B-Card LicenseWhat is a "B-Card" Restricted License?

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Minnesota's driver's license laws enables the Department of Public Safety to impose restrictions upon a licensee to "assure safe operation." Under DPS rules, a person whose driver's license has been cancelled and denied for a third impaired driving violation within ten years (or fourth in a lifetime), and who has successfully completed treatment and "rehabilitation," may apply for a restricted driver's license, a "B-Card," provided that the person signs a sworn abstinence statement, agreeing to never again consume alcohol or any controlled substance (not even in a religious service, in medication, in any other manner or amount, irrespective of whether or not the consumption involved driving).

Any violation of this abstinence restriction of the B-Card results in immediate cancellation of the driver's license.

Under DPS rules, the minimum period of time to establish rehabilitation for which the person must prove total abstinence, is:

• one year for the first rehabilitation;
• three years for the second rehabilitation; and
• six years for the third or subsequent rehabilitation.

It is only after successfully completing rehabilitation that the offender may apply for a B-Card license.

It is now possible for a person to petition to remove the alcohol/controlled substance restriction after ten (10) years of abstinence. The person must not have been documented as having consumed alcohol or having possessed or used controlled substances within the past ten (10) years. Under Minnesota Statute 171.09, upon proper application the Commissioner is required to remove the alcohol/controlled substance restriction and issue to said person a duplicate drivers license without the restriction.

For a free consultation on the B-Card restricted license, call me for a free legal consultation at 612-334-3342.