This comprehensive guide to Minnesota traffic laws provides clear, actionable explanations of the most commonly searched driving rules in the North Star State. Whether you're navigating I-35 through the Twin Cities, I-94 from Minneapolis to St. Paul and eastward to Wisconsin, I-90 across southern Minnesota, US-61 along Lake Superior's North Shore, or snowy rural county roads during harsh winter months, understanding Minnesota-specific traffic regulations helps you stay safe and avoid costly violations. From double yellow line rules to school bus stop requirements, Move Over Law, winter driving regulations, speed limits, texting while driving penalties, and DWI regulations—every section references official Minnesota Statutes (Minn. Stat.) and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) and Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). This is educational information, not legal advice; always obey posted signs, signals, and directions from law enforcement.
Minnesota highways including I-35, I-94, I-90, and rural roads require strict adherence to lane markings and winter driving safety.
In Minnesota, double solid yellow centerlines mark a no-passing zone where vehicles traveling in either direction are prohibited from crossing into the opposing lane to overtake another vehicle. According to Minn. Stat. § 169.18, subdivision 3, these markings appear on curves, hills, bridges, intersections, and areas where sight distance is limited. Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $135 to $300, plus potential license points and increased insurance premiums. Minnesota State Patrol and local law enforcement actively enforce no-passing zones on I-35, I-94, I-90, US-2, US-61, US-10, Highway 371, and rural county roads throughout the state's 87 counties.
Legal Exceptions: When You May Cross Double Yellow Lines in Minnesota
Minnesota law recognizes several limited exceptions where drivers may legally cross double solid yellow lines:
Left turns into driveways and private roads: You may cross double yellow lines when making a left turn into a residential driveway, business entrance, alley, farm access, lake cabin road, or private property, provided it is safe and no oncoming traffic is present (Minn. Stat. § 169.19, subd. 1).
Avoiding obstructions in your lane: When a temporary obstruction blocks your lane—such as a disabled vehicle, fallen tree limbs, road debris, snowplow windrow, farm equipment being loaded, or accident scene—you may briefly cross the centerline if the opposing lane is clear and the maneuver can be done safely.
Following official directions: When Minnesota State Patrol, law enforcement officers, traffic control personnel, emergency responders, MnDOT workers, or construction flaggers direct you to cross the centerline, you must follow their instructions.
Passing bicycles with adequate clearance: Minnesota law requires drivers to provide at least 3 feet of clearance when passing bicycles. You may briefly cross double yellow lines to pass bicycles when the opposing lane is clear and the maneuver can be completed safely (Minn. Stat. § 169.222).
These exceptions do not permit passing slow-moving vehicles, agricultural machinery traveling under its own power, or general traffic congestion. The maneuver must be necessary, brief, and safe for all road users.
Minnesota I-35 Corridor: Double Yellow Enforcement Through Twin Cities Metro
Interstate 35 splits into I-35W (through Minneapolis) and I-35E (through St. Paul) as it passes through the Twin Cities metropolitan area, serving Duluth, Forest Lake, Blaine, Minneapolis, Bloomington, Burnsville, Lakeville, and continuing south to Iowa. While most of I-35 uses white lane markings, double yellow lines appear on entrance/exit ramps, frontage roads, and connector routes. Minnesota State Patrol maintains consistent enforcement along the entire I-35 corridor, with particular attention to construction zones, merge areas, and high-traffic sections near downtown Minneapolis, Mall of America, and St. Paul's State Capitol area.
Rural Minnesota Highways: Farm Equipment and Wildlife Safety
Rural Minnesota highways including US-10, US-169, Highway 371, Highway 23, and county roads through corn and soybean fields, dairy farms, and lake country frequently encounter slow-moving agricultural equipment including tractors, combines, grain wagons, and livestock trailers. Double yellow no-passing zones are strategically placed on curves, hills, and narrow bridges common in rural areas. Minnesota law prohibits passing across double yellow lines even when behind slow farm equipment—wait for a legal passing zone marked with dashed yellow lines. During harvest season (September-November for corn and soybeans), exercise extra caution on rural roads. Additionally, wildlife including deer, moose, and bears are common hazards—slow down and stay alert, especially during dawn and dusk hours.
