20 Years Serving Minnesota ✦ Attorney Backed ✦ Locally Owned ✦ 20 Years Serving Minnesota ✦ Attorney Backed ✦ Locally Owned ✦ 20 Years Serving Minnesota ✦ Attorney Backed ✦ Locally Owned ✦ 20 Years Serving Minnesota ✦ Attorney Backed ✦ Locally Owned ✦ 20 Years Serving Minnesota ✦ Attorney Backed ✦ Locally Owned ✦ 20 Years Serving Minnesota ✦ Attorney Backed ✦ Locally Owned
    Smart Start MN

    Minnesota's TrustedPath Back to the Road

    How It Works

    Stressed about the interlock process? We provide flat-fee pricing, real 24/7 support, and mobile service to guide Minnesota drivers through every step.

    How It Works

    Back on the Road in Three Steps

    No confusion. No runaround. Here's exactly what happens.

    1

    Contact Smart Start MN

    Call 952-224-7050 or fill out our quick form. We'll explain your options, answer every question, and set up your appointment.

    Get Started
    2

    Get Installed

    Choose what works best for you β€” visit one of our Minnesota locations, or have us come to you with mobile installation.

    3

    Drive

    You're legally back on the road β€” with 24/7 support whenever you need it.

    Minnesota

    Attorney-Owned

    Only in Minnesota

    Attorney-Owned. Minnesota-Built. Driver-Focused.

    The only ignition interlock provider in Minnesota owned by Minnesota attorneys.

    Smart Start MN is the only ignition interlock provider in the state owned by Minnesota attorneys β€” and that's not a marketing line, it's a 20-year track record.

    Our founders are Minnesota criminal defense lawyers with more than 30 years of courtroom experience, much of it spent defending Minnesotans charged with DWI.

    Over the past two decades, they have helped shape the Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program from the inside β€” drafting and lobbying for the enabling legislation behind the 2007 and 2009 pilot projects, contributing to successive revisions of Minn. Stat. 171.306, and championing the ban on the collection of driver GPS data so private location information is never gathered in the first place.

    We're home-grown. We learned this program by living it β€” scrapes, bruises, and all.

    Drafted MN Legislation

    2007 & 2009 Pilot Programs

    30+ Years Experience

    Criminal Defense & DWI

    No GPS Tracking

    Privacy Advocacy

    Smart Start MN is owned by Minnesota attorneys. We do not provide legal representation or guarantee any case outcome. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney.

    See How It Works

    Smart Start MN Video Content

    The Smart Start Difference

    Why Minnesota Drivers Choose Us

    Trusted experience, transparent pricing, mobile service, and the kind of support that makes a stressful process feel manageable.

    Attorney-Owned

    Co-owned by attorneys Ed Cohen and Mike Friedberg β€” trusted expertise built into everything we do.

    Flat-Fee Pricing

    One clear price with everything included. No calibration fees, no download fees, no hidden charges.

    Real-Person 24/7 Support

    Call any hour, any day. You'll always reach a real person who understands your situation and can help.

    No Late Appointment Fee

    Running a few minutes behind? No penalty. We understand life happens and we work with you.

    Winter-Ready Equipment

    Removable handset designed for Minnesota's subzero temps. Take it inside β€” keep it working all winter.

    Flexible Scheduling

    Appointments that fit your life β€” evenings, weekends, and locations across Minnesota.

    Mobile Service Available

    Can't get to a shop? Our mobile service provider comes to you β€” home, work, or wherever is convenient.

    Serving Minnesota Since 2006

    Trusted experience and a reputation built on doing things right for Minnesota drivers.

    Est. 2006

    Trusted Experience

    Attorney-Owned

    Built-In Expertise

    Flat-Fee Pricing

    No Hidden Fees

    24/7 Support

    Real People

    Mobile Service

    We Come to You

    Minnesota Local

    Locally Owned

    The Device

    Compact, Reliable Technology

    The Smart Start ignition interlock device is compact, easy to use, and designed for real-world driving. It features a removable handset β€” perfect for Minnesota's cold winters.

    • Quick breath test β€” takes just seconds
    • Removable handset for cold weather
    • Clear on-device instructions
    • Minimal impact on your daily routine
    Learn More
    Smart Start MN β€” Minnesota stoplight logo
    Smart Start MN β€” Flat Fee, Full Transparency

    Flat Fee, Full Transparency

    One price every month. No hidden fees. No long-term contracts. You deserve to know exactly what you're paying from day one.

    Check Your Driver's License Status

    Look up your Minnesota license requirements β€” this is where your journey begins.

    Check Status
    Smart Start MN

    Minnesota's Trusted Choice Since 2006

    Co-founded by attorneys Ed Cohen and Mike Friedberg, we combine trusted expertise with hands-on ignition interlock service. Locally owned and committed to every driver we serve.

    Smart Start Inc. Service Location
    2006

    Established

    24/7

    Real Support

    MN

    Locally Owned

    $0 Hidden Fees Β· Flat-Fee Pricing

    One transparent monthly price β€” calibration, downloads, and lockout assistance included.

    Common Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Smart Start MN

    Sponsorships

    Smart Start MN x Brian OakeThe Brian Oake Show

    The Brian Oake Show

    Proud sponsor of The Brian Oake Show β€” Brian Oake has been an on-air radio personality in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for over 25 years, known for his encyclopedic knowledge of all things music.

    Learn More

    Browse Social Media Posts

    Smart Start Minnesota

    If you need to drive, we can help β€” Smart Start MNGet your life back on track β€” Smart Start MNInterlock program participants are less than half as likely to commit a new DWI offenseBe there when you're needed most β€” Smart Start MN24/7 Service β€” Smart Start MN24/7/365 Customer Care β€” Smart Start MNSmaller than a cell phone β€” Smart Start deviceObtain state approval for the interlock programLocally trained staff β€” Smart Start MNLocally owned and operated β€” Smart Start MNHelping Minnesotans get back on the road since 2006Let's talk about your DWI β€” Smart Start MNWin game day, plan a ride β€” Smart Start MNWin game day, plan a ride β€” Smart Start MN
    What is Smart Start? β€” Smart Start MN
    Smart Start MN β€” smartstartmn.com Β· 952.224.7050
    Smart Start MN

    Ready to Get Back on the Road?

    Serving Minnesota since 2006. Flat-fee pricing, real-person 24/7 support, and clear guidance from start to finish. Let us help make this process simple for you.

    Check Your Driver's License Status