Minnesota Driving Laws

Updated: January, 2024

DrivingLaws101.com - List of Minnesota Driving Laws Summary of common traffic laws in Minnesota – Speed limits, License Renewals, Learners Permits, Drunk Driving Laws, and more. For more information, visit the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety website.

Speed Limits

In Minnesota, the maximum speed limit for cars is 70 mph. The maximum highway speed for trucks is also 70 mph. Speed limits vary by state and, in some cases, county-by-county. Always observe posted traffic laws and drive safely for the weather and road conditions.

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Learners Permits

Minnesota allows new drivers to get their learners permit at the age of 15. You must have your provisional license for a minimum of 6 months. Drivers can then get their intermediate license at 16. An Intermediate License imposes restricts on when you are allowed to drive and how many passengers are allowed in the car, but allows you to drive yourself without an instructor in the car.

In Minnesota, drivers can obtain their full drivers license at the age of 17.

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License Renewal

Minnesota requires you to renew your license every 4 years.

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Work Zones

The state of Minnesota enforces increased penalties for speeding violations within work zones. These increased penalties are known as Work Zone Enhancements. Workers must be present and there must be signs idicating road work is in progress in order for Work Zone Enhancements to be enforced. In Minnesota, Work Zone Enhacements are:

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Drunk Driving Laws

The legal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. States often enforce more strict mandatory penalties for drivers above a certain BAC. In Minnesota, driving with a BAC above 0.20% will trigger automatic enhanced minimum penalties.

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Texting while Driving

Texting while driving is illegal in most but not all states. In Minnesota, hand-held devices such as phones and mp3 player are banned to novice drivers only. Handheld devices bans prohibit talking on the phone without a hands-free system.

Texting while driving is banned in Minnesota. Texting while driving is concidered a primary offense. This means that you can be pulled over with texting as the only offense. In Minnesota, distracted driving is listed as a category on police crash report forms.

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Seat Belt Laws

Minnesota requires seabelt use. Seatbelt enforcement is concidered primary, meaning you can be pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt. The fine for a seatbelt law violation in Minnesota is $25.00. Seatbelt use laws depend on the driving experience of the driver and which seat of the car a passenger is sitting in.

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