DWI License Revocation in Minnesota
What Happens to Your Driver’s License After a DWI Arrest
When you are charged with DWI in Minnesota, two separate cases are opened: a criminal case and a civil case. This means that, aside from prison time and fines, you could also face the temporary loss of your driving privileges. The length of the revocation will vary, depending on your offense history, whether you submitted to chemical testing, and/or the results of your chemical test.
New for 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, Minnesota extended the look-back period for license revocations from 10 years to 20 years. This means the Minnesota Department of Public Safety can now consider any qualifying DWI or implied consent license revocation from the past 20 years when calculating the length of your current license loss. This change applies only to license revocations, not to the criminal charges you face.
If you refuse to take a chemical test or your BAC is .08% or higher, you will be issued a “Notice and Order of Revocation.” This document serves as a temporary license for 14 days, after which your driving privileges will be fully suspended. For this reason, you should call a defense attorney immediately.
Tamburino Law Group is available to take your call 24/7. Contact our office at (612) 444-5020 to set up your FREE case evaluation.
License Revocation: First DWI Offense
- BAC Under .16% – Your license can be revoked for 90 days. After 15 days, you have the option to apply for a limited license.
- BAC Over .16% – Your license can be revoked for one year. Your license plates may also be impounded.
- Refused Test – Your driver’s license can be revoked for one year. After 15 days, you can apply for a limited license.
License Revocation: Second DWI Offense
(Based on new 20-year look-back period for revocations, effective July 1, 2025)
- BAC under .16% with a prior revocation in the past 20 years – Your license will be revoked for 2 years, and plate impoundment is likely.
- BAC .16% or higher with a prior revocation in the past 20 years – 2-year revocation, plate impoundment, and possible vehicle forfeiture.
- Test refusal with a prior revocation in the past 20 years – Typically results in a 2-year revocation under the new law.
You Only Have 60 Days to Challenge the Revocation
If you have been charged with DWI, you should know that you have the right to contest the revocation of your driver’s license. After you have received the Notice and Order of Revocation, you will have 60 days to submit a written request for an implied consent hearing. This hearing is optional, meaning that none will be held and the revocation will automatically go into effect if you do not request one.
What Is the Ignition Interlock Program and How Does It Affect Reinstatement?
If your license is revoked for a second or subsequent DWI offense, you will likely be required to enroll in Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Device Program to regain even limited driving privileges.
Participation requires:
- Installation of an approved ignition interlock device
- Proof of insurance and compliance with all court-ordered conditions
- Completion of a substance use disorder assessment or treatment program
- Abstaining from further alcohol-related incidents during the program
Depending on your offense history, you may need to remain in the program for one, two, six, or ten years, and full license reinstatement is not available until the interlock period is successfully completed.
If you violate program conditions, such as testing positive for alcohol, your time in the program may be extended or restarted under the 2025 law.
Act Now to Protect Your Driver’s License
If you want to save your driver’s license, you should move quickly to discuss your case with an attorney at Tamburino Law Group. We may be able to challenge the revocation by proving that the arresting officer did not conduct a valid traffic stop, read the Implied Consent Advisory before asking you to take a breath test, and/or follow all necessary procedures.
Contact Tamburino Law Group for the aggressive representation you need.
Have Questions?
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1. Don’t Talk to the Police!
It’s crucial to know that while you should remain respectful with authorities, you have the right to remain silent. This a right protected by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which makes it clear individuals are protected from being compelled to be a witness against him / herself in criminal matters.
It’s important to note that:
- Talking will not help you avoid an arrest. If law enforcement has probable cause to arrest you, then they will arrest you.
- By speaking, you risk making a confession or providing information that can be used to indict you, even unknowingly.
- Even if you feel that information being discussed is “harmless,” it is still in your best interest to invoke your Fifth Amendment right.
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2. Ask for a Lawyer!As soon as you can you should elect your right to have a defense attorney present. A Minnesota criminal defense lawyer or public defender can ensure the police do not violate your rights and help you avoid saying anything incriminating during questioning. Tamburino Law Group is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so that we can be by your side whenever you need us. Call now!
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