Minnesota Senate proposes DWI reform with sticker system and extended temporary permits

The Minnesota Senate's Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety convened on March 21, 2025, to discuss several legislative proposals aimed at improving the handling of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses and related procedures. The meeting focused on two primary bills, both introduced by Senator Latz.

The first bill addresses the current practice of impounding license plates for first-time DWI offenders with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 or higher, or for repeat offenders. Under existing law, law enforcement officers are required to physically remove the license plates from vehicles, a process deemed burdensome and potentially dangerous. Senator Latz proposed an alternative method: affixing a permanent sticker over the license plate to indicate its invalidation. This change aims to streamline the process for law enforcement and reduce the time spent on roadside plate removals.

Additionally, the bill seeks to extend the validity period of temporary permits issued to vehicle owners after a plate impoundment. Currently, these permits are valid for only seven days, which has proven insufficient for individuals needing to install ignition interlock devices. The proposed legislation would extend this period to 14 days and allow for a 45-day permit if the individual submits to a blood or urine test, acknowledging the delays in receiving test results.

Charles Siegel, a private defense attorney and representative of the Minnesota Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, provided testimony in support of the bill. He highlighted the challenges faced by individuals arrested for DWI, particularly regarding the short timeframe to comply with ignition interlock requirements. Siegel emphasized that the proposed changes would alleviate procedural burdens and enhance public safety by ensuring that drivers are aware of their license plate status.

During the discussion, committee members raised concerns about the durability of the proposed stickers, especially in Minnesota's harsh winter conditions. Senator Latz reassured members that the stickers would be made from high-quality materials, potentially sourced from local manufacturers known for their adhesive products.

The committee ultimately decided to lay the bill over for further consideration, indicating that additional amendments may be incorporated before a final vote. The meeting also included discussions on a second bill, Senate File 2363, which was prompted by a recent court decision affecting jurisdictional interpretations of Minnesota statutes.

Overall, the meeting underscored the committee's commitment to refining DWI-related laws to improve efficiency and safety for both law enforcement and the public. Further deliberations on these proposals are expected in upcoming sessions.