Minnesota Driving Records

Minnesota driving records are vital documents that detail an individual's driving history. For motorists, these records are crucial for maintaining awareness of their driving status, addressing potential errors, and understanding how their driving behavior impacts their record.

Employers, insurance companies, and law enforcement agencies also rely on these records to assess driver safety, determine insurance rates, and make informed decisions about individuals operating vehicles.

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) ensures public access to government-held information, including driving records, with certain exceptions to protect privacy.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MN DPS), through its Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS), manages driving records. This agency collects, maintains, and shares record information, carefully balancing public transparency with individual privacy protection.

Types of Driving Records Available in Minnesota

In Minnesota, various driving records are available to vehicle owners, motorists, and authorized parties. The following are the main types of driving records in Minnesota:

Standard Driving Record

This non-certified document provides a five-year overview of a driver's history. It is commonly used for personal review or employment screening and includes:

Personal details
License information
Traffic violations
Crashes
Any license status changes

Certified Driving Record

Bearing the official seal of the MN DPS, this record contains similar information to the standard version but is legally valid for court proceedings and official uses. Insurance companies and employers often require this record type for policy underwriting and job qualifications.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Record

Specifically for commercial drivers, this record includes additional information such as medical certifications, hazardous materials endorsements, and interstate driving privileges. This record is essential for employers in the transportation industry to verify driver qualifications.

Limited Driving Record

A limited driving record is a condensed version that provides basic information like current license status, most recent conviction date, and total convictions. This type of record is often used for quick verification purposes or when only basic information is required.

Full Driving Record

This is the most comprehensive option, containing a complete driving history without time limitations. It includes detailed crash reports, administrative actions, and license application history. A full driving record is typically used by law enforcement, courts, or for thorough background checks.

How To Request a Minnesota Driving History Report?

Minnesota residents seeking their driving history reports have two primary avenues: mail submission or in-person application at a local office.

Mail-In Application

To begin a mail-in request, drivers must obtain and fill out the DVS Records Request (Form PS2502). This form requires crucial personal details, including the applicant's full legal name, date of birth, and Minnesota driver's license number. Moreover, the reverse side of the form lists permissible reasons for requesting the data.

For third-party requests, an additional step is necessary. These requesters must provide a notarized Grant Access to Record Authorization Form (Form PS2506) along with the primary request form. This form allows an individual to authorize another person or entity to access their driving records on their behalf.

When submitting by mail, applicants should enclose a legible photocopy of their Minnesota driver's license or state-issued ID card. In the absence of these, a notarized signature is acceptable.

Payment must be made in U.S. currency, with checks or money orders payable to the DVS. The DVS strongly discourages sending cash through the mail due to security concerns. All required documents and payment should be sent to:

Driver and Vehicle Services

Records Unit

445 Minnesota St., Suite 161

St. Paul, MN 55101-5161

In-Office Application

For those who prefer face-to-face interactions or need immediate assistance, the same materials can be submitted at any local DVS office. This method offers several advantages, including asking questions directly, receiving immediate confirmation of submission, and potentially expediting the process.

Eligibility and Pricing

Upon receiving an application through either method, the DVS carefully evaluates each request to determine the applicant's eligibility to receive the requested information. This step ensures that sensitive driving records are only released to authorized individuals or entities.

Meanwhile, the pricing structure for Minnesota driving records is as follows:

Certified Copy:

$10 for the subject of the record or the record owner
$10.50 for other eligible requesters

Non-Certified Copy (5-year Conviction History):

$9 for the subject of the record or the record owner
$9.50 for other eligible requesters

Uses of Minnesota Driving Records

In Minnesota, driving records are used for several important purposes as outlined in Title 18 of the United States Code (USC) Section 2721:

Government Agencies: They use driving records to conduct their official duties and assist legal professionals with court proceedings and investigations.
Automotive Industry: This data supports safety initiatives, such as recalls and performance evaluations.
Financial Institutions and Insurers: They rely on driving records to prevent fraud and assess risk.
Researchers: They can access driving records for statistical analysis, provided confidentiality is maintained.
Vehicle Recovery: Driving records help quickly notify owners of impounded vehicles.
Attorneys: According to Minnesota Statutes (MN Stat.) Section 168A.143, they can use these records for manufactured home titling.
Employers: They verify commercial driver’s license information.
Licensed Private Investigators: They access records for authorized purposes.
Toll Facility Operators and Other Entities: They may use this data under strict regulations.

