Lost Minnesota License Plates From DWI?

Minnesota Criminal Defense Lawyer Kevin DeVore Will Fight For You

If you, or a loved one, has been caught up with a number of DUI/DWIs, license plate cancellation is a possible consequence. The consequences of numerous DWI s can cause authority figures to impound your license plates, as well as your car, and suspend your driver’s license. On top of all that, you may have to deal with the social and financial repercussions of a guilty verdict.

When one of your consequences is license plate impoundment, you may be required to get what is referred to as ‘whiskey plates’ to replace the ones that have been impounded, to keep the car legal and drivable. But what does that mean? What are they and what do they do?

What Are ‘Whiskey Plates’?

Whiskey plates are created to take the place of regular license plates when the originals have been impounded or suspended for a DWI. The license number will always begin with a ‘W’, followed by another letter and a system of numbers easily recognizable by authorities, and everyone else on the road.

While the goal of these plates is to alert any officers of your past mistakes, anyone else who knows about the existence of the plates can see your past as well. And not only do these licenses go on the car you are driving but on every single car that is in your name. This means you would have to buy your 16-year-old kid a plate for their car if your name is on the title. And they would have to drive that car to school, to work, and out with friends.

While the state emphasizes that drivers with whiskey plates are not needlessly pulled over and searched more than anyone else on the road, that simply can’t be proven. The plates call attention to the car and any single mistake, no matter how small, can be caught by a cop. Such a stop could cause the officer to miss a more dangerous driver speeding by.

Whiskey Plate Changes In 2021

HF 63 of the Minnesota Legislature passed in 2021, giving motorists the right to choose. If you already have whiskey plates, you can pay to have them taken off, before having an ignition interlock device, or IID, installed in the vehicle. If you are required to have the plates by the judge, you can choose an ignition interlock instead.

The IID can be placed on the car that you drive and no other car that you technically own would receive special provisions. It can cost 50$ to get a whiskey plate put on your car, but it takes another $50 to have it taken off. The initial cost of an IID can be much more expensive, at a cost that can exceed $1,000.

While a whiskey plate may be more cost-efficient, it is much more public, and the consequences of this knowledge seem to cast a much larger shadow than the use of an IID would. And complying with the rules of the IID program may help someone get their license back sooner, rather than later. Much like almost everything else in life, the money you have can determine the treatment you receive.

IIDs or Whiskey Plates? Neither Is Ideal

While neither is ideal, an IID or a whiskey plate are much better options than jail time and intense fines. Depending on the details of your case, perhaps you won’t have to find out. You’ll never know unless you find an effective and energetic attorney who truly gets the ins and outs of the law.

You deserve an attorney that doesn’t look at you and only what you can do for them. You deserve one who looks you in the eye with compassion and understanding.

If you are looking for help with a DUI/DWI issue in Ramsey and Hennepin Counties, DeVore Criminal Defense is here for you and understands your fears. Contact us at 651-435-6500 to schedule an initial consultation to begin your defense. Our experience will only benefit you.