Minnesota’s DWI laws are about to change in a big way. Starting August 1, 2025, the license revocation periods for drivers arrested or convicted of Driving While Impaired (DWI) are being significantly extended. These changes are part of a broader overhaul passed in the 2025 Minnesota legislative session under Chapter 29—H.F. No. 2130, this also revamps the ignition interlock program and reinstatement standards for drivers with prior impaired driving offenses.

This blog breaks down what drivers need to know about the new DWI revocation periods in Minnesota, how these changes may impact your ability to legally drive, and what steps you can take if you’re facing a DWI charge under the new law.

Overview: What Changed in 2025?

The new law restructures the length of driver’s license revocations based on a range of DWI-related factors, including:

• Whether the driver failed or refused chemical testing.
• The driver’s age.
• Number of qualified prior impaired driving incidents.
• The driver’s test results, particularly if the BAC was twice the legal limit or higher.
• Injury or death resulting from the offense.

This change aligns DWI revocation periods with a new framework in Minnesota Statutes §171.178, which replaces several earlier used provisions.

Key Term: What Is a “Qualified Prior Impaired Driving Incident”?

A “Qualified Prior Impaired Driving Incident” will include prior DWI’s, implied consent revocations, and certain out-of-state impaired driving convictions. The new law uses a 20-year look back period rather than the previous 10-year standard.

Revocation Periods Based on Test Refusal

If a driver refuses chemical testing after being arrested for DWI, the resulting revocation periods apply:

Prior Incidents (Past 20 Years)	Revocation Period (Effective 8/1/25)
None	1 year
1 or more	Until ignition interlock completed (2–10+ years)

This includes refusals under both implied consent and search warrant situations.

Revocation Periods Based on Test Failure

If a driver submits to testing and fails (BAC ≥ 0.08), the revocation period depends on age, test result severity, and prior offenses:

Circumstance	Revocation Period
No priors, BAC < 0.16	90 days
No priors, BAC ≥ 0.16	1 year
Under 21, BAC < 0.16	180 days
Under 21, BAC ≥ 0.16	1 year
1 or more priors (within 20 years)	Interlock required until full reinstatement (2–10+ years)

Revocation Periods After DWI Conviction

If you’re convicted of a DWI offense in court, revocation periods increase significantly:

Offense Circumstance	Revocation Period
First-time DWI, BAC < 0.16	30 days
First-time DWI, test refusal First-time DWI, under 21, BAC < 0.16	1 year 180 days
First-time DWI, BAC ≥ 0.16	1 year

New Look back Periods for Prior DWI Convictions

Prior DWI convictions will impact the length of time a driver is required to participate in the IID program, and consequently, the period of license revocation. The new law imposes longer “lookback” periods for determining whether someone has a prior DWI conviction. The changes are described below:

Old Law	New Law
DWI-related revocation – 10-year lookback	20-year lookback
CVO-related revocation (DWI resulting in injury) – 10-year lookback	Lifetime lookback
CVH-related revocation (DWI resulting in death) – 10-year lookback	Lifetime look back

The Role of the Ignition Interlock Program

One of the most significant parts of the 2025 DWI law is the expanded use of ignition interlock devices (IID). For most drivers with one or more prior DWI convictions, the only way to regain driving privileges is to participate in the IID program under Minn. Stat. §171.306.

Key changes:

• Mandatory treatment or rehabilitation is now required for full license reinstatement.
• Minimum IID participation periods range from 2 to 15 years depending on prior incidents and whether the offense involved injury or death.
• IID violations (tampering, circumvention, or failed tests) can extend interlock periods by 180 days, one year, or more.

Interlock Timeline Examples

Type	Violation Context	Minimum Interlock Period
DWI (standard)	1 prior offense (in 20 years)	2 years
	2 lifetime priors	6 years
	3+ lifetime priors	10 years
CVO-Resulting in injury (BH or SBH)	0 priors	2 years
	1 lifetime prior	5 years
	2 lifetime priors	8 years
	3+ lifetime priors	10 years
CVO-Resulting in injury (GBH)	0 priors	6 years
	1 lifetime prior	8 years
	2+ lifetime priors	10 years
CVH-Resulting in death	0 priors	6 years
	1 lifetime prior	15 years
	2+ lifetime priors	Lifetime

What Happens If You Violate Interlock Conditions?

