Minnesota Graduated Driver's License Laws: Rules for New Teen Drivers
Minnesota's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system helps new drivers gain experience while reducing exposure to high-risk driving situations. These laws apply to newly licensed teen drivers and include restrictions on nighttime driving, passengers, cell phone use, and other important rules.
Understanding Minnesota teen driving laws helps students and families stay safe, avoid violations, and build strong driving habits during the first year of driving.
Violating Minnesota graduated driver's license laws may result in citations, license consequences, delays in obtaining full driving privileges, or other penalties.
What Is Minnesota's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) System?
Minnesota's graduated driver's license system places restrictions on new drivers during the first year of licensure.
These restrictions generally apply:
- During the first 6–12 months after receiving a provisional license
- Until the driver reaches age 18
- While holding a Minnesota provisional license
The purpose of these restrictions is to reduce exposure to higher-risk driving situations while students gain experience.
Minnesota Nighttime Driving Restrictions
First Six Months of Licensure
Drivers may not drive between:
Midnight – 5:00 AM
Exceptions
- Driving with a licensed driver age 25 or older
- Driving between home and work
- Driving to or from school activities when transportation is not provided
- Driving for employment purposes
Nighttime restrictions are removed after the first six months of licensure.
Minnesota Passenger Restrictions
First Six Months of Licensure
Drivers may carry:
Only ONE passenger under age 20 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Second Six Months of Licensure
Drivers may carry:
No more than THREE passengers under age 20 unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Exception
- Passengers under age 20 who are members of the driver's immediate family are permitted.
Other Minnesota Teen Driving Laws
Seat Belt Laws
Minnesota seat belt laws apply to every passenger in every seating position.
- Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts
- Back seat passengers must also be buckled
- Seat belt violations are primary offenses
- Drivers are responsible for passengers age 14 and younger
- Passengers age 15+ may receive their own citations
A seat belt ticket starts around $25 but may exceed $100 after fees.
Cell Phone and Texting Laws
Drivers under age 18:
- Cannot use cell phones while driving
- Cannot use hands-free devices
- May only use phones to call 911 during emergencies
Drivers of all ages:
- Cannot text while driving
- Cannot browse the internet while driving
- Cannot use electronic devices while actively operating a vehicle
Drinking and Driving Laws
Minnesota follows a zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
Important rules:
- Drivers under age 21 may not drive after consuming alcohol
- Drivers under age 21 with BAC levels of .08 or higher face regular DWI laws
- License revocations may occur even at lower alcohol concentrations
Potential consequences include:
- License loss for at least 30 days
- Court fines and additional penalties
- Delays in obtaining full driving privileges
Teen drivers with provisional licenses who lose driving privileges due to crashes or alcohol/controlled substance violations may not regain driving privileges until age 18.
Questions About Minnesota Teen Driving Laws?
Understanding Minnesota teen driving laws can feel overwhelming. ReadySetDrive! works with students and families throughout the permit-to-license process to help students build safe driving habits and confidence behind the wheel.
Have questions? Visit our Contact Us page or learn more about our behind-the-wheel program.
ReadySetDrive!
Teacher-Owned. Teacher-Led.
Smart. Safe. Ready!
readysetdrivemn.com