Nearly 1,800 Arrested For DWI During Crackdown

ST. PAUL (WCCO) -- More than 1,780 motorists were arrested during an 18-day statewide DWI enforcement effort.

The preliminary totals from the effort, which was conducted from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5, are at 1,787 arrests -- all reported to the Department of Public Safety. Around the metro, 295 law enforcement agencies participated.

The consequences for a DWI include loss of a driver's license for up to a year, up to $20,000 in legal costs, higher insurance rates and possible jail time.

As of July 1, all repeat offenders are required to have ignition interlock for at least a year, before having driving privileges restored. That also includes first-time offenders with an alcohol-concentration of twice the legal limit.

In Minnesota, one in seven drivers has a DWI on record. Last year, 29,918 motorists were arrested.