minnesota drivers manual 2013

7/30/2019 Minnesota Drivers Manual 2013

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DRIVERSMANUAL

Minnesota Department of Public SafetyDriver and Vehicle Services Divisiondvs.dps.mn.gov
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Minnesota Drivers Manual

The Minnesota Drivers Manual provides a summary o state laws,rules, and techniques to ollow in order to drive saely and legally in

Minnesota. State laws and rules change periodically, so each years

manual contains new inormation.

Driving is a privilege and also a responsibility. Please remember

to buckle up, obey speed laws and never drive under the inuence o

alcohol or drugs. Respect or trafc laws and respect or other drivers

will keep us all sae on the road.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Ramona Dohman

Minnesota Department o Public Saety

A Message rom theCommissioner o Public Saety


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This inormation can be made available in alternativeormats to individuals with disabilities.For assistance, call: 651-297-3298 or (TTY) 651-282-6555

Roundabout road illustrations provided by Local Road Research BoardForm Number 30000-18 (8-2012)

State o Minnesota Department o Public Saety.This Minnesota Drivers Manual is printed by permissiono the Minnesota Department o Public Saety.

About This Manual:This manual concerns Minnesota laws and requirements.For complete standards, consult Minnesota state statutesand rules. This document is not a proper legal authorityto cite in court.

Table o ContentsKnowledge and Road Test Checklists .......................................... I-II

Chapter 1 Your License to Drive ...................................................... 1

Chapter 2 Your Vehicle ................................................................... 19

Chapter 3 Trafc Laws and Vehicle Operation ............................ 24

Chapter 4 Sharing the Road ........................................................... 39

Chapter 5 Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings ...................... 50

Chapter 6 Driving Conditions ........................................................ 68

Chapter 7 Your Driving Privileges ................................................. 85

Chapter 8 Impaired Driving ........................................................... 89

Chapter 9 Inormation Directory and Index ................................. 95


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Knowledge Test ChecklistDo you have all the inormation you need or yourknowledge test? Here is a checklist to help you prepare

or your visit:

I have the required identifcation (see pages 3-5).

I know my Social Security Number.

I have money with me (check, money order, or cash)to pay the instruction permit ee and the retesting ee,i applicable. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.

There is a $10 test ee or third or subsequent knowledgetests ater ailing the frst two.

I under 18 years o age:

I am at least 15 years old.

I have my certifcate o enrollment (Blue Card)proving that I completed classroom instruction and amsigned up or behind-the-wheel instruction.

My parent, court appointed guardian, county appointedoster parent or the director o the transitional livingprogram I am residing in will sign and approve myapplication.

Road Test Checklist

Do you have all the inormation you need or yourroad test? Here is a checklist to help you prepareor your visit:

I have made a road test appointment.

I have my valid instruction permit to give to the examiner.

I will provide a vehicle that is in sae working condition

in which to take the test. Doorsmustopenfromtheinsideandoutside.

Seatbeltsmustworkproperly.

Headlights,taillights,brakelightsandturnsignalsmust be in working order.

I


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Vehicleregistration(licenseplatesandstickers)mustbe current or the vehicle must display a 21-day permit.

I have current proo o insurance or the vehicle I will

use or the test. (Original insurance identifcation cardor policy; photocopies or copies rom the Internet arenot acceptable.)

I have money with me (check, money order, or cash)to pay the drivers license ee and the retesting ee,i applicable. Credit and debit cards are not accepted.There is a $20 test ee or third or subsequent road tests

ater ailing the frst two.

I under 18 years o age:

I am at least 16 years old.

I have my certifcate o course completion (White Card)proving that I have completed driver education.

I have held an instruction permit or the last six monthswithout a conviction or a moving violation or an alcoholor controlled substance violation.

I all or part o my six months o driving experience wasin a state other than Minnesota, I have a certifed drivingrecord rom that state to veriy that I qualiy or theprovisional license.

My parent, court appointed guardian, county appointedoster parent or the director o the transitional livingprogram I am residing in will sign and approve myapplication and certiy that I have driven or 30 hoursor more, 10 o which were at night.

I 18 years o age:

I have had my instruction permit or at least six months.

I 19 years o age or older:

I have had my instruction permit or at least three months.

II


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Chapter 1 Your License to Drive

1

This chapter provides inormation about how to obtain a Minnesotadrivers license.

Getting Your License to DriveAnyone who drives a motor vehicle on public streets or highways inMinnesota must carry a valid and unexpired drivers license.

I you have never had a drivers license in any state or country, youmust pass a knowledge test and a vision test, apply or an instructionpermit, and pass a road test.

I your Minnesota drivers license has been expired or more thanone year, but less than fve years, you must pass a knowledge test anda vision test beore applying or a new license.

I you are moving to Minnesota rom another state, certain U.S. terri-tories, or Canada, you can obtain a license by passing the knowledgeand vision tests. You have up to 60 days ater becoming a resident toobtain your regular Minnesota license or permit; with a commerciallicense, up to 30 days. You must also present a valid drivers license, or

one expired or less than one year, rom your ormer home state. I yourormer home state license is expired more than one year you will also berequired to pass a road test. I you have a motorcycle endorsement on yourout-o-state license, you can obtain a Minnesota endorsement by passinga test and paying the appropriate ees. (See Identifcation Requirements)

I you are moving to Minnesota rom a country other than the UnitedStates or Canada, you must pass a knowledge test, a vision test, and aroad test even i you have a valid license rom your ormer country.

You will not be eligible to receive your Minnesota drivers license

until you have presented all other drivers licenses and identifcationcards in your possession to the Department o Public Saety.

Who Does Not Need a Minnesota License?You may drive a motor vehicle on public roads in Minnesota withouta valid Minnesota drivers license or permit, i you meet one o theseexceptions: Youareanonresidentwhoisatleast15yearsofageandhavein

your possession a valid drivers license issued to you in your homestate or country.

YouhavebecomearesidentofMinnesotaandhaveavaliddriverslicense issued by another state, a Canadian province or U.S. militaryauthority. You have up to 60 days ater becoming a resident to obtainyour regular Minnesota license.


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Youhaveavalidcommercialdriverslicensefromanotherstate.In this case, you have up to 30 days ater becoming a Minnesotaresident to obtain your commercial Minnesota license.

Youareemployedby,orinserviceto,theU.S.governmentand

you are driving or operating (or military purposes), a commercialmotor vehicle or the U.S. government.

YouarenotaMinnesotaresident,areatleast18yearsofage,your home country does not require drivers to be licensed, andthe vehicle you drive is registered or the current year in yourhome country. You may legally drive this vehicle in Minnesotaor not more than 90 days in any calendar year without a validlicense or permit.

Youtemporarilydriveafarmtractororotherfarmimplement on a public roadway.

Youareoperatingasnowmobile.Tolearnaboutlawsthatapplyto driving snowmobiles, visit the Department o Natural ResourcesWebsite at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

Youarearailroadoperatoroperatingarailroadlocomotiveortrain,or on-track equipment upon the rails. This includes operation whilecrossing a street or highway, whether public or private.

Who Cannot Be Licensed?A Minnesota drivers license or instruction permit will not be issuedto you i: Youfailtopresentproperidentication. Youfailtocompleteorpassanypartoftherequireddrivers

license tests. Youareunabletoreadandunderstandofcialroadsignsor

understand state trafc laws. Youareunder15yearsofage. Youareunder18yearsofage,donothaveavalidlicensefrom

another state, and cannot present a certifcate proving that youhave completed an approved driver education course.

Youare18yearsofageoryoungerandhavepossessedan instruction permit or less than six months.

Youare19yearsofageorolderandhavepossessedaninstructionpermit or less than three months.

Yourlicenseissuspendedandyouhavenotmetallreinstatement

requirements. Yourlicenseisrevokedandyouhavenotmetallreinstatement requirements.

Yourlicenseiscanceled. Acourthasruledyoutobementallyincompetent,andtheDepartment

o Public Saety has determined that you are incapable o driving amotor vehicle saely.


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TheCommissionerofPublicSafetyhasdeterminedyoutobe incapable o driving a motor vehicle saely because o a physicalor mental disability.

TheCommissionerofPublicSafetyhasgoodcausetobelievethat

permitting you to operate a motor vehicle would be detrimental topublic saety.

Bring IdenticationYou must present proper identifcation that verifes your frst, middle,and last name, and your date o birth to take the knowledge and roadtests. You must also present proper identifcation when you apply oran instruction permit, drivers license, or state identifcation card.

To apply or a Minnesota drivers license, identifcation card, orinstruction permit, you must present one o the ollowing: AcurrentMinnesotadriverslicense,identicationcard,or

instruction permit. AMinnesotadriverslicense,identicationcard,orinstruction

permit which displays your photograph and has been expired orfve years or less.

