In an effort to stop drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel if the state feels like they are a threat to the safety of others, they may impound a person’s license plates after a DUI. But are you guaranteed to lose your license plate if you are picked up for a DUI, or do certain factors need to be present. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at when your license plates can be impounded after a DUI in Minnesota.
Minnesota License Plate Impoundment
The good news is that if it’s your first offense and you have a pretty standard DUI, it’s very unlikely that you will end up losing your license plates. That being said, it’s not out of the question if you first offense DUI has some aggravating factors, which we will touch on below. With that said, here’s a look at some scenarios in which your license plates may be impounded after a DUI:
- If you receive two or more DUI convictions or alcohol-related license revocations within a 10-year period.
- Being arrested for DUI with a BAC over 0.16 (twice the legal limit).
- Being arrested for DUI with a minor under the age of 16 in the vehicle.
- Being arrested for DUI when operating without a valid driver’s license.
Not Just The One Vehicle
It’s also important to understand that license plate impoundment doesn’t just apply to the vehicle that was used in the commission of the crime. It will apply to all license plates in vehicles that are fully or partially registered under your name. That means that if your name is on both vehicle titles that your family owns, both vehicles will be stripped of their license plates, even if the other car is only ever driven by your spouse.
As you might imagine, this can create quite the ripple effect for families of loved ones who are navigating a DUI with license plate impoundment. In these scenarios, it is in your best interest to contact a Minnesota drunk driving attorney like Avery Appelman. Since impoundments last for a minimum of one year, there are significant stakes at play, and it will take an experienced attorney to navigate the situation and get your rights restored or help your family continue to have access to a vehicle.
You’ll also want to act quickly, because Minnesota only allows you to contest an impoundment decision for a limited period of time. Drivers have 30 days to file a petition to request a judicial review of their plate impoundment, so don’t delay. So if you are facing a DUI and the prospect of having your plates impounded, reach out to a defense attorney who knows how to challenge these arrests and minimize the fallout on clients and their families. Avery has been doing that for clients for years, and he’d love to do the same for you. For more information, or to set up a free case review, reach out to his office today at (952) 224-2277.
