Minnesota Driver's Handbook 2026

Chapter 1: Your license to drive MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 21 State identification cards You can apply for a Minnesota state ID card at any office that accepts driver’s license applications. You must present proper documentation for the type of card you are applying for (Standard, REAL ID or Enhanced). You can only hold one type of card. DVS will not issue an identification card to someone who already has a valid driver’s license or instruction permit without a downgrade statement stating the person is giving up their driving privileges. Driver services fees The Minnesota Legislature sets driver services fees. You can find a complete list of driver’s license, identification card and other driver services fees at dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/license-and-id/ dl-and-id-card-fees. Expedited (fast track) services You can fast track your driver’s license or state ID card for an additional fee of $20. If your fast track your services, your driver’s license or ID will be processed within three business days, and you should receive your card via UPS within 10 business days. An adult must sign for your card when it is delivered. You may not fast track your services when applying for the first time, for enhanced driver’s licenses and ID cards, or when upgrading a license.

Chapter 2: Your vehicle MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 25 Fuel efficient techniques Keep your car in good condition ■ Tune your engine properly. ■ Keep tires properly inflated. ■ Use the recommended grade of motor oil. Drive efficiently ■ Plan and combine errands into one trip. ■ Drive sensibly; avoid speeding, rapid acceleration and sudden braking. ■ Observe the speed limit. ■ Remove unnecessary heavy items from your vehicle. ■ Use cruise control on the highway. ■ Use overdrive gears. ■ Whenever possible, take public transportation, use carpools, rideshare, bike or walk.

Chapter 3: Traffic laws and vehicle operation MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 40 Insurance Owners of motor vehicles driven on public roads must carry no-fault and liability insurance. You must have valid proof of insurance in the vehicle at all times. Failing to provide proof of insurance when asked by a law enforcement officer can lead to revocation of your driver’s license and vehicle registration. If your driving privileges are revoked for lack of insurance, you must: ■ Pass a written test. ■ Pay a $30 reinstatement fee in addition to any court fines or citations. ■ Apply for a new driver’s license. ■ Submit an insurance certificate from your insurance company. Operating an uninsured vehicle can result in the revocation of license plates and vehicle registration. Your driving privileges may be revoked for up to one year. If convicted of operating an uninsured vehicle, you may be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. Motorcycle insurance Motorcycle drivers in this state must have liability insurance that covers property damage and injuries to other people. No-fault and uninsured driver insurance coverage is optional. You can also get insurance for damage, loss or theft of the motorcycle. Registering your vehicle If you are a Minnesota resident, all of your motor vehicles that are driven on public roads must be registered with DVS. You have up to 60 days after becoming a resident to register your vehicle in Minnesota. To register your vehicle, bring the current vehicle title or registration card and your driver’s license or other valid identification to your nearest deputy registrar’s office. Cell phones You may not use a wireless communication device, like a cell phone, to compose, read or send electronic messages while driving. Electronic messages include emails, text messages and instant messages. You also may not access the internet. Exceptions: ■ Using the device to get emergency assistance ■ Reporting a crash or crime ■ Using the device in voice-activated or hands-free mode If you are convicted of two or more violations of using a wireless communication device to compose, read or send messages while driving, you will be required to pay a $275 fine in addition to the court- specified fine.

Chapter 4: Sharing the road MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 54 Zipper merge procedure ■ When you see the “lane closed ahead” sign and traffic is backing up, stay in your current lane until the point of merge. ■ Take turns with other drivers to safely and smoothly merge into the remaining lane. ■ When traffic is heavy and slow, it is safer to remain in your current lane until the point where traffic can take turns merging orderly. Benefits of the zipper merge ■ Reduces the difference in speeds between two lanes, making lane changes easier and safer. ■ Reduces the overall length of traffic backups by up to 40 percent. ■ Reduces congestion at freeway interchanges, especially in metropolitan areas. ■ Creates a sense of fairness when all lanes are moving at the same speed. ■ Reduces incidents of road rage.

