Alternative Vehicles and Minnesota DWI Laws

Alcohol and drugs can have a huge impact on your ability to make sound judgments not only in a motor vehicle but in any type of situation. You should avoid driving off-road vehicles, motorboats, commercial equipment, school buses, and even airplanes while intoxicated. If you don't you may find yourself facing some severe criminal penalties.

Minnesota DWI Penalties for Off-road and Motorboat Drivers

The penalties for operators of off-road recreational vehicles and motorboats, while severe, are considerably less than those imposed upon someone driving a motor vehicle. In addition to criminal misdemeanor charges, those convicted of a Minnesota DWI will lose privileges for the type of vehicle he was operating at the time of arrest.

These rules only apply to first time offenders only. Anyone convicted of a Minnesota DWI violation in a recreational vehicle after having had a previous conviction is subject to regular penalties including motor vehicle license revocation, prison time, license plate impoundment, and other fines.

Minnesota DWI Penalties for Commercial Operators

Minnesota state law for commercial operators is slightly different than that for a regular motor vehicle operator. Minnesota DUI law states that an individual's blood alcohol level must be lower than .04 in order to operate a commercial motor vehicle. If a driver's blood alcohol level is over .04 but under .08 he or she will lose his commercial license but not his private passenger license. The period of revocation will be one year for first time offenders and ten years for any subsequent violation.

If a commercial operator is found to have a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher he will lose his right to operate any type of motor vehicle and the appropriate criminal and administrative penalties will apply.

Minnesota DWI Penalties for School Bus Operators

Minnesota DWI laws include a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the consumption of alcohol by anyone driving a school bus. If a school bus operator is pulled over and is found to have any trace of alcohol in his blood, the endorsement to his license allowing him to drive a school bus will be automatically cancelled. If his blood alcohol level is under the state maximum of .08 he will not lose his rights to drive a regular private passenger vehicle.

Minnesota DWI Penalties for Airplane Operators

The state of Minnesota found it necessary to establish a special DWI law for individuals flying airplanes. As such, the blood alcohol level of a person flying an aircraft must be under .04. Airplane operators are also prohibited from flying an airplane within 8 hours of any alcohol consumption, a zero tolerance policy that comes with a misdemeanor charge if convicted.

Minnesota DWI laws have been designed to protect individuals from reckless behavior regardless of the type of vehicle being operated. Contact your Minnesota DUI attorney immediately after receiving a citation or arrest in one of these alternative vehicle types.