Minnesota
Minnesota Reckless Driving Laws: Penalties, Racing and License Rules
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 25, 2026). · 22 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Minnesota makes reckless driving a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statutes 169.13: driving while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driving may harm another person or property is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and becomes a gross misdemeanor if it causes great bodily harm or death. Racing counts as reckless driving, careless driving is a separate misdemeanor in the same section, Minnesota has no license point system, and driving over 100 mph brings a six-month license revocation, or a longer minimum period where 169A.53, 169A.54 or 171.174 applies.
Information last verified on 2026-10-25. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Minnesota state statutes on reckless driving, racing and careless driving (Minn. Stat. 169.13), speeding rules in chapter 169, license revocation and suspension in chapter 171, fleeing a peace officer, and driving without a valid license or after suspension, revocation or cancellation. It does not cover DWI penalties (see Minnesota DUI and DWI laws), criminal vehicular homicide (see Minnesota manslaughter laws), leaving the scene of a crash (see Minnesota hit-and-run laws), city ordinances, or commercial-driver rules beyond a short note. For other states, see reckless driving laws by state.
What is reckless driving in Minnesota?
Minnesota Statutes 169.13, subdivision 1(a), provides:
"A person who drives a motor vehicle or light rail transit vehicle while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driving may result in harm to another or another's property is guilty of reckless driving. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that disregard of it constitutes a significant deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the situation." Minn. Stat. 169.13, subd. 1(a)
The offense has three parts: driving a motor vehicle or light rail transit vehicle, being aware of a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driving may harm someone or someone's property, and consciously disregarding that risk. The second sentence sets the size of the risk: disregarding it must be "a significant deviation" from what a reasonable person would do.
Racing is reckless driving
Subdivision 1(b) folds racing into the offense:
"A person shall not race any vehicle upon any street or highway of this state. Any person who willfully compares or contests relative speeds by operating one or more vehicles is guilty of racing, which constitutes reckless driving, whether or not the speed contested or compared is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law." Minn. Stat. 169.13, subd. 1(b)
Chapter 169 contains no separate aggressive-driving, street-takeover, burnout, stunt or exhibition-of-speed section, so racing on a street or highway falls under this subdivision.
Where the law applies
Most of chapter 169 governs driving on highways. Section 169.02, subdivision 1(2), makes an exception: sections 169.09 to 169.13 "apply to any person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a motor vehicle within this state or upon the ice of any boundary water of this state," and to snowmobiles on snowmobile trails.
Section 169.13 itself names two places. Subdivision 3(a) provides: "The provisions of this section apply, but are not limited in application, to any person who drives any vehicle in the manner prohibited by this section: (1) upon the ice of any lake, stream, or river, including but not limited to the ice of any boundary water; or (2) in a parking lot ordinarily used by or available to the public though not as a matter of right, and a driveway connecting the parking lot with a street or highway."
Subdivision 3(b) provides that the section does not apply to an authorized emergency vehicle "when responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator," to "the emergency operation of any vehicle when avoiding imminent danger," or to "any raceway, racing facility, or other public event sanctioned by the appropriate governmental authority." Section 169.17 adds that the speed exemption for emergency vehicles does not "protect the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the consequence of a reckless disregard of the safety of others."
Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Minnesota? Penalties
Yes. Section 169.13, subdivision 1(c), provides: "A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b) is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b) and causes great bodily harm or death to another is guilty of a gross misdemeanor." Subdivision 1(d) gives "great bodily harm" the meaning in section 609.02, subdivision 8.
- Misdemeanor: under 609.02, subdivision 3, "a crime for which a sentence of not more than 90 days or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both, may be imposed."
- Gross misdemeanor (great bodily harm or death): under 609.03, clause (2), "imprisonment for not more than 364 days or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both."
The section has no repeat-offense tier and no felony tier. Repeat violations matter through the license revocation rules below. Deaths caused by driving are charged under separate statutes, including criminal vehicular homicide under section 609.2112; see Minnesota manslaughter laws.
