New Minnesota Laws Take Effect: Tougher DWI Rules, More Rights for Dog Trainers & More

Several new laws went into effect in Minnesota on August 1st, 2025. These laws bring changes in areas such as drunk driving penalties, housing rights for service dog trainers, background checks for adult business operators, speed limits for certain vehicles, and confidentiality rules in restorative justice programs. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes in simple terms:

Tougher Rules for Repeat DWI Offenders

Minnesota is now taking a much stricter approach to people with multiple DWI (driving while intoxicated) offenses.

Under the new law:

  • If someone is caught driving drunk and has a previous DWI within the past 20 years, they must use an ignition interlock device for two years.

  • If someone is caught driving drunk twice, they must use the device for six years.

  • With three offenses, the requirement goes up to ten years.

An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in a car. The driver must blow into it to prove they’re sober before the car will start.

The law also increases penalties for tampering with or trying to avoid using the interlock device. In addition, it adds harsher consequences for people convicted of serious crimes like vehicular homicide (killing someone while driving drunk or recklessly) or criminal vehicular operation (causing injury in similar situations). These offenders will now face longer license revocation periods.

Driving with a revoked license due to a DWI—without using an interlock device—is now considered a gross misdemeanor.

These changes were driven by a tragic 2024 incident in St. Louis Park, where a drunk driver with a long history of violations killed two people and injured many others at a restaurant patio.

More Housing Protections for Service Dog Trainers

People who train service dogs now have the same housing rights as those who use them.

Before this law, only individuals with active service dogs were protected from housing restrictions that banned pets. Now, volunteers and trainers of service dogs are also protected—meaning landlords, apartment managers, and homeowners associations cannot deny them housing because they have a service dog in training.

Supporters of the bill say that this change will make it easier to find people willing to help raise and train service dogs. The new law had strong support from both political parties.

Expanded Background Checks for Adult Business Licenses

People applying for licenses to open adult entertainment businesses or massage services in Minnesota will now face national criminal background checks.

Before August 1st, cities and counties could only check an applicant’s Minnesota criminal history. Now, they can look into national records to better screen applicants and improve public safety.

Increased Speed Limits for Garbage Trucks

Garbage trucks and farm equipment (known as husbandry vehicles) are now allowed to go a little faster.

The new law increases their maximum speed on Minnesota roads from 30 mph to 35 mph. This update is aimed at improving traffic flow while keeping safety in mind.

New Confidentiality Rules in Restorative Justice

Restorative justice is a process where people involved in a crime—victims, offenders, and community members—talk things out and try to repair the harm caused.

Under the new law, participants in these programs are given some privacy protections, so they can speak more openly during the process. Information shared during the sessions generally cannot be used against them in court.

However, there are exceptions. Mandatory reporters—such as teachers or social workers—are still required to report any abuse or neglect involving children or vulnerable adults.

These laws reflect Minnesota’s efforts to strengthen public safety, improve community programs, and promote fairness. As of today, August 2nd, they are officially in effect.

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