What blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level or higher can result in arrest for driving while impaired (DWI)?

The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% serves as the legal limit for driving in Minnesota and many other states. If an individual's BAC is measured at or above this threshold, they may be arrested for driving while impaired (DWI). This standard reflects research indicating that at this level of intoxication, drivers show a significant decrease in their ability to operate a vehicle safely, such as impaired judgment, coordination, and reaction times.

Other levels, such as 0.05%, may pose risks but are not legally defined as the threshold for DWI arrest in Minnesota. Levels of 0.10% and 0.12% are above the legal limit, but they fall into a more severe category of impairment and are already classified as illegal. Therefore, while higher BAC levels certainly contribute to increased penalties, the critical point for arrest remains at 0.08%.