How Many Minnesotans Have a DWI on Their Record

The Minnesota Legislature criminalized DWI in 1911.

Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol says, "Minnesota’s enhanced DWI enforcement and education efforts are contributing to the reduction of alcohol-related deaths. Drunk driving-related fatalities have decreased by 25 percent in the past few years (2010 – 2014), yet with 88 deaths caused by drunk drivers in 2014, there is much more work to be done."

He continued by saying they are encouraged by the continued drop in DWIs, "but the 25,258 motorists arrested for DWI last year is unacceptable. Currently, more than 600,000 Minnesota residents have a DWI on record — that’s one out of every seven licensed drivers in Minnesota."

 The average blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers with a DWI was .15, with the average BAC for a drunk driver involved in a fatal crash being .19. 

 The legal limit for driving impaired in Minnesota is 0.08 — but motorists can be arrested for DWI at lower levels. A typical penalty for a first-time offender is loss of license for a minimum of 30 days up to a year and possible jail time, although the consequences will vary for each offender. DWI costs can be as high as $20,000 when factoring court costs, legal fees and increased insurance premiums.

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths."

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)