New Stricter DWI Penalties In Minnesota For 2025

It's 2025, and it’s kind of hard to believe that we’re having to still put as much emphasis on “if you drink, don’t drive”, but we still do. After all the accidents, injuries and deaths that have occurred over the years, some people still haven’t learned how dangerous getting behind the wheel impaired can be.

Another aspect that makes it hard to believe that this is still as much a problem as it is, and that is there are more ways to get a ride now than there ever have been. Yes, it costs you a little money to get a ride, but not as much as it will if you are stopped or worse, you cause an accident.

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Summer months are busy, and maybe you missed some recent changes to Minnesota’s DWI laws. At the beginning of this month, Minnesota strengthened the punishments for those who drive under the influence.

What’s New?

First time Driving While Impaired offenders are facing tougher punishments which include losing their driving privileges for one year. Before these offenders can get their license back, they may have to complete a licensed treatment or rehab program.

For those that are repeat offenders of the DWI laws, they will face having to use the drivers interlock device for a much longer period of time, which could be 6, 10 or 15 years.

And for those who have interlock systems in place, but they find a work around to still be able to drive, if they’re caught, they’ll face gross misdemeanor charges. If a current interlock device user is found to be impaired and causes an accident, they could face having to use an interlock device for the rest of their lives.

One other note, drivers are getting seven more days to arrange transportation after being arrested for DWI. Before drivers only had seven days to drive on a temporary license, that has now been increased to 14 days.

Minnesota Honors Law Enforcement

At the Minnesota Twins game on Sunday, 66 law enforcement members who are being called DWI All Stars were recognized for their efforts to keep our roads safe. Trooper Gustavo Culbeaux had the most of those officers, with 224 DWI arrests.

It’s a good time to realize that Minnesota is serious about punishing those that drive while impaired, so start putting into practice the steps you’ll need to avoid getting into a situation where a bad decision could be devastating for you and others.