Many Minnesotans don’t realize that Minnesota is allowed to take a license plate from them if certain factors exist. This is called “license plate impoundment.” The most common reason why a license plate may be impounded is due to drinking and driving. Once the plates are impounded, there may be a number of difficulties, not to mention the embarrassment that comes from the situation.
If your license plates have been impounded, you may not be able to drive until a temporary certificate is issued to you. Even that is not guaranteed, but you do have the right to fight for your rights with the help of a Minneapolis DWI lawyer who can help you navigate the law and obtain the result that you are looking for.
Helping You Understand Impoundment
License plate impoundment is a quick process because the arresting officer can confiscate the plates on behalf of the Commissioner of Public Safety. The officer does this by issuing an order. This doesn’t mean that the defendant can’t drive because a temporary permit will be issued that will allow for the temporary operation of the vehicle. The permit is only valid for one week if registered in the driver’s name. If the vehicle is registered in someone else’s name, then the permit is valid for 45 days because the vehicle’s owner has the right to challenge the plate impoundment.
If there are multiple vehicles registered in the defendant’s name, the plates to every vehicle can be impounded. This means that any additional vehicles in the household that are registered in the driver’s name will be affected and that could mean other drivers in the household may not be able to drive the vehicles. The impoundment then lasts for at least one year. At the end of the impoundment period, the restrictions are lifted and new license plates can be applied for.
Helping You Get Your Driving Privileges Back
If you decide to apply for a limited driver’s license, then you will receive temporary license plates that are called, “whiskey plates” and law enforcement can recognize them if they see them, but they cannot discriminate against a driver just because they have whiskey plates on their vehicle.
If you wish to challenge plate impoundment because of the hardship it creates, your St. Paul DWI lawyer can help you every step of the way. You only have 30 days to file a petition requesting judicial review. Sometimes individuals are successful and sometimes they are not, but there are times when there are small errors during the traffic stop and even those small errors can result in a judge overturning the order.
Contact A Minneapolis DWI Attorney
Many Minnesotans do not realize that the state has the authority to take their license plates in certain cases. This is known as license plate impoundment and it has its own set of consequences. If your license plates have been impounded, you can challenge the impoundment, but your time is limited. To learn more about your rights and options, call the Anderson Law Firm, PLLC at 952-582-2904 for a free consultation.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Please contact attorney Kirk Anderson for an initial consultation.