MN Graduated Driver's License Law
To minimize risks of crashes, injury, or death, Minnesota's graduated driver's licensing law helps teens hone their driving skills during the first year of licensure by reducing exposure to high-risk situations such as carrying teen passengers and driving at night. Violating these laws is a misdemeanor.
These laws apply to only newly licensed teen drivers for the first six to 12 months, or until they reach age 18.
Nighttime Driving Limitations
For the first six months of licensure: Driving is prohibited midnight – 5 a.m.
Exemptions:
- Driving when accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older.
- Driving between home and place of employment.
- Driving to/from home and a school event for which the school has not provided transportation.
- Driving for employment purposes.
The nighttime limitation is lifted after the first six months of licensure.
Passenger Limitations
For the first six months of licensure: Only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For the second six months of licensure: No more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Exemption:
- Passengers under age 20 who are members of the driver's immediate family are permitted.
Other Teen Driver Laws
Seat Belt Use
- Minnesota's seat belt law is a primary offense, meaning drivers and passengers in all seating positions — including in the backseat — must be buckled up or in the correct child restraint.
- Law enforcement will stop and ticket unbelted drivers or passengers. A seat belt ticket is $25 but can cost more than $100 with fees.
- Drivers will be ticketed for unbelted passengers ages 14 and younger. Unbelted passengers age 15 and older will be ticketed directly.
Cell Phone and Texting
It's illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, whether hand-held or hands-free - except to call 911 in an emergency.
It's illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read, or send text messages or access the Internet while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.
Drinking and Driving
It is illegal for a person under age 21 to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. Drivers under the legal drinking age with an alcohol-concentration of 0.08 or higher will face regular DWI laws and sanctions.
Consequences for underage drinking and driving are loss of license for at least 30 days and crout fines.
Teen drivers with provisional licenses whose driving privileges are revoked from a crash or alcohol/controlled substance-related violation cannot regain driving privileges until age 18.