Minnesota drivers manual （2014 version） recap01/03/2014
Chap 1 Your license to drive
If you have never had a driver's license in any state or country, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision test, apply for an instruction permit, and pass a road test. If you are moving to Minnesota from another state, certain U.S. territories, or Canada, you can obtain a license by passing the knowledge and vision tests. You have up to 60 days after becoming a resident to obtain your regular Minnesota license or permit; with a commercial license, up to 30 days.
Who Cannot Be Licensed?
You are under 15 years of age.
You are under 18 years of age, do not have a valid license from another state, and cannot present a certificate proving that you have completed an approved driver education course. You are 18 years of age or younger and have possessed an instruction permit for less than six months. You are 19 years of age or older and have possessed an instruction permit for less than three months. The Knowledge TestIf you are under 18 years of age, you must present a certificate of enrollment （“Blue Card”） from an approved driver education course showing that you have completed the classroom portion of the course and have enrolled in behind-the-wheel training. Classroom instruction is not required if you are 18 years of age or older.
The Vision Screening
Your eyes will be screened when you apply for, or renew, your driver's license or instruction permit.
Your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40, and your peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees.
The Road Test
In order to take the road test, you must present your valid instruction permit and current proof of insurance in the form of the original insurance identification card or policy.
If you are under 18 years of age, you must present a certificate of course completion, or “white card,” that proves you have completed an approved driver education course and behind-the-wheel instruction.
You must provide your own vehicle to take the test.
When you pass the road test, you may apply for your Minnesota driver's license. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent, legal guardian, county appointed foster parent or director of the transitional living program in which you reside must sign and approve your application. The GDL System （graduated driver's licensing）Under the GDL system, anyone 18 years of age or younger must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before taking a road test.
Your Instruction Permit
The permit is valid for two years of practice driving with a licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat. It is illegal to practice driving without a valid instruction permit. When you drive, you must have your instruction permit in immediate possession.
To qualify and obtain an instruction permit you must:
? Be at least 15 years of age.
? Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and be enrolled in behind-the-wheel instruction. If you are 18 years of age or older, the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction is not required. ? Comply with identification requirements.
? Pass a vision screening and a knowledge test.
? Complete a license application and pay the required instruction permit fee.
Under 18
If you are under 18 years of age, the supervising driver must be 21 years of age or older, every occupant must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system, and you may not use, or talk on, a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free cell phone device.
18 and older
If you are 18 years of age or older, the supervising driver must be at least 18 years of age and all passengers must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system.
After the required six months of practice driving （three months, if you are 19 years of age or older）， you may take the road test.
Your Provisional License
The provisional license is the second phase of the GDL system. This license is valid for two years from the application date and has restrictions that do not apply to a full driver's license.
Every occupant must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system and you may not use, or talk on, a cell phone while driving. To qualify for your provisional license you must:
? Be at least 16 years of age.
? Have completed the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of driver education.
? Have held an instruction permit for six months with no convictions for moving oralcohol/controlled-substance violations.
? Have passed a road test.
A parent, court appointed guardian, county appointed foster parent or director of the transitional living program in which you reside must sign and approve your license application and certify that you have driven under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age for not less than 30 hours. At least ten of the 30 supervised hours must have taken place at night. Provisional drivers are subject to nighttime and passenger limitations. During the first six months of licensure, driving is prohibited from midnight until 5 a.m. unless the provisional driver is:
? Accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years of age.
? Driving between home and work.
? Driving between home and a school event for which the school does not provide transportation. ? Driving for employment purposes. Additionally, for the first six months of licensure, only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
During 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.
Note: Passengers under 20 who are members of the provisional driver's immediate family are permitted during both time periods. Vanessa's LawAn unlicensed teen driver with a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlledsubstance-related violation cannot be given a license, instruction permit or provisional license until age 18. At 18, the driver must:
? Pass the knowledge test（s）。
? Fulfill reinstatement requirements, including payment of fees which can be up to $680, depending on circumstances.
? Obtain an instruction permit and hold it for at least six months. ? Pass the road test.
A licensed teen driver with a provisional license whose driving privileges were revoked due to a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance-related violation cannot regain a license until age 18. At that time, the person must complete the following steps to obtain a full driver's license:
? Fulfill all reinstatement requirements, including the payment of fees which can be up to $680 depending on circumstances.
? Complete the classroom portion of a formal driver education course.