Careless driving in Minnesota
Careless driving sits in the same section. Section 169.13, subdivision 2(a), provides:
"Any person who operates or halts any vehicle upon any street or highway carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the driver or passengers of the vehicle, is guilty of a misdemeanor." Minn. Stat. 169.13, subd. 2(a)
The difference is the mental state. Reckless driving requires awareness and conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk; careless driving reaches careless or heedless driving, or driving that endangers or is likely to endanger people or property. Careless driving covers halting a vehicle as well as operating it, and as a misdemeanor it carries up to 90 days, $1,000, or both.
Other chapter 169 violations
Section 169.89, subdivision 1, sets the default grade for chapter 169: unless the chapter declares otherwise, a violation is a petty misdemeanor, which under subdivision 2 is tried without a jury and punished by "a fine of not more than $300," with no imprisonment. A violation becomes a misdemeanor when it "is committed in a manner or under circumstances so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property," or when a petty misdemeanor violation (other than unattended-vehicle parking and standing violations) is "preceded by two or more petty misdemeanor convictions within the immediate preceding 12-month period."
Under 169.89, subdivision 5, the trial court may order a person convicted of a chapter 169 violation to complete an approved driver improvement clinic, "In conjunction with or in lieu of other penalties provided by law."
How fast is reckless driving in Minnesota?
Section 169.13 sets no speed at which driving becomes reckless. Chapter 169 handles speed in three other ways.
- Duty of due care. Section 169.14, subdivision 1, provides: "No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions." Ordinary speeding is graded under the petty misdemeanor default in 169.89.
- 20 mph or more over. Under 169.14, subdivision 2(d), a person who drives "20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable speed limit, is assessed an additional surcharge equal to the amount of the fine imposed for the speed violation, but not less than $25."
- Over 100 mph. Under 169.14, subdivision 1a, the license of a person who violates a speed limit "by driving in excess of 100 miles per hour, is revoked for six months under section 171.17, or for a longer minimum period of time applicable under section 169A.53, 169A.54, or 171.174." Section 171.17, subdivision 1(a)(11), repeats the six-month revocation.
Driving over 100 mph is not labeled reckless driving in either section; it is a revocation ground in its own right.
Points and license consequences in Minnesota
No point system. Minnesota's driver's license chapter, chapter 171, has no point system; the word "points" appears there only in a school-bus clause. License consequences for reckless and careless driving come from revocation and suspension rules.
Mandatory revocation (171.17). Under section 171.17, subdivision 1(a), the commissioner "must immediately revoke the license of a driver upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of" listed offenses, including:
- manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle under section 609.20 or 609.205;
- criminal vehicular homicide or injury under section 609.2112, 609.2113 or 609.2114;
- a violation of section 169A.20 (DWI) or 609.487 (fleeing a peace officer);
- a felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used;
- "except as this section otherwise provides, three charges of violating within a period of 12 months any of the provisions of chapter 169 or of the rules or municipal ordinances enacted in conformance with chapter 169, for which the accused may be punished upon conviction by imprisonment"; and
- driving in excess of 100 miles per hour (six months).
A misdemeanor under section 169.13 may be punished by up to 90 days (609.02, subdivision 3), so it is a chapter 169 violation punishable by imprisonment within clause (7).
Discretionary suspension (171.18). The commissioner may suspend the license of a driver who, among other grounds, "has been convicted by a court for violating a provision of chapter 169 or an ordinance regulating traffic, other than a conviction for a petty misdemeanor," where "department records show that the violation contributed in causing an accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another, or serious property damage"; "is an habitually reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle"; or "is an habitual violator of the traffic laws." Under 171.18, subdivision 1(b), the commissioner may not suspend a license on those grounds because of a conviction under section 171.24, subdivision 1 or 2.
No limited license after a fatal reckless driving case. Under 171.30, subdivision 5(1)(iii), the commissioner "may not issue a limited license to a person whose driver's license has been suspended or revoked due to" a violation of "169.13, subdivision 1, that contributed to causing death to another."
