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CHAPTER 171. Drivers' licenses and training schools

Table of Sections
SectionHeadnote
171.01Definitions.
171.015Driver's license division.
171.02Licenses; types, endorsements, restrictions.
171.03Persons exempt.
171.04Persons not eligible for drivers' licenses.
171.041Restricted license for farm work.
171.042Driver's license for medical reason.
171.043Notice of persons under driver's license cancellation.
171.05Instruction permit.
171.055Provisional license.
171.06Application for license, permit or identification card; fees.
171.061Driver's license agent.
171.07Information on license and identification card.
171.071Photograph on license or identification card.
171.08Licensee to have license in possession.
171.09Driving restrictions; authority, violations.
171.10Duplicate license; vehicle endorsement.
171.11Duplicate license; change of domicile or name.
171.12Driving record; filing; private data; surcharge.
171.121Use of another's residence address.
171.13Examination.
171.131Physician reporting to commissioner.
171.14Cancellation.
171.15Nonresident's driving privilege.
171.16Court may recommend suspension.
171.165Commercial driver's license, disqualification.
171.166Review of disqualification.
171.17Revocation.
171.171Suspension; illegal purchase of alcohol or tobacco.
171.172Revocation; controlled substance offense.
171.173Suspension; underage drinking offense.
171.174Revocation; fleeing peace officer offense.
171.18Suspension.
171.181Resident driving privilege.
171.182Suspension; uninsured vehicle.
171.183Satisfaction of judgment.
171.184Installment payments.
171.185Costs paid from trunk highway fund.
171.186Suspension; nonpayment of support.
171.19Petition for license reinstatement.
171.20Minnesota license required; conditions, fees.
171.21Copy of record as evidence.
171.22Unlawful acts relating to driver's license.
171.23Renting vehicle to unlicensed driver.
171.24Violations; driving without valid license.
171.241Chapter violations; misdemeanors.
171.245Repealed, 1978 c 727 s 11
171.25Enforcement; delegation of authority.
171.26Money credited to funds.
171.27Expiration of license.
171.28Citation, Driver's License Law.
171.29Revoked license; examination for new license.
171.30Limited license.
171.302License violations; consecutive sentencing.
171.305Ignition interlock device; pilot program.
171.31Person receiving benefits for blindness, discovery of information.
171.32Action upon information relating to blindness.
171.321Qualifications of school bus driver.
171.3215Canceling bus endorsement for certain offenses.
171.322Age limit for operator of vehicle for hire.
171.323Repealed, 1993 c 142 s 4
171.33Driver training school; definitions.
171.34License for school required.
171.35License for instructor required.
171.36License renewal; fees; proceeds to trunk highway fund.
171.37Inspection and examination.
171.38School or instructor license denial or revocation.
171.39Exemptions.
171.40Violations relating to driver training school; petty misdemeanor.
171.41Cooperation of state agencies.
171.50Driver License Compact.
171.51Definitions.
171.52Transfer of information.
171.53Compact administrator.
171.54Reporting to licensing authority.
171.55Out-of-state convictions given effect.
171.56Filing of bylaws and amendments.

171.01 Definitions.

Subdivision 1. Scope. Unless the language or context clearly indicates that a different meaning is intended, the following words, terms, and phrases, for the purposes of this chapter, shall be given the meanings subjoined to them.

Subd. 2. Vehicle. Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon any highway, excepting devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

Subd. 3. Motor vehicle. Every vehicle which is self-propelled and any vehicle propelled or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle, and not deriving its power from overhead wires except snowmobiles.

Subd. 4. Farm tractor. Every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing machines and other implements of husbandry.

Subd. 5. Person. Every natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation.

Subd. 6. Driver. Every person, who drives or is in actual physical control of a motor vehicle.

Subd. 7. Repealed, 1971 c 644 s 17

Subd. 8. Owner. Any person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation who holds the legal title to a vehicle, or in the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purposes of this chapter.

Subd. 9. Nonresident. Every person who is not a resident of this state.

Subd. 10. Street or highway. The entire width between property lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for purpose of vehicular traffic.

Subd. 11. Commissioner. The commissioner of public safety of the state of Minnesota, acting directly or through duly authorized agents.

