What Are Minnesota’s Strong, New DWI Laws That Begin August 1st?

According to the Minnesota Legislature, new laws typically take effect in the state on August 1st following the legislative session, unless the law specifies a different date.

This default date applies to most bills that don't contain an appropriation (funding). Bills with appropriations usually take effect on July 1st, which aligns with Minnesota's fiscal year.

This year is no exception, with several new laws taking effect, including changes to the state's driving while impaired (DWI) laws, with two significant changes.

Changes to Minnesota's DWI Laws Begin on August 1, 2025

Earlier this year, with overwhelming bipartisan support, the House passed a DWI reform bill in Minnesota. The changes are designed to enhance public safety by more stringently addressing repeat offenders.

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Key changes include:

• Extended Lookback Period: The time frame for reviewing a driver's past DWI or related offenses when determining penalties is extended from 10 to 20 years, meaning a DWI offense will be on your record for twice as long.
• Temporary License Validity: The initial temporary license issued after a DWI arrest is extended from 7 to 14 days, giving drivers more time to address the situation and potentially seek legal counsel.
• Ignition Interlock Program: Repeat DWI offenders and those with a BAC of 0.16 or higher will be required to use an ignition interlock device (a breathalyzer that prevents the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected).
• Program Completion Requirement: All ignition interlock participants must complete a treatment or rehabilitation program before their full driving privileges are restored.
• Increased Penalties: Criminal penalties are increased for violating the ignition interlock requirements, such as driving a vehicle without the device when required.
• Expanded Eligibility: Criminal vehicular homicide offenders are now eligible to participate in the ignition interlock program.
• Standardized Revocations: License revocation periods are standardized and clarified.
• Vehicle Forfeiture: Conditions for staying vehicle forfeiture are outlined, particularly for those participating in the ignition interlock program or treatment court.
• Changes to Little Alan's Law: The loophole that allowed first-time off-road DWI offenders to keep their driver's licenses has been closed. Now, those convicted of DWI while operating a snowmobile, ATV, or other off-road vehicle can also have their driver's license revoked. The new law will also impact boaters. Under Little Alan's Law, anyone convicted of a DWI, in any kind of vehicle, will have their boating privileges revoked for 90 days to be served between May 1 and October 31.

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The impacts of these new DWI laws include stricter penalties for repeat offenders, an emphasis on rehabilitation of those convicted, increased public safety, and more clarity and consistency with the states' driving while impaired laws.