Provisional licenses. To move from an instruction permit to a provisional license, an applicant must have incurred, among other conditions, "no convictions for a crash-related moving violation, and ... no convictions for a moving violation that is not crash related" while holding the permit (171.055, subdivision 1(a)(2)).
Wet reckless in Minnesota
Chapter 169A, Minnesota's DWI chapter, does not use the word "reckless" and does not refer to section 169.13. It contains no provision on an alcohol-related reckless driving plea or on counting a reckless driving conviction as a prior impaired-driving offense. For DWI penalties and license revocation, see Minnesota DUI and DWI laws.
Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle
Section 609.487, subdivision 3, provides that whoever "by means of a motor vehicle flees or attempts to flee a peace officer who is acting in the lawful discharge of an official duty," "and the perpetrator knows or should reasonably know the same to be a peace officer, is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years and one day or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both." Under subdivision 4, if the course of fleeing causes a death not constituting murder or manslaughter, the maximum is 40 years, a fine of $80,000, or both; for great bodily harm, 7 years, $14,000, or both; and for substantial bodily harm, 5 years, $10,000, or both. Under subdivision 5, when a person is convicted under subdivision 3 or 4, "the court shall notify the commissioner of public safety and order the commissioner to revoke the driver's license of the person." Section 171.174 sets the revocation at not less than one year for a first subdivision 3 offense, three years for a second or later, and ten, seven or five years for the subdivision 4 death, great-bodily-harm and substantial-bodily-harm tiers.
Driving without a valid license or after suspension
No valid license. Section 171.02, subdivision 1(a), provides that, "Except when expressly exempted, a person shall not drive a motor vehicle upon a street or highway in this state unless the person has a valid license under this chapter for the type or class of vehicle being driven." Under section 171.241, "It is a misdemeanor for any person to willfully violate any of the provisions of this chapter unless the violation is declared by any law to be a felony or gross misdemeanor, or the violation is declared by a section of this chapter to be a misdemeanor."
Not carrying the license. Section 171.08 requires every licensee to have the license "in immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle." It also provides that, "Unless the person is the holder of a limited license issued under section 171.30, no person charged with violating the possession requirement shall be convicted if the person produces in court or the office of the arresting officer a driver's license previously issued to that person for the class of vehicle being driven which was valid at the time of arrest," or other satisfactory proof.
Driving after suspension. Under section 171.24, subdivision 1, except as subdivision 5 provides, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person's license or driving privilege has been suspended, the person "has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the suspension," and the person disobeys the order by driving any motor vehicle in Minnesota. Driving after revocation (subdivision 2(a)) and after cancellation (subdivision 3) are also misdemeanors. Since August 1, 2025 (Laws 2025, chapter 29, for crimes committed on or after that date), driving after revocation is a gross misdemeanor "if the person is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle unless the person participates in the ignition interlock device program" (subdivision 2(b)). Subdivision 5 makes driving after a cancellation or denial under section 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (10), a gross misdemeanor.
