Do Whiskey License Plates in Minnesota Still Exist?

If you're new to the state of Minnesota or on the younger side of life, there's a good chance you've never heard of the infamous "Whiskey Plates". If you haven't that's probably a good thing because it's most definitely something you shouldn't strive for as a driver.

But what are Whiskey License Plates anyway? And have they been phased out or do they still exist in the North Star State?

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What are Whiskey Plates? They are a penalty that (in the past) has been a requirement for any person with a DWI offense of the third-degree or higher. It can also make your vehicle much easier to spot by police if they suspect you of drunk driving. However, under Minnesota state law, a driver cannot be pulled over by police for just simply having Whiskey License Plates.

Do they still exist? Well, yes and no.

Here's what the local attorney website Sheridan & Dulas has to say:

Despite these recent changes to the law, whiskey plates are not entirely a relic of the past. If you stop participating in the ignition interlock program or you do not finish the program as required by the Department of Public Safety, you will be required to use whiskey plates again. You will also be ineligible for the program if you lose your driving privileges by violating the program rules or testing positive for alcohol on two or more occasions.

-Sheridan & Dulas Attorneys at Law Website

The ignition interlock devices are more prevalent these days, however they are also much more expensive, so some residents who are faced with the situation are still opting for the old-fashioned Whiskey Plates.

Minnesota is one of only two states in the US that sill has Whiskey License Plates. The other is Ohio.

Story Source: SSDPA.COM