Detroit Lakes Police Department

DWI Laws in Minnesota

Driving While Impaired (DWI) in one of the most serious problems on our roadways today. Every year - countless crashes, injuries, deaths, and the financial/emotional burden that these situations carry are due either directly or indirectly to impaired drivers.

Minnesota has taken progressive steps to combat impaired driving from a legal standpoint but the fact remains most of these incidents could have been prevented. While everyone wants to have a fun time and enjoy the entertainment Detroit Lakes has to offer - the DLPD wants to remind you that such activities must be done carefully and responsibly. The consequences and possible life-long implications of not doing so could be much more than just legal problems.

The chart below is a guideline to how Alcohol affects the human body. Many people don't realize that just because they feel fine - they could easily be legally impaired and not aware of the side effects of alcohol. This diagram includes males and females but is only a guideline since there are many other factors that may contribute to how intoxicated a person may become. One of the biggest myths is establishments serving alcohol have perfect measurements of what is considered a "drink" by this guide. For example, a "tall order" or stronger version of your favorite beverage could be considered two to three drinks using this table.

To estimate your blood alcohol content (BAC) - first locate your body weight on the left side and then add one square to the right for each drink you have taken. Remember that a 'drink' here is considered the equivalent of: (1) 12 oz. regular beer, (1) 7-8 oz. strong beer, (1) 5-6 oz. glass of wine, or (1) shot (1-2 oz.) of hard liquor.

Your body burns off alcohol at the approximate rate of .015% BAC each hour. Multiply .015% times the number of hours since you had your first drink. Subtract that percentage from the first BAC reading you figured out - this will give you an approximate idea of your BAC.

As you can see above - it doesn't take much to impair someone. At a .04 BAC you are considered 'somewhat impaired' to where your motor functions and logical reasoning are decreased. Commercial Vehicle Operators can be arrested for DWI at a .04%.

At a .08 BAC, you are considered 'legally impaired' by Minnesota State Law and scientific evidence has proven your vision, reflexes, and concentration are significantly decreased.

Anyone at a .04-.07 BAC level is taking a huge risk if they get behind the wheel of a car and drive - their own life, their ability to drive safely, and the lives of others they might not be aware of are now in danger. A higher BAC only multiplies that risk even more. You can still be arrested below the legal limit but anyone at .08% BAC or higher is automatically processed for DWI.

The general rule - Don't Drink if your going to be operating a motor vehicle.

DWI - Zero Tolerance

DLPD Officers and our surroundings Law Enforcement agencies aggressively enforce DWI laws with a zero-tolerance procedure.

Drivers that are under the impairment of any drugs (legal or otherwise) also can be charged with DWI. Penalties for DWI vary depending on previous violations and levels of intoxication.

If it is your first offense - you will lose your license for at least 90 days and be subject to fines up to $1000. That amount isn't including higher insurance rates, court/lawyer fees, or court ordered treatment programs. You will probably have your vehicle impounded and could even face some jail time.

If you've had previous violations (in any state) or have a higher BAC then you automatically face stricter penalties. Having children in your vehicle or refusing to take an Intoxilyzer test also increases the level of the offense. If you have any amount of alcohol in your system and your under 21 - the penalties are also more severe than regular DWI.

The most severe Felony offenders face jail time up to seven years and forfeiture of their vehicles and revocation of your driver's license... maybe for the rest of your life.

Again - these are only the legal consequences of DWI. Look at the facts... no matter how you add it up. It's not worth it!!

Local Transportation Services...

Lakes Taxi: 847-1414 Town & Country Taxi: 844-4404

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