Minnesota offense table
| Offense | Statute | What it prohibits | Class | Statutory penalty range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reckless driving | Minn. Stat. 169.13, subd. 1(a), (c) | Driving while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm to people or property | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days, $1,000, or both |
| Reckless driving causing great bodily harm or death | Minn. Stat. 169.13, subd. 1(c) | Reckless driving that causes great bodily harm or death to another | Gross misdemeanor | Up to 364 days, $3,000, or both |
| Racing | Minn. Stat. 169.13, subd. 1(b), (c) | Racing on a street or highway, or willfully comparing or contesting speeds | Misdemeanor; gross misdemeanor with great bodily harm or death | Misdemeanor: up to 90 days and $1,000. Gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days and $3,000 |
| Careless driving | Minn. Stat. 169.13, subd. 2(a) | Driving or halting carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of others' rights, or in a way that endangers or is likely to endanger | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days, $1,000, or both |
| Chapter 169 violation with no other grade (including ordinary speeding) | Minn. Stat. 169.89, subd. 1, 2 | Any act chapter 169 forbids, not committed in an endangering manner and without two prior petty misdemeanors in 12 months | Petty misdemeanor | Fine up to $300; no imprisonment |
| Fleeing a peace officer in a motor vehicle | Minn. Stat. 609.487, subd. 3 | Fleeing or attempting to flee a known peace officer by motor vehicle | Felony | Up to 3 years and 1 day, $5,000, or both |
| Fleeing causing substantial bodily harm | Minn. Stat. 609.487, subd. 4(c) | Fleeing by motor vehicle where the course of fleeing results in substantial bodily harm | Felony | Up to 5 years, $10,000, or both |
| Fleeing causing great bodily harm | Minn. Stat. 609.487, subd. 4(b) | Fleeing by motor vehicle where the course of fleeing results in great bodily harm | Felony | Up to 7 years, $14,000, or both |
| Fleeing causing death | Minn. Stat. 609.487, subd. 4(a) | Fleeing by motor vehicle where the course of fleeing results in a death not constituting murder or manslaughter | Felony | Up to 40 years, $80,000, or both |
| Driving after suspension | Minn. Stat. 171.24, subd. 1 | Driving while suspended, with notice or reason to know | Misdemeanor | Up to 90 days, $1,000, or both |
| Driving after revocation or cancellation | Minn. Stat. 171.24, subds. 2, 3, 5 | Driving while revoked or canceled, with notice or reason to know | Misdemeanor; gross misdemeanor under subd. 2(b) (interlock restriction, since August 1, 2025) or subd. 5 (cancellation or denial under 171.04, subd. 1(10)) | Misdemeanor: up to 90 days and $1,000. Gross misdemeanor: up to 364 days and $3,000 |
| Willful violation of chapter 171 (including driving without a valid license) | Minn. Stat. 171.241; 171.02, subd. 1(a) | Driving on a street or highway without a valid license, unless expressly exempted | Misdemeanor, unless another law declares a different grade | Up to 90 days, $1,000, or both |
The misdemeanor and petty misdemeanor definitions come from section 609.02, subdivisions 3 and 4a, and the gross misdemeanor maximum from section 609.03, clause (2), last amended in 2023 (Laws 2023, chapter 52); section 609.02, subdivision 4, separately caps the gross misdemeanor fine at $3,000. For the full class table, see Minnesota felony and misdemeanor classes.
Commercial drivers
Under Minnesota Statutes 171.165, subdivision 1, subject to section 171.166, the commissioner disqualifies commercial drivers according to the federal disqualification rules in 49 C.F.R. part 383, subpart D. Those federal rules treat reckless driving "as defined by State or local law" as a serious traffic violation for CDL holders: a second conviction from a separate incident within three years brings a 60-day disqualification from commercial driving, and a third brings 120 days (49 C.F.R. 383.51, Table 2). A conviction in a personal vehicle counts only if it results in the revocation, cancellation or suspension of the license or non-commercial driving privileges; the reckless driving laws by state hub covers the federal layer.
Recent changes
Subdivisions 1 and 2 of section 169.13 were last amended in 2019 (Laws 2019, chapter 10), and no later session law through the 2026 regular session amends the section. Section 171.17, subdivision 1, was amended in 2024 (Laws 2024, chapter 85) and in the 2025 First Special Session (chapter 8, article 2), and section 171.24 in 2025 (Laws 2025, chapter 29). The text described on this page is the 2025 edition of Minnesota Statutes.
Related Minnesota laws
- Reckless driving laws by state
- Minnesota DUI and DWI laws
- Minnesota manslaughter laws
- Minnesota felony and misdemeanor classes
- Minnesota hit-and-run laws
- Minnesota expungement laws
This article is general legal information about Minnesota law, not legal advice. For a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Minnesota, or Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services for driver's license questions.
Last updated: 2026-10-25.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is reckless driving a misdemeanor in Minnesota?
Yes. Under Minnesota Statutes 169.13, subd. 1(c), reckless driving is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days, a $1,000 fine, or both. It is a gross misdemeanor, up to 364 days and $3,000, if it causes great bodily harm or death to another.
What counts as reckless driving in Minnesota?