? Pass the knowledge test.
? Obtain an instruction permit and hold it for three months.
? Complete the behind-the-wheel portion of a driver education course.
Getting Your Class D Driver's License To qualify for your class D driver's license, you must be at least 18 years of age, or have held a provisional license for at least 12 consecutive months with no convictions for alcohol violations, controlled-substance violations, or crash-related moving violations, and have had not more than one conviction for a moving violation that is not crash related.
If you are under 18 years of age, you must certify that you have driven for not less than ten hours under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age.
If you upgrade from a provisional license and have no violations on your record, you will receive a $3.50 credit toward the fee.
Exceptions to Minimum Age Requirement
A 15 year old may qualify for a restricted farm work driver's license, a special medical driver's license, or a motorized bicycle （moped） permit after completing a driver education course and passing a road test.
The license holder may drive alone to perform farm work during daylight hours, within 20 miles of the farmhouse, in cities with populations of less than 100,000. （restrictions）Applicants do not need to wait six months before taking the road test for this license, but must apply for an instruction permit and present a certificate of completion from an approved behind-the-wheel driver education course.
The farm work restriction can be removed after the driver holds an instruction permit for six months and reaches 16 years of age. License Renewal and ReplacementA driver's license issued by the state of Minnesota expires on your birthday and must be renewed every four years after you reach 21 years of age. Name or Address ChangeIf you change your name or address before your license expires, you must apply for a duplicate （replacement） license within 30 days.
Active Military Service
You must renew your license within one year of your separation or discharge from active military service by presenting your Minnesota driver's license and your DD214 military discharge papers.
Chap 2 Your vehicle When set on high beam, headlights must make objects visible on the road ahead from at least 350 feet away.
Clean your headlights as often as you clean your windshield. Dirty headlights can reduce light output by as much as 75 percent. They must also be used during weather conditions that include rain, snow, hail, sleet, or fog and any time you cannot clearly see the road ahead for a distance of at least 500 feet.
A tire is illegal if the tread is less than one-sixteenth of an inch deep. Carry a good spare tire and check its pressure often.
Windshield and Windows
Global positioning and other navigation systems may be mounted or located near the bottommost portion of the windshield.
Any window tint material applied to the side or rear windows after August 1, 1985, must be marked to show the percentage of light that is transmitted and the percentage of reflection it creates.
If it transmits less than 50 percent, or reflects more than 20 percent of available light, it may be used only on the rear window of a pickup truck, or on the rear and side windows of a van （behind the drivers seat）。
Chap 3 Traffic laws and vehicle operationsSpeed Limits
The speed limit on two-lane highways with a posted speed limit of 55 mph or higher is increased by 10 mph when the driver is lawfully passing another vehicle in the same direction.
Note: If you approach an intersection at an unlawful speed, you lose the right-of-way privilege associated with driving at a lawful speed.
The following Minnesota speed limits apply under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise:
10 mph in alleys
30 mph on urban or town roads
55 mph in all other locations that are not specified in this listSpeed Limits and Fines You can be fined for driving a vehicle faster than the posted speed limit. Additional fines will be charged if you are caught driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit. Fines will double if you speed in marked construction zones. If you are caught driving in excess of 100 mph your driving privileges will be revoked for a minimum of six months.
Reduced Speed You must slow down when you approach or pass a stopped emergency vehicle with itsemergency lights flashing. A surcharge of not less than $25 is added to the speeding fine if you violate this law.
Speed Limits on Bridges
Watch for and obey special speed limits and “No Passing” signs posted on bridges. SignalingSignals are to be activated at least 100 feet before you make the turn. Continue signaling until you have completed the turn or lane change.
U-Turns U-turns are also illegal near the tops of hills and on curves where other drivers cannot see you from 1,000 feet away.
Passing
When passing another vehicle, you must return to the right side of the road before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle. Do not pass: ? On a curve or hill where you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 700 feet. ? Within 100 feet of an intersection, underpass, tunnel, or railroad crossing.
? When you are about to meet a vehicle coming toward you from the opposite direction.
Parking When a vehicle is properly parallel parked, its wheels on the curb side will be positioned no more than 12 inches from the curb.
When the front of a parked vehicle points downhill, wheels should be turned toward the curb or shoulder of the road.
When the front of a parked vehicle points uphill, and there is a curb, wheels should be turned away from the curb.
