Minnesota lawmakers have made moves to increase penalties for repeat DUI offenses. The decision to pass this legislation stems from a growing concern about the dangers posed by repeat DUI offenders, particularly stemming from a deadly drunk driving incident at a St. Louis Park restaurant in 2024.
If you are facing a second or third DUI charge, it’s crucial to understand what these changes mean for you and how they might impact your future.
What the new law does
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:
Changes to ignition interlock policies
Under the new legislation, drivers with repeat DUI offenses will have to use ignition interlock devices for a lot longer than they used to. According to a report from Fox9, repeat offenders were only required to use the device for six years if they had four or more repeat offenses. Now, drivers with three or more repeat offenses will have to use ignition interlock devices for at least a decade. Repeat offenders who are caught driving without an ignition interlock device can also face stricter penalties for failing to comply.
Additionally, the law changes when DUI offenders have to pay their ignition interlock fee. Initially, they had to pay $680 immediately. However, they no longer have to pay the fee until they receive their driver’s license back.
Increased lookback period for drunk driving records
The new law also doubles the lookback period of a drunk driver’s driving history from 10 years to 20 years. This means that if a driver gets a second DUI conviction within 20 years of their first, they can be subject to increased penalties, including fines, jail time, and license revocation, based on this period.
The law officially takes effect on Aug.1, 2025.
It’s important to know what’s at stake
If you are facing a second or third DUI conviction, it’s essential to understand the implications of these policies so that you know how they could impact your future. An experienced DUI attorney can help you protect your rights and fight for your interests in these situations.
