If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in Minnesota then you understand what it’s like to contend with the loss of driving privileges. This can be very difficult to manage given most people’s busy schedules and important commitments. Taking children to school, getting to work, even handling simple daily errands like running to the grocery store all become impossible tasks without a driver’s license.
Thankfully, those who have had a license revoked in Minnesota following a drunk driving arrest have hope of having their driving privileges restored. To do so requires following some established procedures and, to do so more quickly may mean using an ignition interlock device. For more information about restoring driving privileges, keep reading.
How long will driving privileges be denied?
The answer to this depends almost entirely on the specifics of your drunk driving case. First time offenders with a BAC under 0.16 when arrested are unable to drive for a period of 90 days. Though this is the general rule, there are exceptions in certain cases that allow drivers to regain limited privileges in only 15 days for the purposes of driving to work, school or certain alcohol support groups.
For first time offenders under 21, the period will last 180 days. Those who refused to submit to a chemical test face a year’s revocation as well as those first time offenders found to have a BAC above 0.16 percent. Second time offenders with a BAC under 0.16 will lose driving privileges for a year while those with a BAC above 0.16 percent will lose privileges for two years.
Steps to get driving again
When you are ready to get back on the road, there are several things you must to have your driver’s license reinstated. The first step, is to pass what’s known as a DWI knowledge test. This test is administered by and requires educating yourself about the dangers of drunk driving. Beyond this test, drivers must also cough up $680 for a reinstatement fee, which they will pay at the same time as applying for a new driver’s license.
What about ignition interlock devices?
To be able to drive sooner after a drunk driving arrest, Minnesotans can consider applying to have an ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle. To do this, you must still take the same test and pay the same reinstatement fee as mentioned above. After this, you will need to obtain an insurance certificate from your insurance company. An ignition interlock participation agreement needs to be signed and submitted along with testing fee and insurance certificate to the Minnesota Department of Driver and Vehicle Services. Finally, you will need to visit an authorized shop to have the ignition interlock device properly installed in your vehicle.
Source: “The Road Back To Driving,” published at DPS.MN.gov.