When the front of a parked vehicle points uphill, and there is no curb, wheels should be turned toward the shoulder of the road.
Parking is not allowed in the following areas:
? Within intersections. ? On a crosswalk or sidewalk.
? Within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection.
? Within 30 feet of any flashing light, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a public road.
? Within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing.
? Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant.
? Alongside or across the street from any excavation site or obstacle if parking would obstruct traffic.
? At the street end of a driveway.
? On any bridge. ? Within any highway tunnel.
? On the traffic side of any vehicle parked at a curb or at the edge of a highway （known as “double parking”）。
? Beside a curb that is painted yellow, or where official “No Parking” signs are posted. ? In front of mailboxes （refer to city/local ordinances）。 Highway Parking Vehicles parked on the highway at night, or any time lights are required, must have at least one white or amber front light and at least one red taillight illuminated. Both lights must be visible from a distance of at least 500 feet. Use parking lights or hazard warning lights to alert other drivers. Headlights on parked vehicles must be set on low beam.
Seat Belt Laws
If you do not wear a seat belt, consider the following:
? Your chances of being killed or injured in a crash are four times greater.
? It is possible to be killed in a crash when traveling at speeds as low as 12 mph.
? Seat belts keep occupants from being ejected from the vehicle, in the event of a crash. People who are thrown from vehicles are likely to die or suffer serious injuries.
You are not legally required to wear a seat belt if you are:
? Driving a passenger vehicle in reverse.
? Occupying a normal seating position in a motor vehicle in which all seat belts are being used by other passengers.
? In possession of a written certificate from a physician citing medical reasons for seat belt non-use.
? Driving a motor vehicle while engaged in work that involves frequent exiting and entering of the motor vehicle. This applies only if you do not drive at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour. ? A rural mail carrier delivering mail for the U.S. Postal Service.
? Driving or riding in a pickup truck while engaged in farm work.
? Driving a motor vehicle made before January 1, 1965.
Infant and Child Safety Seat Laws
The back seat is the safest place in most vehicles and is the recommended place for any child younger than 13 years of age to ride. ? Infants must ride in a rear-facing child safety restraint system until they are at least 1 year of age and weigh at least 20 pounds. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should ride in a rear-facing child safety system until they are at least 2 years of age. ? Children older than 1 year of age and who weigh at least 20 pounds may ride facing forward in a high-back booster seat with the harness straps positioned at or above shoulder level. Children should use a forward-facing harnessed seat until they outgrow the weight limit （typically 40-60 pounds, depending on the seat）。 ? Children under 8 years of age or 4 feet 9 inches tall, who have out- grown a forward-facing harnessed seat, must sit in a belt-positioning, forward-facing booster seat, used with both adult lap and shoulder belts. The shoulder belt should fit snugly across the chest and shoulder. ? A child may not use a seat belt alone until he/she is age 8 or 4 feet 9 inches tall.
? Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in front of an active airbag. ? Children should not be held on a passenger's lap while riding in a vehicle.
Fleeing a Police Officer
Anyone who violates this law is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years and one day, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both. If someone is killed or injured, the driver fleeing the law enforcement officer may be sentenced as follows:
? If a death results while fleeing a law enforcement officer, the driver may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than ten years, fined not more than $20,000, or both.
? If great bodily harm results while fleeing a law enforcement officer, the driver may besentenced to imprisonment for not more than seven years, fined not more than $14,000, or both. ? If substantial bodily harm results, the driver may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than five years, fined not more than $10,000, or both.
Traffic Crash Reports Every driver who is involved in a crash that results in injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more must file a traffic crash report within ten days of the incident.
Insurance
Owners of motor vehicles driven on public roads must carry no-fault and liability insurance on their vehicles. Valid proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Failure to provide proof of insurance at the request of a law enforcement officer may lead to revocation of your driver's license and vehicle registration. When driving privileges are revoked for lack of insurance, the driver must pass a knowledge test; pay a $30 reinstatement fee in addition to fines levied by a court or citation; apply for a new driver's license; and submit an insurance certificate issued by the home office of the insurance company. Operation of an uninsured motor vehicle can result in a revocation of license plates andregistration for the vehicle. The operator's driving privileges may be revoked for up to one year. Anyone who is convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle may be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail.
