The Interlock Device Program in Manitoba

Manitoba arrived fourth is the evaluation of all provinces of Canada with a C+. There are some good points in the program but there are also some major points to improve.

Some of the devices used in the Manitoba program are not completely optimal. Some essential features are missing and making the device not as effective as it should be according to the company’s standard. The program will only be forced on the person if he or she has committed several offenses of that kind or in certain special circumstances. But for a first time offender, the program is only done on a voluntary basis if the offender wants to. This can cause the program to not be used as much as it should.

The company was impressed with the way the program was structured. They stay in communication with the offenders once the device has been installed; they are also first supposed to surrender their license for a certain amount of time before the device is installed. Manitoba has impressed the judges with their police force and the way they handle the Interlock Ignition Device. They are trained to see if the car is equipped with the Ignition Interlock and are also authorized to stop drivers randomly and check their license and papers and so can verify if they are under the program and if they are violating.

Manitoba is not doing so bad but there is definitely some weak points that need to be worked on.

^{Source: http://madd.ca/english/research/interlock2008.pdf}