Subd. 12. Department. The department of public safety of the state, acting directly or through its duly authorized officers and agents.

Subd. 13. Conviction. The term "conviction" means a final conviction either after trial or upon a plea of guilty. Also, a forfeiture of cash or collateral deposited to guarantee a defendant's appearance in court, which forfeiture has not been vacated; the failure to comply with a written notice to appear in court; or a breach of a condition of release without bail, is equivalent to a conviction.

Subd. 14. License. "License" means any operator's license or any other license or permit to operate a motor vehicle issued or issuable under the laws of this state by the commissioner of public safety including:

(1) any temporary license, instruction permit, or provisional license;

(2) the privilege of any person to drive a motor vehicle whether or not the person holds a valid license; and

(3) any nonresident's operating privilege.

Subd. 15. State. "State" means any state, territory or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or any province of the Dominion of Canada.

Subd. 16. Gross vehicle weight. "Gross vehicle weight" means the greater of:

(1) the unloaded weight of a vehicle or the unloaded weight of a truck-tractor and semitrailer combination, plus the weight of the load; or

(2) the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum gross weight or gross vehicle weight rating.

Subd. 17. Motorcycle. "Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and bicycles with motor attached, but excluding tractors and motorized bicycles.

Subd. 18. Travel trailer and manufactured home. (a) "Travel trailer" means any trailer or semitrailer designed and used for human living quarters that meets all of the following qualifications:

(1) is not used as the residence of the owner or occupant;

(2) is used for temporary living quarters by the owner or occupant while engaged in recreational or vacation activities; and

(3) is towed on the public streets or highways incidental to such recreational or vacation activities.

(b) The term "travel trailer" shall not include bunkhouses, so called, temporarily mounted on trailers, and manufactured homes. Such bunkhouses, exclusive of the trailer and manufactured homes, shall be listed and taxed as personal property as provided by law.

(c) "Manufactured home" means any trailer or semitrailer which is designed, constructed, and equipped for use as a human dwelling place, living abode, or living quarters except travel trailers.

Subd. 19. Bus. "Bus" means every motor vehicle designed for carrying more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and used for the transportation of persons.

Subd. 20. Motorized bicycle. "Motorized bicycle" means a bicycle that is propelled by a motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a maximum of two brake horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. "Motorized bicycle" includes an electric-assisted bicycle as defined in section 169.01, subdivision 4b.

Subd. 21. School bus. "School bus" means a motor vehicle used to transport pupils to or from a school defined in section 120A.22, or to or from school-related activities, by the school or a school district or by someone under an agreement with the school or a school district. A school bus does not include a motor vehicle transporting children to or from school for which parents or guardians receive direct compensation from a school district, a motor coach operating under charter carrier authority, a transit bus providing services as defined in section 174.22, subdivision 7, or a vehicle otherwise qualifying as a type III vehicle under section 169.01, subdivision 6, paragraph (5), when the vehicle is properly registered and insured and being driven by an employee or agent of a school district for nonscheduled transportation.

Subd. 22. Commercial motor vehicle. "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:

(1) has a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds;

(2) has a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds and the combination of vehicles has a combined gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds;

(3) is a bus;

(4) is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials, except for those vehicles having a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less and carrying in bulk tanks a total of not more than 200 gallons of liquid fertilizer and petroleum products; or

(5) is outwardly equipped and identified as a school bus, except for school buses defined in section 169.01, subdivision 6, clause (5).

Subd. 23. Passenger endorsement. "Passenger endorsement" means the driver's license endorsement required of a person who operates a vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver.

Subd. 24. Repealed, 1993 c 142 s 4

Subd. 25. Farm truck. For purposes of this chapter only, "farm truck" means a single-unit truck, including a pickup truck as defined in section 168.011; truck-tractor; tractor; semitrailer; or trailer, used by its owner:

(1) to transport from the farm to the market agricultural, horticultural, dairy, or other farm products, including livestock, produced or finished by the owner of the farm truck;

(2) to transport the owner's other personal property from the farm to market; or

(3) to transport property and supplies to the farm of the owner.

Subd. 26. Hazardous materials. "Hazardous materials" means those materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and that require the motor vehicle to be placarded under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 172, subpart F.