AMinnesotadriverslicense,identicationcard,orinstruction

permit which does not display your photograph that is current orexpired or one year or less.

I you cannot provide one o these documents, you must presentone primary and one secondary identifcation document. The primarydocument must include your ull name and the month, day, and yearo your birth. Documents not in English must be accompanied by aqualifed English translation. (See page 5) Documents are subject toverifcation and may not be accepted i laminated or otherwise altered.

I you are a temporary U.S. resident you may need to show additionalproo o your lawul admission period, such as orm I-20, DS-2019,I-797 or other ofcial immigration document or receipt.

Primary documents: Certiedbirthrecordissuedbyagovernmentbureau

o vital statistics or board o health in the United States, District ofColumbia,Guam,PuertoRico,ortheU.S.VirginIslands.

A hospital-issued certifcate is not acceptable. CerticateofBirthAbroadissuedbytheU.S.DepartmentofState

(FS-545 or DS-1350). ReportofBirthAbroadofaU.S.citizenissuedbyaU.S.Embassy

(FS-240). CertiedadoptioncerticatefromaU.S.court. Valid,unexpiredU.S.passportbookorcard.


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Unexpired active duty, reserve, or retired U.S. military identifcationcard (DD-2 or Geneva Convention Common Access Card).

AcurrenttribalgovernmentidenticationcardissuedbyaMinnesota tribalgovernmentrecognizedbytheU.S.DepartmentoftheInterior,

Bureau o Indian Aairs. The card must contain the legal name,birth date, signature and photo o the cardholder and must containsecurity eatures defned in Minnesota Statutes 171.072.

Valid,unexpiredpassportfromacountryotherthantheUnited States, with an unexpired I-551 stamp or an unexpired I-94 arrivaland departure orm.

CanadianbirthcerticateornaturalizationcerticatewithavalidI-94 orm attached. (Certifcate must be presented with a photo

secondary document issued by a Canadian government agency.) Oneofthefollowingvalid,unexpireddocumentsissuedbytheU.S. DepartmentofJusticeorU.S.DepartmentofHomelandSecurity:

EmploymentAuthorizationCardwithphoto(I-688orI-766series)

Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card (I-551 or I-151) Re-entry Permit/Reugee Travel Document (I-327, I-571)

CerticateofNaturalization(N-550,N-570,orN-578) CerticateofCitizenship(N-560,N-561,orN-645)

U.S.CitizenIdenticationCard(I-179orI-197)

Northern Mariana Card (I-873)

American Indian Card (I-872)

Secondary documents: Anotherprimarydocument. Photodriverslicense,stateidenticationcard,orpermitissuedby

another U.S. state, the District o Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, theU.S.VirginIslands,oraCanadianprovinceorterritory,that

is current or expired or fve years or less.

U.S.SocialSecuritycard(non-metal)orCanadianSocialInsurance card.

Certifed birth certifcate rom a government jurisdiction other thanthe United States, the District o Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, or

theU.S.VirginIslands. Certifed, government-issued marriage certifcate. CertiedU.S.orCanadiancourtorderincludingyourfullname

and date o birth.

Certiedsecondaryorpost-secondaryschooltranscriptcontainingyour ull legal name and date o birth. Currentsecondaryschool(grades712)studentI.D.cardwithname,

photograph, and date o birth or unique identifcation number.


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Governmentemployeephotoidenticationcardfromajurisdictionin the United States or Canada.

CurrentidenticationcardissuedbytheU.S.DepartmentofDefense(DD-1173 or DD-214).

Unexpired,color-photopermittocarryarearmorconcealedweapon, issued by a U.S. police department or sheri.

CurrentpilotslicenseissuedbytheFederalAviationAdministration.

Fraudulent documents may be confscated.

Verication o Name ChangeI you legally change your name through marriage, divorce, or a courtorder, you must show proo o the change. You must present a certifed

marriage certifcate, a certifed court order speciying the name change,or a certifed divorce decree or dissolution o marriage certifcatespeciying the name change. I you have had a series o name changes,you must provide documentation o all o those changes.

Translation o DocumentsAll documents presented in a language other than English must beaccompanied by an English translation. The English translation must

be accompanied by a certifcate documenting that the translation is trueand accurate. A sample translators certifcate is available on the DriverandVehicleServicesWebsiteatdvs.dps.mn.gov, at driver examinationstations and at drivers license ofces. The translator must not be relatedto you by blood or marriage and must meet one o the ollowing criteria: AccreditedbytheAmericanTranslatorsAssociation. Certifed by a court. ApprovedbyanembassyorconsulateoftheUnitedStatesorby

a diplomatic or consular ofcial o a oreign country assigned to,or accredited by, the United States. Afliatedwith,orapprovedby,theU.S.DepartmentofHomeland Security,BureauofCitizenshipandImmigrationServices,ora

government jurisdiction within the United States. AnattorneylicensedtopracticeintheUnitedStatesorafliated

with such an attorney. Avendorapprovedtoprovidetranslationserviceforthestate

o Minnesota.
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Social Security NumberApplicantsforMinnesotaDriverandVehicleServicescardsarerequiredto provide their Social Security number (SSN) on the application orm.

Applicants who have not been issued a SSN must certiy that inormationon the orm. Your Social Security number is private inormation that willbe secure on the drivers license inormation system and accessible onlytothoselawfullyauthorizedtoaccessit.SocialSecuritynumbersarenot located on, or embedded in, drivers licenses or identifcation cards.

The Knowledge TestYou can take the knowledge test at driver examination stations located

throughout the state. The knowledge test contains multiple choice andtrue or alse questions that evaluate your knowledge and understandingo Minnesota trafc laws and road signs. The knowledge test may beoered on paper or on a computer. At exam stations where the test isoered on a computer, you can take the test in English or one o severalotherlanguages.Headphonesareavailable,uponrequest,toallowyou to hear the questions as you read them. You may take only oneknowledge test per day. You must obtain a score o 80 percent to pass.

You must show proper identifcation beore you will be permitted

to take the test. I you are under 18 years o age, you must presenta certifcate o enrollment (Blue Card) rom an approved drivereducation course showing that you have completed the classroomportion o the course and have enrolled in behind-the-wheel training.Classroom instruction is not required i you are 18 years o age orolder. For inormation on home-schooling rules and regulations,go todvs.dps.mn.gov.

I you ail two consecutive knowledge tests, you will be chargeda ee o $10 to take a third test and any subsequent knowledge test.

The Vision ScreeningYour eyes will be screened when you apply or, or renew,your driverslicense or instruction permit. This is not a medical examination. It is ascreening to determine whether your vision meets minimum standards.Your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40, and yourperipheral vision must be at least 105 degrees.

I your peripheral vision is less than 105 degrees or you ail the visionscreening, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return the doctorsreporttotheDriverandVehicleServicesDriverEvaluationUnit.Thepurpose o the report is to determine whether you see well enough todrive saely or i vision correction or other restrictions are needed.
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The Road TestThe road test consists o a demonstration o your vehicles saety equip-

ment, your vehicle control skills, and a driving perormance test. You will

be tested on the rules o the road and your ability to drive a motor vehiclesaely under normal trafc conditions. The examiner will evaluate yourawareness o risks and your reaction to them. You will be evaluated onyour ability to use good observation at intersections, when changing lanes,and in other situations. You will not be asked to do anything illegal duringthe test.

When you have the necessary driving skills and meet all the require-ments, you are ready to take the road test. We encourage you to makean appointment or your test at dvs.dps.mn.gov or (in the seven-county

metro area) call 651-284-1000.In order to take the road test, you must present your valid instruction

permit and current proo o insurance in the orm o the original insuranceidentifcation card or policy. I you are under 18 years o age, you mustpresent a certifcate o course completion, or white card, that provesyou have completed an approved driver education course and behind-the-wheel instruction. You must provide your own vehicle to take the test.Neighborhoodelectricvehicles(NEVs)maynotbeusedforthistest.I a rental vehicle is going to be used or the road test, the person takingthe test must be listed as a driver on the rental agreement. The vehicledoors must open rom both the inside and the outside. Seat belts mustwork properly. The headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lightsmust be in working order. Any equipment required by restrictions on yourlicense or instruction permit must be in working order, unless you areattempting to have the restrictions removed.

Smoking is not allowed during the test, and the vehicle must be reeo smoke beore the examiner enters the vehicle. No electronic devices or

cell phone usage is allowed during the test. No passengers, other than thedriver examiner, may occupy the vehicle while you are taking the test. Thisincludes pets, children, and interpreters. Loose objects that could break orcause injury must be removed rom the vehicle prior to the road test.

I you ail two consecutive road tests, you will be charged a ee o $20to take a third test and any subsequent road test.

