08/24/2026
Lakefield Police Department participates in the Toward Zero Deaths enforcement campaign. Stay aware, stay safe!
Driving while impaired will cost you. Even if no one is hurt or killed, a DWI arrest carries life-changing financial, legal, and personal consequences. Watch Corey's Story (youtube.com/watch?v=E1OMJ_3orfA ) to hear how a single decision behind the wheel continues to impact his life. Changing the culture around impaired driving starts with understanding its real impact. To promote safer choices and protect our communities, beginning Aug. 19 and running through Sept. 7, nearly 300 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota will participate in a statewide extra enforcement and education campaign focused on eliminating impaired driving.
What to Expect on the Road
• Increased patrols: Expect higher law enforcement visibility on state highways and local roads through Labor Day weekend.
• Strict enforcement: Officers will be actively looking for signs of impairment. If you do not drive sober, you will be pulled over.
The Impact in Minnesota (through July 2026)
• 62 alcohol-related traffic fatalities
• 179 alcohol-related serious injuries
• 13,670 DWI arrests
Know the Serious Consequences
• Legal limits: Minnesota’s BAC limit is 0.08%, but drivers can be arrested for DWI at lower levels if impaired.
• Severe penalties: A conviction can mean losing your driver’s license for up to a year, paying thousands of dollars in fines and fees, and facing jail time.
• Ignition interlock: High-BAC offenders (0.16+) and repeat offenders face mandatory ignition interlock requirements ranging from 1 to 10 years to regain driving privileges.
Keeping our roads and community safe is a shared responsibility that begins with a simple commitment to drive sober. Before heading out, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare service, or plan to stay overnight. Together, we can drive Minnesota toward zero deaths.
