GHSA maintains data on state laws surrounding a number of highway safety issues. Below is information regarding laws in the state of Minnesota. For more information, consult the State Highway Safety Office.
Helmets required for all riders under 18 or with instructional permit. Universal helmet law repealed 1977.
4 years
None
Zero tolerance for some drugs
Decriminalized and legal for medical and recreational (effective 8/1/23) use
Zero tolerance for THC but no restriction on metabolites (effective 8/1/23)
70
70
65
65
65
65
Yes
No
0.16
90 days
After 15 days
Highly incentivized for high BAC (0.16) and repeat convictions
At least 2 yrs in a rear-facing child safety seat until outgrows the seat by height or weight
At least 2 yrs in forward-facing child safety seat if rear-facing seat it too small by height or weight
4-8 yrs in booster seat if outgrown forward-facing harness seat by height or weight
Under 13 in rear seat if possible
* If a child can be placed in more than one category, then the child must be placed in the more protective category.
At least 9 yrs and fits in an adult seat belt correctly
Under 13 in rear seat if possible
Nighttime driving: 16 years, 6 months Driving with passengers: 17
15
6
50 (15) or 40 (15) if parent completes 90 minute class
16
Midnight - 5 a.m.
First 6 months: no more than 1 under 20 Second 6 months: no more than 3 under 20
Primary
7 and younger and over 57 inches 8 and over
All
Yes. Primary law.
Yes. Primary law.
Drivers with learner under 18 or provisional licenses. Primary law.
All drivers. Primary law.
None
n/a
None
n/a
GHSA has awarded grants totaling $75,000 from the National Road Safety Foundation to State Highway Safety Offices in CO, KY and MN to work with community-based groups representing underserved populations to provide safe youth mobility options like walking, biking or riding a scooter.
In 2020, through a grant from Responsibility.org and GHSA, the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) evaluated the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) process being used in the 6th Judicial District’s DWI Court.
“We erased almost 20 years of progress in reducing fatalities in the span of 24 months. Is this something we’re going to fix overnight? No, we’re not. It’s going to take some time.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2021
CONTACT: Adam Snider, 202-580-7930
202-365-8971 (after hours)
As traffic volumes rise, State Highway Safety Offices increase efforts to protect road users
Drugged driving, pedestrian safety and equity in traffic enforcement among top agenda items.
GHSA News Release
September 16, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2020
CONTACT: Adrian Nicholas, 202-580-7934, anicholas@ghsa.org
According to officials, 89 deaths were linked to impaired drivers on the roadways in 2019, and more than 3,000 DWI arrests.
Story by KARE 11
August 13, 2020
