Can you still be charged with a DWI if you are below the legal BAC limit in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, it is indeed possible to be charged with a DWI even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08%. This can occur if law enforcement determines that you are impaired by drugs or other substances, which affects your ability to operate a vehicle safely. The law recognizes that impairment can result from factors other than alcohol, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, or illegal substances. Therefore, if your driving ability is significantly impaired, charges can be pursued regardless of your BAC level.

This understanding underscores the importance of not only measuring BAC levels but also evaluating overall driver impairment, which can lead to charges based on observable behaviors and performance despite a legal BAC reading.