When can a driver be arrested for DWI in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a driver can be arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) when their driving ability is impaired by alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. This aligns with the state's legal definitions regarding impairment and operating a motor vehicle. The focus here is on the condition of the driver; if their ability to safely control the vehicle has been compromised due to the influence of substances, law enforcement is authorized to make an arrest.

While speeding, failing a field sobriety test, or having an expired driver's license may indicate a problem with driving or legality, a DWI arrest specifically requires evidence of impairment. Thus, an arrest for DWI must always relate back to the driver's ability to operate the vehicle safely, as clearly defined by impaired mental or physical faculties resulting from substance use. Understanding this differentiation is crucial for recognizing how DWI enforcement operates in Minnesota.