Chapter 5: Signs, signals and pavement markings MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 70 Turn lanes Turn lanes near intersections separate left-turning or right-turning traffic from through traffic. White arrows, sometimes accompanied by the word “only,” indicate that drivers must stay within a designated lane while turning onto the cross street. If your vehicle is in this type of lane, you must turn. Some turn lanes have multiple arrows, allowing you to turn left or right, or to go straight. To discourage drivers from changing lanes near an intersection, turn lanes are separated from through traffic lanes by solid white lines. Center turn lanes A center lane between lanes of traffic traveling in opposite directions may be designated for left turns only. This type of lane is marked by parallel solid and dashed yellow lines. These lines are sometimes accompanied by white arrows on the pavement. Vehicles traveling in either direction can use these lanes to make left turns onto another roadway or a driveway. Road with three lanes with traffic moving in both directions. Center turn lane is reserved for traffic turning left from both directions. Reversible lanes Reversible lanes help keep traffic flowing during rush-hour periods. They are separated by dashed double yellow lines. You may cross these lines only if the overhead signal above the lane you wish to enter has a green arrow, or if a sign permits you to do so. Carpool lanes Carpool lanes are restricted to vehicles with two or more occupants. They are marked by a diamond symbol or with “Carpool Only” signs. They are usually located on the far-left side of a freeway and are separated from other traffic lanes by combinations of white or yellow lines. Warning markings Pavement messages may be used to warn you of certain conditions, such as “School Zone Ahead.” Traffic officers Law enforcement officers and other individuals direct traffic on some occasions. When an officer is present, obey any hand signals you are given rather than traffic signals, signs or pavement markings. Most traffic officers signal drivers to stop by holding up one hand with the palm facing the vehicle and giving a long blast on the whistle. Officers signal drivers to start or keep moving by motioning with the hand and giving a series of short blasts on the whistle. Officers may signal with a flashlight during low-light conditions.

Chapter 6: Driving conditions MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 85 If the hood of your vehicle suddenly opens and obstructs your view, you may be able to see through the space between the hood and the dashboard. If this is not possible, roll down the window and lean over to look past the side of the hood. Activate your hazard warning lights, slow down and steer off the road safely. Stuck gas pedal If your gas pedal sticks, you may be able to free it by hooking your toe under the pedal and raising it. If this does not work, apply the brakes and shift into neutral to disengage the engine. Next, choose a safe path and steer to the shoulder of the road. If the shoulder is not paved, switch on your hazard lights and continue steering the vehicle in a straight path until you can safely pull over to the shoulder of the road. Vehicle crash with a utility pole or power box If your car comes into contact with a utility pole, wire or power box, you should: ■ Stay in your vehicle and call 911. ■ Only get out of the vehicle if it is on fire. ■ If you must get out, jump from the vehicle with both feet together and shuffle your feet on the ground as you move away from the scene. ■ Always assume all wires and equipment are electrified. Carbon monoxide poisoning and safety tips Carbon monoxide is a deadly, odorless and colorless gas produced by engines. It can collect inside your vehicle when the windows are closed or in your garage if your engine is idling. The only cure for carbon monoxide poisoning is a good supply of fresh air. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sudden fatigue, headache, dizziness and nausea. If you experience any of these symptoms, open the windows, turn off the ignition, and get out of the vehicle or garage as soon as possible. Have the vehicle’s exhaust system inspected if you suspect it is leaking. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs most frequently during winter months when vehicle windows tend to be closed. When temperatures are cold, carbon monoxide can get trapped inside the garage even when the garage door is open completely. Carbon monoxide can seep into an attached house and render a person unconscious within a few minutes. To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and possible death: ■ Avoid idling a vehicle in a garage. A safer place to warm up a vehicle is in the driveway. ■ Avoid sitting in a vehicle with the engine idling. ■ Do not drive with all windows tightly closed. ■ Avoid idling a vehicle when stuck in the snow or mud. ■ Make sure your vehicle’s exhaust system does not leak and is not blocked. ■ Periodically allow fresh air into the vehicle by lowering the windows.

Chapter 7: Your driving privileges MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 88 Limited license Under some circumstances, a limited license may be issued to a person whose driving privileges are revoked or suspended. Before a limited license is issued, you must meet certain requirements, including completing any mandatory waiting periods. If you are issued a limited license, you are restricted to: ■ Traveling to and from your place of employment. ■ Traveling to and from chemical dependency treatment or counseling. ■ Providing transportation for dependent children and other dependents living in your household for medical, educational or nutritional needs. ■ Traveling to and from a post-secondary institution where you are enrolled. Cancellation Your license may be canceled if you do not have a legal right to the driver’s license issued to you. Your license may be canceled if you: ■ Acquire a mental or physical disability that makes you unable to drive safely. ■ Do not pass a test legally requested by DPS to determine your ability to drive safely. ■ Give false or misleading information on your license application. Your license will be canceled for 60 days or until the correct information is provided, whichever is longer. ■ Commit a crime for which cancellation of your license is a legal punishment. ■ Do not qualify for a driver’s license under Minnesota law. Commercial driver’s license disqualification You can lose your commercial driver’s license privileges for committing certain driving offenses. See the Minnesota Commercial Driver’s License Manual for information about commercial driver’s license requirements.

