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Martine Law PLLC | Updated October 23, 2026
Whiskey plates in Minnesota are specially coded replacement registration plates for a vehicle whose regular plates were impounded after certain DWI arrests, test refusals or license revocations. They bear a special series of numbers or letters so traffic officers can readily identify them. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13 Impoundment can follow a repeat incident within ten years, a test result of twice the legal limit or more, or a qualifying child passenger. A violator who becomes an ignition interlock program participant can request new regular plates instead of staying on whiskey plates. Source: Minnesota DPS Ignition Interlock Device Program Guidelines
What should I do first after a plate impoundment order?
Start with the dates, because two clocks apply.
- Find the issuance date. Plates not seized must be surrendered within 14 days after the notice was issued to a Minnesota police department, sheriff or the State Patrol, with a copy of the order. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 6
- Find the receipt date. A court petition is due within 60 days after you receive the notice and order, and a mailed notice is deemed received three days after mailing. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivisions 3 and 10
- Confirm who owns the vehicle, and check your own driving privileges. Plates cover the vehicle, not the driver.
See our Minnesota DWI defense page for the criminal charge and license revocation.
What happens to my plates at a DWI arrest?
The officer serves the impoundment notice and order with the revocation notice. If the vehicle is accessible, the officer seizes the plates and either destroys them or invalidates them with a permanent sticker. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 4
The officer also issues a temporary vehicle permit, valid for 14 days if the vehicle is registered to the violator or 45 days if it is registered to someone else, and only for that vehicle. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 5
Who gets plate impoundment in Minnesota?
The commissioner issues an impoundment order when a license is revoked for a “plate impoundment violation.” A DWI, a test failure or refusal revocation, or a search warrant test revocation qualifies when it results in revocation and any of these is true: Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivisions 1 and 2
- A qualified prior impaired driving incident within ten years, though some license and interlock periods use 20 years. See how the 10 and 20 year lookback works.
- An alcohol concentration of twice the legal limit or more, measured at the time of the offense or within two hours of it. See our high BAC DWI page.
- A child under 16 in the vehicle who is more than 36 months younger than the driver. See DWI with a child passenger.
Two more triggers exist: a commercial license disqualification for a test failure or refusal within ten years of a prior incident, and driving without a valid license after privileges were canceled or denied as inimical to public safety. For that last one, an arrest or charge is enough. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivisions 1 and 2
The commissioner does not issue an impoundment order for a rental vehicle or a vehicle registered in another state. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 2
Can ignition interlock help me get regular plates?
Yes. Once the violator becomes a program participant in the ignition interlock program, the commissioner must issue new registration plates on request and payment of a $100 fee per vehicle, notwithstanding the one year waiting period and the license reinstatement limits. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13 DPS program guidelines say standard plates may be purchased once your driving privileges are valid or limited and your record reflects enrollment in the program. Source: Minnesota DPS Ignition Interlock Device Program Guidelines
- Applying is not enough. A participant is a person who has qualified to take part, noted on the driving record. Source: Minnesota Statutes 171.306, subdivisions 1 and 3
- Special plates may come first. DPS tells applicants to buy special plates, then return for regular plates once successfully enrolled. Source: Minnesota DPS Ignition Interlock Device Program application
- The plates can be impounded again. Before full privileges are restored, a new order issues if the participant stops participating for more than 30 days, or fails to complete the program because of two or more withdrawals for program violations, not counting department or provider errors, or a provider-determined contract violation. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13
- The early plate route is one time. It does not apply after a reimpoundment. See how the ignition interlock program works.
How long does plate impoundment last?
Outside the interlock route, plan on at least one year. The commissioner may not issue new registration plates for the vehicle for at least one year from the date of the impoundment order, and if the owner is the violator, not until the violator’s license has been reinstated. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13
Time alone does not restore plates. You still apply, and outside the dismissal or acquittal situation below, the registrar charges $50 per vehicle to reinstate plates. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 12 New plates must also issue on request when the order is rescinded or the vehicle is transferred under the sale rules or to a licensed dealer, a repossessing lender or a government agency. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13
How do I get whiskey plates?
A violator or registered owner may apply to the commissioner for special plates at any time while the order is in effect. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13
- Where. DPS directs people to an office that offers license plate services. Source: Minnesota DPS Ignition Interlock Device Program application
- License first. A violator may not apply for new plates before the violator’s driver’s license is reinstated.
- Statutory fee. The statute sets a $50 fee per vehicle for special plates. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13
The statute requires only a special series of numbers or letters. DPS guidelines call them “WX or whisky plates.” Source: Minnesota DPS Ignition Interlock Device Program Guidelines
Which vehicles does plate impoundment affect?
The order covers the plates of the vehicle involved in the violation, even if someone else owns it. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 2 If the violator applies for plates on any other vehicle during the impoundment period, including one acquired later, only special plates can be issued, and only if the violator qualifies for them. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 15
Can I drive a car with impounded plates?