Chap 4 Sharing the road
Stopping for a School Bus-Flashing Yellow LightsFlashing yellow lights will be activated at least 100 feet before a school bus stops in a speed zone of 35 mph or less, and at least 300 feet before it stops in a speed zone of more than 35 mph. It is against the law to pass on the right side of a school bus while it is displaying red or yellow flashing lights.
Flashing Red Lights When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet from the bus. Oncoming traffic and motorists approaching the bus from behind may not move until the stop arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing. You can be charged with a misdemeanor if you break either of these laws. The penalty for this violation is a fine of not less than $300, and suspension of your driving privileges.
Passing a School Bus
It is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. You are not required to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing if it is on the opposite side of a separated roadway.
Passing Parked Emergency/Service Vehicles When an emergency vehicle that has its emergency lights flashing, is stopped on or next to a road that has two lanes in the same direction, the Move Over Law requires that you move to the lane farthest away from the vehicle, if possible to do so safely. Following Firefighting VehiclesOnly vehicles traveling on official emergency business are allowed to follow within 500 feet of any firefighting vehicle making an emergency run. Do not drive over an unprotected fire hose, unless you are directed to do so by a law enforcement officer or fire department official. Watch for Pedestrians Watch for blind pedestrians who may be carrying a white or metallic cane or using a guide dog. If a blind pedestrian is waiting at a crosswalk, do not use your horn or rev your engine as this may distract the pedestrian or guide dog.
Motorized Bicycles
A “motorized bicycle” is defined by its speed capacity; it is capable of traveling at speeds of 30 mph or less. Rules that apply to bicycle riding generally apply to motorized bicycles. Motorized bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks, freeways, or lanes and trails designated for pedestrians and bicycles.
Crowding a motorcyclist is illegal and dangerous. Never attempt to drive alongside a motorcycle in the same lane.
Neighborhood Electric Vehicles （NEV）
An NEV is an electric-powered vehicle that has four wheels and can reach a speed of at least 20, but not more than 25 mph. NEVs must be titled and registered with DVS. Anyone with a class D driver's license may drive an NEV, but only on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or less. Passing a Commercial VehicleMove back into your lane only when you can see the front of the commercial vehicle in your rearview mirror. Maintain your speed after passing a commercial vehicle.
When you meet a commercial vehicle coming from the opposite direction, stay as far to the right as possible to avoid a sideswipe accident and to reduce wind turbulence between the two vehicles.
Because of their large size, commercial vehicles often appear to be traveling at slower speeds than they actually are. Following a Commercial Vehicle An average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can stop within 130 to 140 feet. A fully loaded tractor-trailer may require more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop.
Commercial vehicles have large side mirrors that can reflect light. When you follow a commercial vehicle at night, always dim your headlights to avoid blinding the driver.
If you come to a stop behind a commercial vehicle on an upgrade, allow space for the truck to roll back slightly when it begins to move. Position your vehicle on the left side of your lane to allow the driver to see you in the side mirror.
Commercial Vehicle “No Zones” These zones are blind spots to the front, sides, and rear of the vehicle. Some truck drivers may not be able to see up to 20 feet in front of the cab, on either side of the trailer, and up to 200 feet to the rear.
Railroad Crossing Warning Devices Flashing lights, bells, and gates indicate that a train is approaching. When you see these lights or gates activated, do not proceed across the tracks. Stop your vehicle at least 10 feet from the nearest rail or gate.
It is safe to cross when traffic ahead has moved and you can proceed without stopping within 10 feet past the rails. Some vehicles, such as passenger vans, buses, and larger trucks are required to stop at all railroad tracks, whether or not a train is present. Do not pass these vehicles. It is illegal to pass any vehicle within 100 feet of a railroad crossing.
Motorcyclists should approach railroad crossings with caution. Do not swerve to get a better angle for crossing. Swerving may cause you to enter into a lane of oncoming traffic.
Chap 5 Signs, signals and pavement markingsSlow-Moving Vehicle Emblem
This emblem must be displayed on all vehicles that travel at speeds of 30 mph or less, such as farm implements or horse-drawn vehicles, when they are making use of a public road. Lane Use Control Signals （Important）A steady downward green arrow means you are allowed to drive in the lane below the green arrow.
A steady yellow X means you should prepare to move into another lane in a safe manner.
A flashing yellow X means you can use the lane below the flashing yellow X to make a left turn.
A steady downward yellow arrow means you should prepare to move into another lane in a safe manner.
