What is the Definition of DWI and Motor Vehicles in Minnesota?
Before 1998, Minnesota had separate DWI laws applicable to the driving or operation of: (a) regular motor vehicles; (b) snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), now labeled “off-road recreational vehicles;” (c) motorboats; (d) school buses; and (e) airplanes. However, effective January 1998, impaired driving involving off-road recreational vehicles and motorboats11 is also governed by the regular DWI law, although first-time violations involving motorboats or recreational vehicles are not subject to the full range of sanctions under the DWI law.
Minnesota law continues to contain separate statutory provisions tailored to the driving of school buses, airplanes, and military vehicles. Other sections of this guidebook discuss the separate impaired driving/operating laws applicable to motorboats and off-road recreational vehicles (i.e., laws involving the use of these vehicles in first-time DWI offenses), as well as those additional impaired driving/operating laws applying to school buses, airplanes, and military vehicles. Check with the local Itasca County DWI attorney for any legal advice.