Understanding Minnesota Driving Laws

Minnesota enforces various driving laws to promote responsible driving, enhance road safety, and reduce accidents. Below are the essential driving laws that each motorist must know and comply with:

Speeding Laws and Penalties

Under MN Stat. Section 169.14, Minnesota enforces speed limits. Typical limits include:

10 miles per hour (mph) in alleys
30 mph in urban areas
55 mph in most other locations
65 mph on urban freeways
70 mph on interstate highways outside urban areas

Penalties for speeding violations result in petty misdemeanors, with fines ranging from $40 to $150. Increased fines apply for infractions in school zones, work zones, or near emergency vehicles. Repeat offenses can lead to misdemeanors, carrying up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.

Reckless Driving Laws and Penalties

According to MN Stat. Section 169.13, reckless driving in Minnesota includes operating a vehicle in a manner that poses a significant and unjustifiable risk to others or their property, with the driver consciously ignoring this risk. Street racing also qualifies as reckless driving.

Standard reckless driving is classified as a misdemeanor, resulting in penalties of up to 90 days in jail and fines reaching $1,000. If reckless driving causes serious bodily injury, it escalates to a gross misdemeanor, with penalties of up to one year in jail and fines up to $3,000. Additionally, a conviction may lead to a driver's license suspension for up to one year.

Driving While Impaired (DWI) Laws and Penalties

Driving while impaired (DWI), also known as driving under the influence (DUI), is specified under MN Stat. Section 169A.20. This includes operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or having any amount of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (excluding marijuana) in the body.

Refusing a breath test after a lawful DWI arrest is also a violation. Penalties for a DWI conviction involve both administrative and criminal consequences. Administrative penalties imposed by the MN DPS may include revoking the driver’s license, impounding license plates, and forfeiting the vehicle.

Criminal penalties depend on the severity of the offense, ranging from misdemeanors with up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine to felonies with up to seven years in prison and fines up to $14,000.

Licensing Laws and Penalties

According to MN Stat. Section 171.02, operating a vehicle without a valid driver's license is prohibited. Violations typically result in a fine of approximately $200, including surcharges.

Drivers holding a valid license but failing to carry it during a traffic stop may face a $100 fine, which can be dismissed if proof of a valid license is provided.

Per MN Stat. Section 171.24, penalties become more severe for those driving with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license. These offenses are treated as misdemeanors, resulting in fines of around $200, which can total up to $300 with additional surcharges.

If the license was canceled due to being deemed "inimical to public safety," the offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor, leading to a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Auto Insurance Laws and Penalties

Minnesota law mandates that all drivers carry auto insurance as outlined in MN Stat. Section 169.791. Failure to produce proof of insurance during a traffic stop can result in a criminal penalty.

Penalties for driving without insurance include fines up to $200 for the first offense, and subsequent offenses can result in fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time. Additionally, vehicle registration may be suspended until proof of insurance is provided.

The Point System in Minnesota

Unlike many states, Minnesota does not use a traditional point system for tracking driving violations. Instead, it employs an alternative evaluation method that focuses on the frequency and severity of traffic offenses to decide when to suspend or revoke a driver's license.

This system considers only tickets in which the driver is found guilty, pleads guilty, or accepts a no-contest plea.

In Minnesota, the assessment period for traffic citations begins on the date the ticket is issued, not the date of conviction. This means the clock starts ticking immediately upon receiving a citation.

