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Minnesota (MN) - State Requirements for Ignition Interlock Devices

The Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program

Minnesota State Law Update - Effective August 1, 2021: Minnesota allows offenders convicted of DWI to regain their driving privileges by installing a state-approved ignition interlock device (IID) and meeting other criteria.

With the recent Minnesota state law changes, effective August 1, 2021, the state eliminated the waiting period for those required to get interlocks. Additionally, offenders will not need to get special impoundment plates that were previously required for those in the IID program, and testing requirements and location restrictions are no longer in effect for IID licenses. Finally, repeat offenders will now participate in a compliance-based removal. This means customers will be required to complete the program and their IID term may be extended if they re-offend.

What Happens if I Get a DWI in Minnesota?

The legal BAC limit in Minnesota is .08 percent, and the state considers anyone at or above this level to be in violation of the law. The state also has harsher penalties for offenders with a BAC at or above .16, or twice the limit. There are financial and administrative penalties for offenders.

First DWI Offense

  • 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
  • 90 days without driving privileges, unless an IID is installed
  • $680 license reinstatement fee
  • Driver’s license application fees
  • Chemical health assessment

For those with a BAC that’s above .16, or those with a child in the car, the offense has harsher penalties. They include a year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine, one year without driving privileges (unless they get a restricted license and install an IID), and impoundment of all license plates registered in the offender’s name.

Second DWI Offense

  • One year in jail and/or $3,000 fine
  • One year without driving privileges, unless an IID is installed
  • $680 license reinstatement fee
  • Driver’s license application fees
  • Chemical health assessment

For those with a BAC that’s above .16, or those with a child in the car, the penalties are a year in jail and/or a $3,000 fine, two years without driving privileges, and impoundment of all license plates registered in the offender’s name. Offenders may be able to regain privileges by installing an IID.

Third DWI Offense

  • One year in jail and/or $3,000 fine
  • License canceled
  • Required to enroll in treatment and install an IID to get a limited license, which limits where the offender can drive
  • Three to five years of IID Restricted license after completing treatment
  • $680 license reinstatement fee
  • Driver’s license application fees
  • Chemical health assessment

The penalties and fines may differ depending on the specifics of the DWI incident.

How Do I Get a Restricted License in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, offenders who wish to regain their driving privileges have to meet a variety of criteria. Some may be able to obtain a limited license, which only allows them to drive to certain locations like school and work. This typically applies to those who are more than twice the legal BAC limit or had other extenuating circumstances during their offense like a child in the car.

Other offenders are eligible for a restricted license. A restricted license does not limit where the offender can drive, but it does require them to install and use an ignition interlock device. Offenders must also:

  • Wait the necessary revocation period (note, as of August 1, 2021, this revocation period no longer applies and offenders can apply right away)
  • Enroll in a treatment program and have the treatment provider share proof of enrollment with the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services
  • Pass a test about DWI knowledge
  • Pay any applicable fines and reinstatement fees
  • Install an IID, sign an Ignition Interlock Participation Agreement, and complete a limited license or restricted license application