Minnesota Driving Laws
When driving through Minnesota, you'll have to follow the state's driving laws to avoid potentially hefty fines or long days attending local traffic court. Like most states, the majority of Minnesota's driving laws require only common sense on the part of drivers: You risk getting a ticket if you speed. You must use your turn signals when turning. You must come to complete stops at "stop" signs. Some state laws here, though, are specific to the state. Not knowing won't prevent you from receiving a ticket should a state law enforcement officer stop you as travel through Minnesota.
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Don't Text And Drive
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Minnesota law forbids drivers from sending or receiving text messages while driving through the state. The law, enacted in the summer of 2008, is an effort to prevent motorists from driving while distracted by electronic gadgets. Motorists who violate this law can be charged $300. It's also what is known as a primary offense law, meaning that law enforcement officers can pull over drivers if they observe them texting.
Different Laws for Teen Drivers
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Minnesota has its own set of driving laws for teen drivers. Teens in Minnesota can only earn full driving privileges after passing several individual steps. This is known as graduated licensing.
Teens must first earn an instruction permit, which they can qualify for at the age of 15. To get their permit, teens must complete 30 hours of classroom education and enroll in behind-the-wheel classes.
Next, teens earn their provisional license. This is given to drivers who are at least 16 and have finished six full hours of instruction behind the wheel of a car. Teens must also have their instructional permit for six months, and receive no convictions for moving violations or alcohol-related incidents during this time, before receiving a provisional license. Teens must also have 30 hours of supervised driving, with 10 hours devoted to night-time driving, verified by a parent or guardian before getting this license.
Finally, teens can then apply for a full license. They must be 18 and must have had their provisional license for at least one year. During this time, they must not have received any moving or alcohol-related offenses.
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Insurance a Must
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Like the majority of states, Minnesota requires that motorists carry both no-fault and liability insurance on their vehicles while driving on public roads. The state also requires drivers to carry proof of insurance in their vehicles at all times. The penalties for driving a motor vehicle without insurance are severe: Motorists can lose their driving privileges for a year, be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to spend as many as 90 days in jail.
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References
- Photo Credit traffic image by jeancliclac from Fotolia.com
