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Minnesota DUI Laws

DUI Defense in Minnesota

Statutes, Penalties, and Defense Strategies

What you are facing, the deadlines that bind you, and the questions an attorney needs to answer — under Minnesota (MN) DUI 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

Minnesota gives you 60 days days from the arrest to ask for a DMV hearing. This is the

administrative hearing

Plain language

A DMV review of the license suspension — separate from the criminal court case, with its own paperwork and deadline.

that decides the license suspension. Miss the deadline and the suspension starts on its own, even if the criminal case ends in dismissal later.

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 Interlock

Plain language

A breath-tester wired into the car ignition. The car will not start without a clean sample.

Available as alternative to full suspension

Implied Consent and Test Refusal

Minnesota has an

implied consent law

Plain language

By driving on the state's roads, you have already agreed to a chemical test if an officer has probable cause to think you are impaired.

like every state. The test can be breath, blood, or urine. Refusing carries its own penalty, listed below.

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?

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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.

Get the DUI Playbook — $127Read the Free DUI Guide

Other Minnesota defense topics

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

Drug Possession in MinnesotaAssault in MinnesotaDomestic Violence in Minnesota

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.