Driving while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driving may harm another person or property, where disregarding the risk is a significant deviation from how a reasonable person would act (169.13, subd. 1(a)). Racing is also reckless driving.
What is the difference between reckless and careless driving in Minnesota?
Reckless driving requires conscious disregard of a substantial and unjustifiable risk of harm. Careless driving under 169.13, subd. 2 covers driving carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of others' rights or in a way that endangers or is likely to endanger people or property. Both are misdemeanors, and reckless driving becomes a gross misdemeanor if it causes great bodily harm or death.
How fast is reckless driving in Minnesota?
Section 169.13 sets no speed figure. Separately, driving over 100 mph revokes the license for six months, or for a longer minimum period under 169A.53, 169A.54 or 171.174 (169.14, subd. 1a), and driving 20 mph or more over the limit adds a surcharge equal to the fine, at least $25 (169.14, subd. 2(d)).
How many points is reckless driving in Minnesota?
None. Minnesota's driver's license chapter, 171, has no point system. License consequences come from revocation and suspension rules such as 171.17 and 171.18.
Can you get reckless driving in a parking lot in Minnesota?
Yes. Section 169.13, subd. 3 applies the reckless and careless driving rules in a parking lot ordinarily used by or available to the public, and on the driveway connecting it to a street or highway, as well as on lake and river ice.
Does Minnesota have a wet reckless?
Chapter 169A, Minnesota's DWI chapter, does not use the word reckless and does not refer to section 169.13. For DWI penalties, see the Minnesota DUI and DWI laws page.
Is street racing illegal in Minnesota?
Yes. Under 169.13, subd. 1(b), a person shall not race any vehicle on a street or highway, and willfully comparing or contesting speeds is racing, which constitutes reckless driving. It is a misdemeanor, or a gross misdemeanor with great bodily harm or death.
What is the penalty for driving without a license in Minnesota?
Section 171.02 requires a valid license to drive on a street or highway, and 171.241 makes a willful violation of chapter 171 a misdemeanor unless another law declares a different grade. Driving after suspension is a misdemeanor under 171.24, subd. 1, and driving after revocation or cancellation is a misdemeanor or, in the cases subdivisions 2(b) and 5 list, a gross misdemeanor.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169: TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
§ 169.13RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVINGIn force
Subdivision 1. Reckless driving. (a) A person who drives a motor vehicle or light rail transit vehicle while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driving may result in harm to another or another's property is guilty of reckless driving. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that disregard of it constitutes a significant deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the situation. (b) A person shall not race any vehicle upon any street or highway of this state. Any person who willfully compares or contests relative speeds by operating one or more vehicles is guilty of racing, which constitutes reckless driving, whether or not the speed contested or compared is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law. (c) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b) is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b) and causes great bodily harm or death to another is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. (d) For purposes of this section, "great bodily harm" has the meaning given in section 609.02, subdivision 8. Subd. 2. Careless driving.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
§ 169.14SPEED LIMITS, ZONES; RADARIn forcecited in 3 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Duty to drive with due care. No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. Every driver is responsible for becoming and remaining aware of the actual and potential hazards then existing on the highway and must use due care in operating a vehicle. In every event speed shall be so restricted as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care. Subd. 1a. License revocation for extreme speed. The driver's license of a person who violates any speed limit established in this section, by driving in excess of 100 miles per hour, is revoked for six months under section 171.17, or for a longer minimum period of time applicable under section 169A.53, 169A.54, or 171.174. Subd. 2. Speed limits.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 53 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Nusbaum v. County of Blue Earth (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1988, 422 N.W.2d 713)“…h to the Saltzman Resort. This request was made pursuant to Minn.Stat. § 169.14, subd. 5 (1986), which provides:…”
- State v. Loge (Supreme Court of Minnesota 2000, 608 N.W.2d 152)“…intent to prove a violation of the statute. See generally Minn.Stat. § 169.14 (1998) (speeding); Butler v. Engel,…”
- State v. Stone (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1997, 572 N.W.2d 725)“…iver's license (Minn.Stat. § 171.27 (1996)); 6. Speeding (Minn.Stat. § 169.14 (1996)); 7. Driving with no seat belt…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Traffic Camera Ticket Laws: The 2025-2029 Pilot Program Explained, Are Radar Detectors Legal? State Laws Explained (2026)
