Minimum Driving Age
- Instruction Permit: Available at age 15 after enrollment in an approved driver education course.
- Provisional License: Eligible at age 16, after holding an instruction permit for at least 6 months, completing 50 hours of supervised driving (15 hours at night), and passing the road test.
- Full Driver’s License: Available at age 18, or earlier if the driver holds a provisional license with a clean record for 12 consecutive months.
Instruction Permit Rules
- Supervision: Must be accompanied by a licensed driver age 21 or older, seated in the front passenger seat.
- Driving Hours Requirement: Must log 50 hours of supervised driving, including 15 hours at night.
- Cell Phone Use: Prohibited, including hands-free devices.
License Types
- Instruction Permit: For learning to drive with supervision.
- Provisional License: Intermediate license for drivers under 18 with limited restrictions.
- Class D License: Standard license for passenger vehicles.
- Class A, B, C Licenses: Commercial licenses for larger vehicles.
- Motorcycle Endorsement: Required to operate a motorcycle.
Required Documents for Driving
To apply for a license or permit in Minnesota, applicants must provide:
- Proof of Identity: Birth certificate, passport, or approved identification document.
- Social Security Number: SSN card or proof of legal exemption.
- Proof of Minnesota Residency: Utility bill, lease, or bank statement.
- Parental Consent: Required if under 18.
Seatbelt and Car Seat Laws
- Seatbelts: Required for all occupants. Driver is responsible for passengers under 15.
- Child Restraints:
- Under 1 year or under 20 pounds: Must be in a rear-facing car seat.
- 1–4 years: Forward-facing car seat with harness.
- 4–8 years (or under 4’9″): Booster seat required.
- 8+ years (or taller than 4’9″): Seatbelt allowed if properly fitting.
Cell Phone and Distracted Driving Rules
- Texting While Driving: Banned for all drivers.
- Handheld Devices: As of 2019, all handheld cell phone use is prohibited while driving. Hands-free use is allowed for drivers 18+.
- Drivers Under 18: No use of electronic devices while driving, even hands-free.
DWI (Driving While Impaired) Laws
- Legal BAC Limit: 0.08% for drivers 21 and over.
- Under 21: Zero tolerance—any detectable alcohol results in a violation.
- First Offense:
- License suspension: 90 days (can be reduced).
- Fine: Up to $1,000.
- Jail: Up to 90 days.
- May be required to attend a DWI education program or install an ignition interlock device.
Speed Limits
- Urban Freeways & Interstates: Typically 60–65 mph.
- Rural Interstates: Up to 70 mph.
- Residential Areas: Usually 30 mph.
- Alleys: 10 mph.
- School Zones: 15–30 mph, depending on signage.
Road Rage and Reckless Driving Laws
- Reckless Driving: Defined as disregarding the safety of others on the road.
- Careless Driving: Less severe, but still a violation.
- Penalties:
- Fines, points, and possible jail time.
- Aggravated cases (causing injury) may result in criminal charges.
Points System
Minnesota does not use a traditional points system, but the Department of Public Safety keeps a record of violations:
- Repeated or serious offenses can lead to:
- Suspension
- Revocation
- Cancellation of driving privileges
Insurance Requirements
Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state and requires:
- Bodily Injury: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident.
- Property Damage: $10,000 per accident.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Minimum of $40,000 per person.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Also required.
Renewal Frequency and Testing
- License Renewal: Every 4 years.
- Vision Test: Required at every renewal.
- Additional Testing: May be required for drivers with a medical condition or a poor driving history.
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