After a DWI arrest in Minnesota, getting your driving privileges back can feel confusing and frustrating — especially if your car now has “whiskey plates.” These special license plates, officially called special registration plates, are assigned to certain vehicles after a DWI offense.
Many drivers wonder: Can I still drive to work if my vehicle has whiskey plates?
The short answer is yes, in most cases you can, but there are strict conditions and steps you must follow to keep your driving privileges after a DWI.
Protect your rights and privileges by contacting a defense DWI lawyer who can help.
What are whiskey plates?
“Whiskey plates” are special registration plates issued under Minnesota Statutes § 168.041. They’re easily recognizable by their white background and bold blue letters beginning with the letter “W” — hence the nickname “whiskey.”
These plates are issued when:
- Your driver’s license has been revoked due to a DWI, and
- Your vehicle has been impounded or involved in a DWI-related offense.
The goal of whiskey plates is to identify drivers with prior DWI incidents and ensure they comply with reinstatement rules.
For more details about DWI penalties and vehicle laws, visit Martine Law’s Minnesota DWI page.
When whiskey plates are required
Whiskey plates are required in Minnesota when any of the following occurs:
- You were arrested for a DWI and had a BAC of 0.16 or higher (twice the legal limit).
- You refused a chemical test.
- You have a prior DWI conviction or license revocation within the last 10 years.
The plates apply to:
- The vehicle used in the DWI, and
- Any vehicle registered in your name (even if someone else drives it).
Can you drive with whiskey plates?
Yes — having whiskey plates does not automatically stop you from driving.
But you must have your driving privileges reinstated first.
To legally drive again after a DWI, you’ll need to:
- Complete your revocation period (typically 90 days to 1 year for a first offense).
- Enroll in Minnesota’s Ignition Interlock Program if required.
- Pay reinstatement fees and apply for a new license.
- Obtain whiskey plates if your vehicle is subject to plate impoundment.
Once you meet those conditions, you can legally drive to work, school, or anywhere else — even with whiskey plates on your car.
Driving to work with whiskey plates
As long as your license is valid or you have a limited license (work permit), you can drive to and from your job.
1. Limited license (work permit)
If your license is still under revocation but you qualify for a limited license, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) may allow you to drive:
- To and from work,
- To school, or
- To treatment or probation appointments.
A limited license typically requires:
- Completion of part of the revocation period,
- Enrollment in DWI education or treatment, and
- Proof of SR-22 insurance (high-risk insurance).
Your attorney can help you apply for a limited license through DPS so you can keep working legally.
2. Full reinstatement with ignition interlock
If you enter the ignition interlock program, you’ll have broader driving privileges. Once installed, you can drive anywhere as long as the device shows no alcohol in your system.
The ignition interlock program is often the fastest way to regain full mobility after a DWI.
Learn more about this option at Martine Law’s criminal defense page.
Restrictions and monitoring
Even though you can drive with whiskey plates, law enforcement officers can:
- Run your plates and know they’re associated with a DWI offense.
- Stop your vehicle if they observe any traffic violations.
However, since 2021, police can no longer pull you over solely for having whiskey plates. This change came from an update to Minnesota law to prevent unfair targeting of drivers with these special plates.
Still, it’s best to follow all traffic laws carefully — even a minor infraction can lead to more scrutiny.
How long you have to keep whiskey plates
Whiskey plates must stay on your vehicle for at least one year from the date your driver’s license is reinstated.
After that period, you can apply for regular plates through the Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS), as long as you’ve:
- Completed all probation and interlock requirements, and
- Have no new DWI incidents during that time.
What if someone else drives your vehicle?
If your car has whiskey plates, anyone who drives it is subject to the same restrictions. That means:
- If another person drives your car and commits a DWI, they could face enhanced penalties.
- If the person driving doesn’t have valid driving privileges, your vehicle could be seized again.
You’re responsible for ensuring that only licensed, sober drivers operate your vehicle.
Key takeaways
- Yes, you can drive to work with whiskey plates in Minnesota — but only if you’ve restored your driving privileges or have a valid work permit.
- Whiskey plates are required for drivers with high BACs, test refusals, or prior DWIs.
- You can still qualify for a limited license or the ignition interlock program to regain mobility.
- Police can no longer stop you just for having whiskey plates, but you’re still under scrutiny.
- The plates typically stay on your car for one year after reinstatement.
Getting a DWI doesn’t have to derail your life or your career. At Martine Law, we help Minnesotans fight DWI charges, restore their driving privileges, and move forward with confidence.
If you’re dealing with whiskey plates or license revocation after a DWI, our attorneys can guide you through reinstatement, limited license applications, and ignition interlock enrollment — so you can get back to work legally and safely.
Contact Martine Law today for a confidential consultation.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For legal guidance specific to your situation, please contact Martine Law.