Minnesota DWI Trivia Quiz

Answer: .08

The limit in Minnesota is .08; the legislature changed the limit from .10 to .08 effective 01-Aug-2005.

Answer: Driving while impaired on a revoked driver's license

Prior DWI convictions, child endangerment, and testing over .20 are all aggravating factors in a DWI offense. The status of your driver's license does not affect the criminal charging on a DWI in Minnesota.

Answer: ten

There is a ten year look back period for prior DWI convictions as an aggravating factor.

Answer: The Intoxylizer 5000

The Intoxylizer 5000 is the breath test instrument used in Minnesota for breath test analysis. Officers attend a 40 hour school to become operators of the instrument. The training involves technical subject matter and practical application in the breath lab.

Answer: True

It is a gross misdemeanor to refuse to submit to a test following an arrest for suspected DWI in Minnesota. Many people end up in jail for simply refusing to provide a test sample.

Answer: One year

A one year revocation period results from refusing to submit to a test. A first time DWI results in 90 day revocation, DWI with prior convictions gets you a 180 day revocation period.

Answer: True

HGN (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus) is an accurate field sobriety test used by police. It is assessed by observing the nystagmus (involuntary twitching) of the eyes when tracking a moving object, such as an officer's pen, as it passes in front of the subject's face.

Answer: 3

HGN, walk and turn, and one leg stand are the three standardized field sobriety tests used in the U.S. Each has been studied and found to be accurate to a specific degree. There are other forms of field sobriety exercises used by police to assess impairment, but these three are recognized as being standard in procedure and accuracy in determining impaired status.

Their accuracy is supported by statistical data and are highly reliable.

Answer: False

Minnesota law prohibits a person from driving, operating, or being in physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance. This means that if an officer only needs to determine (and articulate) that an impaired person has the means to operate and be in a position to operate a vehicle. See further information on the next question, too.

Answer: Yes

In Minnesota an officer may make a DWI arrest if he/she can articulate that you were in physical control of the vehicle while you are impaired. Minnesota Statute prohibits a person from being in physical control of a motor vehicle when impaired. If the officer can articulate that physical control, he/she may charge with the offense.

In this case, if you were the only person at the scene, were in possession of the only set of keys at the scene, the vehicle appeared to have been operated as evidenced by the warm engine, and you were obviously impaired, that may be enough to be charged. People have been arrested in Minnesota under those circumstances before, so better you're off calling a cab.