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Federal government pushes Minnesota for new drunk driving laws

With the sheer number of anti-drunk driving campaigns on Minnesota televisions and radios, many people in Minneapolis would assume that Minnesota is one of the strictest states when it comes to driving while intoxicated. Surprisingly, it is not. Minnesota is one of 33 states that does not require people convicted for the first time of drunk driving to install an ignition interlock. Unless a driver has a blood alcohol content that is two times the legal limit or higher or is being convicted of a second or subsequent drunk driving offense, Minnesotans do not need to have these devices in their vehicles.

An ignition interlock is a machine that will prevent a car from starting unless the driver can take and pass a breath test. In addition to the inconvenience of having to take an alcohol breath test every single time you want to drive somewhere and the stigma that comes with having an ignition interlock device, they can cost a lot of money. The average cost of installation is $75 and the monthly rental fee is $70.

The federal government and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are not satisfied with these 33 states’ laws, however. Instead, they want more states to pass legislation that would require anyone convicted of drunk driving, regardless of if it is a first or subsequent offense, to install an ignition interlock device. Ultimately, the decision lies with the states, but there are $20.8 million in highway safety funds that are being offered to states who take the initiative and amend their ignition interlock drives.

It remains to be seen if Minnesota will succumb to federal pressure, but Minneapolis residents will want to keep abreast of changing drunk driving laws.

Source: Washington Post, “Federal officials push for tougher state drunken-driving laws,” Ashley Halsey III, Aug. 14, 2012

Check out our Minneapolis vehicular homicide page to learn more about alcohol breath tests.

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Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

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