Vehicle Saety Equipment DemonstrationYou will be asked to perorm a saety equipment check o your vehiclebeore you begin the road test. It must be in sae working condition andhave all necessary equipment. You will be required to present currentproo o insurance and demonstrate knowledge about: Proofofinsurance:originalinsuranceidenticationcardorpolicy.

Photocopies or Internet copies are not acceptable. Seatadjustment.


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Seatbelts. Emergency(parking)brake. Activatingheadlights(highandlowbeams).Vehicleswithfully

automatic headlights require the driver to manually activate the high

and low beam headlights. Activatinghazardwarninglights(four-wayashers). Horn. Windshieldwipers. Windshielddefrosterandfancontrols. Mirrors.

This list does not include all equipment and items required by law.I you are unable to pass the saety equipment demonstration, you

will not be allowed to fnish the road test that day.

Vehicle Control Skills and Driving PerormanceDuring the road test, you will be examined and evaluated on your: Controlofthevehicle.

Abilitytoparallelpark.

Abilitytoparkonahill.

Responsetotrafcandroadconditions,trafcsigns,andsignals.

Abilitytosignalandperformrightandleftturnsproperly. Abilitytousebothmarkedandunmarkedlanesoftrafc.

Observationandconsiderationofpedestriansandotherdrivers.

Abilitytoperformthe90-degreebackingskillmaneuver.Thissimulates backing into a ten-oot wide driveway or parking space.

These actions will cause you to ail the road test immediately: Disobeyingatrafclaw.

Dangerous,careless,orrecklessdriving,includinganyactionthat could result in a trafc accident.

Inabilitytocontrolyourvehicleorcompleteamaneuverwithout assistance rom the examiner.

Involvingyourvehicleinanaccidentthatyoucouldhaveavoided,even i you are not legally at ault.

Notcooperatingwiththeexaminerorrefusingtodosomethingthe examiner asks.

I you ail the road test, you may retake it ater you have had timeto improve your driving skills. You will be assigned practice time thatmust be completed beore your next road test is given. I you ail theroad test our times, you must complete at least six hours o behind-the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor beore taking the roadtest again.


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When you pass the road test, you may apply or your Minnesotadrivers license. I you are under 18 years o age, your parent, legalguardian, county appointed oster parent or director o the transitionalliving program in which you reside must sign and approve your appli-

cation. The validated record o your road test score and your applicationreceipt will serve as your temporary drivers license until you receiveyour permanent drivers license in the mail.

Medical ConditionsAn application or an instruction permit or drivers license includesquestions about medical conditions. Providing alse inormation onthe application could result in the loss o driving privileges.

I you have a medical condition, you may be asked to provide astatement rom a physicianthat indicates whether or not the conditionintereres with your ability to drive saely. I you have a permit orlicense, and you are diagnosed with insulin-managed diabetes, epilepsy,or a medical condition that could cause loss o consciousness, you mustsubmit a statement rom a physician within 30 days o the diagnosis.The statement must indicate whether or not the condition interereswith your ability to drive saely. Medical statements should be sent totheDriverandVehicleServicesDriverEvaluationUnit,445MinnesotaStreet, Suite 170, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-5170. For more inormation,contact the Driver Evaluation Unit at 651-296-2025.

Parents Approval or Under Age 18I you are under 18 years o age, one o your parents, a court appointedguardian, a county appointed oster parent or the director o the transi-tional living program in which you reside must approve your applicationor a drivers license or instruction permit. I your parents are divorced,

your custodial parent or a stepparent married to your custodial parentmay approve your application. I you have no living parents or guardian,or i you are married or legally emancipated, a close amily member,employer, or a spouse who is at least 18 years o age may sign yourapplication.

Approval can be withdrawn by the individual who signs the appli-cation. Forms can be obtained at driver license renewal ofces andexaminationstations,andontheDriverandVehicleServicesWebsite

at dvs.dps.mn.gov.I you are a oreign exchange student, your host sponsors are notauthorizedtosignyourapplication.Youwillneedtwoapplicationformstosendtoyourparentsfornotarizedsignatures.Oneisfortheinstructionpermit, and the other is or the provisional license.


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The GDL SystemMinnesota has a graduated drivers licensing (GDL) system, which isdesigned to ease inexperienced drivers into the driving environment.

Under the GDL system, anyone 18 years o age or younger must holdan instruction permit or at least six months beore taking a road test.When you have passed the road test, you may apply or your license.

Your Instruction PermitThe frst step to becoming a licensed driver is to obtain an instruction

permit. The permit is valid or two years o practice driving with alicensed driver sitting in the ront passenger seat. It is illegal to practicedriving without a valid instruction permit. When you drive, you musthave your instruction permit in immediate possession.

To qualiy and obtain an instruction permit you must: Beatleast15yearsofage. Complete30hoursofclassroominstructionandbeenrolledin

behind-the-wheel instruction. I you are 18 years o age or older,the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction is not required.

Comply with identifcation requirements. Passavisionscreeningandaknowledgetest.

Completealicenseapplicationandpaytherequiredinstruction permit ee.

Under 18I you are under 18 years o age, the supervising driver must be 21

years o age or older, every occupant must wear a seat belt or use a childpassenger restraint system, and you may not use, or talk on, a cell phonewhile driving, with or without a hands-ree cell phone device.

18 and olderI you are 18 years o age or older, the supervising driver must be at

least 18 years o age and all passengers must wear a seat belt or use achild passenger restraint system.

Ater the required six months o practice driving (three months, iyou are 19 years o age or older), you may take the road test. For roadtest scheduling inormation, see Chapter 9 o this manual. Beore youwill be allowed to take the road test, you must present to the driver

examiner your valid instruction permit and current proo o insuranceon the vehicle.I your instruction permit is lost or expired, you may apply or a

new permit. The new permit will be valid or two years rom the dateo application.


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Your Provisional LicenseThe provisional license is the second phase o the GDL system. Thislicense is valid or two years rom the application date and has restrictions

that do not apply to a ull drivers license. Every occupant must wear aseat belt or use a child passenger restraint system and you may not use,or talk on, a cell phone while driving. This includes using a hands-reecell phone device.

To qualiy or your provisional license you must: Beatleast16yearsofage. Havecompletedtheclassroomandbehind-the-wheelphasesof

driver education. Haveheldaninstructionpermitforsixmonthswithnoconvictions

or moving or alcohol/controlled-substance violations. Havepassedaroadtest.

A parent, court appointed guardian, county appointed oster parentor director o the transitional living program in which you reside mustsign and approve your license application and certiy that you havedriven under the supervision o a licensed driver who is at least 21years o age or not less than 30 hours. At least ten o the 30 supervisedhours must have taken place at night. When you have completed these

requirements, you may apply or your provisional license and pay theappropriate ee.

Provisional drivers are subject to nighttime and passenger limitations.During the frst six months o licensure, driving is prohibited rommidnight until 5 a.m. unless the provisional driver is: Accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years o age. Drivingbetweenhomeandwork. Drivingbetweenhomeandaschooleventforwhichtheschool

does not provide transportation. Drivingforemploymentpurposes.

Additionally, or the frst six months o licensure, only one passengerunder the age o 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent orguardian.

During the second six months o licensure, no more than threepassengers under the age o 20 are permitted, unless accompaniedby a parent or guardian.

Note: Passengers under 20 who are members o the provisionaldrivers immediate amily are permitted during both time periods.

Vanessas LawAn unlicensedteen driver with a crash-related moving violation oran alcohol/controlled substance-related violation (a violation o one


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or more statutes, including DWI, Implied Consent, Open Bottle, orUnderage Drinking and Driving/Not a Drop Law) cannot be given alicense, instruction permit or provisional license until age 18. At 18,the driver must:

Passtheknowledgetest(s). Fulllreinstatementrequirements,includingpaymentoffeeswhich

can be up to $680, depending on circumstances. Obtainaninstructionpermitandholditforatleastsixmonths. Passtheroadtest.

A licensed teen driver with a provisional license whose drivingprivileges were revoked due to a crash-related moving violation or analcohol/controlled substance-related violation cannot regain a license

until age 18. At that time, the person must complete the ollowing stepsto obtain a ull drivers license: Fulllallreinstatementrequirements,includingthepaymentoffees

which can be up to $680 depending on circumstances. Completetheclassroomportionofaformaldrivereducationcourse. Passtheknowledgetest. Obtainaninstructionpermitandholditforthreemonths. Completethebehind-the-wheelportionofadrivereducationcourse.

Getting Your Class D Drivers LicenseTo qualiy or your class D drivers license, you must be at least 18 yearso age, or have held a provisional license or at least 12 consecutive monthswith no convictions or alcohol violations, controlled-substance violations,or crash-related moving violations, and have had not more than oneconviction or a moving violation that is not crash related.

