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A Full Breakdown of DWI Fines and Financial Penalties in Minnesota
Getting arrested for a DWI (Driving While Impaired) in Minnesota doesn’t just bring legal consequences — it also comes with a long list of financial penalties. While many people focus on the court case or the potential for jail time, the total cost of a DWI can quietly climb into the thousands. From base court fines to surcharges, license reinstatement fees, and long-term expenses like increased insurance, the financial impact is far-reaching.
In Minnesota, DWI fines vary based on the degree of the offense, which is determined by factors like prior offenses, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), and test refusal. Even a first-time misdemeanor DWI carries more than just the ticketed fine — once you factor in administrative penalties, surcharges, and reinstatement costs, the total burden is much higher than most people expect.
In this post, we’ll walk through the full list of fines and costs associated with a DWI in Minnesota, explain how they change by offense level, and highlight often-overlooked financial obligations that drivers face after a conviction.
Official Court Fines by Offense Level
Minnesota categorizes DWI charges into four degrees depending on the seriousness of the offense. Each degree has a statutory maximum fine, but actual court-imposed fines may vary depending on the county, circumstances, and plea agreements.
Fourth-Degree DWI (Misdemeanor)
- Applies to: First-time offense, no aggravating factors, BAC under 0.16%
- Statutory Maximum Fine: $1,000
- Typical Fine Imposed: $300–$500
- Additional Penalties: 90-day license revocation (30 days with plea), possible probation
Third-Degree DWI (Gross Misdemeanor)
- Applies to: First-time offense with aggravating factor or second DWI within 10 years
- Aggravating Factors Include:
- BAC of 0.16% or more
- Refusing a chemical test
- Having a child under 16 in the vehicle
- Statutory Maximum Fine: $3,000
- Typical Fine Imposed: $900–$1,200
Second-Degree DWI (Gross Misdemeanor)
- Applies to: Two aggravating factors or third offense within 10 years
- Statutory Maximum Fine: $3,000
- Typical Fine Imposed: $1,200–$2,000
- Other Consequences: May include forfeiture of vehicle, mandatory jail time, and longer license revocation
First-Degree DWI (Felony)
- Applies to: Fourth or more offense within 10 years, or prior felony DWI
- Statutory Maximum Fine: $14,000
- Typical Fine Imposed: $4,000–$8,000
- Additional Impacts: Prison eligibility, extended probation, loss of voting and firearm rights
These fines represent the base criminal penalties, but they are not the full picture. Multiple layers of fees, surcharges, and required programs add significantly to the final cost.
Mandatory Surcharges and Court-Related Fees
Minnesota imposes statewide surcharges and local administrative fees on top of the base fine. These amounts are often non-negotiable and added automatically during sentencing.
Common Additional Costs:
- Criminal Surcharge: $75–$85 (mandatory in all counties)
- Court Filing Fees: $50–$75
- Law Library Fee: $10–$15
- Booking Fee: $25–$40 (varies by county)
- Chemical Dependency Assessment Fee: $125+
- Public Defender Co-Payment: $75–$200 if represented by court-appointed attorney
These fees typically add $300 to $500 to the court’s base fine. Combined with the fine itself, even a simple Fourth-Degree DWI may cost $700–$1,000 before any other expenses are factored in.
License Reinstatement and Driver Services Costs
After a DWI arrest or conviction, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) will issue a license revocation, which is a separate administrative action. Even if no conviction happens in court, the revocation process still applies — and getting your license back costs money.
License-Related Fees:
- Reinstatement Fee: $680 (standard statewide)
- New License Application Fee: $26.75
- Written Knowledge Test (if required): $10
- Ignition Interlock Enrollment Fee: $100–$200
- Monthly Ignition Interlock Monitoring: $90–$125/month
If you’re required to enroll in Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program, those costs can stretch across months or even years, depending on the offense level. In many cases, a driver will pay $1,000 or more just to restore driving privileges.