Consequences of Misdemeanors, Gross Misdemeanors, and Petty Misdemeanors

In Minnesota, motorists convicted of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor traffic offenses risk license revocation. The duration of revocation depends on the number of offenses within a 12-month period:

Three or more convictions: 30-day revocation
Four convictions: 90-day revocation
Five convictions: One-year revocation

For petty misdemeanor violations, the consequences are license suspensions. Unlike revocation, suspension temporarily removes driving privileges:

Four petty misdemeanor convictions in 12 months: 30-day suspension
Five petty misdemeanor convictions in 12 months: 90-day suspension
Five petty misdemeanor convictions in 24 months: 30-day suspension
Six petty misdemeanor convictions in 24 months: 90-day suspension
Seven petty misdemeanor convictions in 24 months: 180-day suspension
Eight or more petty misdemeanor convictions in 24 months: One-year suspension

Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Minnesota

In Minnesota, traffic offenses are classified into two main categories: criminal and civil. Each type carries different levels of severity and penalties, making it essential for motorists to understand the implications of each.

Criminal Driving Offenses

Criminal driving offenses in Minnesota are severe violations involving significant harm or risk. These offenses are categorized as misdemeanors or felonies, with felonies being the most serious. Examples include criminal vehicular homicide, multiple DUI offenses, and hit-and-run incidents.

Felony traffic violations, such as vehicular homicide, can lead to prison sentences of over a year, substantial fines, and long probation periods.

While less severe, misdemeanors still have serious repercussions. A gross misdemeanor, like a second DUI offense, can result in up to 90 days in jail, fines up to $3,000, and probation for several years.

Civil Driving Offenses

Civil driving offenses, or traffic infractions, are less severe and typically do not involve jail time. Common infractions include speeding, running a red light, and distracted driving.

Penalties primarily involve fines and can vary. For example, minor speeding may result in a fine of up to $300. More serious infractions, such as driving without insurance and not stopping for a school bus, can incur fines of up to $1,000.

Although these infractions do not result in imprisonment, they can affect a driver's record and insurance rates. Furthermore, accumulating multiple infractions may lead to license suspension or revocation.

Some infractions may require a court appearance, while others can be settled by paying the fine online or through a payment plan.

Minnesota Driving Statistics and Goals

Minnesota’s traffic safety landscape shows mixed results. The MN DPS reported 441 traffic fatalities in 2023, up from 410 in 2022. Notably, speed-related fatalities dropped by 26%, and alcohol-related deaths decreased by 9%. However, fatalities among unbelted occupants rose by 13%.

The state’s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) program aims to align with federal safety goals, targeting a fatality rate of 0.96 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled by 2026. To meet this target, Minnesota is focusing on stricter law enforcement, enhanced public education, and infrastructure improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Driving Records

Below are the inquiries that address common concerns and provide clarity on topics related to driving records:

Can Someone Request Another’s Driving Record?

In Minnesota, individuals can request another person's driving record, but restrictions apply. The requester must have a legitimate purpose and obtain consent from the record holder.

How To Correct an Error on a Driving Record?

To resolve any issues with driving records, individuals should contact the MN DPS. There are two options available for reaching out. First, individuals can visit their nearest local MN DPS office, with locations readily accessible on the MN DPS website. Alternatively, they can call the DVS at (651) 297-3300.

Can Traffic Violations on Driving Records Be Expunged or Sealed?

In Minnesota, criminal traffic violations can be expunged from court records, but DVS driving records cannot be expunged through this process. Individuals must contact DVS directly for concerns about their driving record.

Typically, minor traffic infractions may be removed from records after a certain period, while serious offenses like DUI or vehicular homicide remain permanently, potentially impacting future legal issues.

Helpful Links and Resources

For additional information on Minnesota driving records, traffic regulations, and crash statistics, individuals can access the following web resources:

DVS records request procedure: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/records-request-procedure.aspx
Minnesota traffic regulations: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/169
Minnesota yearly crash reports and statistics: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ots/reports-statistics/Pages/default.aspx

Counties in Minnesota

List of Content

Types of Driving Records Available in Minnesota
How To Request a Minnesota Driving History Report?
Uses of Minnesota Driving Records
Understanding Minnesota Driving Laws
The Point System in Minnesota
1. Consequences of Misdemeanors, Gross Misdemeanors, and Petty Misdemeanors
Criminal vs. Civil Driving Offenses in Minnesota
1. Criminal Driving Offenses
2. Civil Driving Offenses
Minnesota Driving Statistics and Goals
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota Driving Records
Helpful Links and Resources