What is an Ignition Interlock Device?
An Ignition Interlock is an electronic device that tests the level of alcohol in your breath and prevents you from driving your vehicle until you can pass a test. It is installed into your vehicle’s electrical system and interrupts the starter until the driver has an alcohol test below Minnesota’s required level.
A driver who is going to lose their license for a DWI can be approved for the Minnesota Ignition Interlock program almost immediately. No need to wait for court! Call Smart Start MN at 612-607-0833, or fill out our online form, and we’ll assist you in getting back on the road.
How do I know if I’m eligible for an Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
You can always call Smart Start MN at 612-607-0833, or fill out our online form, and we’ll help you determine your eligibility. Calling us first will also save you time.
Will my Ignition Interlock ever shut off or stop my car while I’m driving?
Never. Your device can never shut off or stop your vehicle while you’re driving!
In fact, our Ignition Interlocks have a safety feature where, if your vehicle does shut off or stall for a reason unrelated to the device, you’ll have a full three minutes to restart your vehicle without first taking a test.
What documents do I need to provide to Smart Start Minnesota?
Smart Start MN does not require any documents to get your Ignition Interlock installed. However, Minnesota law requires that you be approved into the Minnesota Ignition Interlock program before you can legally drive. Call us today at 612-607-0833, or fill out our online form, and we can help you determine what paperwork you need for state approval.
How do I know what kind of IID to get?
Smart Start MN is a state-certified Ignition Interlock provider, so we’re able to meet all the alcohol state authority’s requirements to ensure that you’re compliant.
Call us today at 612-607-0833, or fill out our online form, and we can help you determine what your Ignition Interlock needs are.
How much does an Ignition Interlock system cost? What are the fees?
Smart Start MN is unique in the Ignition Interlock industry where we only charge one simple flat rate per month. This flat rate includes your monthly calibration service, download of your device’s data, repair/replacement/maintenance to your device and any device lockouts due to violations. No other vendor can make that promise! We provide all-inclusive, straightforward pricing, and NO hidden fees.
Call Smart Start MN today at 612-607-0833 to discuss your next steps to enter Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock program.
Where is the nearest Smart Start service center to me?
Visit Smart Start’s Locations page and enter your zip code to find a list of locations nearest you. We have many locations throughout Minnesota, so you’re sure to find a location that’s close and convenient to you.
Do I need to schedule an appointment to install my Ignition Interlock Device (IID)?
Yes. You can fill out our short Online Form to have a Customer Care expert contact you to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 612-607-0833 to speak with a Smart Start MN representative today. In some cases, same-day installation appointments are available.
What should I bring to my installation appointment?
There are no forms that are required of you to install. However, you will need to be approved for the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program to drive legally. It can be daunting to try to figure out what forms the State of Minnesota requires. The easiest way to make sure you are progressing to driving is to call Smart Start Minnesota at 612-607-0833, or find us online to send a Contact request, email or online chat, and discuss the steps you need to take with one of our Smart Start MN representatives.
What is the difference between a revoked license and a cancelled driver’s license?
A revoked driver can easily get into the Minnesota Ignition Interlock program. The program requirements are straight-forward, and in most cases, Smart Start MN can have you driving again with minimal disruption. Revoked drivers can drive their vehicle anywhere they want, and any time they want. There are no driving restrictions on revoked drivers once they have been installed with the Ignition Interlock and approved by the state.
A cancelled driver has a substantial number of requirements to be approved to drive. There are additional documents and steps that must be completed. If you are a cancelled driver, we can help you arrange all the steps necessary to get the state’s approval.
Give us a call at 612-607-0833 or fill out our online form to help you determine what steps you will need to take to enter the Minnesota Ignition Interlock program.
Do I have to own the vehicle that I intend to drive?
No, you can borrow a vehicle from a friend or relative to drive in the Ignition Interlock program. However, you are still required to obtain the Insurance Certification, and you must be a named insured on the insurance policy and you also must be a named insured on the Insurance Certification.
Do I require special insurance during my Ignition Interlock program?
Yes, Minnesota requires an Insurance Certification from your insurance company. This certification goes by a variety of names, but it is a requirement that this document be produced to the State prior to your approval into the Ignition Interlock program.
Please contact us at 612-607-0833 or fill out our form online, and we can explain how to go about obtaining that certification, or we can even make referrals to providers of the certification.
Do I need to pre-pay for a year of insurance to get the insurance certification?
No. The requirement of the Insurance Certification is to prove to the state that liability insurance is in place. There is no requirement that insurance be pre-paid.
How much can I drink before I blow a violation in Minnesota?
It depends and will be a function of what you are drinking, when you drank it, and your metabolism. In Minnesota, the fail point for the device is very low, a quarter of the legal limit. It does not take much to put you over the fail point for the device. Make sure to rinse your mouth out with water before taking a test to ensure maximum accuracy.
Will I have to take a test while I’m driving?
You will not HAVE to take a test while you are driving. Your initial test will always be before your vehicle starts, but on subsequent rolling retests, we encourage you to pull over to the side of the road to take the test. Once your Ignition Interlock has indicated that you need to take a test, you will have 10 minutes to provide that breath sample. You should have plenty of time to pull over and take the breath test.
I need to take my vehicle to my mechanic. Can he/she work around my Ignition Interlock? What do I do?
You have two excellent options available.
First, most Smart Start MN locations are full-service auto repair locations with ASE-certified mechanics. Each Smart Start MN location is fully capable of providing you with all your necessary vehicle maintenance while knowing how to work the Ignition Interlock, so you don’t have to worry about misuse of your device or potential violations occurring on your device.
If you insist on having your own mechanic work on your car, the mechanic can call our Corporate Headquarters at (800) 831-3299 for instructions on what to do to assist your mechanic.
How can I learn how to use my device properly?
You will be trained on the use of the device at your installation appointment. One of our helpful technicians will show you how the device works and practice your testing techniques with you while in the shop. Additionally, we have a training video that is available on our website that shows you how to use the device. This video can be reviewed both before and after your installation appointment.
If you need more assistance with training on your device, Smart Start MN can always provide one-on-one support!
I don‘t have a Minnesota driver’s license or I have a driver’s license from another state. Can I get into the Minnesota Ignition Interlock program?
If your DWI offense was in Minnesota, and you live in Minnesota, or you need to drive regularly in Minnesota, we can help with the process of getting approved for the Minnesota Ignition Interlock program. Call us at 612-607-0833 or fill out our form online to get the information you need.