A DWI in Minnesota can come with more than fines or license suspension—it may also mean driving with Minnesota whiskey plates. These special plates, beginning with “W,” are issued after certain alcohol-related driving offenses. While they serve as a penalty, they also make your vehicle stand out to law enforcement and often carry a social stigma.
So what do they really mean? In this guide, we’ll explain who gets whiskey plates, how to apply, how long they last, and what they cost. We’ll also cover alternatives like ignition interlock to help you understand your options moving forward.
What Are Minnesota Whiskey Plates?
Whiskey plates MN are special license plates that always begin with the letter “W” and are issued to drivers whose standard plates have been impounded after certain DWI convictions. They are required for individuals with a high blood alcohol concentration, repeat DWI offenders, or those who refuse chemical testing.
Their primary purpose is to mark vehicles tied to impaired driving and discourage repeat violations. Introduced in the 1990s, they’ve since become a recognizable—and often stigmatized—symbol on Minnesota roads.
How Do You Get Whiskey Plates In MN?
If you’re wondering how do you get whiskey plates in MN, the process begins when your standard plates are impounded following a qualifying DWI offense. Drivers must apply through Minnesota’s Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS).
Eligibility And Offenses That Trigger Plate Impoundment
Whiskey plates are required after specific DWI-related offenses. This includes a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16% or higher, repeat DWIs within ten years, or refusing chemical testing.
Drivers arrested with minors in the car during a DWI or commercial drivers violating limits can also trigger impoundment, making them eligible for these special plates.
Step-By-Step Application Process
To obtain whiskey plates, drivers must visit a Minnesota DVS office once their original plates are seized. The process includes completing a plate application form, providing supporting documents, and paying the required fees.
After submission, drivers receive temporary permits until their whiskey plates arrive, usually within two to three weeks.
Required Documents And Fees
Applicants must bring valid photo identification, proof of insurance, and documentation of the DWI conviction or plate impoundment order. The state charges $57 per set of whiskey plates, plus a $15 application fee.
Additional costs may include a $10 annual renewal fee and separate charges for plate removal once eligibility requirements are met.
Rules And Restrictions For Drivers
Drivers with Minnesota whiskey plates face additional rules designed to reduce repeat offenses and protect public safety. These restrictions involve stricter BAC limits, heightened law enforcement visibility, and alternatives like ignition interlock programs.
Driving Limitations And BAC Requirements
Drivers with whiskey plates are held to stricter standards. While most motorists face a 0.08% BAC limit, those with whiskey plates cannot drive with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.
This near-zero tolerance reflects Minnesota’s effort to deter repeat impaired driving. Failing to comply with these conditions can result in further penalties, including license suspension or criminal charges.
Law Enforcement Scrutiny
Whiskey plates are easily identifiable to law enforcement because of their “W” prefix, making drivers more visible during patrols.
Although officers cannot legally stop a car solely for having whiskey plates, the stigma often leads to closer scrutiny. Many drivers report being pulled over more frequently, facing embarrassment and heightened stress while on the road.
Ignition Interlock As An Alternative
Instead of relying solely on whiskey plates, Minnesota offers an ignition interlock program. This system requires drivers to pass a breath test before starting their vehicle.
Although more expensive than whiskey plates, ignition interlock allows greater driving flexibility and may even shorten the required period for special plates, giving drivers a chance to rebuild trust sooner.
How Long Do Whiskey Plates Last In MN?
The length of time whiskey plates remain on a vehicle depends on the driver’s offense and record. Typically, they must be displayed for at least one year, though repeat or serious violations can extend that period.
Minimum Duration Requirements
By law, whiskey plates must remain on a vehicle for a minimum of one year following a qualifying DWI conviction. In some cases, especially with repeat offenses, the requirement can extend longer.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety determines the duration based on the severity of the violation and prior history.
Early Removal Through Ignition Interlock
Drivers may be eligible for early plate removal if they participate in the state’s ignition interlock program. This program installs a device in the vehicle requiring a breath test before the car starts.
Successful program participation demonstrates sobriety and responsibility, potentially allowing whiskey plates to be removed sooner than the standard one-year requirement.
Renewal And Review Options
At the end of the required period, drivers can apply to have their regular plates reinstated. This process involves paying plate removal fees and ensuring all conditions of the DWI penalty have been satisfied.
If drivers contest the impoundment, administrative or judicial review may provide another opportunity to shorten or challenge the duration.
How Much Are Whiskey Plates In MN?
The cost of whiskey plates extends beyond the initial fee. Drivers must account for application, renewal, and removal charges, plus indirect expenses such as higher insurance premiums and potential legal fees, making the overall burden significant.
Application And Renewal Fees
The state charges $57 for each set of whiskey plates, along with a $15 application fee when plates are first issued. An annual renewal fee of $10 also applies.
These costs can quickly add up, especially for drivers who own multiple vehicles, since each vehicle must display whiskey plates during the impoundment period.
Costs For Removal And Reinstallation
When the impoundment period ends, drivers must pay another $57 per set to remove whiskey plates and reinstall standard plates.
If plates were transferred to another vehicle during the penalty period, additional fees may apply. This makes managing costs an important consideration for drivers required to maintain them.
Additional Financial Impact (Insurance, Legal fees)
Beyond state fees, whiskey plates can create indirect costs. Insurance premiums often increase substantially after a DWI conviction, adding long-term financial strain.
Legal expenses for challenging the impoundment, filing for administrative review, or seeking early removal through ignition interlock also contribute, making the overall cost much higher than just plate fees.
How Leverson Budke Can Help With Minnesota Whiskey Plates
Being required to use Minnesota whiskey plates can feel overwhelming, embarrassing, and costly. Our attorneys at Leverson Budke understand the challenges that come with DWI-related plate impoundments.
We help clients navigate the process of applying for plates, explore alternatives such as the ignition interlock program, and fight for early removal when possible. If your vehicle was unfairly impacted, we can also represent you in administrative or judicial review to protect your rights.
FAQs
1. Can You Sell Or Transfer A Vehicle With These Plates?
Yes, you can sell or transfer a vehicle with whiskey plates, but the plates remain tied to the driver’s penalty period. They will either transfer to the replacement vehicle or stay until the required duration ends, often complicating sales and ownership changes.
2. What Does The “W” Prefix Mean?
The “W” prefix on whiskey plates identifies vehicles tied to DWI-related offenses in Minnesota. While the second letter and numbers vary, the “W” signals law enforcement that the driver or vehicle has restrictions, leading to increased visibility, scrutiny, and social stigma on the road.
3. Are Whiskey Plates Used In Other States?
Yes, whiskey plates are not unique to Minnesota. Ohio also requires similar plates following DWI convictions, making it the only other state with this system. While other states have debated adopting them, concerns about constitutionality and stigma have limited their broader use nationwide.
Conclusion
Whiskey plates are more than just special license plates—they’re a visible consequence of a DWI conviction in Minnesota. While they serve as a deterrent and alert law enforcement, they also carry financial, legal, and social challenges for drivers.
Understanding the rules, costs, and potential alternatives like ignition interlock can help you navigate the process more confidently. If you’re facing whiskey plate requirements, knowing your options is essential to minimizing the impact and taking meaningful steps toward regaining normal driving privileges.
