Minnesota has started a statewide program allowing DWI offenders to elect an ignition interlock on their vehicle instead of losing their license.

Minnesota tested this option in two counties prior to releasing it statewide; law makers say it was very popular. Now, in the first 4 months of the statewide program, 401 offenders have chosen to have the ignition interlock installed in their vehicle. This device will prevent a person from operating the vehicle if he or she has a BAC over .02%.

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.

The cost of the interlock falls on the driver. First, the driver must pay to have a license reinstated, which costs about $700. Then, the driver must pay to retake a driver's exam and apply for a new license. There is a $100 fee to install the ignition interlock device, about a $4 fee each day for operating it, and a $50 cost to remove the device. The interlock will stay in place for anywhere from 1-6 years. In total, this means cost will be around $2,500 for a person to elect this option for just 1 year.

Many officials believe ignition interlock usage can prevent repeat-offense DWI by up to 90%. These programs are not widely used enough at this point to determine if these statistics are accurate. However, other states, like New Mexico notably, have recognized success with the devices. California is starting a similar test program this coming year; in California, though, the device will be mandatory in 4 counties.