Minnesota law prohibits passing across double yellow lines but allows left turns into driveways when safe.
Minnesota Right Turn on Red & Traffic Signal Laws
Minnesota Statute § 169.06, Subd. 4: Right on Red After Complete Stop
Minnesota law permits right turns on red signals after coming to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or intersection edge, unless a "NO TURN ON RED" sign prohibits it (Minn. Stat. § 169.06, subd. 4). Before turning, drivers must:
Come to a full stop—your vehicle must reach zero miles per hour
Yield to pedestrians in or approaching the crosswalk
Yield to all vehicles and cyclists with the right-of-way
Check for "NO TURN ON RED" signs, which may apply at all times or during specific hours
Ensure the turn can be made safely without interfering with traffic flow
Rolling through the stop or blocking the crosswalk is a common violation. Minnesota courts treat incomplete stops seriously, with fines typically ranging from $135 to $200 plus court costs and potential license points.
Minneapolis & St. Paul Metro: No Turn on Red Zones
Minneapolis intersections near downtown, University of Minnesota campus, Nicollet Mall, Target Center, and U.S. Bank Stadium frequently post "NO TURN ON RED" signs due to heavy pedestrian traffic and complex signal phasing. Similarly, St. Paul intersections along University Avenue (Green Line light rail corridor), Summit Avenue, downtown near Xcel Energy Center, and Minnesota State Capitol area prohibit turns on red for safety. Bloomington (Mall of America area), Rochester (Mayo Clinic district), and Duluth (Canal Park waterfront) also maintain extensive no-turn-on-red restrictions at busy commercial intersections. Always read supplemental plaques—some restrictions apply only during specific hours (e.g., "NO TURN ON RED 7 AM - 6 PM WEEKDAYS") or when pedestrians are present.
Left Turn on Red in Minnesota: One-Way to One-Way Streets
Minnesota permits left turns on red from one-way streets onto other one-way streets, provided you come to a complete stop, yield to pedestrians and traffic, and no sign prohibits the turn (Minn. Stat. § 169.06, subd. 4(c)). This scenario occurs primarily in downtown Minneapolis, downtown St. Paul, and older urban grids in Duluth and Rochester. Before attempting a left turn on red, verify that both streets are one-way in the appropriate directions and check for prohibitive signage.
Minnesota Traffic Signal Timing & Yellow Light Duration
Minnesota traffic signals follow MnDOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines for yellow (amber) light timing, typically 3-5 seconds depending on intersection speed limits and approach geometry. If you are already in the intersection when the light turns red, complete your movement safely. Entering on yellow is legal if you cannot stop safely; entering on red is a violation subject to citation. Minnesota does not currently use red light cameras statewide, though some cities (including Minneapolis) have experimented with automated enforcement in the past. Police officers actively enforce red light violations at high-violation intersections, particularly during morning and evening commutes.
School Zone Traffic Signals: Flashing Yellow Lights and Speed Reduction
Minnesota school zones use flashing yellow beacons to indicate reduced speed limits when children are present, typically 15-20 mph during school hours (usually 7-9 AM and 2-4 PM on school days). Some school zones use flashing red signals requiring a complete stop when activated. Always observe posted school zone speed limits— violations in school zones carry doubled fines (typically $270-$400) and potential license points. Minnesota Statute § 169.14, subd. 5a mandates strict compliance with school speed zones.
Minnesota has thousands of railroad grade crossings, particularly in rural areas served by BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Union Pacific, and regional railroads. When crossing signals activate (flashing red lights and/or gates descending), you must stop at least 15 feet from the nearest rail (Minn. Stat. § 169.28). Never drive around lowered gates or attempt to beat a train—Minnesota law imposes severe penalties including fines up to $300, license points, possible license suspension, and criminal charges if violations result in accidents or injuries. Rail crossings are particularly hazardous during winter months when ice and snow can affect stopping distances.
