2007 Minnesota Statutes
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Chapter 169A
Section 169A.76
Recent History
- 2018 169A.76 Amended 2018 c 195 art 3 s 10
- 2004 169A.76 Amended 2004 c 283 s 10
- 2000 169A.76 New 2000 c 478 art 1 s 44
This is an historical version of this statute chapter. Also view the most recent published version.
169A.76 CIVIL ACTION; PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
(a) In a civil action involving a motor vehicle accident, it is sufficient for the trier of fact
to consider an award of punitive damages if there is evidence that the accident was caused by a
driver:
(1) with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more;
(2) who was under the influence of a controlled substance;
(3) who was under the influence of alcohol and refused to take a test required under section
169A.51 (chemical tests for intoxication); or
(4) who was knowingly under the influence of a hazardous substance that substantially
affects the person's nervous system, brain, or muscles so as to impair the person's ability to drive
or operate a motor vehicle.
(b) A criminal charge or conviction is not a prerequisite to consideration of punitive damages
under this section. At the trial in an action where the trier of fact will consider an award of punitive
damages, evidence that the driver has been convicted of violating section 169A.20 (driving while
impaired) or 609.21 (criminal vehicular homicide and injury) is admissible into evidence.
History: 2000 c 478 art 1 s 44; 2004 c 283 s 10
(a) In a civil action involving a motor vehicle accident, it is sufficient for the trier of fact
to consider an award of punitive damages if there is evidence that the accident was caused by a
driver:
(1) with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more;
(2) who was under the influence of a controlled substance;
(3) who was under the influence of alcohol and refused to take a test required under section
169A.51 (chemical tests for intoxication); or
(4) who was knowingly under the influence of a hazardous substance that substantially
affects the person's nervous system, brain, or muscles so as to impair the person's ability to drive
or operate a motor vehicle.
(b) A criminal charge or conviction is not a prerequisite to consideration of punitive damages
under this section. At the trial in an action where the trier of fact will consider an award of punitive
damages, evidence that the driver has been convicted of violating section 169A.20 (driving while
impaired) or 609.21 (criminal vehicular homicide and injury) is admissible into evidence.
History: 2000 c 478 art 1 s 44; 2004 c 283 s 10
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes