Can you be charged with DWI in Minnesota for using prescription drugs?

In Minnesota, you can indeed be charged with DWI for using prescription drugs if those drugs impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. This principle applies because driving under the influence is assessed based on the driver's impairment rather than the legality of the substance consumed. Prescription medications, while legal when used as directed, can still affect coordination, reaction time, and judgment, just as alcohol or illegal drugs might.

The legal framework focuses on the impairment of one's ability to drive, which means that even legally obtained substances can lead to charges if they affect driving performance. This highlights the importance of understanding how prescription medications interact with your abilities behind the wheel. It's essential for drivers to be aware of how their medications may impact their driving, even if those medications are prescribed by a doctor.