If you are convicted of drunk driving, one of the stipulations that you may need to abide by if you want to continue driving is to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. As we’ve talked about on the blog in the past, an ignition interlock device reads a person’s blood alcohol content when they attempt to start their vehicle, ensuring that the driver is not under the influence when they start their car. Some devices also require the driver to blow into the device at regular intervals while the car is in operation.
In today’s blog, we take a closer look at the penalties in Minnesota for violating the requirements of your ignition interlock program.
Ignition Interlock Violations
Some people assume that because the vehicle reads their blood alcohol content, that there’s really no way for them to violate the conditions of their program, because if they are over the limit, their vehicle simply won’t start. While the device does prevent people from driving drunk, there are a number of ways that people can be found in violation of their ignition interlock program. For example, it’s a violation to:
- Have a BAC over the legal limit once the vehicle is in motion.
- Drive a different vehicle, evading your need to blow into your device (even if you’re sober).
- Have someone else blow into your device to start your car.
- Tamper with a device.
- Drive places not explicitly listed in your limited driver’s license.
- Fail to bring the device in for regular reading and calibration.
For the above offenses, the penalties are as follows:
First Offense – 180 days added to length of program. This is costly when you consider monthly fees.
Second Offense – One year added to the length of program.
Third And Subsequent Offenses – 545 days added to the length of program.
Also, there are a couple other penalties to note. If your license has been cancelled or revoked, your BAC threshold for driving will be much lower. For revoked drivers, a BAC reading above 0.02 will result in an additional 90 days added to the revocation period. For cancelled drivers, a BAC reading above. 0.02 will lead to removal from the program, they’ll be required to re-enroll, and the revocation period will start over.
For more information about ignition interlock devices or how to contest a program violation, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
