RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Monitech Inc., which makes electronic devices that thwart drunken drivers, has settled its federal lawsuit against the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles.
Monitech 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.