Question 1

Under Minnesota's zero-tolerance law, what happens on a first conviction for a driver under 21 with any detectable alcohol in their system?

Accepted Answer

Driving privileges are suspended for 30 days, rising to 180 days for a second conviction — Minnesota's zero-tolerance law makes it illegal for a driver under 21 to operate a vehicle with any detectable alcohol. A first conviction suspends driving privileges for 30 days; a second suspends them for 180 days.

Question 2

What alcohol-concentration thresholds apply to Minnesota's DWI law for a standard vehicle versus a commercial vehicle?

Accepted Answer

0.08 percent for a standard vehicle, 0.04 percent for a commercial vehicle — Minnesota's DWI threshold is 0.08 percent for a standard vehicle and 0.04 percent for a commercial vehicle -- and a driver in a standard vehicle can also be arrested at 0.04 percent if alcohol is shown to have caused driving errors.

Question 3

How long can a driving privileges revocation last under Minnesota's implied consent law for refusing a chemical test, and what else does the law cover?

Accepted Answer

One to six years depending on prior offenses; it also applies to off-road recreational vehicles and motorboats — Refusing a blood, breath, or urine test under Minnesota's implied consent law is itself a crime resulting in a one-to-six-year revocation depending on prior offenses, and the law also applies to off-road recreational vehicles and motorboats.

Question 4

What is the minimum license revocation and reinstatement fee for a first-offense Minnesota DWI?

Accepted Answer

A minimum 90-day revocation (30 days with a guilty plea) and a $680 reinstatement fee — A first-offense Minnesota DWI carries a minimum 90-day revocation (30 days if the driver pleads guilty) and a $680 reinstatement fee, with optional enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Device Program.

Question 5

Which of these makes a Minnesota DWI penalty more severe?

Accepted Answer

Having a child under 16 in the vehicle at the time of the stop — Minnesota DWI penalties are more severe if the driver has a prior DWI arrest, an alcohol concentration of 0.16 percent or above, a child under 16 in the vehicle, is under 21, or refuses a pre-arrest breath test.

Question 6

What can trigger a felony DWI charge in Minnesota?

Accepted Answer

A fourth DWI arrest within 10 years, a prior felony DWI conviction, or a prior impaired criminal vehicular homicide conviction — A Minnesota felony DWI charge can result from a fourth DWI arrest within 10 years, a prior felony DWI conviction, or a prior criminal vehicular homicide conviction while impaired -- carrying up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine.

Question 7

Where must an opened package of cannabis flower or cannabis products be kept in a Minnesota vehicle on a street or highway?

Accepted Answer

In the trunk, or in an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers if there's no trunk — It's illegal to keep opened or seal-broken cannabis products in a Minnesota vehicle's passenger area on a street or highway -- they must be in the trunk, or in another area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers if the vehicle has no trunk.

Minnesota: DUI & Alcohol Questions

1. Under Minnesota's zero-tolerance law, what happens on a first conviction for a driver under 21 with any detectable alcohol in their system?

2. What alcohol-concentration thresholds apply to Minnesota's DWI law for a standard vehicle versus a commercial vehicle?

3. How long can a driving privileges revocation last under Minnesota's implied consent law for refusing a chemical test, and what else does the law cover?

4. What is the minimum license revocation and reinstatement fee for a first-offense Minnesota DWI?

5. Which of these makes a Minnesota DWI penalty more severe?

6. What can trigger a felony DWI charge in Minnesota?

7. Where must an opened package of cannabis flower or cannabis products be kept in a Minnesota vehicle on a street or highway?

More Minnesota Topics