I you are under 18 years o age, you must certiy that you have drivenor not less than ten hours under the supervision o a licensed driver who

is at least 21 years o age.You must complete an application or a drivers license and pay the

license ee. I you upgrade rom a provisional license and have no vio-lations on your record, you will receive a $3.50 credit toward the ee.

I you are under 21 years o age, you will receive a license that ismarked under-21. This license will expire on your 21st birthday. Youmay apply or an over-21 license three weeks beore your 21st birthday.From then on, it will expire every our years on your birthday.

Exceptions to Minimum Age RequirementA 15 year old may qualiy or a restricted arm work drivers license, aspecialmedicaldriverslicense,oramotorizedbicycle(moped)permitater completing a driver education course and passing a road test.


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A restricted arm work drivers license allows a young person to helpa parent or guardian with arm work. The license holder may drive aloneto perorm arm work during daylight hours, within 20 miles o thearmhouse, in cities with populations o less than 100,000.

To obtain a arm work drivers license, the applicants parent or legalguardian must fll out an afdavit, which is available at all driverslicense examination stations. The completed afdavit must be presentedto the driver examiner at the time o the road test, along with a propertytax statement that classifes the property as agricultural. I the parentor guardian rents the arm land, a rental agreement and property taxstatement are required.

Applicants do not need to wait six months beore taking the road testor this license, but must apply or an instruction permit and presenta certifcate o completion rom an approved behind-the-wheel drivereducation course. The arm work restriction can be removed ater thedriver holds an instruction permit or six months and reaches 16 yearso age. The arm work restriction will remain in eect until the driverapplies to have it removed.

A special medical drivers license may be issued to a 15-year-oldwhen there are no licensed drivers in the household, and the applicantmust drive a motor vehicle or personal medical needs or those o a

amily member.A written statement rom a parent or legal guardian and a letter rom

a physician that describes the need or the special medical driverslicense must be submitted or approval beore a road test is given. TheCommissioner o Public Saety may set conditions and limits to ensurepublic saety. The applicant must have an instruction permit or sixmonths and complete an approved driver education course beore takingthe road test or this license.A15-year-oldcanobtainamotorizedbicyclepermitaftercompleting

amotorizedbicyclesafetycourseandpassingaknowledgetest,visiontest, and skills test.

Drivers License ClassicationsYour drivers license allows you to drive a motor vehicle on publicstreets and highways. You must carry your license with you at alltimes when you are driving a motor vehicle. You must have theappropriate class o license and endorsement or the type o vehicle

you are driving.Inormation about your license class and any endorsements or

restrictions will be listed on the back o your drivers license.There are our classes o drivers licenses and several endorsements

available to Minnesota drivers. Below is a brie description o thedierent license classes and endorsements.


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Class D LicenseThis is the most common license or Minnesota drivers. I you have aclass D drivers license, you may operate:

Allsingle-unitvehicles(cars,pickups,andsmalltrucks)exceptthose with a gross vehicle weight o 26,001 pounds or more,vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including

thedriver),andvehiclesthatcarryhazardousmaterials. Anyfarmtrucktransportingagriculturalproducts,farmmachinery, orfarmsupplies(includinghazardousmaterials),within150miles

o the arm. The arm truck must be operated by the armer, his orher immediate amily member, or an employee o the armer.

Authorizedemergencyvehicles,whetherornotinexcessof26,000

pounds gross vehicle weight. Recreationalvehicles(motorhomesandcampingtrailers),operated

or your personal use. Motorizedbicycles. Motorcycles,withtheappropriatelicenseendorsement. Neighborhoodelectricvehicles(NEVs).

You may also tow a trailer or other vehicle i: Ithasagrossvehicleweightof10,000poundsorless,or

Ithasagrossvehicleweightofmorethan10,000pounds,butthe combined gross vehicle weight o the vehicle and trailer is 26,000pounds or less.

License EndorsementsYou must have an endorsement on your license in order to drive motor-cycles, buses, school buses, double and triple trailers, tank vehicles, andifyoucarryhazardousmaterials.Allendorsementsrequireadditional

knowledge tests. Bus, school bus, and motorcycle endorsements requirespecializedroadtests.

Commercial Drivers LicensesClass A, B and C licenses are called commercial drivers licenses(CDL). A CDL allows you to drive all class D vehicles, in additionto certain types o vehicles included in each drivers license class.

Class C LicenseWithahazardousmaterialsendorsement,aclassClicenseholdermaytransporthazardousmaterialsinaclassDvehicle.Withatankerendorsement,youmaycarryhazardousliquidorgaseousmaterialsin a permanently-mounted or portable tank.


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Class B LicenseA class B license, with necessary endorsements, allows the holder tooperate all class C and D vehicles and all other single-unit vehicles. The

holder o a class B license may tow only vehicles with a gross vehicleweight o 10,000 pounds or less when operating a class B power unit.

Class A LicenseWith appropriate endorsements, a class A license is valid or any vehicleor trailer combination.

CDL InormationFor more inormation about CDLs and CDL requirements, see theMinnesota Commercial Drivers Manual, which includes the MinnesotaSchoolBusDriversHandbook.TheseareavailableontheDriverandVehicleServicesWebsiteatdvs.dps.mn.gov.

Note: I you operate any class o vehicle as an employer or employee,you may be subject to commercial motor carrier requirements. Theserequirements may apply to single unit and combination vehicles o morethan 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (such as construction vehicles),

vehicles used to deliver packages and other items, and vehicles designedor used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver.In order to legally operate these vehicles, you may need to possess avalid U.S. Department o Transportation medical examiners certifcate.You may also be subject to restrictions on the number o hours you driveand to vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements.

For more inormation, contact the Minnesota State Patrol at651-405-6171 or the Minnesota Department o Transportation OfceofFreightandCommercialVehicleOperationsat651-215-6330.

CDL or Persons Under 21 Years o AgeMinnesota residents under 21 years o age can obtain a CDL. The licensewill carry specifc restrictions.

License Renewal and ReplacementA drivers license issued by the state o Minnesota expires on yourbirthday and must be renewed every our years ater you reach 21 yearso age. I your current license is lost, damaged, or destroyed, you mustapply or a duplicate license. I you have lost your license, you mustpresent proper identifcation when it is time to renew it. Applicants orlicense renewal must pass a vision test.


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Name or Address ChangeI you change your name or address beore your license expires, youmust apply or a duplicate (replacement) license within 30 days. I you

need a replacement instruction permit, you must renew your permit.

Active Military ServiceI you are in active military service with the U.S. armed orces andhave a valid unexpired Minnesota drivers license upon entering militaryservice, you are not required to renew your license until you are separatedor discharged, regardless o your length o service. To ensure that yourdriving record will be maintained, notiy the Department o Public Saety

o your military status by calling 651-296-6911.You must renew your license within one year o your separation ordischarge rom active military service by presenting your Minnesotadrivers license and your DD214 military discharge papers.

This exception also applies to spouses o those in active militaryservice, i the spouse does not reside in Minnesota during the activemilitary service period.

Selective ServiceI youarebetweentheagesof18and26,andareaU.S.citizenorresident,you will be registered with the U.S. Selective Service when you applyforanyMinnesotaDriverandVehicleServicescard.Ifyouareunder18yearsofage,DVSwillwithholdSelectiveServiceregistrationuntilyour18th birthday. Consent to Registration at the time o application is incompliance with the Military Selective Service Act, U.S. Code title 50appendix, section 453.

State Identication CardsYou can apply or a Minnesota identifcation card at an ofce that acceptsdrivers license applications. You must present at least one primary andone secondary identity document, as defned in this chapter. Driver andVehicleServiceswillnotissueanidenticationcardtoapersonwhohas a valid drivers license or instruction permit.


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Drivers License FeesClass A regular .................................................................................$ 42.25Class A under 21...............................................................................$ 22.25

Class B, regular or under 21 .............................................................$ 34.25Class C, regular or under 21 .............................................................$ 27.25School Bus processing ee original and renewal applications** $ 4.00Class D, regular or under 21 .............................................................$ 23.25Provisional drivers license...............................................................$ 14.25Class D provisional license upgrade to under-21 drivers license,no violations on record ($3.50 credit) ..............................................$ 19.75

Identication CardsUnder age 65 ................................................................................ $ 17.25Age 65 and older .......................................................................... $ 11.00Card or person with physical disability, developmentaldisability, or qualifed mental illness ........................................... $ .50

Duplicate Drivers License or Identication CardAll classes .................................................................................... $ 12.75

OthersClass D instruction permit (valid or two years) .......................... $ 11.25Class A, B, or C instruction permit* ........................................... no eeCDL endorsement examination ees* .......................................... $ 2.50Motorcycle instruction permit/endorsement ee* ........................ $ 21.00Motorcycle endorsement renewal (two-wheel only)** ................ $ 13.00Standby or Temporary Custodian Designation** ........................ $ 4.25

Reinstatement Fees*Revoked license**Alcohol/drugs and criminal vehicular operation .......................$ 680.00Other oenses (including No-ault insurance revocation) ........... $ 30.00Suspended license** .................................................................... $ 20.00No-ault insurance violation (suspended) .................................... $ 20.00CDL disqualifcation ee .............................................................. $ 20.00


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Motorized Bicycle Operators PermitKnowledge test and 30 day instruction permit* .......................... $ 6.75Skills test and one-year operators permit* ................................. $ 6.75

Duplicate o one-year operators permit ...................................... $ 3.75Renewal o one-year operators permit under 21 ......................... $ 9.75Duplicate o operators permit ..................................................... $ 5.25Renewal, age 21 and older ........................................................... $ 15.75

Retesting FeesThird and subsequent knowledge test (ater ailing frst two)* ... $ 10.00Third and subsequent road/skills test (ater ailing frst two)* ... $ 20.00

* Available at driver examination stations only.** Fee does not include the cost o a new license.