Subd. 27. Head Start bus. "Head Start bus" means a motor vehicle used to transport children or parents to or from a Head Start facility, or to or from Head Start-related activities, by the Head Start grantee, or by someone under an agreement with the Head Start grantee. A Head Start bus does not include a motor vehicle transporting children or parents to or from a Head Start facility for which parents or guardians receive direct compensation from a Head Start grantee, a motor coach operating under charter carrier authority, or a transit bus providing services as defined in section 174.22, subdivision 7.

HIST: (2720-142, 2720-145a) 1939 c 401 s 1,16, par (c); 1965 c 51 s 24-35; 1967 c 385 s 1; 1969 c 695 s 12; 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 18; 1971 c 644 s 2,3; 1973 c 421 s 3; 1975 c 29 s 6; 1977 c 214 s 10,11; 1978 c 570 s 3; 1978 c 783 s 5; 1981 c 365 s 9; 1984 c 403 s 7; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 269 s 6; 1988 c 681 s 14; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 228 s 2; 1989 c 307 s 14-16; 1989 c 342 s 20; 1990 c 529 s 3,4; 1991 c 298 art 7 s 1; 1991 c 333 s 21-23; 1993 c 78 s 3; 1994 c 465 art 3 s 62; 1994 c 603 s 16; 1994 c 647 art 13 s 17; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 2 s 40; 1996 c 435 s 17; 1998 c 388 s 7; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3

171.015 Driver's license division.

Subdivision 1. Created; director. A division in the department of public safety to be known as the driver's license division is hereby created, under the supervision and control of a director. The commissioner may place the director's position in the unclassified service if the position meets the criteria established in section 43A.08, subdivision 1a. The director shall be assigned the duties and responsibilities prescribed in this section.

Subd. 2. Powers and duties transferred. All the powers and duties now vested in or imposed upon the department of transportation and the commissioner of transportation in regard to drivers' licensing and safety responsibility as prescribed by this chapter and chapters 169 and 170, are hereby transferred to, vested in, and imposed upon the commissioner of public safety. The duties and responsibilities of the department of transportation and the commissioner of transportation, in relation to such matters as heretofore constituted, are hereby abolished.

Subd. 3. Licensing chauffeur and school bus driver. The commissioner of public safety, with the approval of the governor, may transfer and assign to the driver's license division duties and responsibilities in relation to chauffeurs' licensing and school bus drivers' licensing as vested in and imposed upon the division of motor vehicles.

Subd. 4. Repealed, 1991 c 199 art 1 s 59

Subd. 5. Powers and duties transferred. All the powers and duties now vested in or imposed upon the department of education and the department of transportation relating to drivers' training as prescribed by section 171.04, are hereby transferred to, vested in, and imposed upon the commissioner of public safety. The duties of the department of education and the department of transportation with reference to such training as heretofore constituted are hereby abolished.

Subd. 6. Facility for licensing activity. The commissioner of transportation shall provide space as required for driver and chauffeur license activities at such locations and under such contractual conditions as may be determined with the commissioner of public safety.

HIST: 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 18; 1976 c 166 s 7; 1982 c 560 s 50; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 16 s 13

171.02 Licenses; types, endorsements, restrictions.

Subdivision 1. License required. No person, except those hereinafter expressly exempted, shall drive any motor vehicle upon any street or highway in this state unless such person has a license valid under the provisions of this chapter for the type or class of vehicle being driven. No person shall receive a driver's license unless and until the person's license from any jurisdiction has been invalidated by the department. The department shall provide to the issuing department of any jurisdiction, information that the licensee is now licensed in Minnesota. No person shall be permitted to have more than one valid driver's license at any time. No person to whom a current Minnesota identification card has been issued may receive a driver's license, other than an instruction permit or a limited license, unless the person's Minnesota identification card has been invalidated by the department.

Subd. 2. Driver's license classifications, endorsements, exemptions. (a) Drivers' licenses shall be classified according to the types of vehicles which may be driven by the holder of each type or class of license. The commissioner may, as appropriate, subdivide the classes listed in this subdivision and issue licenses classified accordingly. Except as provided in subdivision 2a, no class of license shall be valid to operate a motorcycle, school bus, tank vehicle, double-trailer or triple-trailer combination, vehicle transporting hazardous materials, or bus, unless so endorsed.

