Under what condition can a driver be arrested for DWI without a breath test in Minnesota?

A driver can be arrested for DWI in Minnesota without a breath test if the officer observes signs of impairment, such as erratic driving. Law enforcement officers are trained to detect signs of intoxication or impairment through the driver's behavior, physical appearance, and driving patterns. If an officer witnesses suspicious driving actions, like swerving, sudden stops, or failing to obey traffic signals, this observation can provide probable cause for an arrest regardless of whether a breath test is administered.

While other factors, such as a crash or a driver reaching a specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level, can lead to an arrest, the key factor here is that observable behavior indicating impairment can independently justify the arrest. Refusing a breath test is also a relevant scenario, as it may lead to specific penalties, but it does not solely justify arrest without prior signs of impairment. Thus, direct evidence of impairment through behavior is sufficient for a DWI arrest under Minnesota law, making this the correct context for an arrest without a breath test.