There are so many ways to relax and kick back by yourself or with family and friends. For some, it may involve alcohol or substances such as cannabis and THC edibles. Have fun but make sure to plan a sober ride to stay safe on the road. Impaired is impaired, regardless of the substance. 

Risk a DWI if driving while impaired by alcohol 

You can face serious legal and financial consequences if arrested for DWI (driving while impaired) involving alcohol.

• Minnesota's legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) driving limit is 0.08, but you can be arrested for DWI at lower levels.
• You can lose your driver’s license for up to a year, pay thousands of dollars in costs and possibly go to jail.
• The consequences go further if you’ve been repeatedly arrested for DWI. The same applies if you’re a first-time DWI offender arrested at a 0.16 BAC. You must use ignition interlock to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license.
• Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.
• First-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above are required to use interlock for one year.

How ignition interlock works to save lives

Ignition interlock gives DWI offenders a chance to regain driving privileges by ensuring safe and legal driving. The device is installed under the vehicle’s dashboard and connected to the starter. You must breathe into the interlock before starting the car. The vehicle will start if your BAC is below 0.02.

• Arrested for DWI? Learn more about ignition interlock.

Risk a DWI if driving while impaired by cannabis, THC edibles and other drug-related substances

• While there is no legal limit like with alcohol and 0.08 BAC, law enforcement can arrest you for DWI if they observe and document impairment.
• The penalties follow what a driver would receive with an alcohol DWI. It does not matter what the substance is with a DWI.
• A first offense DWI will be a misdemeanor, and it will go up from there on subsequent offenses. Penalties can include, but are not limited to, license plate impoundment, driver's license revocation and vehicle forfeiture.
• Read frequently asked questions about traffic safety and cannabis to help keep you and others safe on the road.

Make a plan to protect yourself and others on the road

• Designate a sober driver, use a safe, alternative transportation option, or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Speak up. Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere. If you see an impaired person about to get behind the wheel, get them a safe ride home.
• If you plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. If you feel different, you drive different.
• If you don't yet know how a medication will affect your judgment, coordination and reaction time, either have someone else drive or wait to take it until after you get home.
• Buckle up. It’s the best defense against impaired drivers.

Learn more about impaired driving laws and staying safe on the road 

• You can read more about driving while impaired laws for the safety of all people using Minnesota roads.