Fees are determined by law and are subject to change.Total license ee includes additional ees per Minnesota Statute171.06, subd. 2.


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Chapter 2 Your VehicleYour Vehicle

Beore driving any motor vehicle on public roads, make sure it is ullyequipped and in good mechanical condition.

Become amiliar with your vehicle. Read the operators manualand know how to use all the equipment. Routinely check the lights,windshield wipers, horn, and tires to be sure they are in working order.Make sure you understand the unctions o the gauges and warningindicators.

Upon entering the vehicle, check your seat and mirrors to see i theyrequire adjustments. Make sure passengers are seated in positions thatdo not obstruct your view or prevent you rom driving normally. Adjustand buckle your seat belt and make sure all o your passengers do so.

Vehicle RequirementsBrakesAll cars and trucks must have at least two separate brake systems,such as the oot brake and the parking/emergency brake.

BumpersAll private passenger vehicles must have ront and rear bumpers.Pickup trucks and vans must have ront bumpers and either rearbumpers or reectors.


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HornYour motor vehicle must have a working horn. Bells, sirens, andwhistles are not horns and may be used only by emergency vehicles.

Use your horn when it is necessary to avoid a crash. Dont honkunnecessarily. Avoid honking or purposes such as announcingyour arrival.

Headlights and TaillightsAll motor vehicles, with the exception o motorcycles, must have twowhite headlights that work on high and low beam, and red taillightsthat illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed.

When set on high beam, headlights must make objects visible onthe road ahead rom at least 350 eet away.Replace damaged headlights. A cracked lens allows moisture and

dust to accumulate inside the lamp, resulting in loss o illuminationand increased glare or other motorists.

Clean your headlights as oten as you clean your windshield. Dirtyheadlights can reduce light output by as much as 75 percent.Haveyourheadlightsinspectedatleastonceayeartomakesure

they are aimed properly. Some headlamps require an adapter or

special settings. Reer to your operators manual or more inormation.Some vehicles have reduced-power headlights, called daytime

running lamps, which turn on automatically when you drive duringthe daytime. These lights make your vehicle easier or others to see.Taillights and parking lights do not turn on automatically.

Your headlights must be turned on at sunset and used until sunrise.They must also be used during weather conditions that include rain,snow, hail, sleet, or og and any time you cannot clearly see the roadahead or a distance o at least 500 eet.

License Plate LightA white light bulb must illuminate the rear license plate to make itvisible at night.

Turn SignalsAll turn signal lights must be in working order. You must use turn

signals i your vehicle width, or the width o a load you are carrying,prevents drivers behind you rom seeing your hand and arm signals.


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Prohibited LightsBlue lights, ashing lights, and strobe lamps serve special purposes.Theyarenotforusebynon-authorizedvehicles.

Onlysnowplows,otherroadmaintenanceequipment,andauthorizedemergencyvehiclesmaybeequippedwithbluelights.Onlyauthorizedemergency vehicles, school buses, road maintenance equipment, towtrucks, service vehicles, and arm equipment may be equipped withashing lights. Only school buses, snow removal equipment, and ruralmail carrier vehicles may be equipped with strobe lamps.

Muers

All motor vehicles must be equipped with muers that keep thevehicle rom making sudden or prolonged loud noises, particularlysharp popping or crackling sounds. Check the muer regularly orcarbon monoxide leaks.

Rearview MirrorsAll passenger vehicles must be equipped with rearview mirrors.Vehiclessuchasrentalmovingtrucks,whicharenotdesignedto

allow a view through a rear window, must be equipped with anadditional side mirror.Pickup trucks, which are oten used or hauling purposes, must

also be equipped with an additional side mirror. The side mirrorwill provide the driver with a clear view when transported materialsobstruct sight through the rearview mirror.

Seat Belts and AirbagsBe sure that seat belts are clean and in good condition, so they areavailable to all vehicle occupants. In Minnesota, motor vehicles must

be equipped with seat belts, and use of seat belts is mandatory.Airbags are intended to work with seat belts to prevent injuries.

They are not designed to keep occupants rom being ejected.Keep dashboards free of debris or clutter. When airbags suddenly

inate, objects on the dashboard can become dangerous projectiles.Read your operators manual before driving a vehicle equipped

with airbags.


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TiresTires must be able to carry your vehicles weight and grip the suraceo the road properly. Check your tire pressure oten and never drive with

under-inated tires. A tire is illegal i the tread is less than one-sixteentho an inch deep. Carry a good spare tire and check its pressure oten.Inspect tires regularly or cuts, cracks, uneven wear, bald spots, bulges,and punctures.

Windshield and WindowsYour view through windshields and windows must not be obstructedby cracks, discoloration, steam, rost, ice, or snow when you are driving.

Objects may not be suspended between the driver and the windshield.Labels and stickers or other devices permitted by state law may beplaced on your windshield. These include state and national parkstickers, ofcial saety inspection stickers, and MNpass electronictoll-collection devices.

Global positioning and other navigation systems may be mountedor located near the bottommost portion o the windshield.

Driver eedback and saety-monitoring equipment may be mountedimmediately behind, slightly above or slightly below the rearview mirror.

Windshields may not be made o, covered by, or treated with anymaterial that makes the glass more reective or reduces the amounto light that travels through it.

Any window tint material applied to the side or rear windows aterAugust 1, 1985, must be marked to show the percentage o light that istransmitted and the percentage o reection it creates. I it transmits lessthan 50 percent, or reects more than 20 percent o available light, itmay be used only on the rear window o a pickup truck, or on the rearand side windows o a van (behind the drivers seat), limousine,or vehicle used by a uneral home.

Windshield Wipers and Window DerostersA motor vehicle with a glass windshield must be equipped with wipersin good working condition. Window derosters are necessary to keep thewindows and the windshield clear o steam and rost.

Wheel Guards or FendersPassenger vehicles must be equipped with enders or other wheel guardsto prevent water, dirt, and other material rom being picked up andthrown into the air by the tires.


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Fuel Ecient TechniquesKeep Your Car in Good Operating Condition Keepyourengineproperlytuned.

Keeptiresproperlyinated. Usetherecommendedgradeofmotoroil.

Drive Efciently Planandcombineerrandsintoonetrip. Drivesensibly;avoidaggressivedrivingsuchasspeeding,rapid

acceleration and braking. Observethespeedlimit. Removeexcessweight;avoidkeepingunnecessaryheavyitems

in your vehicle. Usecruisecontrolonthehighway. Useoverdrivegears. Takepublictransportation,usecarpools,rideshare,bikeorwalk

whenever possible.


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Chapter 3 Traic Laws andVehicle OperationMinnesota trafc laws apply to everyone who operates a vehicle onpublic roads in this state. The ollowing laws deal with controllingand operating your vehicle.

Speed LimitsThe aster you drive, the less time you allow yoursel to react to eventson the road and around you. Traveling at aster speeds increases thelikelihood o crashes. And when crashes occur at excessive speeds,

victims injuries tend to be more serious and death is more likelyto result.

Minnesotas basic speed law requires you to drive at a speed no asterthan is reasonable under existing conditions. These include weather,trafc, and road conditions.

Driving aster than the posted speed limit is illegal. The postedspeed limit is the maximum speed permitted on that particular road.However,thespeedlimitontwo-lanehighwayswithapostedspeedlimito 55 mph or higher is increased by 10 mph when the driver is lawullypassing another vehicle in the same direction.

Minimum speed limits may be posted on some roads. It is illegalto drive slower than the posted minimum speed under normal weather,trafc, and road conditions.

Note: I you approach an intersection at an unlawul speed, you losethe right-o-way privilege associated with driving at a lawul speed.