There shall be four general classes of licenses as follows:

(b) Class D; valid for:

(1) operating all farm trucks operated by (i) the owner, (ii) an immediate family member of the owner, (iii) an employee of the owner not primarily employed to operate the farm truck, within 150 miles of the farm, or (iv) an employee of the owner employed during harvest to operate the farm truck for the first, continuous transportation of agricultural products from the production site or on-farm storage site to any other location within 50 miles of that site;

(2) operating fire trucks and emergency fire equipment, whether or not in excess of 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight, operated by a firefighter while on duty, or a tiller operator employed by a fire department who drives the rear portion of a midmount aerial ladder truck;

(3) operating recreational equipment as defined in section 168.011, subdivision 25, that is operated for personal use;

(4) operating all single unit vehicles except vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds, vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers including the driver, and vehicles that carry hazardous materials; and

(5) notwithstanding paragraph (c), operating a type A school bus without a school bus endorsement if:

(i) the bus has a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less;

(ii) the bus is designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver; and

(iii) the requirements of subdivision 2a, paragraph (b), are satisfied, as determined by the commissioner.

The holder of a class D license may also tow vehicles if the combination of vehicles has a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less.

(c) Class C; valid for:

(1) operating class D vehicles;

(2) with a hazardous materials endorsement, transporting hazardous materials in class D vehicles; and

(3) with a school bus endorsement, operating school buses designed to transport 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver.

(d) Class B; valid for operating all vehicles in class C, class D, and all other single unit vehicles including, with a passenger endorsement, buses. The holder of a class B license may tow only vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less.

(e) Class A; valid for operating any vehicle or combination of vehicles.

Subd. 2a. Exceptions. (a) Notwithstanding subdivision 2, (1) a hazardous materials endorsement is not required to operate a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less while carrying in bulk tanks a total of not more than 200 gallons of petroleum products and (2) a class C license or hazardous materials endorsement is not required to operate a farm vehicle as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 390.5, having a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less while carrying in bulk tanks a total of not more than 1,500 gallons of liquid fertilizer.

(b) Notwithstanding subdivision 2, paragraph (c), the holder of a class D driver's license, without a school bus endorsement, may operate a type A school bus described in subdivision 2, paragraph (b), under the following conditions:

(1) The operator is an employee of the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus and is not solely hired to provide transportation services under this paragraph.

(2) The operator drives the school bus only from points of origin to points of destination, not including home-to-school trips to pick up or drop off students.

(3) The operator is prohibited from using the eight-light system. Violation of this clause is a misdemeanor.

(4) The operator's employer has adopted and implemented a policy that provides for annual training and certification of the operator in:

(i) safe operation of the type of school bus the operator will be driving;

(ii) understanding student behavior, including issues relating to students with disabilities;

(iii) encouraging orderly conduct of students on the bus and handling incidents of misconduct appropriately;

(iv) knowing and understanding relevant laws, rules of the road, and local school bus safety policies;

(v) handling emergency situations; and

(vi) safe loading and unloading of students.

(5) A background check or background investigation of the operator has been conducted that meets the requirements under section 122A.18, subdivision 8, or 123B.03 for teachers; section 144.057 or 245A.04 for day care employees; or section 171.321, subdivision 3, for all other persons operating a type A school bus under this paragraph.

(6) Operators shall submit to a physical examination as required by section 171.321, subdivision 2.

(7) The operator's driver's license is verified annually by the entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus.

(8) A person who sustains a conviction, as defined under section 609.02, of violating section 169A.25, 169A.26, 169A.27, 169A.31, 169A.51, or 169A.52, or a similar statute or ordinance of another state is precluded from operating a school bus for five years from the date of conviction.

(9) A person who sustains a conviction, as defined under section 609.02, of a fourth moving offense in violation of chapter 169 is precluded from operating a school bus for one year from the date of the last conviction.

(10) Students riding the school bus must have training required under section 123B.90, subdivision 2.

(11) An operator must be trained in the proper use of child safety restraints as set forth in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's "Guideline for the Safe Transportation of Pre-school Age Children in School Buses."

