Get into the Hands-Free Habit
Complacency is a dangerous thing, and old habits are hard to break. Often, once the novelty wears off a new idea or program, we go back to our old ways. But sometimes falling back into old habits can be deadly. Minnesota’s hands-free cell phone law just turned one year old on Aug. 1, and it’s safe to say the novelty has worn off and people may be getting complacent. Drivers may be slipping back into old habits and risking lives.
Our latest blog will show you the numbers from this year and help you understand just why it’s so important.
Skip the Office Visit: Renew or Replace Your Standard Driver's License Online
Minnesotans can renew their standard driver's license or ID card online if they don't need to change their name, address, signature or card number.
To renew online, visit drive.mn.gov and select Apply for or Renew a Driver's License or State ID and follow the prompts.
DPS-DVS launched the online renewal option for standard driver's licenses and ID cards on June 3, after Gov. Walz signed a bill into law waiving the photo and vision screening requirement for Minnesotans renewing or replacing their standard driver's license or ID card.
More information is on the DVS COVID-19 FAQ webpage.
Bike and Pedestrian Safety is a Two-Way Street
It’s important for drivers to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe, and vice versa. No matter your mode of transportation, traffic safety is a two-way street. For example, although bicyclist behaviors (such as not obeying a traffic signal) contribute to about half of all crashes with vehicles, driver behaviors (such as failure to yield right-of-way) contribute to the other half. And considering that pedestrians and bicyclists make up almost 15 percent of all traffic fatalities every year, their safety is a significant issue.
This blog features tips that will help you stay safe no matter how you get around.
DPS Limits Some Services in Response to COVID-19
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) has adjusted or limited some services. For the latest service updates, visit our DPS Response to COVID-19 page.
DPS is continuing to operate with many staff members working remotely to ensure social distancing.
Thank you for your patience as we all work together to get through this situation.
Tire Damage Claims Process
During the recent civil unrest in Minneapolis, State Patrol troopers and officers from other law enforcement agencies strategically punctured the tires of some vehicles. This was done because vehicles were being used as dangerous weapons, threatening the safety of law enforcement and those who were protesting peacefully.
Vehicle owners who had their tires punctured and deflated by State Patrol troopers during riots in Minneapolis may be eligible for reimbursement.
The State Patrol website has more information available in: English, Spanish, Somali and Hmong.