Violating the ignition interlock rules—by blowing over 0.02 in the interlock device, driving a non-equipped vehicle, or tampering with the device—can lead to:

• Termination from the program.
• Restarting the full interlock period.
• Extension of the revocation timeline.

In some cases, you may also face new criminal charges, including gross misdemeanors depending on the circumstances.

Temporary Driving Privileges and Permits

Another change under the new law: temporary driver’s licenses and vehicle permits issued after a DWI arrest have been extended.

Document	Previous Validity	New Validity (Aug. 2025)
Temporary Driver’s License	7 days	14 days
Vehicle Permit (DWI plate impoundment)	7 days	14 days (or 45 days if vehicle is registered to someone else)

For Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers are held to stricter standards:

• BAC of 0.04 or more results in disqualification from operating commercial vehicles.
• Refusing a test while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) leads to automatic commercial driver’s license (CDL) disqualification under federal and state law.

Petitioning for Reinstatement

Drivers who have had their licenses revoked can still petition the district court under Minn. Stat. §171.19—but they must do so within 180 days of revocation or before the revocation ends. Courts can modify or reverse revocations only under narrow circumstances.

Why These Changes Matter

These sweeping updates reflect a clear policy shift: Minnesota is increasing both the punitive and rehabilitativecomponents of its DWI laws. The state’s new approach focuses on long-term ignition interlock use and treatment but penalizes relapse and violations of the program much more harshly.

What You Should Do If You’re Charged With a DWI

If you’ve been arrested for DWI in Minnesota, it is crucial to act quickly:

1. Request a hearing to challenge your license revocation.
2. Speak to a DWI defense attorney to evaluate your case.
3. If eligible, enroll in the ignition interlock program and begin documenting treatment or abstinence.

Final Thoughts

The new DWI license revocation laws in Minnesota are among the most detailed and far-reaching in the nation. Starting August 1, 2025, drivers will face longer revocation periods and stricter reinstatement rules, emphasizing recovery and returning of your license through interlock and treatment participation.

For drivers facing charges, understanding these changes and planning accordingly is critical. Don’t go it alone, get help navigating Minnesota’s complex DWI laws and protecting your right to drive.

Arrested for DWI? The Clock Is Ticking—We Can Help

Minnesota’s 2025 DWI law changes are complex, unforgiving, and packed with hidden consequences. One mistake—like refusing a test or misunderstanding your revocation period—can leave you without a license for years. But you don’t have to face this alone.

At Kohlmeyer Hagen Law Office, we help drivers across Minnesota fight their DWI charges, protect their licenses, and regain their freedom to drive. Whether you’re in Mankato, Rochester, or anywhere in Southern Minnesota, our experienced DWI attorneys are ready to defend your rights and guide you through every step—from implied consent hearings to ignition interlock appeals.

Don’t wait. You may have only 14 days to act.
Don’t plead guilty. You may have more options than you think.
Don’t risk your future. Call a team that understands Minnesota’s DWI laws inside and out.

Call (507) 625-5000 or schedule your free consultation online today.

FAQ

Q: What are the new DWI license revocation periods in Minnesota?
A: Starting August 1, 2025, revocation periods range from 30 days to lifetime bans, depending on test results and prior DWI offenses.

Q: How long do you lose your license for refusing a DWI test in MN?
A: At least one year with no priors, or several years with ignition interlock if there are prior convictions or revocations.

Q: Can you get a license back after a DWI in Minnesota?
A: Yes, but reinstatement now requires completing a treatment program and often participating in ignition interlock for 2–10+ years.

Q: What is the ignition interlock device law in Minnesota?
A: Minnesota now mandates interlock use for most drivers with prior DWIs, and violations can lead to extended penalties.