New Minnesota DWI Law Goes Into Effect August 1
Beginning August 1, Little Alan's Law goes into effect in Minnesota, which is designed to provide consistent application of DWI law.
Under Little Alan's Law people convicted of driving while intoxicated, regardless of the vehicle they're driving, will lose their driver’s license and be prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, motorboats and snowmobiles.
The state Legislature passed the law following the death of 8-year-old Alan Geisenkoetter Jr., who died in January after being struck by a snowmobile driven by a man whose driver’s license was revoked after multiple DWI offenses.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, people convicted of DWI in a highway-licensed vehicle before this law could still could legally operate ATVs, motorboats and snowmobiles. The changes apply to violations that occur on or after August 1.
As an example, a person convicted of DWI in a motorboat, or who refuses testing for a motorboat DWI, would have their driver’s license suspended and be prohibited from operating ATVs, motorboats and snowmobiles for one year.
Additionally, first-time DWI offenders operating off-road recreational vehicles or motorboats also will be subject to chemical use assessments, conditional release and plate impoundment, which is the same as a DWI in a highway-licensed vehicle.