In Minnesota, always stop fully and yield to pedestrians before making a right turn on red.
Minnesota School Bus Stop Laws & Severe Penalties
Minnesota Statute § 169.444: Stopping for School Buses
Minnesota enforces strict school bus stop laws to protect children. When a school bus activates flashing red lights and extends its stop arm, the following rules apply under Minn. Stat. § 169.444:
Undivided roads (no median or barrier): All vehicles traveling in both directions must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and remain stopped until the red lights stop flashing and the stop arm retracts.
Divided highways (physical median or barrier): Only traffic traveling in the same direction as the bus must stop. Opposing traffic on the other side of a physical divider may proceed cautiously.
Multi-lane roads without median: All lanes in both directions must stop. Painted turn lanes or double yellow lines do not count as physical dividers.
Passing a stopped school bus is a serious violation in Minnesota. First-offense penalties include fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, possible 30-day license suspension, and significantly increased insurance rates. Second and subsequent offenses carry mandatory license suspensions of 90 days or more and potential gross misdemeanor criminal charges with up to one year in jail and $3,000 fines.
Minnesota School Bus Camera Programs: Stop-Arm Video Enforcement
Many Minnesota school districts equip buses with exterior stop-arm cameras that record license plates of vehicles illegally passing stopped buses. Video footage is reviewed by local law enforcement, who issue citations to registered owners. Camera-based enforcement has increased throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, Bloomington, Rochester, Duluth, St. Cloud, Mankato, and rural districts. Expect strict enforcement during morning (7-9 AM) and afternoon (2-4 PM) school hours on all roads. Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 169.475) authorizes school bus camera evidence as admissible in court proceedings.
Flashing Yellow vs Flashing Red School Bus Signals
Minnesota school buses first activate flashing yellow lights approximately 100-300 feet before the intended stop to warn drivers that the bus is preparing to stop for children. You should slow down and prepare to stop but are not yet legally required to do so. Once the flashing red lightsactivate and the stop arm extends, you must come to a complete stop. Do not proceed until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm retracts, and children are clear of the roadway.
Enhanced Penalties for School Bus Violations Causing Injury
Minnesota imposes severe penalties if passing a stopped school bus results in injury or death. Violations causing bodily harm can result in gross misdemeanor charges with fines up to $3,000 and up to one year in jail. Violations resulting in great bodily harm or death can be prosecuted as felonies with substantially higher penalties including years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Minnesota takes school bus safety extremely seriously—always stop for school buses with flashing red lights and extended stop arms.
On undivided Minnesota roads, all traffic in both directions must stop when a school bus displays flashing red lights.
Minnesota experiences severe winter weather from November through March, with temperatures frequently dropping below zero Fahrenheit, heavy snowfall (annual average 45-70 inches in metro areas, 60-100+ inches in northern regions), blizzards, ice storms, and dangerous wind chills. Winter driving in Minnesota requires specialized knowledge, proper vehicle equipment, and extreme caution. MnDOT maintains 511mn.org providing real-time road conditions, plow tracker maps, and weather alerts. Always check road conditions before traveling during winter months.
Minnesota Snow Tire and Winter Equipment Requirements
While Minnesota does not legally mandate snow tires or winter equipment for passenger vehicles, experienced Minnesota drivers strongly recommend:
Winter tires (snow tires): Provide superior traction on ice and snow compared to all-season tires. Consider installing winter tires from November through March.
Emergency survival kit: Include blankets, warm clothing, flashlight, jumper cables, ice scraper, snow brush, shovel, sand/cat litter for traction, bottled water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, and charged cell phone.
Full tank of gas: Keep your fuel tank at least half full during winter to prevent fuel line freezing and ensure you have enough fuel if stranded.
