A new change to Minnesota’s DWI laws that many drivers will notice went into effect earlier this month. Previously, receiving a DWI in a typical car or truck would not affect that individual’s ability to operate a motorboat, snowmobile, or ATV. However, the law now states that a driver who commits a DWI, whether in a recreational vehicle or standard car or truck, will have their ability to operate motorboats, snowmobiles, and ATVs rescinded. This change applies to any violations occurring after August 1, 2019.

Depending on the circumstances a revocation lasts for 90 or 365 days. An interesting twist is that days of a motorboat revocation only count between May 1st and October 31st. This means a single revocation could continue from one year into the next, but cannot extend into a third year.

Like any other revocation, a revocation of the right to operate these vehicles may be challenged in court.