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 Universal helmet law repealed 1977.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
0.16
90 days
After 15 days
Highly incentivized for high BAC (0.16) and repeat convictions
Yes
No
At least 9 yrs and fits in an adult seat belt correctly
Under 13 in rear seat if possible
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.
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.
n/a
None
n/a
None
Three months into the coronavirus pandemic, the United States faces another crisis: a surge in speeding and reckless behavior on the nation's roadways.
Story by Luz Lazo
May 11, 2020
The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety used grant funding from GHSA and the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) to host a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) School October 2018 through January 2019.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2019
CONTACT: Madison Forker, 202-580-7930
As Minnesota launches a high visibility enforcement period aimed at reducing distracted driving, Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson addresses the role technology plays in distraction.
Many states have raised speed limits in recent years, a cause for concern as speeding continues to account for nearly a third of traffic deaths each year. GHSA's Kara Macek discusses the challenges posed by these increases.
Minnesota is facing a rise in traffic fatalities in 2018. Minnesota DPS Office of Traffic Safety Director Michael Hanson discusses the changes in driver behavior that will reverse the trend.
Story by Martin Moylan
January 2, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2018
Contact: Madison Forker, mforker@ghsa.org
202-789-0942 x120
Motorcycle Helmet Required?
Helmets required for all riders under 18 or with instructional permit. Universal helmet law repealed 1977.