Insurance Rate Increases After a DWI Conviction
One of the most expensive and long-lasting consequences of a DWI conviction in Minnesota is the impact on auto insurance. Most drivers see their rates jump dramatically — and that increase can last for 3 to 5 years, depending on the provider.
Estimated Insurance Costs:
- Average Increase: 40% to 100%
- Estimated Annual Premium Spike: $800–$2,500
- SR-22 Requirement: Some drivers may need to file a certificate of financial responsibility
In total, the insurance impact alone may add $2,500 to $10,000 over several years — far more than the criminal fine itself. This is especially true for younger drivers, commercial license holders, or anyone with an existing record.
Additional Costs: Probation, Treatment, and Monitoring
Following a DWI conviction in Minnesota, the court may require various conditions of probation, including alcohol monitoring, chemical health assessments, treatment programs, or electronic monitoring.
Typical Additional Expenses:
- Supervised Probation Fee: $150–$600 annually
- Electronic Alcohol Monitoring: $200–$400/month (if court-ordered)
- Random Urine Testing: $20–$50/test
- Court-Ordered Treatment or Education:
- DWI education classes: $100–$300
- Outpatient treatment: $1,000–$3,000
- Inpatient programs: $5,000+
These programs are often mandatory and not covered by insurance. Failing to complete them can result in additional penalties, extended probation, or revocation of driving privileges.
Realistic Total Cost Estimates
Let’s look at realistic total costs for a DWI in Minnesota when you add everything together:
First-Time Offense (Fourth-Degree DWI)
- Base Fine: $400
- Court Fees/Surcharges: $400
- License Reinstatement: $680
- Ignition Interlock (6 months): $700
- Insurance Increase (3 years): $3,000
- Education/Monitoring: $300
Estimated Total: $5,000+
Second Offense or Aggravated First Offense
- Base Fine: $1,200
- Court Fees: $500
- Extended Interlock (1 year): $1,500
- Probation Supervision: $400
- Treatment/Assessment: $1,500
- Insurance Impact: $5,000+
Estimated Total: $10,000+
These are conservative estimates — many drivers pay significantly more, especially if the case involves contested hearings, trial, or multiple conditions of release.
Are There Payment Plans or Financial Assistance?
Minnesota courts often offer payment plans for court-imposed fines and fees. These are arranged through the court’s collections division and typically involve monthly payments over several months. Some counties may allow community service in lieu of fines, but this is rare for DWI offenses.
However, the Department of Public Safety does not offer payment plans for reinstatement fees or interlock-related costs. These must be paid upfront in most cases.
If a driver doesn’t pay:
- Late fees and collections may be added
- License suspension remains in effect
- Probation violations may occur
- Court debt can be referred to the Department of Revenue for collection
FAQ: DWI Fines in Minnesota
What is the average total cost of a first-time DWI in Minnesota?
Including court fines, reinstatement, and insurance, most first-time offenses cost $4,000 to $6,000.
Do I still have to pay fines if my license is revoked separately?
Yes. The criminal fine and administrative license penalties are handled separately and must both be paid.
Can I avoid paying for the ignition interlock device?
Not if it’s court-ordered or required for reinstatement. All costs are the driver’s responsibility.
How long will my insurance be affected after a DWI?
Most insurers apply surcharges for 3 to 5 years following a DWI conviction.
Are DWI fines higher if I refuse the breath test?
Not necessarily, but test refusal is an aggravating factor that can lead to higher-level charges and extended license revocation — which adds more cost.
Conclusion
DWI fines in Minnesota extend far beyond what’s listed on a court document. From base fines to mandatory surcharges, license reinstatement fees, and long-term financial impacts like insurance and treatment, the total cost of a DWI often ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the offense. Even for a first-time misdemeanor, the costs add up fast — and for repeat or aggravated offenses, the financial burden can be overwhelming.
To understand how these fines fit into the bigger picture of DWI consequences, explore the full DUI Penalties and Consequences guide. For a specific look at fines, fees, and related costs, visit Common DUI Fines and Financial Penalties.