The ollowing Minnesota speed limits apply under ideal drivingconditions, unless trafc signs indicate otherwise:

10 mph in alleys30 mph on urban or town roads55 mph in all other locations that are not specifed in this list

Inschoolzones,reducespeedwhenchildrenarepresent.Inworkorconstructionzones,reducespeedanddrivewithcare.Alwaysobeytheposted speed limit.

Speed Limits and FinesYou can be fned or driving a vehicle aster than the posted speed limit.Additional fnes will be charged i you are caught driving 20 mph ormore over the posted limit. Fines will double i you speed in markedconstructionzones.Ifyouarecaughtdrivinginexcessof100mphyourdriving privileges will be revoked or a minimum o six months.


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Reduced SpeedYou may be required to reduce your speed in many driving situations.It is important to remember that increasing speed decreases your feldo vision and puts you at greater risk o being involved in a crash.

You must slow down when you approach or pass a stopped emergencyvehicle with its emergency lights ashing. A surcharge o not less than$25 is added to the speeding fne i you violate this law. Slow down ora ag person, pedestrians, barricades, and ares or reectors on theroad. Slower speeds are necessary when you travel on a narrow orwinding road or approach a curve, hilltop, or railroad crossing. Badweather and poor road conditions are other situations in which driversare required to slow down.

Speed Limits on BridgesWatch or and obey special speed limits and No Passing signs postedon bridges.

SignalingWhen you wish to change lanes or make a turn, signal with an approvedsignal device to inorm other motorists o your intention. Signals are

to be activated at least 100 eet beore you make the turn. Continuesignaling until you have completed the turn or lane change.

Hand and Arm SignalsDuring daylight hours, hand and arm signals may be used in additionto, or instead o, turn signals. You may not use hand signals at night orwhile driving a vehicle constructed or loaded so that hand signals arenot visible to other drivers.

Changing LanesIt is oten necessary to change lanes in order to make a turn, merge withother trafc, or to perorm other driving activities. Lane changing canbe dangerous and must be done with caution. Make sure you have saeclearance to the side, behind, and ahead o your vehicle, beore movinginto another lane. Turn your head in the direction o the lane you are


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moving into and check or vehicles. I you rely only on mirrors, youmay not see vehicles in certain positions, known as blind spots.

Blind SpotsBlind spots are areas around your vehicle where your view is obstructed.You cannot see pedestrians or other vehicles in your rearview or sidemirrors when they are in these locations.The design o your vehicle, and the position o the pillars that supportthe roo, will determine the location o your blind spots. Factors such asdirty windshields and glaring lights can also create temporary blind spots.It is important to know the location o your blind spots. Beore makinglane changes or turns, quickly turn your head to look or hidden pedes-

trians or vehicles. Avoid driving in other drivers blind spots. Be partic-ularly conscious o blind spots when driving near commercial vehicles.

TurnsImproper turns cause many trafc crashes. Move saely into the correctlane well ahead o the place where you will make the actual turn. Slowdownbeforemakingturns.Signalyourintent,atleast100

eet beore the turn. Signals let pedestrians and drivers know whatyou plan to do.

Whilewaitingtoturn,keepyourwheelsstraightandyourfootonthe brake. I your vehicle is struck rom the rear, you will be lesslikely to be pushed into oncoming trafc.

Let Turns Right Turns

Let turn: Ater checking trafc behind you

and signaling your intent, move into the laneclosest to the center line. I there are no linesmarking the lanes, move your vehicle to theright o the center o the road. Look right

and let beore starting the turn. Yield righto way, i necessary. Turn the steering wheel

hand-over-hand, and complete the turn inthe frst lane right o the center line.

Right turn:Ater checking trafc behind

you and signaling your intent, move closeto the right curb. Look right and let beorebeginning the turn. Yield right o way, i

necessary. Turn the steering wheel hand-over-hand, and complete the turn in the

lane next to the curb.


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From a one-way roadonto a one-way road

Multiple turn lanes

Two approaching let turnsFrom a one-way roadonto a two-way road

From two-way roadonto a one-way road

Multiple turn lanes: I there are signs or lane markings that allow or two or moreturning lanes, stay in your lane during the turn.


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Continuesignalinguntilyoubeginyourturn. Donotmakesuddenturnsfromthewronglaneoftrafc. Watchfortrafcorobstaclesintheroadyouplantoenter. Alwaysnishyourturninthecorrectlane.(Seediagramson

pages 26 and 27.) Ifthecaraheadofyouissignalingforaleftturn,slowdown

and prepare to stop. Whenwaitingtomakealeftturnatagreentrafclightwith

oncoming trafc, position the car into the intersection where yourbody appears even with the curb line. The only opportunity to makea let turn may occur when the green light changes to yellow.

Turning on a Red LightRight TurnAt many intersections, you may make a right turn while the trafc lightis red. Make sure you are in the correct lane and come to a completestop. No Turn on Red signs are posted where these turns are notallowed. Check trafc in all directions to make sure your path is clear.Watch or oncoming cars making let turns in ront o you. Sometimesoncoming trafc will have a green arrow beore your light turns green.

Let TurnI certain conditions are met, you may make a let turn rom a one-way street onto another one-way street while the trafc light is red.Beore turning, you must frst come to a complete stop, make sure theintersection is clear, and yield to any pedestrians or vehicles. Trafcmust be permitted to travel in the direction in which you are turning.

When turning on a red light: Yieldtotrafcandpedestrians.

WhenaNoTurnonRedsignispostedatanintersection,youmust wait until the light is green to make a turn.

RoundaboutsRoundabouts are designed to increase trafc ow and provide asaer intersection than a normal our-way stop. When approachinga roundabout: Slowdownasyouapproachtheroundabout.

Formulti-laneroundabouts,aswithanyintersection,getintothe appropriate lane as you approach the roundabout. Yieldtopedestriansandbicyclistscrossingtheroadway. Watchforsignsorpavementmarkingsthatrequireorprohibit

certain movements.


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Whenenteringaroundabout,yieldtovehiclesalreadyinthe roundabout. Do not cross into the roundabout until all trafcrom the let has cleared.

Afterenteringtheroundabout,driveinacounter-clockwise

direction until you reach your exit. Donotstop,passorchangelaneswithinaroundabout. Ifanemergencyvehicleapproaches,exittheroundabout

immediately and thenpull over.

Single laneRoundabout

Multi-lane

Roundabout


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U-TurnsA U-turn is a 180-degree turn, resembling the letter U, that reverses yourdirection o travel. You may not make a U-turn unless you can do so

without disrupting other trafc. No U-Turn signs are posted in locationswhere these turns are not allowed. U-turns are not allowed on interstatereeways. U-turns are also illegal near the tops o hills and on curveswhere other drivers cannot see you rom 1,000 eet away.

Right-Hand Lane TravelWhen operating a motor vehicle on highways that are divided into morethan one lane in the same direction, you should drive in the right-handlane when available. This does not include: When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the

same direction. When preparing or a let turn at an intersection or into a private

road or driveway. When necessary to enter or exit an expressway, reeway, interstate

highway, or other controlled access highway. When otherwise directed by an ofcial trafc-control device, a peaceofcer,orinahighwayworkzone.

PassingImproper passing causes many crashes. Use extra caution when passingat night, when visibility is poor, and when the road is slippery.

In locations where passing is permitted on two-lane roads with trafcmoving in both directions, you may pass on the let side o vehiclesahead o you. You should not exceed the speed limit to complete a pass.However,thespeedlimitontwo-lanehighwayswithapostedspeedlimit

o 55 mph or higher is increased by 10 mph when the driver is lawullypassing another vehicle in the same direction. When you are preparingto pass, you must make sure there is a sae distance between your vehicleand oncoming trafc. You must also look behind you to determinewhether other drivers are preparing to pass you. When another driveris trying to pass you, stay in your own lane and do not increase speed.

Use your let turn signal beore moving into the let lane to pass.Use your right turn signal ater passing and beore returning to theright lane. Return to the right lane when you can see the entire vehicle

you have just passed in your rearview mirror. When passing anothervehicle, you must return to the right side o the road beore comingwithin 100 eet o an oncoming vehicle.

Do not attempt to pass another vehicle in locations where a NoPassing Zone sign is posted or where there is a solid yellow line onyour side o the center line. Double solid yellow lines mean passing


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is not allowed by vehicles traveling in either direction. Do not pass: Onacurveorhillwhereyoucannotclearlyseetheroadaheadforat least 700 eet.

Within100feetofanintersection,underpass,tunnel,orrailroadcrossing.

Whenyouareabouttomeetavehiclecomingtowardyoufromthe opposite direction.

Passing on the RightThe driver o a vehicle may pass on the right o another vehicle only uponthe ollowing conditions: Whenthevehicleovertakenismaking,orabouttomake,aleftturn. Uponastreetorhighwaywithunobstructedpavementnotoccupied

by parked vehicles that prevent two or more lanes o moving vehiclesto travel in each direction.

