In Minnesota, most drivers assume that their legal limit is 0.08%. This refers to their blood alcohol concentration. The authorities can determine this level in a few different ways, such as taking a blood draw or administering a breath test. If someone is over the legal limit, it can be presumed that they were impaired, and this evidence can strengthen the prosecution’s case against them after an arrest.
However, it is dangerous to assume that your legal limit is definitely 0.08%. There are certain categories of drivers who have a lower limit, so they could face DWI charges after consuming far less alcohol.
Commercial drivers
To begin with, if you have a commercial driver’s license, you must be aware that your legal limit while operating that vehicle is just 0.04%, or half of the legal limit that would apply to a private vehicle. This limit applies to truck drivers, bus drivers and many others.
Additionally, a DWI conviction for someone with a CDL is going to cost them far more than the initial fines and fees that they have to pay. If their driver’s license is revoked or suspended, it means they can no longer work. This could end their career or at least lead to significant lost wages until they can have their license reinstated.
Drivers under 21
Likewise, if a driver is under 21 years old, they are below the legal drinking age. They cannot consume any alcohol. Minnesota uses very strict zero-tolerance laws that set the legal limit at 0.00%. If a breath test is given and it demonstrates that a young driver has any detectable alcohol at all, they could be facing DWI charges. A college student who just has half of a beer at a party before changing their mind and driving home, for instance, could still face charges.
It is very important to understand how DWI laws work in Minnesota and all of the defense options that you have after an arrest.
