What is the penalty for a DWI in Minnesota?

Minnesota's DWI (driving while intoxicated) laws prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle by drivers with a .08 percent or higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Minnesota sets lower BAC limits for drivers under the age of 21 (.02 BAC) and commercial drivers (.04 BAC). Minnesota's DWI laws also extend to other intoxicants such as marijuana, cocaine and barbiturates.

Below are the penalties for a DWI in Minnesota:

First Drunk Driving Conviction

Fourth Degree DWI - Misdemeanor

• Jail – Up to 90 Days
• Fine - $1,000
• License Suspension – Up to 90 Days
• License Suspension – 180 Days (If Alcohol Concentration .20 or Above*)
• License Suspension – 180 Days (If Passenger Under 16 in Vehicle*)
• License Suspension – 1 Year (DWI Test Refusal)
• Limited License – Must Wait 15 Days (If There are no *Aggravating Circumstances)
• Possible Ignition Interlock
• Fee - $250 License Reinstatement
• Fee - $430 License Reinstatement Surcharge
• Fee - $24 Driver License Application Fee

Second Drunk Driving Conviction (Within 10 Years of Previous)

Third Degree DWI - Gross Misdemeanor

• Jail – Up to 1 Year
• Fine - $3,000
• License Suspension – 180 Days
• License Suspension – 360 Days (If Alcohol Concentration .20 or Above)
• License Suspension - 360 Days (If Passenger under Age of 16 in Vehicle)
• Limited License (Work or School) – Must Wait 90 Days
• Possible Ignition Interlock
• Fee - $250 License Reinstatement
• Fee - $430 License Reinstatement Surcharge
• Fee - $24 Driver License Application Fee
• Administrative License Plate Impoundment (All Vehicles - 1 Year)
• Issued Specially Coded Plate

Third Drunk Driving Conviction (Within 10 Years of Previous)

Second Degree DWI - Gross Misdemeanor

• Jail – Up to 1 Year
• Fine - $3,000
• License Suspension – Cancelled Indefinitely Pending,
• Treatment / Rehabilitation / Abstinence for 1 Year

Talk with an experienced attorney about the various DWI laws in Minnesota.