Minnesota Laws for Newly Licensed Teen Drivers
Every driver under the age of 18 who completed behind the wheel instruction and is testing for a provisional driver's license must submit a driving log showing the dates and lengths of drive time for each supervised trip. The supervised driving log must be signed by a parent or guardian.
Nighttime Driving Limitation
For the first six months of licensure: Driving is prohibited midnight - 5 a.m.
Exemptions: Driving when accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older; driving between home and place of employment; driving to/from home and a school event for which the school has not provided transportation; driving for employment purposes.
Teen Passenger Limitations
For the first six-months of licensure: Only one (1) passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
For the second six-months of licensure: No more than three (3) passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Exemption: Passengers under age 20 who are members of the immediate family are permitted.
Seat Belt Use
Drivers and passengers under age 18 must wear a seat belt or be properly secured in a child restraint.
Cell Phone and Texting Restrictions
It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cellular/wireless phone, whether hand-held or hands-free--except to call 911 in an emergency. A new law has made it illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read, or send text messages or access the internet on a wireless device while on the road.
Drinking and Driving
It is illegal for a person under age 21 to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol. Consequences for underage drinking and driving are loss of license for at least 30 days and court fines.
Teen drivers with a provisional license whose driving privileges are revoked from a crash or alcohol/controlled substance-related violation cannot regain a license until age 18.
Parents' Role in Developing Safe Teen Drivers
Reinforce these teen driving laws and follow through with your own consequences if violations occur.
Monitor and train teen drivers--even after licensure. Teens need supervised exposure in a variety of driving conditions and environments.
Be a positive role model: buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention, and don't drive aggressively.
For more on teen driving, visit www.dps.state.mn.us/ots/teens