Uponaone-waystreet,oruponanyroadwayonwhichtrafcisrestricted to one direction o movement, where the roadway is reerom obstructions and o sufcient width or two or more lanes omoving vehicles.

Providedthatinnoeventthepassbeexecutedbydrivingontothe shoulder, whether paved or unpaved, o the pavement or main-traveledportion o the roadway, or using a marked right turn only lane.

Backing UpBacking up is not allowed on reeways or expressways, except by drivers oemergency vehicles in the course o duty. Backing up on public roads couldresult in a charge o reckless or careless driving.

I you must back out o a driveway onto a public road, back into the nearestlane and proceed in a orward direction rom there. Never back into or acrosslanes o trafc unless you are sure it is sae to do so.

Beore you back up, it is advisable to walk around the vehicle to ensurethat nothing is behind it. Beore backing up, look to the ront, sides, and rear.Continue looking out the rear window o your vehicle while backing. Do notdepend on your mirrors. Back slowly into the nearest trafc lane.

ParkingWhen a vehicle is properly parallel parked, its wheels on the curb side willbe positioned no more than 12 inches rom the curb.

I you leave your vehicle unoccupied on a public road, the ront wheelsmust be turned toward the curb or shoulder, and the parking brake mustbe engaged. In the event that the brakes ail, the wheel position will helpthe vehicle to roll toward the curb or o o the road, rather than across atrafc lane.


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4 Turn wheelsharply to rightand pull towardcurb in centerof space.

1 Stop even withthe car ahead

and about oneand a half feetaway from it.

2 Turn wheelto right sharply,

back up slowly.

3 When clear of carahead, turn wheelsharply to left andcontinue to backup slowly.

Parallel Parking

When the front of aparked vehicle pointsdownhill, wheels should

be turned toward thecurb or shoulder ofthe road.

When the front of a parkedvehicle points uphill, andthere is no curb, wheels

should be turned towardthe shoulder of the road.

When the front of aparked vehicle points

uphill, and there is a curb,

wheels should be turnedaway from the curb.

Parking on a Hill


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Parking is not allowed in the following areas: Withinintersections. Onacrosswalkorsidewalk. Within20feetofacrosswalkatanintersection.

Within30feetofanyashinglight,stopsign,ortrafccontrolsignallocated at the side o a public road.

Within50feetofthenearestrailofarailroadcrossing. Within10feetofarehydrant. Alongsideoracrossthestreetfromanyexcavationsiteorobstacle

i parking would obstruct trafc. Atthestreetendofadriveway. Onanybridge. Withinanyhighwaytunnel. Onthetrafcsideofanyvehicleparkedatacurborattheedge

o a highway (known as double parking). Besideacurbthatispaintedyellow,orwhereofcialNoParking

signs are posted. Infrontofmailboxes(refertocity/localordinances).

Highway ParkingVehiclesleftonstatehighwaysorfreewaysforanyreasonmustbemoved away rom the main, traveled portion o the road. I the vehiclecannot be moved, use clearly visible markers or signals to prevent damageto your vehicle and harm to other drivers.Vehiclesparkedonthehighwayatnight,oranytimelightsare

required, must have at least one white or amber ront light and at leastone red taillight illuminated. Both lights must be visible rom a distanceofatleast500feet.Useparkinglightsorhazardwarninglightstoalert otherdrivers.Headlightsonparkedvehiclesmustbesetonlowbeam.

Passenger SaetyIt is the drivers responsibility to make sure that other passengers are

sae. Insist that all passengers wear seat belts. Be sure that children arebuckled into an age-appropriate child passenger restraint system.

Seat Belt LawsO all the saety equipment in your vehicle, the seat belt is most likely to

save your lie. In Minnesota, motor vehicles must be equipped with seatbelts; seat belt use is mandatory. A properly adjusted and astened seatbelt must be worn by all drivers and passengers in all seating positions,including the back seat. Law enorcement can stop motorists solely orseat belt violations.


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I you do not wear a seat belt, consider the ollowing: Yourchancesofbeingkilledorinjuredinacrasharefourtimesgreater. Itispossibletobekilledinacrashwhentravelingatspeedsaslow

as 12 mph.

Seatbeltskeepoccupantsfrombeingejectedfromthevehicle,inthe event o a crash. People who are thrown rom vehicles are likelyto die or suer serious injuries.

You are not legally required to wear a seat belt i you are: Drivingapassengervehicleinreverse. Occupyinganormalseatingpositioninamotorvehicleinwhich

all seat belts are being used by other passengers. Inpossessionofawrittencerticatefromaphysiciancitingmedical

reasons or seat belt non-use. Drivingamotorvehiclewhileengagedinworkthatinvolvesfrequent

exiting and entering o the motor vehicle. This applies only i youdo not drive at speeds greater than 25 miles per hour.

AruralmailcarrierdeliveringmailfortheU.S.PostalService. Drivingorridinginapickuptruckwhileengagedinfarmwork. DrivingamotorvehiclemadebeforeJanuary1,1965.

Use Seat Belts CorrectlyYou are more likely to survive a car crash i you use the lap and shoulderbelts together. The lap belt should be adjusted to ft snugly across yourhipbones or upper thighs. It should never be positioned across the abdomenor the sot part o your stomach.

The shoulder belt should be ftted snugly across the chest and middleo the shoulder.

I the seat belt is positioned correctly, it is much less likely to contributeto injuries in the event o a crash.

Inant and Child Saety Seat LawsThe back seat is the saest place in most vehicles and is the recommendedplace or any child younger than 13 years o age to ride. All child saetyrestraint systems must be ederally approved and installed according tomanuacturers instructions. Inants must ride in a rear-acing child saety restraint system until theyareatleast1yearofageandweighatleast20pounds.However,

according to the American Academy o Pediatrics, children should ridein a rear-acing child saety system until they are at least 2 years o age.

Children older than 1 year o age and who weigh at least 20 poundsmay ride acing orward in a high-back booster seat with the harnessstraps positioned at or above shoulder level. Children should use aorward-acing harnessed seat until they outgrow the weight limit(typically 40-60 pounds, depending on the seat).


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Children under 8 years o age or 4 eet 9 inches tall, who have out-grown a orward-acing harnessed seat, must sit in a belt-positioning,orward-acing booster seat, used with both adult lap and shoulderbelts. The shoulder belt should ft snugly across the chest and shoulder.

A child may not use a seat belt alone until he/she is age 8 or 4 eet9 inches tall.

Other Child Passenger Saety Guidelines For your childs protection, never use a saety seat that has been

in a crash. Child restraint systems are typically considered expired ater six

years rom the date o manuacture. Some manuacturers now stamp

a specifc expiration date on the seat. I no date is listed, ollow thesix year recommendation. Rear-acing inant seats should never be placed in ront o an

active airbag. Children should not be held on a passengers lap while riding in

a vehicle. Children should not ride in the cargo area o a truck or station wagon.

Never Leave Children Unattended in a VehicleNever leave children or vulnerable adults alone in a motor vehicle. Somesituations that could occur include the ollowing: Unattendedoccupantscouldengagethevehicleandbecomeinvolved

in a crash. Temperaturescanreachdangerousextremesinsideavehicle.

Occupants could die or suer serious injuries rom heat or cold. Thevehiclecouldbestolenorbrokenintobysomeonewhoisnot

aware the vehicle is occupied. Someonecouldbreakintothevehicleandabductorharm

the occupants.

Leaving Your Vehicle UnattendedDo not invite thet. Lock your doors and take your keys with you.Do not leave the vehicle running. Do not leave the keys in the ignitionor elsewhere inside the vehicle. Do not leave valuables, or anything thatcould appear to be o value, inside the vehicle.

Animal SaetyDrivers are responsible or the saety o animals traveling in vehicles andshould be aware o the dangers o leaving animals unattended in vehiclesduring warm weather. Pets should not be let in vehicles, especially on veryhot or cold days. Temperature extremes can be very dangerous to animals.


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AirbagsAn airbag is a supplemental restraint system. Airbags are intended towork with seat belts to prevent injuries. They are not designed to keepoccupants rom being ejected. For saety reasons, children 12 years oage and younger should always ride in the back seat.

Airbag Saety SuggestionsTry to maintain at least 10 inches between yoursel and the steeringwheel. Keep your hands on the 8 and 4 oclock or 9 and 3 oclockpositions on the steering wheel. Avoid the 10 and 2 oclock position.Keep your thumbs turned out on the steering wheel.

Front passenger seats should be moved as ar back as possible.

Read your operators manual beore driving or riding in a vehicleequipped with airbags.For more inormation about the use o seat belts, airbags, and

car saety seats, visit the Department o Public Saety Ofce oTrafc Saety Website at ots.dps.mn.gov.