Clear all snow and ice from vehicle: Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 169.79) requires clearing snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors, and license plates before driving. Failure to clear snow from the roof can result in citations and liability if snow dislodges and causes accidents.
Minneapolis & St. Paul Snow Emergency Parking Rules
Minneapolis and St. Paul declare snow emergencies when significant snowfall requires comprehensive plowing operations. During snow emergencies, strict parking restrictions apply to allow snowplows to clear streets effectively:
Minneapolis Snow Emergency (typically 3-day process): Day 1 (9 PM to 8 AM): No parking on Snow Emergency routes (streets with red signs). Day 2 (8 AM to 8 PM): No parking on odd-numbered side of non-Snow Emergency streets. Day 3 (8 AM to 8 PM): No parking on even-numbered side of non-Snow Emergency streets.
St. Paul Snow Emergency (typically 4-day process): Night plow routes (marked with blue signs) first, then day plow routes (marked with green signs). Specific timing varies—check St. Paul website and sign up for alerts.
Violations and towing: Vehicles parked illegally during snow emergencies will be towed at owner's expense (typically $150-$250 towing fee plus $50-$70/day storage) and ticketed ($65-$85 fine). Track towed vehicles via city impound lot phone lines.
Black Ice, Freezing Rain & Reduced Speed Requirements
Minnesota's frequent freeze-thaw cycles create black ice—a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on roadways that is extremely slippery. Black ice commonly forms on bridges, overpasses, shaded areas, and roads near lakes and rivers, particularly during morning and evening hours. Freezing rain creates even more hazardous conditions. Minnesota's basic speed law (Minn. Stat. § 169.14, subd. 1) requires drivers to operate at speeds reasonable and prudent for current conditions. You can be cited for "driving too fast for conditions" even if you're under the posted speed limit. During winter weather, reduce speed by 30-50% or more as conditions require, increase following distance to 8-10 seconds, and avoid sudden braking or steering inputs.
Minnesota winter driving requires reduced speeds, increased following distances, and proper vehicle preparation for ice and snow.
Minnesota Speed Limit Laws & Highway Regulations
Minnesota Statute § 169.14: Maximum Speed Limits Statewide
Minnesota establishes maximum speed limits for different types of roads under Minn. Stat. § 169.14. Default speed limits include:
Interstate highways (I-35, I-94, I-90, I-35W, I-35E, I-494, I-694): 70 mph in rural areas, 65 mph in urban areas, 55 mph in downtown corridors
County and township roads: 55 mph (unless otherwise posted)
Residential streets and urban districts: 30 mph (unless otherwise posted)
Alleys: 15 mph
School zones: 15-20 mph when children are present (flashing beacons active)
Always obey posted signs, which supersede default limits. Speed limits can change frequently based on road conditions, construction zones, weather, and traffic patterns.
Minnesota State Patrol conducts regular speed enforcement on all interstate highways using radar, LIDAR (laser), pacing, and occasional aircraft speed detection. I-35 runs north-south from Duluth through the Twin Cities to Iowa (splitting into I-35W through Minneapolis and I-35E through St. Paul in metro area).I-94 runs east-west from North Dakota through St. Cloud, Minneapolis-St. Paul metro, to Wisconsin.I-90 crosses southern Minnesota from South Dakota through Worthington, Fairmont, Albert Lea to Wisconsin. Speed limits are typically 70 mph in rural areas and 55-65 mph in urban corridors. Expect active enforcement, particularly during holiday weekends and high-traffic periods.
Minnesota Basic Speed Law: Reasonable and Prudent Speed
In addition to maximum speed limits, Minnesota enforces a basic speed law requiring drivers to operate at speeds reasonable and prudent for current road, traffic, and weather conditions (Minn. Stat. § 169.14, subd. 1). This means you can be cited for driving too fast for conditions even if you're under the posted speed limit. Factors include:
Rain, snow, ice, sleet, fog, or reduced visibility
Heavy traffic or congestion
Road construction or maintenance activity
Narrow roads, sharp curves, or steep grades
Pedestrian or bicycle traffic
Wildlife crossing areas (deer, moose, bears)
Minnesota's severe winter weather makes the basic speed law particularly important. During snow, ice, or freezing rain, reduce speed significantly below posted limits—failure to do so can result in citations for "driving too fast for conditions" plus liability for any resulting accidents.
