If you find yourself wondering about the appearance of Minnesota DUI plates, commonly known as “whiskey plates,” you’ve come to the right place. Let’s delve into the details and explore how these specialized license plates look like.
Understanding Whiskey Plates
In Minnesota, individuals who have been involved in certain DWI incidents are required to display unique license plates on their vehicles. These plates are colloquially referred to as “whiskey plates,” owing to the fact that their plate numbers begin with the letter “W.”
The Aesthetics of Whiskey Plates
When it comes to the visual appearance of whiskey plates, they differ from the standard Minnesota license plates. While regular license plates boast a blue and white color scheme, whiskey plates take a different approach.
Whiskey plates feature a plain white background with either blue or black lettering. The choice between blue or black lettering depends on the year in which the DUI incident occurred, with different colors assigned to different time periods.
Prominent “W” Prefix
One distinguishing feature of whiskey plates is the prominent presence of the letter “W” at the beginning of the license plate number. This W stands as a reminder to other motorists that the vehicle’s owner has been involved in a DWI incident and serves as a visual cue to exercise caution on the road.
Placement and Visibility
Like any other license plate, whiskey plates must be properly affixed to the front and rear of the vehicle. It is crucial for these plates to be clearly visible, allowing law enforcement officers and other drivers to identify the vehicle easily.
License Plate Number Formats
In addition to the letter “W” at the beginning, whiskey plate license numbers generally follow the format of standard Minnesota license plates. These plates consist of a combination of letters and numbers, typically featuring three letters followed by three or four digits.
Legal Obligation to Display Whiskey Plates
It’s important to note that displaying whiskey plates is not optional but a legal requirement for individuals involved in certain DWI incidents. Failure to comply with this requirement can result in penalties and further legal consequences.
Conclusion
Minnesota DUI plates, or “whiskey plates,” are distinctive license plates that must be displayed by individuals involved in specific DWI incidents. These plates feature a plain white background with blue or black lettering, starting with the letter “W.” They are meant to be clearly visible on the front and rear of the vehicle, serving as a visual cue to exercise caution on the road. Remember, if you ever come across a vehicle with whiskey plates in Minnesota, it’s essential to respect the law and give these motorists the space and consideration they need. Stay safe on the road!
