New DWI Law!

[Lee Borgersen]

New DWI law goes into effect Aug. 1

Little Alan's Law provides consistent application of DWI laws

  .....
A new law that goes into effect Aug. 1 means people convicted of driving while intoxicated  regardless of the vehicle they're driving  will lose their drivers license and be prohibited from operating motor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, motorboats and snowmobiles.

The state Legislature passed the law following the death of 8-year-old Alan Geisenkoetter Jr., who died in January after being struck by a snowmobile driven by a man whose drivers license was revoked after multiple DWI offenses.

Before the law change, people convicted of DWI in a highway-licensed vehicle still could legally operate ATVs, motorboats and snowmobiles. The changes apply to violations that occur on or after Aug. 1.

We have zero tolerance for people who endanger themselves and other people by operating a motor vehicle or recreational vehicle while they're intoxicated, said Col. Rodmen Smith, director of the Minnesota DNR Enforcement Division. This new law should send the message that drinking and driving  no matter what the vehicle  isn't acceptable and the consequences are severe.

As an example, a person convicted of DWI in a motorboat, or who refuses testing for a motorboat DWI, would have their drivers license suspended and be prohibited from operating ATVs, motorboats and snowmobiles for one year. Additionally, first-time DWI offenders operating off-road recreational vehicles or motorboats also will be subject to chemical use assessments, conditional release and plate impoundment is the same as a DWI in a highway-licensed vehicle.

The Minnesota DNR and other law enforcement agencies in the state, along with ATV and snowmobile groups, supported the law change, which passed the Legislature with bipartisan support and was signed into law in May by Gov. Mark Dayton.

[Jerkbiat]

Seems like it is going a little overboard to me. I wonder if that includes riding lawnmowers also?

[Boar]

I cant stand going on any ride with poeple that have been dri king. Hard enouh control a car drunk, let along a machine that has terreain that changes faster than they can adjust to. Good thing imo!

[Gunner55]

JB, it does in Ia. Know a guy who got a few OWI's, that's what their called down there, he got caught on a riding mower, they told him that he couldn't do that either.

[Steve-o]

JB, it does in Ia. Know a guy who got a few OWI's, that's what their called down there, he got caught on a riding mower, they told him that he couldn't do that either.

What's da problim, ocifer?