Careless and Reckless DrivingCareless driving is defned as driving or stopping a motor vehicle in away that endangers the lives and saety o people or property. Reckless

driving is defned as driving a motor vehicle in a manner that showswillul or wanton disregard or the saety o people or property includingracing or contest driving. Racing is defned as willul comparison or contesto relative speeds by operating one or more vehicles, regardless o whetherthe speed is greater than the speed limit. I you are charged with carelessor reckless driving, you will be tried in court or a misdemeanor.

Fleeing a Police OcerIt is against the law to use a motor vehicle to ee a police ofcer on

ofcial duty. Anyone who violates this law is guilty o a elony andmay be sentenced to imprisonment or not more than three years andone day, a fne o not more than $5,000, or both.

I someone is killed or injured, the driver eeing the law enorcementofcer may be sentenced as ollows: Ifadeathresultswhileeeingalawenforcementofcer,thedriver

may be sentenced to imprisonment or not more than ten years,fned not more than $20,000, or both.

Ifgreatbodilyharmresultswhileeeingalawenforcementofcer,the driver may be sentenced to imprisonment or not more thanseven years, fned not more than $14,000, or both.

Ifsubstantialbodilyharmresults,thedrivermaybesentencedto imprisonment or not more than fve years, fned not more than$10,000, or both.
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Do Not LitterIt is illegal to throw items rom your vehicle onto streets, roadways,and public or private land. It is illegal to throw, leave, place or dumpany orm o oensive or dangerous item, including cigarettes, freworks,debris, snow, ice, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, garbage, papers, ashes,reuse, carcasses, oal, trash or rubbish onto streets, roadways, andpublic land or on private land without the owners consent.

What to Do in a Trac CrashI you are involved in a crash, you must take certain actions to ensuresaety and compliance with the law: Youmuststop.Pulloutofthedrivinglane,ifpossible,ontothe

shoulder. Turn o the ignition to decrease the risk o fre. Protectyourselfandthecrashscene.Warnotherdriversofdangerwith emergency warning lights, ares, or ashlight.

Ifsomeoneinthecrashisinjuredorkilled,youmustcallthe nearest law enorcement agency or 911 as quickly as possible.

Ifyouarequalied,administerrstaid.Otherwise,dowhatyou can to make injured persons comortable. You are required by lawto provide a reasonable degree o assistance to crash victims.

Youmustprovideyourname,address,dateofbirthandregistration

number o your vehicle to other drivers involved in the crash andto any law enorcement ofcer at the scene. You must also showyour drivers license to any driver who asks to see it and to any lawenorcement ofcer at the scene.

Ifapersoninvolvedinthecrashasksforyourinsuranceinformation,you must provide the name and address o your insurance carrierand the name o your agent.

Insuranceinformationmustbegiventothelawenforcement ofcer investigating the crash. I you do not have this inormation

with you, you must provide it within 72 hours. Ifacrashresultsonlyinpropertydamage,itisnotnecessaryto notiy law enorcement. I your vehicle is disabled, have it towedas soon as possible.

Ifyoudamagepropertyotherthanavehicle,youmustinformthe property owner.

Trac Crash ReportsEvery driver who is involved in a crash that results in injury, death,

or property damage o $1,000 or more must fle a trafc crash reportwithin ten days o the incident. Find the orm at dvs.dps.mn.gov underForms/Documents/Manuals,orcalltheDVSPublicInformationCenterat 651-296-6911 to have a orm mailed to you. Send the written reporttoDriverandVehicleServices,445MinnesotaStreet,Suite181,St. Paul, Minnesota 55101. The report can also be fled electronicallyat dvs.dps.mn.gov under Online Services, Crash Record Report.
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InsuranceOwners o motor vehicles driven on public roads must carry no-aultandliabilityinsuranceontheirvehicles.Validproofofinsurancemustbe carried in the vehicle at all times. Failure to provide proo oinsurance at the request o a law enorcement ofcer may lead torevocation o your drivers license and vehicle registration.

When driving privileges are revoked or lack o insurance, the drivermust pass a knowledge test; pay a $30 reinstatement ee in additionto fnes levied by a court or citation; apply or a new drivers license;and submit an insurance certifcate issued by the home ofce o theinsurance company.

Operation o an uninsured motor vehicle can result in a revocation

o license plates and registration or the vehicle. The operators drivingprivileges may be revoked or up to one year. Anyone who is convictedo operating an uninsured vehicle may be fned up to $1,000 andsentenced to up to 90 days in jail.

Motorcycle InsuranceLiability insurance or motorcycle drivers in this state must includecoverage or property damage and injury to other people with your vehicle.

No-ault and uninsured driver insurance coverage is optional. Insuranceprotection is also available or damage, loss, or thet o the motorcycle.

Registering Your VehicleAll motor vehicles owned by Minnesota residents and operated onpublic roads must be registered with the Department o Public SaetyDriverandVehicleServicesDivision.

To register your vehicle, you must bring the current vehicle title orregistration card and your drivers license or other valid identifcationtoyourlocalDriverandVehicleServicesdeputyregistrarsofceandpay all ees and taxes associated with registration and title transer.

Once registered, the license plates can be renewed online, by mail,or in person at any deputy registrars ofce.

Wireless Communication DevicesA person may not use a wireless communications device, such as acell phone, to compose, read or send electronic messages while driving.Electronic messages include e-mails and text messages; electronicmessaging also includes instant messaging and accessing the Internet.

Exceptions include using the device to obtain emergency assistance,report an accident or crime, or when the device is solely voice-activatedor in hands-ree mode.


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Chapter 4 Sharing the RoadThe ollowing laws and saety inormation pertain to situationsinvolving other vehicles and pedestrians.

StoppingA stop sign requires that you come to a complete stop. At a stop signwith a marked stop line, you must stop beore the line. At a stop signwith a pedestrian crosswalk you must stop beore entering the crosswalk.When you have stopped, yield the right-o-way to pedestrians, bicyclists

and trafc beore proceeding. I your view o the intersection isobstructed, prepare to stop again or trafc or pedestrians in your path.

You must also come to a complete stop in the ollowing situations: Beforeenteringaroadfromanalley,aprivatedriveway,aparking

lot, or a parking ramp. Always stop beore crossing an adjoiningsidewalk or crosswalk.

Atanintersectionorcrosswalkwithatrafcsignaldisplayinga red light. Wait until the signal changes to green and your path is

clear beore proceeding. Ataashingredtrafclight.Treatthisasyouwouldastopsign. Atafreewayrampmeter,whenthelightisred. Atarailroadcrossingwithastopsign. Whenaagpersonortrafcdevicedirectsyoutostop. Atabridgethathasbeenraisedtoopenapathforboatstopass

beneath it.

Stopping or a School BusSchool buses are equipped with yellow and red lights that ash alter-nately to warn drivers that they are stopping to load or unload students.

Flashing Yellow LightsFlashing yellow lights will be activated at least 100 eet beore a schoolbusstopsinaspeedzoneof35mphorless,andatleast300feetbeforeitstopsinaspeedzoneofmorethan35mph.Itisagainstthelawto

pass on the right side o a school bus while it is displaying red or yellowashing lights.

Flashing Red LightsFlashing red lights warn motorists that the school bus is loading orunloading students. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights


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Right o Way and YieldingRight-o-way and yielding laws help trafc ow smoothly and saely.Theyarebasedoncourtesyandcommonsense.Violationofthese

laws is a leading cause o trafc crashes. When two vehicles reach an intersection at the same time, andthere is no trafc light or signal, the driver o the vehicle on thelet must yield to the vehicle on the right.

When two vehicles reach an intersection at the same time,and all-way stop signs or ashing red trafc lights controlthe intersection, the driver on the let must yield right o wayto the driver on the right.

A driver who wishes to make a let turn must yield to vehicles

approaching rom the opposite direction when these vehicles arein the intersection or are near enough to pose the risk o a crash.

When a green arrow signal indicates that a vehicle may enter anintersection to make a let turn, the driver must yield to othervehicles or pedestrians already within the intersection. Ateryielding, the driver may continue in the direction o the arrow.

When two vehicles approach an uncontrolled T intersection, thedriver o the vehicle that is turning must yield to all cross trafc.

When approaching a public road rom a private road or driveway,you must stop and yield to pedestrians and trafc.

Drivers in the right lane o trafc must yield right o way to transitand metro mobility buses attempting to merge rom a bus stopor shoulder.

When a uneral procession identifes itsel through use o headlights orhazardwarninglights,youmustyieldtotheentireprocession.

Yield to Emergency VehiclesWhen an emergency vehicle, such as an ambulance, fre truck, orpolice car, displaying ashing red lights and sounding a siren or bellapproaches your vehicle on a two-way road, you must pull to the rightand stop. I you are traveling on a one-way roa