(12) Annual certification of the requirements listed in this paragraph must be maintained under separate file at the business location for each operator licensed under this paragraph and subdivision 2, paragraph (b), clause (5). The business manager, school board, governing body of a nonpublic school, or any other entity that owns, leases, or contracts for the school bus operating under this paragraph is responsible for maintaining these files for inspection.

(13) The school bus must bear a current certificate of inspection issued under section 169.451.

(14) The word "School" on the front and rear of the bus must be covered by a sign that reads "Activities" when the bus is being operated under authority of this paragraph.

Subd. 3. Motorized bicycle. (a) No motorized bicycle shall be operated on any public roadway by any person who does not possess a valid driver's license, unless the person has obtained a motorized bicycle operator's permit or motorized bicycle instruction permit from the commissioner of public safety. The operator's permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15 years and who has passed the examination prescribed by the commissioner. The instruction permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15 years and who has successfully completed an approved safety course and passed the written portion of the examination prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) This course must consist of, but is not limited to, a basic understanding of:

(1) motorized bicycles and their limitations;

(2) motorized bicycle laws and rules;

(3) safe operating practices and basic operating techniques;

(4) helmets and protective clothing;

(5) motorized bicycle traffic strategies; and

(6) effects of alcohol and drugs on motorized bicycle operators.

(c) The commissioner may promulgate rules prescribing the content of the safety course, examination, and the information to be contained on the permits. A person operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit.

(d) The fees for motorized bicycle operator's permits are as follows:

(1) Examination and operator's permit, valid for one year $ 6 (2) Duplicate $ 3 (3) Renewal permit before age 21 and valid until age 21 $ 9 (4) Renewal permit after age 21 and valid for four years $15 (5) Duplicate of any renewal permit $ 4.50 (6) Written examination and instruction permit, valid for 30 days $ 6

Subd. 4. Restricted commercial driver's license. (a) The commissioner may issue restricted commercial drivers' licenses and take the following actions to the extent that the actions are authorized by regulation of the United States Department of Transportation entitled "waiver for farm-related service industries" as published in the Federal Register, April 17, 1992:

(1) prescribe examination requirements and other qualifications for the license;

(2) prescribe classes of vehicles that may be operated by holders of the license;

(3) specify commercial motor vehicle operation that is authorized by the license, and prohibit other commercial vehicle operation by holders of the license; and

(4) prescribe the period of time during which the license is valid.

(b) Restricted commercial drivers' licenses are subject to sections 171.165 and 171.166 in the same manner as other commercial drivers' licenses.

(c) Actions of the commissioner under this subdivision are not subject to sections 14.05 to 14.47 of the Administrative Procedure Act.

Subd. 5. Exemption for certain backup snowplow drivers. Pursuant to the waiver authorization set forth in Public Law Number 104-59, section 345 (a)(5), a person who operates a commercial motor vehicle for the purpose of removing snow or ice from a roadway by plowing, salting, or sanding is not required to hold a commercial driver's license if the person:

(1) is an employee of a local unit of government with a population of 3,000 or less;

(2) is operating within the boundaries of the local unit of government;

(3) holds a valid driver's license authorizing the operation of class B vehicles; and

(4) except in the event of a lawful strike, is temporarily replacing the employee who normally operates the vehicle but either is unable to operate the vehicle or is in need of additional assistance due to a snow emergency as determined by the local unit of government.

HIST: (2720-143) 1939 c 401 s 2; 1963 c 393 s 1; 1971 c 644 s 4; 1973 c 16 s 1; 1977 c 214 s 12; 1977 c 429 s 63; 1978 c 479 s 1; 1979 c 227 s 3; 1981 c 363 s 29; 1984 c 546 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1985 c 291 s 19; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 454 s 21; 1987 c 269 s 7; 1987 c 358 s 110; 1989 c 301 s 4,5; 1989 c 307 s 17; 1989 c 342 s 21; 1990 c 529 s 5; 1991 c 174 s 8; 1991 c 298 art 7 s 2; 1991 c 333 s 24-26; 1992 c 581 s 14; 1993 c 78 s 4; 1993 c 142 s 1; 1993 c 266 s 20; 1994 c 465 art 3 s 48; 1995 c 95 s 7; 1995 c 174 s 3; 1996 c 275 s 1,2; 1997 c 35 s 1; 2001 c 97 s 3,4; 1Sp2001 c 6 art 2 s 60

* NOTE: The amendments to subdivisions 2 and 2a by Laws *2001, chapter 97, sections 3 and 4, respectively, expire July 1, *2003. Laws 2001, chapter 97, section 5, paragraph (b).

