MN DVS MN DVS Alcohol and Drug Awareness 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many drinks does it take to reach a .08% BAC for an average 160-pound person?
- 1 drink
- 2 drinks
- 3–4 drinks (Correct answer)
- 7–8 drinks
Correct answer: 3–4 drinks
For an average 160-pound adult, approximately 3–4 standard drinks consumed in one hour can raise BAC to .08%, though individual factors vary widely.
Question 2: In Minnesota, when is a DWI elevated from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor?
- Every first-time DWI
- When BAC is .16% or higher, or when a minor is in the vehicle (Correct answer)
- Only when property damage occurs
- When the driver refuses a blood test
Correct answer: When BAC is .16% or higher, or when a minor is in the vehicle
A DWI in Minnesota becomes a gross misdemeanor when the BAC is .16% or higher or when a child under 16 is in the vehicle, triggering greater penalties.
Question 3: What effect does marijuana have on driving according to Minnesota DVS education materials?
- Marijuana has no effect on driving ability
- Marijuana improves focus and reaction time
- Marijuana impairs reaction time, tracking, and judgment similar to alcohol (Correct answer)
- Only edible marijuana impairs driving
Correct answer: Marijuana impairs reaction time, tracking, and judgment similar to alcohol
Marijuana impairs reaction time, divided attention, lane tracking, and cognitive functions needed for safe driving, similar to the impairments caused by alcohol.
Question 4: In Minnesota, can a driver be arrested for DWI if they are impaired by a legally prescribed medication?
- No — a valid prescription is a complete defense
- Yes — driving while impaired by any substance, including prescribed drugs, is illegal (Correct answer)
- Only if the medication label warns against driving
- Only if the driver is also drinking alcohol
Correct answer: Yes — driving while impaired by any substance, including prescribed drugs, is illegal
Minnesota law prohibits driving while impaired by any substance, including legally prescribed medications — impairment is the key factor, not the legality of the substance.
Question 5: What does 'driving with a cancelled IPS (Ignition Interlock Program violation)' mean in Minnesota?
- Driving with an expired registration
- Violating the terms of a restricted ignition interlock license by tampering with or bypassing the device (Correct answer)
- Refusing to renew a license after a DWI
- Driving out-of-state during a Minnesota license suspension
Correct answer: Violating the terms of a restricted ignition interlock license by tampering with or bypassing the device
Minnesota's Ignition Interlock Program requires DWI offenders to use a breath-testing device in their vehicle — tampering with or bypassing it is a serious violation.
Question 6: In Minnesota, what is the 'whiskey plate' and when is it required?
- A specialty license plate for classic car owners
- A distinctive plate (white with black 'W') required for vehicles involved in DWI incidents under certain conditions (Correct answer)
- A warning sticker placed on windshields after DWI convictions
- A plate issued to commercial drivers with DWI history
Correct answer: A distinctive plate (white with black 'W') required for vehicles involved in DWI incidents under certain conditions
Minnesota requires 'whiskey plates' — distinctive black-on-white plates starting with 'W' — on vehicles involved in repeat or aggravated DWI incidents to enable law enforcement to identify at-risk drivers.
MN DVS MN DVS Alcohol and Drug Awareness 2
How many drinks does it take to reach a .08% BAC for an average 160-pound person?