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How Long a DWI Remains on Your Driving Record in Minnesota
If you’ve been arrested or convicted for DWI in Minnesota, you may be wondering how long that incident will stay on your driving record. For many drivers, this is more than a temporary issue—DWI records can influence everything from car insurance rates to future penalties for repeat offenses.
In Minnesota, DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) offenses are tracked not only through the criminal justice system but also by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). The state’s driving record system logs administrative actions—such as license revocations or restrictions—that stem from impaired driving cases, regardless of whether the offense results in a conviction.
This article explains how Minnesota handles DWI entries on driving records, how long they stay there, what they affect, and whether it’s possible to have them removed. This overview is meant to help you understand the long-term implications of a DWI as it relates to your Minnesota driving history.
What Is Considered Part of Your Driving Record in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, your driving record is maintained by the DPS and includes any official actions related to your driver’s license. This includes citations, suspensions, revocations, reinstatements, and other administrative actions. A DWI is considered a serious traffic offense and typically leads to some form of license action, which becomes part of this record.
It’s important to note that your driving record is distinct from your criminal record. While both may reflect the same incident, they are maintained by different agencies and used for different purposes. Insurance companies, law enforcement, and courts often review your driving history to determine risk levels, policy rates, or eligibility for certain programs.
In the case of a DWI in Minnesota, your driving record will reflect administrative penalties, such as:
- License revocation or suspension
- Ignition interlock requirements
- Restricted or limited driving privileges
These entries are automatically triggered by DWI-related incidents and remain visible for extended periods.
How Long Does a DWI Stay on Your Driving Record in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, a DWI typically remains on your driving record for at least 10 years, but its influence may extend beyond that depending on the circumstances. The state uses a “look-back” period of 10 years to determine whether an offense is considered a first-time or repeat violation.
This means that if you are arrested for another DWI within 10 years of a previous offense, the earlier DWI will count against you and may lead to enhanced penalties. This look-back period is a key part of Minnesota’s impaired driving laws and reinforces the long-term visibility of a DWI on your driving history.
That said, even after 10 years, some DWI-related entries may still remain on your record. While they may no longer count toward enhanced penalties, they can still be accessed by insurance companies and some employers conducting motor vehicle record (MVR) checks.
Can a DWI Be Removed From Your Driving Record in Minnesota?
In most cases, a DWI cannot be fully removed from your Minnesota driving record. Unlike some criminal records, which may be eligible for expungement under certain conditions, driving records are treated differently. The DPS keeps DWI entries on file for extended periods to track patterns of unsafe driving behavior.
Administrative actions like license revocation, even if linked to a dismissed or reduced charge, are typically non-expungeable from the driving record. This is because they are part of the state’s administrative enforcement, not the criminal case.
There is currently no formal process in Minnesota for “cleaning” your driving record of a DWI. While older offenses may carry less weight over time, they are still part of your official driving history. For example:
- Insurance companies may review records going back 3 to 5 years.
- Courts and law enforcement will typically review 10 years or more.
- Commercial driving programs or professional license boards may look even further back.
How Do Insurance Companies View a DWI on Your Driving Record?
Auto insurance companies routinely review driving records when setting policy rates, especially at the time of renewal or application. In Minnesota, a DWI conviction or administrative license action will almost certainly raise your insurance premiums significantly.
A DWI is considered a major violation and may result in a “high-risk” designation. This could lead to:
- Increased premiums
- Loss of standard coverage eligibility
- Requirement to file an SR-22 or equivalent financial responsibility form
The duration of higher insurance costs depends on the insurer, but most companies review driving histories for violations that occurred in the last 3 to 5 years. Some may consider older offenses if they see multiple infractions or other risk factors.
Over time, as the DWI becomes older and if no further violations occur, your insurance rates may gradually return to normal levels. However, the presence of the DWI on your driving record means that its potential to influence premiums never entirely disappears.
Will a DWI Affect Your Ability to Get a Driver’s License in the Future?
Yes, a DWI can affect both your current and future driving privileges in Minnesota. When a DWI occurs, your license is typically revoked for a specific period based on the severity of the offense and any prior history. Once that period ends, reinstating your license may require you to:
- Pay reinstatement fees
- Complete an alcohol assessment or education program
- Install and maintain an ignition interlock device
For repeat offenses, the restrictions become more severe. In some cases, drivers may be limited to restricted licenses or face long-term monitoring before full driving privileges are restored.
A past DWI on your driving record also plays a role if you’re later applying for certain licenses—like a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In Minnesota, DWI offenses can disqualify you from obtaining or keeping a CDL, even if the offense happened in your personal vehicle.
What’s the Difference Between Your Driving Record and Your Criminal Record?
It’s important to understand the difference between these two records, even though a DWI can appear on both. Here’s how they differ:
- Driving Record (Minnesota DPS): Focuses on administrative actions, traffic violations, and license status. Used by insurance companies and licensing authorities.
- Criminal Record (Minnesota BCA): Includes arrests, charges, and convictions. Used in employment, housing, and legal background checks.
In Minnesota, a single DWI event may show up on both records, especially if it led to criminal charges and license penalties. However, actions like license suspension can appear on your driving record even if no criminal conviction was entered.
Understanding this distinction can help you manage how and where your DWI history is visible—and who can access it.
How Long Do Administrative DWI Penalties Stay on File?
Administrative penalties from a DWI, such as license revocations, can remain on your Minnesota driving record permanently. The Minnesota DPS does not automatically remove these entries after a fixed period.
That said, the practical impact of these penalties lessens over time. For example:
- After 10 years, the offense may not count toward enhanced penalties.
- After 5 years, some insurance companies may stop factoring the offense into premium decisions.
- For job applications or licenses, older offenses may carry less weight if they are isolated and followed by clean driving behavior.
Nonetheless, these penalties are not erased and remain part of your official driving history in Minnesota.
FAQ About DWIs and Driving Records in Minnesota
How long does a DWI affect your insurance rates in Minnesota?
Typically 3–5 years, though some insurers may consider older violations depending on your overall record.
Can a DWI be expunged from your driving record?
No. Unlike some criminal records, Minnesota does not provide an expungement process for administrative driving record entries like DWIs.
Does a dismissed DWI still show up on your driving record?
If administrative penalties were issued, such as a license revocation, those will remain even if the criminal charge was dropped.
Will a DWI keep me from getting a commercial license in Minnesota?
Yes, DWI offenses may disqualify you from obtaining or maintaining a CDL, especially if they occurred within the last 10 years.
Is my driving record public in Minnesota?
It is not public in the general sense, but it is accessible to insurance companies, law enforcement, and certain employers with your consent.
Conclusion
A DWI in Minnesota has lasting effects on your driving record, often remaining visible for a decade or more. While the impact of the offense may decrease with time, it doesn’t disappear. From license revocation to higher insurance rates and long-term consequences for commercial driving, understanding how DWIs are recorded and maintained is essential for all Minnesota drivers.
For more details about how long a DWI remains on your record, visit How Long a DWI Stays on Your Record. To explore broader topics about long-term consequences, see DWI Records And Long Term Impact.