Drink-driving limits in Minnesota (2026)
Last reviewed: 29 October 2026
In short: Minnesota sets its own drink-driving rules. The general limit is 0.08% blood alcohol. Fields not shown are not yet verified.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Blood alcohol limit for ordinary driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.08 % blood alcohol [1] |
| Lower limit for novice or young driversDriving after drinking alcohol | Under 21: no numeric limit. It is a misdemeanour to drive after consuming alcohol while physical evidence of the consumption is present in the body. [2] |
| Limit for professional or commercial driversDriving after drinking alcohol | 0.04 or more when driving a commercial motor vehicle. [1] |
| Random breath tests without suspicionDriving after drinking alcohol | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Maximum penaltiesDriving after drinking alcohol | Fourth-degree DWI (the basic offence) is a misdemeanour: up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Second- and third-degree DWI are gross misdemeanours: up to 364 days and a $3,000 fine. First-degree DWI (repeat or aggravated) is a felony: up to seven years and a $14,000 fine. [3] |
Sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: 169A.20 Driving while impaired (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: 169A.33 Underage drinking and driving (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
- Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes: Minnesota Statutes 169A.24 to 169A.27 (degrees of driving while impaired) and 609.03 (punishment) (consulted 29 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Limit for professional or commercial drivers | 0.04% alcohol concentration or more: a driver subject to commercial driver's licence rules must not report for or remain on duty performing safety-sensitive functions, and an employer who knows of it must not let the driver continue. (source: Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (Office of the Federal Register)) |
|---|
Minnesota and neighbouring states
| State | Blood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers | Lower limit for novice or young drivers | Limit for professional or commercial drivers | Random breath tests without suspicion | Maximum penalties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 0.08% | Any alcohol, under 21 | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 7 years, $14,000 (felony) |
| Iowa | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Min. 48 hours jail; $1,250 fine |
| Michigan | 0.08% | Any alcohol (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 15 yrs / USD 10,000 (death) |
| North Dakota | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1st: class B misdemeanour; fine min. $500 |
| South Dakota | 0.08% | 0.02% (under 21) | 0.04% commercial | ⚠ Not yet verified | Up to 1 year; $2,000 fine |
| Wisconsin | 0.08% | Zero (under 21) | 0.04% (commercial vehicle) | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1st: $150-$300 forfeiture |
More rules in Minnesota
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 21+, within limits · Growing at home: Yes: 8 plants, max 4 mature
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1, 2, 3 (bicycle) · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (sparklers/ground devices only) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (sparklers etc.)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Ordinary folding knives not named · Locking or one-handed knives: Automatic switch blade knives banned
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $11.41 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Voice/hands-free mode only, device not held
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, driver and all passengers · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, driver and all passengers
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.