171.03 Persons exempt.

The following persons are exempt from license hereunder:

(1) a person in the employ or service of the United States federal government while driving or operating a motor vehicle owned by or leased to the United States federal government, except that only a noncivilian operator of a commercial motor vehicle owned or leased by the United States Department of Defense or the Minnesota national guard is exempt from the requirement to possess a valid commercial motor vehicle driver's license;

(2) any person while driving or operating any farm tractor, or implement of husbandry temporarily operated or moved on a highway, and for purposes of this section an all-terrain vehicle, as defined in section 84.92, subdivision 8, an off-highway motorcycle, as defined in section 84.787, subdivision 7, and an off-road vehicle, as defined in section 84.797, subdivision 7, are not implements of husbandry;

(3) a nonresident who is at least 15 years of age and who has in immediate possession a valid driver's license issued to the nonresident in the home state or country may operate a motor vehicle in this state only as a driver;

(4) a nonresident who has in immediate possession a valid commercial driver's license issued by a state in compliance with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, United States Code, title 49, sections 521, 2304, and 2701 to 2716, and who is operating in Minnesota the class of commercial motor vehicle authorized by the issuing state;

(5) any nonresident who is at least 18 years of age, whose home state or country does not require the licensing of drivers may operate a motor vehicle as a driver, only for a period of not more than 90 days in any calendar year if the motor vehicle so operated is duly registered for the current calendar year in the home state or country of such nonresident;

(6) any person who becomes a resident of the state of Minnesota and who has in possession a valid driver's license issued to the person under and pursuant to the laws of some other state or province or by military authorities of the United States may operate a motor vehicle as a driver, only for a period of not more than 60 days after becoming a resident of this state without being required to have a Minnesota driver's license as provided in this chapter;

(7) any person who becomes a resident of the state of Minnesota and who has in possession a valid commercial driver's license issued by another state in compliance with the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, United States Code, title 49, sections 521, 2304, and 2701 to 2716, for not more than 30 days after becoming a resident of this state; and

(8) any person operating a snowmobile, as defined in section 84.81.

HIST: (2720-144) 1939 c 401 s 3; 1943 c 331 s 2; 1955 c 496 s 1; 1969 c 695 s 13; 1971 c 644 s 5; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 307 s 18; 1989 c 331 s 23; 1991 c 333 s 27; 1993 c 311 art 1 s 14; art 2 s 14

171.04 Persons not eligible for drivers' licenses.

Subdivision 1. Persons not eligible. The department shall not issue a driver's license:

(1) to any person under 18 years unless:

(i) the applicant is 16 or 17 years of age and has a previously issued valid license from another state or country or the applicant has, for the 12 consecutive months preceding application, held a provisional license and during that time has incurred (A) no conviction for a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, (B) no conviction for a crash-related moving violation, and (C) not more than one conviction for a moving violation that is not crash related. "Moving violation" means a violation of a traffic regulation but does not include a parking violation, vehicle equipment violation, or warning citation;

(ii) the application for a license is approved by (A) either parent when both reside in the same household as the minor applicant or, if otherwise, then (B) the parent or spouse of the parent having custody or, in the event there is no court order for custody, then (C) the parent or spouse of the parent with whom the minor is living or, if subitems (A) to (C) do not apply, then (D) the guardian having custody of the minor or, in the event a person under the age of 18 has no living father, mother, or guardian, then (E) the minor's employer; provided, that the approval required by this item contains a verification of the age of the applicant and the identity of the parent, guardian, or employer; and

(iii) the applicant presents a certification by the person who approves the application under item (ii), stating that the applicant has driven a motor vehicle accompanied by and under supervision of a licensed driver at least 21 years of age for at least ten hours during the period of provisional licensure;