Only with valid vehicle authorization and, separately, valid driving privileges. After the temporary permit expires, it is a crime to operate the vehicle on a street or highway unless specially coded plates have been issued for it. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.37, subdivision 1
| What you have | What it covers | What it does not do |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary vehicle permit | That vehicle for 14 or 45 days | Restore anyone’s license |
| Special plates | That vehicle during impoundment | Restore the violator’s license |
| New regular plates through interlock | The vehicle after enrollment | Lift the interlock restriction |
| Interlock restricted license | The driver, in interlock-equipped vehicles | Authorize other vehicles, except the employer exception |
The violator faces a broader rule. During the impoundment period, the violator may not drive any motor vehicle unless it has special plates and the violator is validly licensed, or it is an employer-owned vehicle exempt from the interlock requirement. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.37, subdivision 1 That exception covers driving in the normal course and scope of employment duties under program guidelines, with the employer’s written consent. It does not cover personal driving. Source: Minnesota Statutes 171.306, subdivision 4
Each violation is a misdemeanor, as are failing to comply with an order, filing a false statement and intentionally removing or damaging the invalidation sticker. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.37, subdivisions 1 and 2 For work driving, see driving to work with whiskey plates.
Can police pull me over just for whiskey plates?
The plate statute does not say. Section 169A.60 says only that officers can readily identify the plates. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 13 A separate statute on stopping vehicles with special plates, section 168.0422, was repealed in 2014. Source: Minnesota Statutes 168.0422
A traffic stop must be reasonable under the Minnesota Constitution. Source: Minnesota Constitution, Article I, Section 10 Whether a stop was lawful depends on what the officer knew and observed, which a lawyer can review.
Can I sell or transfer a car with impounded plates?
Only under strict conditions. A registered owner may not sell or transfer the vehicle while its plates are impounded or while it carries special plates unless all of the following are met: Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 14
- The sale is for valid consideration.
- The buyer and the registered owner are not family or household members.
- The buyer signs an acceptable sworn statement with the commissioner confirming no family or household relationship with the violator, an understanding of the order, and that letting the prior owner drive or filing a false statement is a crime.
- The title transfer requirements of section 168A.10 are satisfied.
If the vehicle was already sold or destroyed, the violator may file a sworn statement within seven days of the order’s issuance with the date and the buyer’s or destroyer’s name, location and address. The order is rescinded if it was not properly issued. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 7
What if someone else got a DWI in my car?
An owner who is not the violator can have the order rescinded if the violator had a valid license on the date of the violation and the owner files an acceptable sworn statement. It must state that the owner is the registered owner and current owner and possessor, the date the violator obtained the vehicle, both people’s residence addresses on that date, that the owner was not a passenger, and that the owner knows the violator may not drive unlicensed. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 8
If the violator had no valid license, rescission requires a report to law enforcement before the violation that the vehicle was taken or used without permission. An owner who made no report may be issued special plates for one year from the order’s effective date and then apply for regular plates. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 8
How do I challenge plate impoundment?
You have two routes with different deadlines.
| Review | Deadline | Who decides | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Administrative review | Any time while the order is in effect | Commissioner of public safety | Written request; written result within 15 days |
| Judicial review | Within 60 days after receipt of the notice and order | District court | Can be combined with the license revocation petition; filing does not stay the impoundment |
Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivisions 9 and 10
Asking for administrative review does not change the 60 day court deadline, which runs from receipt of the notice and order. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.53
- Be specific. The petition lists your date of birth, license number, violation date, the violator’s name, the issuing agency and the specific grounds, with proof of service on the commissioner.
- One hearing. It is held with any judicial review of the revocation. The court may stay the impoundment if no hearing occurs within 60 days after filing, and rules within 14 days after the hearing.
- Scope. The issue is probable cause, plus whether the violation occurred for impoundments based on twice the legal limit or a child in the vehicle.
Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 10 Our license revocation defense page explains the combined petition.
When can I get new plates at no cost?
- Revocation rescinded and charge resolved. If the revocation is rescinded and the charge is dismissed with prejudice or ends in acquittal, the registrar issues new plates at no cost on application with copies of both orders. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 11
- Innocent owner rescission. An owner whose order is rescinded gets new plates at no cost if the old plates were seized and destroyed. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 8
- Administrative review. The commissioner may, but is not required to, authorize no-cost plates for a registered owner whose own license was not revoked for the violation. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 9
What else do people ask about whiskey plates?
Are whiskey plates still required in Minnesota in 2026?
Yes. The 2026 Legislature did not amend the plate impoundment statute, so the current rules on 14 day permits, surrender and special plates still apply. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60
Does a first DWI get whiskey plates in Minnesota?
It can. A first offense triggers impoundment if the alcohol concentration was twice the legal limit or more, or if a child under 16 who is more than 36 months younger than the driver was in the vehicle. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 1
Can my spouse drive the car with whiskey plates?
A validly licensed driver may drive a vehicle that has special plates, subject to that driver’s own license restrictions. The violator may drive only under the narrower rule above. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.37, subdivision 1
Do whiskey plates come off if my DWI is dismissed?
Not automatically. No-cost plates require a rescinded revocation and a dismissal with prejudice or acquittal, plus an application. Source: Minnesota Statutes 169A.60, subdivision 11
Talk with Martine Law about whiskey plates and plate impoundment
Martine Law PLLC handles plate impoundment alongside the DWI charge and license revocation, including in Hennepin County through our Minneapolis DWI lawyer page. Bring your impoundment order and revocation notice. Phones are answered 24/7. Call 612-294-0650 to request a free consultation.
This content provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Contact Martine Law for guidance specific to your situation.
