DMV Point System in Minnesota

Minnesota Driver's License Penalties & Traffic Violations

Avoiding driver's license suspensions, fines, and reinstatement requirements is incentive enough for most drivers to obey the Minnesota traffic laws, practice safe driving, and be a courteous motorist. To make sure you are staying safe on the road and behind the wheel, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) keeps track of your traffic violations on your driving record.

Certain major violations and too many minor traffic offenses may lead to the very punishments most drivers want to avoid. Unsafe driving and disobeying traffic laws will likely lead to:

  • A suspended, revoked, or cancelled MN driver's license.
  • Driver improvement courses.
  • Fines owed to the court and the Minnesota DPS.

On this page you'll find an overview of some of the laws and processes in place to encourage safe driving and the penalties you may face if you violate certain traffic laws. If you have questions regarding the specific circumstances of your offense, the information on your driving record, or the status of your MN driver's license, please contact the Minnesota DMV.

Minnesota's Safe and Sober Campaign

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not enforce a so-called "point system" for driver infractions and improvement. Your driver's license can be suspended, revoked, or canceled under certain conditions, though.

Instead, the drivers and vehicle owners of Minnesota must comply with the terms of the Minnesota Safe and Sober Campaign. Minnesota's Office of Traffic Safety enforcement programs all fall under this campaign.

The Minnesota Safe and Sober Campaign consists of the following components:

  • The Challenge Program, aimed at recognizing law enforcement agencies that successfully reduce traffic deaths and injuries through their efforts.
  • A Grant Program, which increases traffic enforcement and community outreach for Minnesota law enforcement agencies.
  • Other programs, including "enforcement saturations" and seat belt safety promotion.
  • Law Enforcement Liaisons, who work with local agencies on traffic enforcement and other issues.
  • Operation Nighttime Concentrated Alcohol Patrol (NightCAP), aimed at preventing impaired driving and alcohol-related traffic deaths in Minnesota.
  • Saved by the Belt Program, which promotes wearing seat belts, and the protection they provide.

Minnesota also offers Driver Improvement and DWI Clinics among its training classes.

Check Your MN Driver's License Status

If you need or want to check the status of your Minnesota driver's license, you might be able to order a driving record report. This record will spell out if your driver's license is currently valid. Should your driver's license be revoked or suspended, the report will indicate that according to what's on record with the MN DPS. This report will also show points against your driver's license and, in some cases, information on any accidents you have been involved in.

Other Reasons for Suspension

The Minnesota DPS advises that at-risk drivers are not necessarily limited to young or old motorists. Among the health conditions that may create an at-risk situation, are:

  • Stroke or arthritis, which could cause an inability to tightly grip the steering wheel, reduced strength, an inability to transfer your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal, or difficulty looking over your shoulder.
  • Various forms of dementia, which could cause a reduced reaction ability and reduced decision-making ability.
  • Severe eye ailments, which lessen your ability to view and focus, depending on different conditions, such as darkness or glare.
  • Medications that cause side effects such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle relaxation, or more.
  • Hearing loss that could prohibit your ability to hear some sounds.
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