Chapter 8: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 94 Other laws related to alcohol and controlled substances Cannabis It is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of a cannabis product, lower-potency hemp edible, a hemp-derived consumer product, an artificially derived cannabinoid or tetrahydrocannabinols. Use It is illegal for you to use cannabis flower, a cannabis product, lower-potency hemp edible, a hemp- derived consumer product, an artificially derived cannabinoid or any other product containing an artificially derived cannabinoid in a vehicle when the vehicle is on a street or highway. Possession and open package law It is illegal to possess cannabis flower or products, lower-potency hemp edibles, hemp-derived consumer products or any other products containing artificially derived cannabinoids in a private motor vehicle on a street or highway if: ■ The packaging has been opened or the seal broken ■ Part of the contents have been removed from the packaging You may keep these products in the trunk of a vehicle or, if the vehicle does not have a trunk, in another area of the vehicle not normally occupied by the driver and passengers. You must not keep these prod- ucts in the utility compartment or glove compartment of a vehicle. If the owner of a private vehicle is not present in the vehicle, it is also illegal for the owner to keep or allow these products to be kept in the vehicle when the vehicle is on a street or highway if: ■ The packaging has been opened or the seal broken. ■ Part of the contents have been removed from the packaging. Open container You must not drink or have an open container of any alcoholic beverage inside a motor vehicle when it is on a public street or highway. It is also unlawful to allow a passenger to drink, or to have an open container of, any alcoholic beverage inside a motor vehicle. Controlled substances in motor vehicles You must not use, possess or sell controlled substances in a motor vehicle. Information directory and index This chapter helps you locate services and information related to driving in Minnesota. Web services Online services and information are available at drive.mn.gov. Here’s a sample of what you can do: ■ Schedule or reschedule a road or Class D written test. ■ Check to see if your driving privileges are valid. ■ Report the sale of a vehicle. ■ Renew your vehicle registration. ■ Find the location of the office nearest to you. ■ Print a driver’s license manual. ■ Download forms and information related to driver’s licenses and the operation and ownership of a motor vehicle. ■ Find approved driver education schools and improvement clinics. Office locations Driver’s license and motor vehicle services are available at more than 200 locations throughout the state. Office location information is available 24/7. Visit dps.mn.gov/mydvs or call 651-297-2005. Contacts Email: dvs.driverslicense@state.mn.us Road test scheduling (metro only) ......................................................................................651-284-1234 Office locations .................................................................................................................... 651-297-2005 Driver’s license information ................................................................................................651-297-3298 Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) information ................................................................651-297-5029 Driver evaluation ................................................................................................................. 651-296-2025 Ignition interlock ................................................................................................................. 651-296-2948 No-fault insurance compliance............................................................................................651-296-2025 Impounded plates ............................................................................................................... 651-297-5034 Vehicle registration and title ...............................................................................................651-297-2126 Specialty plates.................................................................................................................... 651-297-3166 Customer assistance for hearing impaired..........................................................................651-282-6555 95 MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL Information directory and index MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 96 Other state services State Patrol information line ...............................................................................................651-201-7100 MnDOT road conditions ........................................................................................ 511 or visit 511mn.org MnDOT motor carrier services ............................................................................................651-215-6330 Consumer information from the attorney general Office line ............................................................................................................................ 651-296-3353 Toll-free ............................................................................................................................... 800-657-3787 Minnesota relay for hearing impaired .................................................................................800-627-3529 Website: ag.state.mn.us/office/contactus.asp Voter registration When you apply for or renew a driver’s license or identification card and provide documentation of citizenship (such as a U.S. Passport, U.S. Birth Certificate or Certificate of Citizenship), your data will be automatically sent to the Office of the Secretary of State to register you to vote. If you have previously applied for a credential in Minnesota, DVS may no longer have a record of the documents you used to prove identity. You can provide documentation demonstrating citizenship to start the voter registration process under the new system. DVS will not send your data to the Office of the Secretary of State if you provided these documents before Oct. 1, 2023. If you do not wish to be registered to vote after providing DVS with citizenship documents, you must opt out with the Office of the Secretary of State. More information about voting can be found at: sos.mn.gov/elections-voting/register-to-vote Organ, eye and tissue donation Donating organs is a beautiful and selfless act that can save and heal up to 75 lives. The need for donors is significant, with thousands of people waiting for life-saving or life-enhancing transplants. When you apply for a Minnesota license or identification card, you can indicate your wish to become a donor after death. This indication serves as your consent. It is also important to share your decision with your family. Drivers under the age of 18 can also designate themselves as donors with their parent’s consent. ■ Organs: Heart, lungs, liver, kidney, pancreas and intestines. ■ Eyes: Whole eyes or corneas to help restore sight. ■ Tissue: Used for reconstructive surgeries to repair damaged skin, heart defects and more. Information directory and index MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 97 Organs are allocated to recipients based on medical urgency, length of time waiting, genetic matching and geography. Additional Information: ■ The donation process does not prevent an open casket funeral. ■ There is no charge for donation to the donor or their family. ■ For more information about donating organs or tissue, visit donatelifemn.org or contact: LifeSource at 1-888-5-DONATE (1-888-536-6283) or visit life-source.org. ■ For information about donating whole eyes or corneas, contact the Lions Gift of Sight at 1-866-88-SIGHT (1-866-887-4448) or visit lionsgiftofsight.umn.edu. ■ For more information about donating tissue, contact American Donor Services at 1-877-365-DON8 (1-877-365-3668) or visit americandonorservices.org. Information directory and index MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 98 Index Aggressive driving.................................................................................................................................. 78 Airbags................................................................................................................................... 1, 23, 39, 50 Alcohol and driving................................................................................................................................ 89 Animal safety......................................................................................................................................... 39 Bicycles ............................................................................................................................................ 47, 48 Blind spots............................................................................................................................................. 28 Campers and trailers ............................................................................................................................. 78 Carbon monoxide .................................................................................................................................. 85 Careless and reckless driving................................................................................................................. 44 Carrying a projecting load ..................................................................................................................... 