Nobody wants to have to blow into an ignition interlock device every time they want to start their vehicle, but that’s the reality for thousands of Minnesotans across the state each day. These ignition interlock devices help to keep our roads safe in the wake of a DUI, and one common question we get from potential clients who have been arrested for driving while intoxicated is whether or not they’ll have to install one on their vehicle. In today’s blog, we explain whether or not you’ll need an ignition interlock after your first DWI in Minnesota.
Will I Need An Ignition Interlock?
Let’s get right to the heart of the question in the blog title. No, you will not need to get an ignition interlock installed on your vehicle after your first DWI. However, many individuals decide to have one installed on their vehicle.
That’s because you can drive much sooner and to many more locations if you opt to have an ignition interlock device installed. After your first DWI, your driver’s license will be revoked for a set period of time. For a standard first offense, fourth degree DUI, you can expect your license to be revoked for 90 days. If you had a BAC over 0.16 or refused to submit to a breathalyzer, your charges may be upgraded, and your license will be revoked for a year.
In you opt to accept this penalty, you can wait 15 days from the date of revocation and apply for what’s known as a limited license. This allows you to drive during certain time periods and to specific locations, like home, work, the grocery store, daycare, etc. You can then drive on a limited license until your revocation period is over. If you’d like to drive with more freedom during this period, you can have an ignition interlock device installed. If you partake in the ignition interlock program, you do not need to drive within the constraints of the limited license. You can drive wherever you want whenever you want, so long as you are sober and complying with the ignition interlock program.
For many clients facing the prospect of a one-year license revocation, the ability to drive without restrictions by complying with the ignition interlock program is their best move. It allows them to be more flexible and may make it easier to attend social gatherings, family functions or maintain their employment. It obviously comes with additional expenses than if you simply opted not to drive for 90 days or a year, but it may be worth entering the IID program when you consider all relevant factors.
If you’d like to learn more about Minnesota’s ignition interlock program, or you have questions about a criminal charge you are facing, check out our IID blog or give the team at Appelman Law Firm a call today at (952) 224-2277.
