Getting Your License Back After a DUI in Minnesota
To reinstate your driving privileges in Minnesota after a DUI, follow these steps:
- Pay Reinstatement Fee: Submit a $680 reinstatement fee to the Department of Public Safety.
- Pass Written Test: Successfully pass a written test that includes DUI-related questions.
- Complete Application: Fill out a license reinstatement application and pay an $18.50 reapplication fee.
- Meet Additional Requirements: Fulfill any other requirements mandated by the Department of Public Safety, such as an ignition interlock device installation or a chemical dependency assessment.
Remember, the exact requirements may vary depending on your specific circumstances. It’s advisable to consult a Minnesota DWI attorney to ensure you understand and complete all necessary steps for license reinstatement.
Understanding Minnesota Driver’s License Reinstatement
If you have been arrested or convicted for driving while impaired (DWI) in Minnesota, you already know that there are steep consequences related to these charges. In addition to possible jail time or fines, a DWI can also cost you the right to drive in the state. The loss of your driving privileges can have a detrimental impact on your personal life, your career, or your education.
Thankfully, the state offers ways to get your driver’s license back after the revocation period, which may include passing a knowledge test, completing a chemical health assessment, and submitting a driver’s license application with a reinstatement fee. There could also be options for driving while your privileges are still revoked with the help of a Minneapolis DUI Defense Attorney.
You should always rely on the guidance of an attorney following an arrest for DWI. Not only could your legal counsel guide you through these challenges, but they could also help you defeat the charges against you. Reach out to the attorneys of Gerald Miller today to learn more.
Requirements for Getting Your License Back in Minnesota
The requirements for getting your revoked license back following a DWI are fairly straightforward. Either right away, or once the revocation period has come to an end, the first step is applying for a new license. This requires that you also pay the application fee. Additionally, understanding the process of license cancellation and the requirements for re-licensing, including participation in the ignition interlock program, is crucial.
Because your license has been revoked, you are also on the hook for a reinstatement fee. Until you submit proof of payment, you will not be able to secure a new license. Currently, the reinstatement fee is $680. It is possible that the state could require additional steps or paperwork in order for you to obtain your license.
The Process of Getting Your Minnesota License Back
You might be surprised to learn that the process of getting your license back can begin immediately. Many people wait until their revocation period ends before they begin the process of getting their license back. This is a mistake. You can begin this process right away, which would allow you to start driving as soon as your revocation period begins following the arrest.
As soon as state records reflect that your revocation is pending, you can begin the process of applying for a new license. This includes paying the reinstatement fee and filling out the application. In fact, you can also move forward with having an interlock device installed without waiting on the state as well.
Additional Costs Involved
Of course, these devices charge month to month usually, so installing the interlock early might not be your best option. You may also qualify for a limited license, commonly referred to as the work permit. Your specific case and situation will dictate which option(s) you can take advantage of.
Initial Steps to License Reinstatement in Minnesota
The process of getting your revoked license back after a DWI involves several steps. It’s essential to start the process as early as possible, even before the revocation period ends. This allows you to get back on the road sooner. The initial steps include:
- Applying for a new license and paying the application fee.
- Paying the reinstatement fee, currently $680.
- Completing any additional paperwork or requirements the state may have.
Taking Action During Revocation
You can take action to get your license back even while the revocation is in effect. You can start the application process, pay the reinstatement fee, and even install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle if required. This proactive approach can expedite the process and potentially allow you to regain driving privileges sooner. However, remember that ignition interlock devices have monthly fees, so installing it early may not be the most cost-effective option. You may also qualify for a limited license (work permit), depending on your specific circumstances.
DUI offenses can lead to the suspension or revocation of driving privileges for operating any type of motor vehicle. This includes the possibility of license plate impoundment, which affects the ability to drive any motor vehicle.
What Happened to the DWI Knowledge Test?
For years, one of the most frustrating requirements for getting your license back was an examination known as the DWI knowledge test. Even if you have completed your revocation period and met every other qualification, the state would not give you your license back until you successfully completed this exam, which was part of Minnesota’s DWI laws.
This knowledge test was a multiple-choice examination covering many basic driving aspects. The information covered on this exam was primarily pulled from Chapters 7 and 8 of the Minnesota Driver’s Manual. The test could be taken in many locations statewide, including at DMV offices. Until you passed, the state would not allow you to have your license back.
