Extra law enforcement looking for impaired drivers statewide until December 31st

With the holiday season upon us, Mike Hanson with the Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride. In the midst of a pandemic he says healthcare systems are in “critical condition” and…

Extra enforcement will be on the roads through the end of the year, including officers from the Austin Police Department and deputies from the Mower County Sheriff’s Office.  Hanson is urging Minnesotans who need to be on the road to stay sober, buckle up and slow down.  He went on to state that DWI consequences include loss of 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 alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license, and offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.