A flashing downward yellow arrow means you can use the freeway lane under the flashing downward yellow arrow. Exercise caution in this lane.
A steady red X means you cannot drive in the lane under the steady red X signal.
Pavement Markings White Lines
White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.
A line composed of white dashes indicates that drivers can change lanes in areas where this type of marking is present.
A line of shorter and thicker white dashes indicates that the lane will end.
A solid white line indicates that lane changes are discouraged in areas where this type of marking is present. Solid white lines also mark crosswalks, stop lines at intersections, parking stalls, and the edges of a roadway. Double solid white lines indicate that lane changes are prohibited in areas where this type of marking is present.
Yellow Lines
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
A solid yellow line indicates that passing is prohibited in areas where this marking is present. Passing in a no-passing zone is illegal.
A line composed of yellow dashes indicates that passing is allowed in areas where this type of marking is present.
Carpool Lanes
Carpool lanes are restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants. They are marked by adiamond symbol or with “Carpool Only” signs. They are usually located on the far left side of a freeway and are separated from other traffic lanes by combinations of white or yellow lines.
Chap 6 Driving conditions
Using the SIPDE System
Three-Second Rule
When the vehicle ahead of you passes the reference point, begin counting: “One-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.”
When road conditions are poor, or if you are driving a vehicle that is longer than the standard length, increase your following distance to a four- or five-second count.
Headlights
When you are within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle, or following another vehicle at a distance of 200 feet or less, your headlights must be set on low beam.
They must also be used during weather conditions that include rain, snow, hail, sleet, or fog and any time you cannot clearly see the road ahead for a distance of at least 500 feet.
You should be able to stop within the distance that your headlights illuminate the road. For most vehicles, this distance is no more than 350 feet on high beam.
For glare caused by headlights from behind you, use a “day-night” mirror or re-adjust your regular mirror.
Use of Freeway or Expressway Shoulders by BusesBuses authorized to use the shoulder may be operated only when main-line traffic speeds are less than 35 miles per hour. Drivers of buses being operated on the shoulder may not exceed the speed of main-line traffic by more than 15 miles per hour and may never exceed 35 miles per hour.
Drivers of buses being operated on the shoulder must yield to merging, entering, and exiting traffic and must yield to other vehicles on the shoulder.
Stopping, Parking, and Backing Up
If you must stop on the freeway because of an emergency, take the following actions: ? Park your vehicle on the shoulder, as far from the main roadway as possible.
? Open the trunk and raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or a door handle. ? Use hazard warning lights, if you have them.
? If you have flares or reflectors, place them from 100 to 500 feet behind your vehicle on the right edge of the main road.
? Stay with your vehicle, if possible. If you must leave your vehicle, do not walk on the area of the highway reserved for vehicle traffic. This is illegal and extremely dangerous.
Distracted Driving
Driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25 percent of all crashes annually.
Obstructed View
It is illegal to drive a vehicle packed with a load, or occupied by more than three people in the front seat, if the items or people obstruct your view to the front or sides of the vehicle or interfere with your ability to control the vehicle. Carrying a Projecting Load If a load extends four feet or more from the rear of any vehicle, a red, yellow, or orange flag at least 16 inches square must be attached to the end of the load. At night, a red lantern or lamp, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet, must be attached to the end of the load. Passenger vehicles may not carry loads that extend beyond the line of the fenders on the left side and more than six inches beyond the fender line on the right side. Campers and TrailersIf you pull a camper or trailer with your vehicle, you must maintain at least 500 feet following distance from other vehicles.
When loaded, 10 to 15 percent of the trailer's weight should be balanced on the hitch between trailer and vehicle.
Trailer Requirements
Measurements:
Maximum length 45 feet
Maximum width 8 feet 6 inches
Maximum height 13 feet 6 inches
Lights:
Tail lamps Two, red
Reflectors Two, red
Rear license plate One, white
Recreational Vehicle Combinations
Recreational vehicle combination means a combination of not more than three vehiclesconsisting of a pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor attached to a camper trailer that has hitched to it a trailer. You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a recreational vehicle combination.