Thankfully, the state has done away with this requirement. In 2021, state law no longer requires motorists convicted of a DWI to take this examination prior to getting their license back. There was little evidence that these tests improved driver safety or had any effect other than making life more difficult for Minnesota drivers.
Can I Drive Before My Revocation Period Ends in Minnesota?
For some people, it is possible to recover some limited driving privileges even though your revocation period has not yet come to an end. First, the ignition interlock discussed above could be an option. Otherwise, some drivers can take advantage of something known as a limited license. The limited license is also commonly known as a work permit. Ensuring public safety is a key consideration in granting limited driving privileges and implementing the ignition interlock program.
Not everyone will qualify for a work permit. Your eligibility for this program will depend on a number of factors, starting with your blood alcohol concentration at the time of your arrest. If your blood alcohol concentration was high, you might not be eligible. Your prior criminal history and whether or not you submitted to a breath test are also relevant factors.
Limited License Options During Revocation
If you are ultimately granted a limited license, you are only authorized to operate your vehicle under certain circumstances. For most people, these licenses allow you to drive to and from work, alcohol or chemical dependency treatment programs, and for educational purposes.
The limitations are slightly different for homemakers compared to those who work or go to school full-time. Some homemakers are able to secure a limited license that allows them to drive to obtain food, medical care, or other family necessities. These limited licenses also usually allow parents to drive their children to school.
Even if you qualify for a limited license, you might not be eligible right away. There is typically some form of waiting period that must expire before these licenses are an option. For first-time offenders with a blood alcohol concentration below .16 (or even first-time drivers charged with Chemical Test Refusal), the waiting period is typically 15 days following the beginning of the revocation period.
Ignition Interlock Devices Might Be Required in Minnesota
In some cases, getting driving privileges back requires the installation of an ignition interlock device. These devices require you to blow into a tube attached to the steering column of your vehicle each time you get behind the wheel. When you do so, the device registers your blood alcohol concentration. If there is any reading of alcohol on your breath, your vehicle will not start.
You could also be prompted to give additional breath samples while driving to ensure you are not drinking behind the wheel. These are called rolling tests. The new DWI laws in Minnesota have increased the impact on ignition interlock device requirements, making it essential for more offenders to install these devices.
There are two situations where installing an ignition interlock device is necessary to get back on the road. The first involves anyone arrested for DWI who registers a blood alcohol concentration of .16 or more. Additionally, repeat offenders must install an interlock device if they want to drive during their respective revocation time.
Additional Requirements to Qualify for the Ignition Interlock Program
There are additional requirements that you must meet before you will qualify for an interlock device. If you fail to meet these requirements, you could be out of luck when it comes to securing a limited driver’s license. These requirements include:
- Complete your application for a new license;
- Paid your reinstatement fee, and
- Signed and submitted your Minnesota Ignition Interlock Program Participation Agreement.
- Have the ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle so proof of installation can be sent to the DPS
You have the right to install the interlock device at any time so long as the process is handled by an authorized party. While the state will issue you a letter approving you to drive, you can install the device ahead of time. Of course, it is important to remember that even with the device installed you are not authorized to drive without approval from the state.
The amount of time you must use the interlock device can vary. Most of the time, it will depend on how long your revocation period is. When you receive your letter of approval from the state, it will spell out how long you must rely on this device to drive.
It is also possible the amount of time the interlock device is necessary can increase. If you fail to comply with all of the requirements of your limited license, you might be required to keep the device installed for more time.
The use of ignition interlock devices is not free. If you intend to install this device in your vehicle, you are responsible for the related costs. There is an installation fee of as much as $100 or more to get started. Additionally, each of the authorized interlock companies will charge a lease fee monthly.
Contact Minneapolis DUI Defense Attorney About Your DWI Arrest
Dealing with the consequences of a DWI can be frustrating. The good news is that it might not be necessary to face these consequences at all. If you take on the prosecution with the help of an experienced attorney, such as a Minneapolis DUI defense attorney, and prevail in your DWI case, you could be acquitted of the charges against you.
An experienced attorney may also be able to negotiate the return of your vehicle with certain stipulations without the need for a court hearing.
The attorneys of Gerald Miller have a strong track record of winning these cases. If you are ready to let us put our experience to work for you, now is the time to reach out. Schedule a free consultation with the attorneys of Gerald Miller as soon as possible.
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