. Pass the test and you can start the engine. Fail the test (the device detects alcohol on your breath) and the device prevents you from starting the car. Pretty simple, really.
Minnesota’s Drunk Driving Laws
Under Minnesota’s drunk driving laws, the legal limit for drunk driving is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08, keeping the state in line with the rest of the country. However, police can charge you DWI even if your BAC is lower than that. For example, for a commercial driver, the limit is .04. For anyone under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in your system is enough for police to arrest you.
Depending on your individual situation, DWI in Minnesota can be a misdemeanor or a felony. Penalties increase along with the seriousness of the charge. Criminal and administrative penalties can include:
- Community service
- Fines
- Jail time
- Intensive supervision for repeat offenders
- Electronic monitoring or home detention
- Intensive probation
- Chemical dependency evaluation
- Seizure of your vehicle
- License revocation
- Remote electronic alcohol monitoring
- Enrollment in ignition interlock device program
Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Device Law
After a DUI conviction, in most cases, you will be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle as part of getting your full driving privileges back. The alternative is to lose your driving privileges for at least a year to never regaining the privilege.
The exception is if this is your first DWI offense and your BAC was less than twice the legal limit. According to the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety, here are the requirements for who must install an ignition interlock device, and for how long.
- First-time DWI offenders with a high BAC of twice the legal limit and above (0.16 and above) and second-time DWI offenders will be required to use an IID or lose driving privileges ranging from one to two years — depending on your offense level.
- DWI offenders with three or more offenses in the last 10 years must use an ignition interlock device for a period of three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.
- If you are eligible to use an ignition interlock device, you can regain full or limited driving privileges immediately after your DWI, ensuring you are driving with a valid license and are not a threat on the roadway.
Under Minnesota law, all ignition interlock devices installed in the state must be camera-equipped. This means there will be a video of each breath test you take. This is to prevent you from trying to cheat and have someone else take the breath test for you.
What to Expect at Your Installation Appointment
First off, you will need to have someone drive you and your vehicle to the installation appointment. Once the device is installed, you can drive yourself anywhere you want.
Your ignition interlock device installation appointment will take about an hour. That includes the time it takes the technician to actually install the device. That involves hooking the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) to the starter. The technician will also calibrate the device to you, specifically, and train you how to use it properly. Before you leave, you will know what all of the sounds and messages mean, and you will get a user’s manual.
IID Maintenance Appointments
At the installation visit, the technician will also schedule your first maintenance appointment. These monthly visits are required by state law. At each visit, the technician will recalibrate the device as needed, and send all of the information the device has recorded to the Department of Public Safety (DPS). Maintenance appointments take 20 minutes or less.
Schedule an Appointment at One of Our Ignition Interlock Device Installation Locations in Minnesota
You can call one of the listed ignition interlock device installation locations directly, or call ALCOLOCK at 866-700-9300 to schedule your installation appointment. You can also use our contact form. We look forward to working with you to get you back on the road.