Teen driver laws
Nighttime driving limitations
For the first six months a teen has a provisional license, they cannot be out on the roads between midnight and 5 a.m., except in these specific circumstances:
- When accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older.
- When driving to and from work.
- When driving to and from home and a school event for which the school has not provided transportation.
- When driving as part of their job.
The restriction is lifted after they have had a provisional license for six months. Learn more what the law covers regarding nighttime driving.
Passenger limitations
Teen drivers are only allowed to have one passenger under the age of 20 for the first six months they have their provisional license, unless there is also a parent or guardian in the vehicle.
For the second six months they have their license, teen drivers are limited to no more than three passengers under the age of 20 without a parent or guardian also in the vehicle.
The limit does not apply for passengers under age 20 who are members of the driver’s immediate family.
Learn more what the law covers regarding passenger limitations.
Cell phone and texting
It's illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone — whether it’s in their hand or hands-free — while behind the wheel, except to call 911 in an emergency.
Minnesota’s hands-free cell phone law bans all drivers from writing, reading or sending text messages, or accessing the internet, while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.
You can learn more about the hands-free cell phone law.
Drinking and driving
It is illegal for anyone 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.
Here is more information regarding impaired driving laws.