As Minnesotans, we’re no strangers to harsh winters. We know how to bundle up, shovel our driveways, and navigate roads that look more like skating rinks than highways. This past week served as a stark reminder of winter’s grip, with news of slushy, slippery conditions forcing school districts across the state to delay or cancel classes for the safety of our children. When the roads are too dangerous for school buses, they are certainly too dangerous for anyone whose driving abilities are even slightly compromised.
While we often focus on the physical dangers of winter driving—skidding, fender-benders, and getting stuck in snowbanks—there is a significant legal danger that many drivers overlook: the increased risk of a DWI charge. A winter wonderland can quickly transform into a legal nightmare, and the same icy conditions that close schools can set the stage for a traffic stop that changes your life forever.
How does a simple winter drive turn into a DWI investigation? The connection is clearer than you might think. Law enforcement officers are on high alert during treacherous weather. They are looking for drivers who exhibit any sign of difficulty controlling their vehicle. On a perfect summer day, a slight weave within your lane might go unnoticed. However, on a slick, snow-covered road, that same minor correction can be interpreted by an officer as a sign of impairment. A slide through a stop sign on a patch of black ice or a fishtail while making a turn could be all the reasonable suspicion an officer needs to pull you over.
Consider a common scenario. You attend a holiday party or meet friends for dinner. You have a couple of drinks (alcohol or THC infused) over several hours and feel perfectly fine to drive. You know your limits. But what you may not have factored in is the drastically increased level of concentration and skill required to operate a vehicle safely on icy Minnesota roads. Alcohol, even in amounts well below the 0.08 legal limit, or THC, may slow reaction time, impair judgment, and may affect motor coordination. When you combine this with road conditions that demand your absolute sharpest reflexes, the risk of making a critical driving error skyrockets. That error is what an officer sees, and it’s what leads to the flashing lights in your rearview mirror.
Furthermore, winter accidents are frequent. A minor slip on the ice could lead to a fender-bender. When police arrive to take a report, it is standard procedure for them to assess the drivers involved. If they detect the odor of alcohol on your breath or notice other signs they associate with impairment, their accident investigation will immediately pivot to a DWI investigation. What started as a frustrating but routine accident can suddenly escalate into field sobriety tests, a portable breath test (PBT), and an arrest.
It’s crucial to understand that in Minnesota, you can be charged with DWI even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is under 0.08. The law prohibits driving while under the influence, which can be proven if your ability to drive is impaired to any degree by alcohol, THC, or a controlled substance. An officer can argue that while you might have been able to handle dry roads, the combination of alcohol or THC and hazardous conditions made you an unsafe driver.
Winter in Minnesota is a time for community, celebration, and family. Don’t let a poor decision in difficult conditions jeopardize your future. The consequences of a DWI conviction are severe, including license revocation, hefty fines, potential jail time, and a permanent criminal record. If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being pulled over and investigated for DWI on these treacherous winter roads, remember that you have rights. The most important step you can take is to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who specializes in Minnesota DWI law.
Navigating the legal system can be as challenging as navigating a blizzard. You need an advocate who understands the nuances of DWI cases, from the legality of the traffic stop to the science behind sobriety testing. Stay safe on the roads this winter, make smart choices, and if you find yourself facing a charge, ensure you have the best possible defense on your side.
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The information presented in this article is not considered legal advice. Please contact our law office to speak to an attorney about your case.