A recreational vehicle combination may not be more than 70 feet in length. A recreational vehicle combination may not be driven in the seven-county metropolitan area Monday through Friday during the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Driving in Heavy Rain or Fog
Your head-lights, by law, must be used at times when you cannot see more than 500 feet ahead and when it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing. Keep them on low beam to reduce glare. If you cannot see a safe distance ahead, pull off the road and stop until visibility improves. HydroplaningAt speeds of 35 mph or less, most tires will “wipe” water off the road surface to keep tires in contact with the road. At higher speeds, water can collect under tires and lift them off the surface of the road this is called “hydroplaning.”
Driving on Narrow Roads and Hills
When you approach curves on narrow roads, or in areas where brush and trees block your view of the road ahead, you can use your horn to warn other drivers or pedestrians that you are on the road. Flooded Roadways? Remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
? Two feet of moving water can carry away most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks.
Chap 7 Your driving privileges
Your license may be withdrawn by suspension, revocation, or cancellation. If you commit an offense and your license is withdrawn, the Department of Public Safety will send you a notice of withdrawal and a list of requirements for reinstatement.
Suspension
Your driver's license may be suspended, if you:
? Repeatedly violate traffic laws.
? Are convicted in court for a violation that contributed to a traffic accident resulting in death, personal injury, or serious property damage.
? Use, or allow someone else to use, your license for an illegal action. It is illegal to allow anyone to use your license or permit.
? Commit a traffic offense in another state that would be grounds for suspension in Minnesota. ? Are judged in court to be legally unfit to drive a motor vehicle.
? Fail to report a medical condition that would result in cancellation of driving privileges. ? Fail to stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended and its red lights flashing, within five years of a conviction for the same offense.
? Are found to possess a fake or altered license.
? Make a fraudulent application for a license or identification card.
? Take any part of the driver's license examination for someone else, or allow someone else to take the examination for you.
? Falsely identify yourself to a police officer.
? Fail to appear in court or pay a fine on a motor vehicle-related violation when required to do so. ? Are convicted of a misdemeanor for a violation of Minnesota traffic law.
? Fail to pay court-ordered child support. ? Use, or allow someone else to use, a license, permit, or ID card to buy tobacco products for someone who is under 18 years of age, or alcohol for someone who is under 21 years of age. ? Are under 21 years of age, and the court determines that you drove a motor vehicle while consuming, or after consuming, alcohol.
? Pay a fee to the state or driver's license agent with a dishonored check. （The suspension will be removed when the dishonored check and any related fees have been paid in full.）? Are convicted for theft of gasoline.
Revocation
Your driver's license may be revoked, if you:
? Refuse to take a test to determine whether you are under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or you fail such a test. ? Are convicted of manslaughter or any other criminal action while driving a motor vehicle. ? Are convicted of driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ? Are convicted of a felony in which you used a motor vehicle.
? Are convicted of driving in excess of 100 mph.
? Are convicted of fleeing a police officer.
? Are convicted of failing to stop, identify yourself, and render aid when involved in a motor vehicle accidentespecially one that involves death or personal injury to others.
? Are convicted of lying under oath, signing any legal document that contains false information about legal ownership or operation of a motor vehicle, or making a false statement to the Department of Public Safety or its agents about such information.
? Plead guilty or forfeit bail for three violations in a single year of any Minnesota traffic law or ordinance that requires a jail sentence upon conviction.
? Are convicted of an offense in another state that would be grounds for revoking your license if you were convicted in Minnesota.
? Are convicted of a misdemeanor for driving a motor vehicle with prior knowledge that the owner of the vehicle did not have no-fault vehicle insurance.
? Own a vehicle without no-fault insurance and are found to have driven it, or allowed others to drive it, with full knowledge that the vehicle was not insured.
? Are convicted of a gross misdemeanor for failing to stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended and its red lights flashing.
? Are convicted of selling or possessing a controlled substance while operating a motor vehicle. After the period of revocation has ended, your driving privileges may be reinstated, if all the requirements for reinstatement are met. Requirements include payment of the reinstatement fee and passing the appropriate examinations. You must show proper identification when you take the knowledge test or road test. You must apply for a new license after all your testing requirements are met.
Limited License
Under some circumstances, a limited license may be issued to a person whose driving privileges are revoked or suspended. Before a limited license will be issued, certain requirements must be met, including completion of any mandatory waiting periods. If you are issued a limited license, you are restricted to:
? Travel to and from your place of employment.
? Travel to and from chemical dependency treatment or counseling.
? Providing transportation for dependent children, and other dependents living in your household, for medical, educational, or nutritional needs.
