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Minnesota DUI Laws

Minnesota DUI Defense

What you're facing, what the deadlines are, and the questions your attorney needs to answer, specific to Minnesota (MN) law.

BAC Limit

0.08

Enhanced BAC

0.16

Higher penalties above this

Lookback Period

10 years

Prior offenses count within

60 days-Day DMV Hearing Deadline

In Minnesota, you have 60 days days from your arrest to request an administrative DMV hearing. Miss this deadline and your license suspension goes into effect automatically , even if the criminal case is later dismissed.

First Offense Penalties in Minnesota

Jail TimeUp to 90 days
FinesUp to $1,000
License Suspension90 days (30 days if BAC under 0.16)
Ignition InterlockAvailable as alternative to full suspension

Implied Consent & Test Refusal

Like all 50 states, Minnesota has an implied consent law, by driving on Minnesotaroads, you've already agreed to submit to a chemical test (breath, blood, or urine) if an officer has probable cause to believe you're impaired.

Refusal Penalty

1-year license revocation

Minnesota-Specific Detail

Minnesota's license plate impoundment law is unique, repeat offenders may have their plates confiscated and replaced with special 'whiskey plates.'

Is your Minnesota DUI defense on track?

The Masked Researcher’s First Read checks 10 critical defense behaviors specific to DUI cases. Takes 2 minutes. Instant results.

Take the Free Defense Score

DUI Defense Playbook$127

26 questions that change how your next attorney meeting goes, a case stage roadmap, red flag checklist, and a case progress scorecard. Instant PDF download — calibrated for Minnesota DUI defendants.

Other Minnesota defense topics

Facing a different charge in Minnesota? Penalty ranges, enhancements, and defense questions for related crimes:

Important: This page provides general legal information about Minnesota DUI laws as of the date of publication. Laws change frequently. This is not legal advice. For guidance specific to your case, speaking with a Minnesota-licensed attorney is one option, or take the free Masked Researcher’s First Read to see where your case stands.