A driving under the influence (DUI) charge in Minnesota can quickly shake up your routine. Beyond the criminal case, you may face sudden changes in your driving privileges. One change you might not anticipate involves your vehicle’s license plates.
The state may require you to swap your regular plates for distinctive “whiskey plates” soon after the incident. These plates signal a plate impoundment order and bring added restrictions on your driving.
State rules behind plate impoundment in Minnesota
After certain DUI charges, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety may impound your regular plates. This can happen if your charge involves an alcohol concentration of .16 or more, a repeat offense, a child passenger or driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.
During the arrest process, officers may serve you with a plate impoundment order. This notice tells you that the agency impounds your regular plates and outlines your options.
Along with that order, you usually receive a temporary driving permit. This paper permits you to keep driving for a short time before special “whiskey plates” or ignition interlocks take effect. Owners usually get 14 days, and non-owner vehicles usually get 45 days. The impoundment period generally lasts at least one year.
Possible actions for drivers facing special license plates
After receiving a plate impoundment order, you may consider the following steps to manage its effects on your driving privileges:
- Apply for “whiskey plates” through the Department of Public Safety so you can keep your vehicle on the road
- Enroll in ignition interlock to use standard plates instead of “whiskey plates”
- Ask for an administrative review, then petition the court within the deadline
- Handle any transfer within the limits set by law while an impoundment stands
Each step carries its own process, fees and timelines. Choosing the best fit for your situation can help reduce disruption, but it does not, by itself, change the DUI charge.
Long-term effects of special license plates on daily life
Over time, “whiskey plates” make your vehicle easy to identify on the road. State law generally does not permit stops based only on these plates, but officers may still notice any visible violation more quickly. Insurers can view these plates as a risk factor and may raise premiums or limit coverage.
Your privacy may also change because anyone can see the distinctive plates. You may regain your regular plates only after the impoundment period ends and you meet the state’s reinstatement requirements. These generally involve holding a valid license, paying reinstatement fees and clearing any outstanding suspensions or revocations on your record.
Steps to manage driving privileges until reinstatement
While the impoundment period is in effect, you may want to create a plan for meeting all requirements. Keep every notice, mark deadlines and decide which driving option works best for you.
Review your insurance coverage so you may understand possible premium changes or policy limits during the impoundment period. Arrange travel or work schedules so you can stay on the road legally.
If anything seems unclear, reach out to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to confirm what applies to you. Taking these actions can help you manage the driving restrictions now and position yourself to return to regular plates once you meet reinstatement rules.