Work Zone Speed Limits & Increased Penalties
Minnesota law authorizes doubled fines for speeding in highway work zones when workers are present (Minn. Stat. § 169.14, subd. 5d). Work zones are marked by orange construction signs, cones, barrels, and reduced speed limits (typically 45-60 mph). A typical speeding ticket might cost $135; in an active work zone with workers present, the fine can double to $270 plus court costs and potential license points. Additionally, Minnesota law establishes enhanced penalties for speeding violations in work zones that endanger highway workers, including possible gross misdemeanor charges.
Minnesota Point System & License Suspension Thresholds
While Minnesota does not use a traditional point system for most violations, excessive speeding can trigger license suspension. Speeding violations are classified as:
Petty misdemeanor (10-29 mph over): Fine only, no criminal record
Misdemeanor (30+ mph over or 100+ mph absolute): Criminal offense, up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine, license suspension
Reckless driving: Gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor depending on circumstances
Multiple violations within a short period can trigger license suspension or revocation. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) reviews driving records and may impose suspensions for patterns of violations. Always slow down and drive safely to avoid accumulating violations.
Minnesota State Patrol uses radar, LIDAR (laser), pacing, and occasional aircraft speed enforcement. Some rural interstate and highway corridors use aircraft patrol—watch for pavement markings (painted lines or markers) and "SPEED ENFORCED BY AIRCRAFT" signs on I-94, I-35, and major highways. Radar detectors are legalin Minnesota for passenger vehicles but do not exempt you from speed limits. Contesting speeding tickets requires appearing in the issuing municipal or district court; consult a traffic attorney for serious violations.
Minnesota Statute § 169A.20: Driving While Impaired (DWI)
Minnesota prohibits operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher for drivers 21 and over, 0.00% for drivers under 21 (zero tolerance), and0.04% or higher for commercial drivers (Minn. Stat. § 169A.20). Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you can still be charged with DWI if alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances have impaired your ability to drive safely. Minnesota uses the term DWI (Driving While Impaired) rather than DUI. Minnesota courts take DWI offenses extremely seriously due to the state's commitment to highway safety.
First-Offense DWI Penalties in Minnesota
A first-time DWI conviction in Minnesota (fourth-degree DWI, misdemeanor) carries:
Jail time: Up to 90 days (often suspended with probation)
Fines: Up to $1,000 plus court costs, fees, and surcharges (total often $2,000-$5,000)
License suspension: 90 days (administrative), may be eligible for limited license or ignition interlock
Ignition interlock device (IID): May be required for license reinstatement or limited license
Chemical use assessment: Mandatory evaluation and completion of recommended treatment program
Probation: Typically 1-2 years with conditions
Penalties increase substantially for aggravating factors including high BAC (0.16% or above), refusal to submit to chemical testing, prior DWI convictions within 10 years, or DWI incidents involving accidents, injuries, minors in the vehicle, or driving on canceled/revoked license.
Minnesota Implied Consent Law & Chemical Test Refusal
Under Minnesota implied consent law (Minn. Stat. § 169A.51), by driving on Minnesota roads you automatically consent to chemical testing (breath, blood, or urine) if lawfully arrested for DWI. Refusing the test results in automatic administrative penalties:
First refusal: 1-year license revocation (not eligible for limited license)
Second or subsequent refusal: 2-year revocation, may result in enhanced criminal charges
Refusal is a separate crime: Test refusal (Minn. Stat. § 169A.20, subd. 2) is a gross misdemeanor carrying up to 1 year jail and $3,000 fine
Refusal does not prevent prosecution—the state can still charge you with DWI based on officer observations, field sobriety tests, and other evidence. Refusal can be used against you in court and typically results in harsher penalties if convicted.
