Minnesota’s New Ignition Interlock Law: Dramatically Longer Timeframes Start August 2025

Minnesota’s ignition interlock program is undergoing a major overhaul starting August 1, 2025, and one of the biggest changes drivers need to know about is the significant extension of ignition interlock requirements. If you’re facing a DWI or criminal vehicular operation charge, the time you’ll be required to use an ignition interlock device is about to get much longer—sometimes up to life.

What’s Changing?

Until now, most ignition interlock participants could regain full driving privileges in as little as 1–2 years. That will no longer be the case. Under the new law (Minn. Stat. §171.178, subd. 8), interlock periods will depend on the severity of the offense and your prior history—looking back 20 years instead of 10.

Here’s what that means in real terms:

Offense Type	Prior DWIs	Injury Severity	Interlock Period
Standard DWI	1 (in 20 years)	—	2 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	0	Bodily harm	2 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	1 lifetime	Bodily harm	5 years
Standard DWI	2 lifetime	—	6 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	0	Great bodily harm	6 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	0	Death	6 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	2 lifetime	Bodily harm	8 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	1 lifetime	Great bodily harm	8 years
Standard DWI	3+ lifetime	—	10 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	3+ lifetime	Bodily harm	10 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	2+ lifetime	Great bodily harm	10 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	1 lifetime	Death	15 years
Criminal Vehicular Operation	2+ lifetime	Death	Life

As you can see, these penalties are steep. If you are convicted of DWI with multiple priors or a criminal vehicular operation resulting in injury or death, you could face ignition interlock requirements for 10–15 years—or permanently.

Why Does This Matter?

The ignition interlock program is expensive and demanding. Longer participation means:

• Thousands of dollars in installation and monthly monitoring fees

• Ongoing high-risk insurance requirements

• Strict compliance with all program rules—or risk losing all credit for time served

What Should You Do?

If you’ve been charged with DWI or any alcohol-related driving offense, the time to get legal counsel is now.

At Johnson Erickson Law, we understand these new laws inside and out. We can help you fight the charges, navigate the interlock program, and protect your driving privileges for the long term.

Call us today for a free consultation. The stakes just got higher.