{"id":374328,"date":"2016-04-11T01:22:51","date_gmt":"2016-04-11T06:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/minnesota-law\/what-are-the-minnesota-dwi-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-03-14T00:11:02","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T05:11:02","slug":"what-are-the-minnesota-dwi-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/minnesota-law\/what-are-the-minnesota-dwi-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Minnesota DWI Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Minnesota DWI Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Amy Vandervort-Clark, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) poses a significant danger to public safety. It’s a dangerous and preventable crime. It’s also one that needs multiple levels of consideration. While some make a poor choice to drink and drive, others may suffer from substance abuse disorders. Managing these charges often requires various levels of care, including criminal sanctions, assessment, and treatment.<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota sees over 20,000 arrests for drugged or drunk driving<\/a> each year. One-third of traffic fatalities<\/a> involved impaired drivers. Minnesota has strengthened its DUI laws to deter intoxicated driving offenses.<\/p>\r\n

Below is an overview of Minnesota’s DWI laws and potential consequences.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>
"Per Se" BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.08%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.00%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit<\/a><\/td>\r\n0.16%<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Implied Consent<\/a> to Submit to BAC Test?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
 <\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Select Penalties<\/th>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n\r\n
Minimum License Suspension or Revocation<\/a> (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense)<\/td>\r\n90 days \/ 1 year \/ Indefinite<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Mandatory Alcohol Education, or Assessment and Treatment<\/a><\/td>\r\nAssessment and Treatment<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Vehicle Confiscation<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>
Ignition Interlock Device<\/a> Possible?<\/td>\r\nYes<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Disclaimer: <\/b>State laws can change through legislative, judicial, or other means. While FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.<\/i>
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Minnesota’s Driving While Intoxicated Laws<\/h2>\r\n

Commonly called driving under the influence<\/a> or DUI, Minnesota labels the crime as driving while intoxicated or DWI. You may see DUI and DWI used interchangeably. In Minnesota, they refer to the same offense.<\/p>\r\n

Minnesota’s DWI law prohibits anyone from driving, operating, or being in physical control of a motor vehicle when:<\/p>\r\n