§ 169.89PENALTIESIn forcecited in 4 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Violation; when petty misdemeanor enhanced to misdemeanor. Unless otherwise declared in this chapter with respect to particular offenses, it is a petty misdemeanor for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required by this chapter; except that: (1) a violation which is committed in a manner or under circumstances so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property; or (2) exclusive of violations relating to the standing or parking of an unattended vehicle, a violation of any of the provisions of this chapter, classified therein as a petty misdemeanor, when preceded by two or more petty misdemeanor convictions within the immediate preceding 12-month period; is a misdemeanor to which the provisions of subdivision 2 shall not apply. Subd. 2. Petty misdemeanor penalty; no jury trial. A person charged with a petty misdemeanor is not entitled to a jury trial but shall be tried by a judge without a jury. If convicted, the person is not subject to imprisonment but shall be punished by a fine of not more than $300. Subd. 3. [Obsolete] Subd. 4. Driver's record.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Cited in 23 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2016
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- State v. Johnson (Supreme Court of Minnesota 1994, 514 N.W.2d 551)“…on in a year, he was charged with a misdemeanor pursuant to Minn.Stat. § 169.89, subd. I. 2 Appellant…”
- State v. Batzer (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 1989, 448 N.W.2d 565)“…ty misdemeanor and would result in a maximum fine of $100. Minn. Stat. § 169.89 , subd. 1(b). Appellant, however, had t…”
- State v. Host (Court of Appeals of Minnesota 1984, 350 N.W.2d 479)“…lties provided in section 169.89 apply. Id. Minn.Stat. § 169.89 (1982) in turn provides: Unless…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Minnesota Window Tint Laws (2026): Legal VLT Limits, Minnesota Windshield Mounting Laws (2026 Guide), Minnesota E-Scooter Laws: Sidewalk, Helmet & Age Rules (2026)
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 171: DRIVERS' LICENSES AND TRAINING SCHOOLS
§ 171.17REVOCATIONIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Offenses. (a) The commissioner must immediately revoke the license of a driver upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of: (1) manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle under section 609.20 or 609.205; (2) criminal vehicular homicide or injury under section 609.2112, 609.2113, or 609.2114, or Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 609.21; (3) a violation of section 169A.20 or 609.487; (4) a felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used; (5) failure to stop and disclose identity and render aid, as required under section 169.09, in the event of a motor vehicle accident, resulting in the death or personal injury of another; (6) perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement to the commissioner under any law relating to the application, ownership, or operation of a motor vehicle, including on the certification required under section 171.05, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (1), item (ii), subitem (C), to issue an instruction permit to a homeschool student; (7) except as this section otherwise provides, three charges of violating within a period of 12 months any of the provisions of chapter 169 or of the rules or…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Also relied on in: Minnesota Manslaughter Laws: Degrees and Vehicular Homicide (2026)
§ 171.18SUSPENSIONIn force
Subdivision 1. Offenses. (a) Subject to section 171.16, the commissioner may suspend the license of a driver without preliminary hearing upon a showing by department records or other sufficient evidence that the licensee: (1) has committed an offense for which mandatory revocation of license is required upon conviction; (2) has been convicted by a court for violating a provision of chapter 169 or an ordinance regulating traffic, other than a conviction for a petty misdemeanor, and department records show that the violation contributed in causing an accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another, or serious property damage; (3) is an habitually reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle; (4) is an habitual violator of the traffic laws; (5) is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle as determined in a judicial proceeding; (6) has permitted an unlawful or fraudulent use of the license; (7) has committed an offense in another state that, if committed in this state, would be grounds for suspension; (8) has committed a violation of section 169.444, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), within five years of a prior conviction under that section; (9) has committed a violation of…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
§ 171.24VIOLATIONS; DRIVING WITHOUT VALID LICENSEIn force