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in Minnesota
Minnesota increasingly requires ignition interlock devices (IID) for DWI offenders. An IID is a breath-testing device connected to your vehicle's ignition system. The engine will not start unless you provide a breath sample below the programmed limit (typically 0.02% BAC). Minnesota requires IIDs for:
First-time DWI offenders with BAC 0.16% or higher (minimum varies)
Second and subsequent DWI offenders (1-6 years or more depending on offense history)
Test refusal cases as a condition of limited license reinstatement
All offenders seeking limited license or early reinstatement
You must use a state-approved IID provider and pay all installation, monthly monitoring ($75-$120/month), and removal costs. Attempting to circumvent the device, tampering, or having someone else blow into it is a criminal offense (gross misdemeanor) that can result in additional jail time, extended IID requirement, and license revocation. Minnesota's IID program is administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Minnesota Move Over Law & Emergency Vehicle Regulations
Minnesota Statute § 169.18, Subd. 11: Move Over Law
Minnesota Move Over Law (Minn. Stat. § 169.18, subd. 11) requires drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles, road service vehicles, or utility vehicles displaying flashing lights to:
On multi-lane roads: Move over to a non-adjacent lane if safe to do so.
If unable to move over safely: Slow to a speed safe for conditions and be prepared to stop.
On two-lane roads: Slow to a speed safe for conditions and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Covered vehicles include Minnesota State Patrol cars, police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, MnDOT maintenance vehicles, tow trucks, road service vehicles, and utility service vehicles displaying amber, blue, red, or white flashing lights. Violations carry fines up to $300 and potential license surcharge. If the violation results in property damage, injury, or death to emergency personnel or workers, criminal penalties increase to misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges with substantial jail time and fines.
Minnesota Emergency Vehicle Right-of-Way Laws
When an emergency vehicle approaches with audible siren and visible flashing lights, Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 169.20, subd. 2) requires you to immediately yield the right-of-way by:
Pulling over to the right edge of the roadway
Coming to a complete stop
Remaining stopped until the emergency vehicle passes
This applies to police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, and other authorized emergency vehicles. Never stop in an intersection—proceed through the intersection first and then pull to the right. Failure to yield to emergency vehicles carries fines, potential license surcharge, and criminal charges if the violation delays emergency response or causes accidents.
Minnesota Tow Truck & Roadside Assistance Vehicle Safety
Minnesota Move Over Law specifically protects tow truck operators and roadside assistance personnel who face significant danger while assisting disabled vehicles on roadsides. When you see amber flashing lights ahead, move over or slow down immediately. Minnesota has experienced multiple tow truck operator fatalities and serious injuries in recent years, making this law critically important for worker safety on I-35, I-94, I-90, and other busy highways. Tow operators often work in extreme winter conditions with limited visibility and icy roads—give them maximum space and reduce speed significantly.
MnDOT Highway Maintenance Vehicle Protections
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) highway maintenance crews perform road repairs, pothole patching, striping, mowing, snow plowing, de-icing, and other maintenance operations year-round. MnDOT vehicles display flashing amber lights and are often accompanied by traffic control devices including cones, barrels, arrow boards, and flaggers. The Move Over Law applies to all MnDOT maintenance vehicles—move over or slow down when approaching. During winter storms, MnDOT operates hundreds of snowplows across the state—never pass snowplows on the right, and maintain extreme caution around plowing operations. Work zone violations endangering MnDOT workers carry enhanced penalties including doubled fines and potential criminal charges.
Official Minnesota Traffic Law Resources & DVS Information
This guide summarizes common Minnesota traffic rules based on Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169 and guidance from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DPS-DVS) and MnDOT. It is not legal advice. Always follow posted signs, signals, and instructions from law enforcement. Consult an attorney for specific legal questions or if you are facing traffic citations or criminal charges.
