Minnesota DWI Interlock Alternative To License Suspension
The Minnesota DWI alternative to loss of driving privilege seems to be catching on.
If the person agrees to put an interlock device on their vehicle, they can get their license back much sooner that if they don’t.
For many Minneapolis DWI offenders, the loss of the ability to drive is the worse part of the ordeal. For those that commute long distances within the Twin Cities area it can be especially burdensome.
400 Minnesota DWI offenders elect ignition interlock : DUIAttorney.com: “The Minnesota Department of Public Safety administers the program to a wide array of drivers looking to regain driving privileges after a DWI arrest. The typical license suspension on a first-offense DWI, which represents 60% of all DWI cases in the state, is 90 days. Under the new program, after just 15-30 days a person may regain a license by using an ignition interlock instead.”
If the idea is to prevent further MN DWI arrests rather than simply to punish, this new law seems to be a success from all angles.
Filed under Blog, minneapolis dwi issues, minnesota interlock law by on Nov 18th, 2009. 
Comments on Minnesota DWI Interlock Alternative To License Suspension
This is outstanding. I am so glad to see that in exchange for using the ignition interlock device, Minnesota drivers can get back on the road with hardship licenses. Although the ignition interlock device is not without faults, such as false positive alcohol readings which result from malfunction and breath sample contamination, it allows drivers to get to work and support themselves and their families.
In Massachusetts, 2nd and subsequent offenders are legally required to use the interlock device. However, there is no automatic ability to get a hardship or any other type of driver’s license in exchange for agreeing to use an ignition interlock device. It looks like Minnesota does a good job of allowing people drive while protecting public safety.
Attorney Brian E. Simoneau
Mass. DUI & Ignition Interlock Lawyer