Subdivision 1. Driving after suspension; misdemeanor. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if: (1) the person's driver's license or driving privilege has been suspended; (2) the person has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the suspension; and (3) the person disobeys the order by operating in this state any motor vehicle, the operation of which requires a driver's license, while the person's license or privilege is suspended. Subd. 2. Driving after revocation; penalties. (a) A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if: (1) the person's driver's license or driving privilege has been revoked; (2) the person has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the revocation; and (3) the person disobeys the order by operating in this state any motor vehicle, the operation of which requires a driver's license, while the person's license or privilege is revoked. (b) A person who violates paragraph (a) is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle unless the person participates in the ignition interlock device program. Subd. 3. Driving after cancellation; misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
§ 171.30LIMITED LICENSEIn force
Subdivision 1. Conditions of issuance. (a) The commissioner may issue a limited license to the driver under the conditions in paragraph (b) in any case where a person's license has been: (1) suspended under section 171.18, 171.173, 171.186, or 171.187; (2) revoked, canceled, or denied under section: (i) 169.792; (ii) 169.797; (iii) 169A.52: (A) subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2); or (B) subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2), if the test results indicate an alcohol concentration of less than twice the legal limit; (iv) 171.17; or (v) 171.172; (3) revoked, canceled, or denied under section 169A.54: (i) subdivision 1, clause (1), if the test results indicate an alcohol concentration of less than twice the legal limit; (ii) subdivision 1, clause (2); or (iii) subdivision 2, if the person does not have a qualified prior impaired driving incident as defined in section 169A.03, subdivision 22, on the person's record, and the test results indicate an alcohol concentration of less than twice the legal limit; or (4) revoked, canceled, or denied under section 171.177: (i) subdivision 4, paragraph (a), clause (1) or (2); or (ii) subdivision 5, paragraph (a), clause (1)…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 609: CRIMINAL CODE
§ 609.487FLEEING PEACE OFFICER; MOTOR VEHICLE; OTHERIn forcecited in 2 of our articles
Subdivision 1. Flee; definition. For purposes of this section, the term "flee" means to increase speed, extinguish motor vehicle headlights or taillights, refuse to stop the vehicle, or use other means with intent to attempt to elude a peace officer following a signal given by any peace officer to the driver of a motor vehicle. Subd. 2. Peace officer; definition. For purposes of this section, "peace officer" means: (1) an employee of a political subdivision or state law enforcement agency who is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training, charged with the prevention and detection of crime and the enforcement of the general criminal laws of the state and who has the full power of arrest, and shall also include the Minnesota State Patrol and Minnesota conservation officers; (2) an employee of a law enforcement agency of a federally recognized tribe, as defined in United States Code, title 25, section 450b(e), who is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training; or (3) a member of a duly organized state, county, or municipal law enforcement unit of another state charged with the duty to prevent and detect crime and generally…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at revisor.mn.gov
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Sources and References
- Minn. Stat. 169.13, Reckless or careless driving(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. chapter 169, Traffic regulations (169.02, application)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 169.17, Emergency vehicles(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 609.02, Definitions (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 609.03, Punishment when not otherwise fixed(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 609.2112, Criminal vehicular homicide(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 169.89, Penalties(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 169.14, Speed limits(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.17, Revocation(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Statutes chapter 171, Drivers licenses (full text)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.18, Suspension(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.30, Limited license(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.055, Provisional license(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Statutes chapter 169, Traffic regulations (full text)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minnesota Statutes chapter 169A, Driving while impaired (full text)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 609.487, Fleeing peace officer(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.02, License required; 171.08, possession; 171.241, misdemeanor(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.24, Driving without valid license(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- 49 C.F.R. 383.51, Disqualification of drivers(ecfr.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.174, Revocation for fleeing a peace officer(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Minn. Stat. 171.165, Commercial driver's license disqualification(revisor.mn.gov).gov
- Laws 2025, chapter 29, section 16 (Minn. Stat. 171.24, subd. 2)(revisor.mn.gov).gov
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