When you violate Minnesota’s impaired driving laws, you can lose your driving privileges. Sometimes, law enforcement can even go so far as to impound your license plates. If you are dealing with license plate impoundment in Minnesota, you need an experienced attorney to help get your plates back.

Understanding License Plate Impoundment

The state of Minnesota has the authority to take away an individual’s in a variety of situations. The most common reason that license plate impoundment occurs is because of a DWI. While not all DWIs will result in license plate impoundment, there are certain circumstances where it becomes a very likely scenario.

License plate impoundment often happens when any of the following is true:

  • A person has two or more impaired driving convictions within a ten year period;
  • A driver’s blood alcohol level is more than twice the legal limit of .08;
  • A drunk driver has a minor child under the age of 16 in the vehicle at the time of the offense; or
  • A drunk driver was operating a motor vehicle without a valid license.

In these, and other, situations, law enforcement will typically issue an order to have a vehicle’s license plates impounded. This effectively prevents the individual from driving again. The individual may also lose his or her driver’s license for an extended period of time, but this decision is independent of license plate impoundment.

A license plate impoundment order can be quite complicated, especially if the drunk driver was not the owner of the vehicle. When an impoundment order is issued, it applies regardless of who owns the vehicle. This is especially inconvenient in cases where the drunk driver shares ownership or usage of the vehicle with other individuals, or family members.

When law enforcement impounds a vehicle’s license plates, they will also issue a permit allowing for the temporary licensing of the vehicle in another person’s name. Additionally, a driver may file a petition against the impoundment. This petition must be filed within 30 days of the original order of impoundment, and is best handled by a qualified attorney.

License Plate Impoundment Defense Lawyer

Having your license plates impounded can be difficult and even embarrassing. However, you don’t have to stand by and just watch it happen. With a DWI defense lawyer on your side, you may be able to keep your license plates or get them back more quickly. Your lawyer can also arrange for you to receive temporary plates on your vehicle.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

When your license plates have been impounded, you need the best attorneys on your side. At the Brown Law Offices, P.A., we have helped many clients overcome their impaired driving charges and get back on the road. Our attorneys are here so you can get your vehicle back. Don’t let license plate impoundment affect your ability to get around. Call us today at 763-783-5146, or complete our online form for a free consultation.