Wisconsin DOT report finds noncompliance with ignition interlock devices

MADISON — Wisconsin judges have ordered tens of thousands of ignition interlock devices installed on the vehicles of convicted drunken drivers over the past several years.

But state Department of Transportation figures show that just over half of the defendants involved have had the devices installed in their vehicles. Nearly 54,350 devices were ordered to be installed on the vehicles of convicted offenders, while only about 30,750 of the devices were issued.

The installers that contract with the state report when the ignition interlock devices are installed, and the device itself is monitored.

Offenders who don't fulfill their sentence and install the devices will receive a traffic citation if they're caught, but it's not considered a crime under state law.