78 Changing lanes ................................................................................................................................ 28, 51 Child safety seat .................................................................................................................................... 38 Commercial vehicles........................................................................................................................ 50, 51 Crashes ...................................................................................................................................... 49, 77, 89 Driver’s license Active military service....................................................................................................................... 20 Applying for a license........................................................................................................................ 10 Bring identification ............................................................................................................................. 9 Commercial driver’s license disqualification..................................................................................... 88 Commercial driver’s licenses ................................................................................................ 88, 93, 95 Drugs and driving.............................................................................................................................. 89 Emergency vehicle ...............................................................................................27, 30, 33, 44, 64, 76 Endorsements............................................................................................................................. 18, 19 Fees.................................................................................................... 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 16, 17, 21, 40, 87 Getting your license ............................................................................................................................ 8 Graduated Driver’s Licensing ............................................................................................................ 15 Instruction permit.................................................................... 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 77 license classifications........................................................................................................................ 18 Name change................................................................................................................................ 9, 10 Peace Corps and federal foreign service employees ........................................................................ 20 Provisional license .................................................................................................7, 14, 15, 16, 17, 77 Renewal and replacement ................................................................................................................ 20 Revocation ........................................................................................................................................ 87 Road test....................................................................................................................................... 6, 95 Suspension........................................................................................................................................ 86 Vision screening.......................................................................................................................... 12, 15 Who cannot be licensed ..................................................................................................................... 9 Who does not need a Minnesota license ........................................................................................... 8 Written test........................................................................................ 2, 6, 8, 11, 15, 16, 17, 40, 87, 95 Driving while impaired ..................................................................................................................... 89 Information directory and index MINNESOTA DRIVER’S MANUAL 99 Fleeing a police officer .......................................................................................................................... 46 Freeway driving ..................................................................................................................................... 73 Highway work zones.............................................................................................................................. 53 Identification cards...............................................................................................................2, 3, 8, 11, 21 Ignition Interlock ............................................................................................................................. 92, 93 Impaired drivers .................................................................................................................................... 89 J-turns.................................................................................................................................................... 32 Lanes Changing lanes............................................................................................................................ 28, 51 Lane markings................................................................................................................................... 68 Lane use control signals.................................................................................................................... 67 Traffic lanes....................................................................................................................................... 27 Motorcycles..................................................................................................................................... 18, 49 Motorized bicycles .......................................................................................................................... 18, 49 Parking................................................................................................................................. 35, 36, 56, 58 Passing..........................................................................................................27, 34, 42, 44, 48, 50, 59, 68 Pavement markings ......................................................................................................................... 58, 68 Pedestrians................................... 5, 13, 27, 28, 30, 35, 41, 43, 47, 48, 49, 50, 56, 59, 65, 66, 71, 82, 90 Railroad Crossings ........................................................................................................................... 58, 59 Registering your vehicle ........................................................................................................................ 40 Right of way and yielding ...................................................................................................................... 43 Roundabouts ......................................................................................................................................... 30 Safety seat ............................................................................................................................................. 38 School buses.................................................................................................................................... 23, 41 School safety patrol............................................................................................................................... 43 Seat belts..........................................................................................................................6, 12, 13, 23, 37 Signaling ................................................................................................................................................ 27 Signs .................................................................................................................................3, 52, 55, 57, 62 Speed limits ............................................................................................................................... 26, 27, 53 Stopping .............................................................................................................................. 41, 51, 72, 76 Traffic crash ............................................................................................................................... 13, 39, 86 Traffic laws......................................................................................................................................... 3, 26 Traffic signal......................................................................................................................... 41, 49, 57, 64 Turns................................................................................................................................................ 28, 61 Vehicle requirements ............................................................................................................................ 22 What to do and expect when stopped by law enforcement ................................................................. 45 Winter driving........................................................................................................................................ 79 Zipper merge ................................................................................................................................... 53, 54 drive.mn.gov