Drivers who are arrested for a DWI in which there was a high BAC (breath alcohol concentration) of twice the legal limit (.16 or higher) or have multiple DWIs on their record are subject to plate impoundment and W or Whiskey Series license plates. Not only is the driver required to have W Series plates, but also any vehicle that the DWI offender owns or is on title with. This requirement could mean that spouses, children, other family members, and business entities might have to have W Series plates as well.
Fortunately, recent law changes have provided a way out of the W Plates by entering the Ignition Interlock Program.
To avoid the W Plate obligation, the driver must first be approved for and enter the Ignition Interlock Program. "Entry" to the Program means that the driver has taken all the steps to qualify for it, installed a Smart Start MN Ignition Interlock Device, and had their driver's license reinstated by Driver and Vehicle Services.
A driver can only get Regular License Plates once they are fully reinstated under the terms of the Ignition Interlock Program. That means that many people will only be able to gain entry to the Ignition Interlock Program after their temporary license plate expires.
In that case, it would be necessary to obtain the W Series Plates temporarily until all of the requirements of the Ignition Interlock Program have been met. To get the W Series plates, a driver will have to go to a local License Plate Services location. You will pay a $50.00 fee for the W Series plates there.
Important Reminder: Only a valid driver can obtain the W Series plates. If the driver is still in their 7-day Temporary License period, they can personally get the W Series Plates. If they are beyond that 7-day Temporary License period, they must bring a valid driver.
Once approved as a participant in the Ignition Interlock Program, they can return to the same License Plate Service Center and pay another $50.00 to get new regular series license plates.
The plate impoundment unit may be contacted at (651) 297-5034. If you have other questions, feel free to call us at 952-224-7050 or email info@smartstartmn.com.
