Minnesota’s New DUI Rules: What Changed on August 1, 2025
By Sullivan Rice
On August 1, 2025, Minnesota rolled out some of the strictest DUI (DWI) reforms in the state’s history. These changes were designed to target repeat offenders, expand the look-back window for prior convictions, and impose tougher consequences for those who drive without an ignition interlock device.
Expanded Look-Back Period
One of the most significant changes is the expansion of Minnesota’s “look-back” period. Before August 1, prosecutors could only use DWI convictions from the past 10 years to enhance penalties. Now, that window has doubled to 20 years. This means a conviction from 15 years ago can come back to impact your sentence or interlock requirements today.
Longer Interlock Requirements
Ignition interlock, a device requiring a driver to pass a breath test before starting their car, is now mandatory for many more drivers and for much longer periods of time. Previously, the duration of interlock varied and was often shorter. Under the new rules, a second offense requires six years on interlock, while a third or more offenses can carry ten years or longer of mandatory use. Even a single prior within that 20-year period will trigger a minimum of two years with the device.
Driving Without Interlock Is Now a Crime
Before the new law, driving without an interlock device when it was required was generally handled as an administrative violation—serious, but not necessarily criminal. That has now changed. As of August 1, operating a vehicle without the required ignition interlock is a gross misdemeanor offense, carrying far harsher penalties, including possible jail time.
How the Law Shifted: A Side-by-Side View
To understand just how big this change is, here’s how things looked before versus after the new rules:
Look-back period: Increased from 10 years to 20 years.
Ignition interlock duration: Once varied, now set at 2 years for repeat offenders, 6 years for second offenses, and 10+ years for third or more.
Driving without interlock: Previously treated as an administrative violation, now upgraded to a gross misdemeanor crime.
Impact of prior offenses: Old convictions beyond 10 years were ignored; now, any within 20 years can dramatically raise the stakes.
Why This Matters
These reforms were inspired by a tragic case in St. Louis Park, where a repeat DWI offender without interlock killed two people after driving into a restaurant patio. Lawmakers responded by passing one of the most aggressive DWI packages in state history.
For Minnesotans facing a DWI, the changes mean harsher penalties, longer commitments to interlock, and less margin for error.
How Jack Rice Defense Can Help
At Jack Rice Defense, we guide clients through every step of the process, from challenging license revocations at implied consent hearings to defending against new gross misdemeanor charges for interlock violations. We also help clients understand compliance requirements, minimize long-term consequences, and fight for the best possible outcome in court.
If you’re facing a DWI under these new rules, the time to act is now—the consequences are too serious to face alone.
