Minnesota Enacts Tougher DWI Law After Fatal Park Tavern Crash

Minnesota implemented several new laws on August 1, 2025, including a significant update to its DWI regulations aimed at reducing repeat offenses and enhancing public safety. The new law extends the ignition interlock device requirement periods for repeat offenders to two, six, and ten years respectively, and increases the lookback period for prior offenses from 10 to 20 years, addressing gaps highlighted by a deadly 2024 crash in St. Louis Park where a repeat offender killed two people. Legislators, including State Rep. Larry Kraft and Sen. Ron Latz, led the effort following the tragedy at Park Tavern involving Steven Bailey, who had five prior DWI convictions and was sentenced to 30 years. The ignition interlock program, which requires breathalyzer tests before starting a vehicle, is seen as a key tool to prevent impaired driving. Additional new laws include raising speed limits for farming and waste vehicles from 30 to 35 mph and improving access to service dog training by easing restrictions for volunteer trainers. Advocates anticipate these changes will improve community safety and support more people needing service animals.