Nighttime Driving Limitations

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.

The nighttime limitation is lifted after the first six months of licensure.

Statute: 171.055 Subd. 2(b) 

Passenger Limitations

For the first six months of licensure: Only one 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 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 driver's immediate family are permitted.

 Statute: 171.055 Subd. 2(c) 

Cell Phone and Texting

It's illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, whether hand-held or hands-free - except to call 911 in an emergency.

It's illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read, or send text messages or access the Internet while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.

Statute: 171.055 Subd. 2(a), 169.475

Drinking and Driving

It is illegal for a person under age 21 to drive after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Drivers under the legal drinking age with an alcohol-concentration of 0.08 or higher will face regular DWI laws and sanctions.

Statute: 169A.33, 169A.20

Other Teen-Related Laws

• Instruction Permits

• Restricted Farm Work Licenses

• Seat Belts

• Not-a-Drop

• Open Bottle