ST. PAUL – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is recognizing nearly 70 law enforcement officers around the state who were nominated by their agencies for their exceptional efforts to stop impaired driving in 2024. 

“These DWI All-Stars did more than just arrest impaired drivers, they went out on the road to save lives, stop crashes and keep families together,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “When someone makes the choice to drive impaired, they are risking their lives and the life of everyone on the road. These officers went above and beyond.”

The DWI Enforcer All-Star team was honored during the Minnesota Twins pre-game activities at Target Field on Aug. 10. Blaze Credit Union sponsored this event.

Stopping impaired drivers on the road

In 2024, the All-Stars made 5,120 combined driving while impaired (DWI) arrests across Minnesota. Their efforts were nearly 20 percent of the total 26,583 arrests made last year.

Alcohol, prescription medication, cannabis or any other drug can contribute to impairment and a DWI. The All-Stars’ commitment to safety of drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians protected innocent lives.

Leading the pack

Minnesota State Patrol Trooper Gustavo Culbeaux led the way with 224 DWI arrests in the year. Trooper Culbeaux has been a DWI All-Star enforcer for the past six years, and this is his fourth time at the top of the DWI All-Star list.

“We’ve had too many unnecessary tragedies as a result of poor decision making, and I am here to do my part in stopping that,” Culbeaux said. “I’m honored every day to wear the Minnesota State Patrol uniform and  assisting in getting those dangers off our roads.”

View the list of all the 2025 DWI All-Stars.

Intoxicated driving in Minnesota

• According to preliminary figures, intoxicated drivers were responsible for 142 deaths in 2024.
• There were nearly 2,800 DWI crashes last year, according to data from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
• From 2020 to 2024, there were 125,323 DWI arrests in Minnesota.
• Overall, preliminary figures show there were 477 total traffic fatalities in Minnesota in 2024.

DWI consequences

• Impaired drivers face the loss of their license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time.
• Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above blood alcohol concentration, must use an ignition interlock device 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 an ignition interlock device for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

Make a plan

• 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 plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. Impaired is impaired.
• 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.

About the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,400 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Office of Traffic Safety 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program, school bus stop arm camera project and oversees the funding for the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety.