Minnesota DUI Information
Driving under the influence (DUI) in Minnesota is a serious offense that can lead to severe legal penalties and long-term consequences. This page covers everything you need to know about DUI laws in Minnesota, including fines, jail time, license suspension, and how to defend yourself.
Read more about DUI defense in Minnesota in the following sections:
Legal Consequences of a DUI in Minnesota
In Minnesota, DUI penalties are based on a variety of factors, including your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), whether it’s a first offense or a repeat offense, and if any aggravating factors are present, such as having a child in the car.
1. Fines:
DUI fines can range from $1,000 for a first offense to $14,000 for a fourth or subsequent offense. Aggravating factors, such as a BAC over 0.16, can increase these amounts.
2. Jail Time:
Jail time for a DUI in Minnesota varies. First-time offenders may face up to 90 days, while repeat offenders could be sentenced to 7 years. Aggravating factors such as high BAC or repeat offenses increase jail time.
3. Driver’s License Suspension:
Following a DUI arrest in Minnesota, the Department of Public Safety may suspend or revoke your driver’s license. The suspension period depends on prior offenses and BAC level. First-time offenders typically face 90 days to 1 year of license suspension.
DUI Defenses in Minnesota
Being charged with a DUI in Minnesota doesn’t automatically mean a conviction. There are several defense strategies that an experienced DUI lawyer can use to challenge the charges, such as questioning the legality of the traffic stop or the accuracy of breathalyzer results.
- Improper Traffic Stop: If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle, any evidence gathered during the stop may be inadmissible in court.
- Inaccurate BAC Test Results: Breathalyzers and blood tests can produce false readings due to improper calibration, administration errors, or medical conditions affecting BAC.
Minnesota Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program
Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) program allows individuals convicted of DUI to regain limited driving privileges. This device requires you to pass a breathalyzer test before your vehicle starts. Offenders with a BAC over 0.16 or multiple offenses must participate in the IID program.
- Costs of IID Installation and Maintenance: The costs of installation, monthly maintenance, and eventual removal of the IID can add up to several hundred dollars.
Impact on Auto Insurance Premiums
A DUI conviction in Minnesota can significantly increase your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies often classify DUI offenders as high-risk drivers, leading to premium increases for several years.
SR-22 Requirement
- After a DUI conviction, you may be required to file an SR-22 form, which provides proof of insurance to the state.
- How DUI impacts insurance in Minnesota
Underage DUI Penalties in Minnesota
Minnesota has a zero-tolerance policy for drivers under the age of 21. If an underage driver is caught with any amount of alcohol in their system, they can face harsh penalties, including fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education programs.
Underage DUI Penalties
- First Offense Penalties: Fines and a 30-day license suspension.
- Second Offense Penalties: Increased fines and a 6-month license suspension.
License Reinstatement Process After a Minnesota DUI
After serving a license suspension for a DUI, Minnesota drivers must meet specific requirements to reinstate their driving privileges. This process typically involves completing a DUI education program, paying reinstatement fees, and possibly enrolling in the IID program.
Underage DUI Penalties
- Reinstatement Fees: Reinstatement fees in Minnesota can be as high as $700, in addition to costs associated with DUI treatment programs.
