Maker of anti-DWI ignition locks settles with DMV

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A Morrisville maker of electronic devices
that thwart drunken drivers has settled its federal lawsuit against
the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.

Monitech Inc. has agreed to dismiss its lawsuit, which alleged
DMV Commissioner Mike Robertson broke state bidding rules by
withholding the renewal of its state contract. Under the
settlement, Monitech will submit its device for state certification
by April 16,

The company has been the state’s sole provider of the auto
ignition interlocks since 1989, which test the breath of convicted
drunken drivers for alcohol before they can start their vehicles.
The devices are often mandated for people convicted of DWI to keep
their driving privileges.

A competitor, Texas-based Smart Start Inc., has already been
certified to begin selling its ignition interlocks starting April
1.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)