? Travel to and from a post-secondary institution at which you are enrolled.
Cancellation
Your license may be canceled if you do not have a legal right to a driver's license that was issued to you. Your license may be canceled if you: ? Acquire a mental or physical disability that makes you incapable of driving a motor vehicle safely.
? Do not pass a test that is legally requested by the Department of Public Safety to determine your ability to drive safely.
? Give false or misleading information on your license application. （Your license will be canceled for 60 days, or until the correct information is provided whichever is longer.） ? Commit a crime for which cancellation of your license is a legal punishment.
? Do not qualify for a driver's license under Minnesota law.
Chap 8 Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugThings to Know about Alcohol
It is important to realize, however, that mixed drinks may contain more than the standard one and a half ounces of alcohol, and the amount of alcohol in beers may vary by as much as 40 percent. The term “proof” refers to the strength of a drink and is equal to twice the percent of alcohol the substance contains. A bottle of 80 proof whiskey, for example, contains 40 percent alcohol. Males and females are affected differently by alcohol. Men generally have more muscle tissue, which does not allow alcohol absorption into the blood stream as readily as fat. Minnesota DWI LawA person with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher （0.04 if the person is driving acommercial vehicle）， who is in control of a moving or parked vehicle, can be arrested for driving while impaired （DWI）。
If a law enforcement officer can prove that alcohol caused the driver to commit driving errors, he or she can be arrested for DWI at an alcohol concentration level as low as 0.04.
Penalties Penalties associated with an alcohol-related revocation of a driver's license include a $680 reinstatement fee and completion of a DWI knowledge test, driver's license application, and a chemical assessment. Penalties will be more severe if the driver:
? Has prior DWI arrests.
? Has an alcohol concentration of 0.16 or above.
? Has a child younger than 16 years of age in the vehicle at the time of the stop.
? Is under 21 years of age.
? Refuses a pre-arrest breath test.
A driver who is found to have an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or above, or who refuses to take a test to determine an alcohol concentration, will receive a seven-day temporary license. At the end of the seven-day period, the offender's driver's license will be revoked.
First Offense
? Minimum of 90-day revocation （30 days if individual pleads guilty to DWI）。
? No work permit will be issued until a 15 day revocation period has passed, and until reinstatement requirements have been met.
? 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine. Second Offense? Minimum one year license revocation if second offense occurred within 10 years of the first offense.
? Enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Device Program is an option.
? One year in jail and/or $3,000 fine.
? License plates are impounded. Third Offense? Loss of license for a minimum of three years.
? License is cancelled.
? Chemical use treatment assessment is required. ? Enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Device Program is required.
? One year in jail and/or $3,000 fine.
? Vehicle is forfeited and license plates are impounded.
? Jail or maximum bail and electronic monitoring. Felony DWIYou may be charged for a felony DWI if you are arrested for: a fourth DWI in a 10-year period; have previously been convicted of a felony DWI; have been convicted of criminal vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A fourth offense may result in a loss of license for four years and until rehabilitation and other reinstatement requirements are met. The criminal penalties for felony DWI can include a sentence of up to seven years in prison with a five-year conditional release and a $14,000 fine.
Underage Drinking No Tolerance Rule
The legal age to buy and drink alcohol in Minnesota is 21. It is illegal for a person under age 21 to operate a motor vehicle with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system. If convicted of this offense you will have your driving privileges suspended for 30 days. A second conviction will result in suspension of driving privileges for 180 days. Commercial Driver's License and Alcohol and Controlled SubstancesYou will lose your commercial driver's license for at least one year on the first offense if you: . ? Drive a commercial vehicle when your alcohol concentration is 0.04 or more. If your alcohol concentration is less than 0.04, but detectable, you will be put out of service for 24 hours. . ? Drive any vehicle when your alcohol concentration is .08 or higher.
. ? Refuse a blood, breath, or urine test while driving any motor vehicle.
? Leave the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle that you were driving.
? Use any motor vehicle to commit a felony.
If the offense occurs while you are operating a commercial motor vehicle that is placarded for hazardous materials, you will lose your commercial driver's license for at least three years. A second offense will result in permanent loss of your commercial driver's license. Using a commercial motor vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substances will result in permanent loss of your commercial driver's license.
Drivers who have a commercial license and are arrested for impaired driving in a passenger vehicle will be unable to obtain a work permit for a commercial vehicle during the withdrawal period.