(2) to any person who is 18 years of age or younger, unless the person has applied for, been issued, and possessed the appropriate instruction permit for a minimum of six months, and, with respect to a person under 18 years of age, a provisional license for a minimum of 12 months;

(3) to any person who is 19 years of age or older, unless that person has applied for, been issued, and possessed the appropriate instruction permit for a minimum of three months;

(4) to any person whose license has been suspended during the period of suspension except that a suspended license may be reinstated during the period of suspension upon the licensee furnishing proof of financial responsibility in the same manner as provided in the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act;

(5) to any person whose license has been revoked except upon furnishing proof of financial responsibility in the same manner as provided in the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act and if otherwise qualified;

(6) to any drug-dependent person, as defined in section 254A.02, subdivision 5;

(7) to any person who has been adjudged legally incompetent by reason of mental illness, mental deficiency, or inebriation, and has not been restored to capacity, unless the department is satisfied that the person is competent to operate a motor vehicle with safety to persons or property;

(8) to any person who is required by this chapter to take a vision, knowledge, or road examination, unless the person has successfully passed the examination. An applicant who fails four road tests must complete a minimum of six hours of behind-the-wheel instruction with an approved instructor before taking the road test again;

(9) to any person who is required under the Minnesota No-Fault Automobile Insurance Act to deposit proof of financial responsibility and who has not deposited the proof;

(10) to any person when the commissioner has good cause to believe that the operation of a motor vehicle on the highways by the person would be inimical to public safety or welfare;

(11) to any person when, in the opinion of the commissioner, the person is afflicted with or suffering from a physical or mental disability or disease that will affect the person in a manner as to prevent the person from exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle while operating it upon the highways;

(12) to a person who is unable to read and understand official signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic;

(13) to a child for whom a court has ordered denial of driving privileges under section 260C.201, subdivision 1, or 260B.235, subdivision 5, until the period of denial is completed; or

(14) to any person whose license has been canceled, during the period of cancellation.

Subd. 2. Disqualified operators of commercial vehicles. During the period of disqualification, the department shall not issue a class C, class B, or class A driver's license to a person who has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle under section 171.165.

HIST: (2720-144a) 1939 c 401 s 4; 1941 c 517; 1957 c 564 s 1; 1963 c 382 s 1; 1965 c 78 s 1; 1965 c 795 s 1; 1967 c 61 s 1; 1967 c 839 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 18; 1971 c 644 s 6; 1974 c 408 s 32 subd 4; 1981 c 363 s 30; 1982 c 548 art 4 s 14; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 558 s 1; 1989 c 262 s 1; 1989 c 307 s 19; 1995 c 226 art 3 s 13; 1996 c 275 s 3; 1996 c 455 art 3 s 24; 1998 c 388 s 8; 1999 c 139 art 4 s 2; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 23; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.041 Restricted license for farm work.

Notwithstanding any provisions of section 171.04 relating to the age of an applicant to the contrary, the commissioner may issue a restricted farm work license to operate a motor vehicle to a person who has attained the age of 15 years and who, except for age, is qualified to hold a driver's license. The applicant is not required to comply with the six-month instruction permit possession provisions of sections 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (2), and 171.05, subdivision 2a, or with the 12-month provisional license possession provision of section 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (1), item (i). The restricted license shall be issued solely for the purpose of authorizing the person to whom the restricted license is issued to assist the person's parents or guardians with farm work. A person holding this restricted license may operate a motor vehicle only during daylight hours and only within a radius of 20 miles of the parent's or guardian's farmhouse; however, in no case may a person holding the restricted license operate a motor vehicle in a city of the first class. An applicant for a restricted license shall apply to the commissioner for the license on forms prescribed by the commissioner. The application shall be accompanied by:

(1) a copy of a property tax statement showing that the applicant's parent or guardian owns land that is classified as agricultural land or a copy of a rental statement or agreement showing that the applicant's parent or guardian rents land classified as agricultural land; and

(2) a written verified statement by the applicant's parent or guardian setting forth the necessity for the license.

HIST: 1963 c 382 s 3; 1967 c 87 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1997 c 48 s 1; 1997 c 230 s 6; 1997 c 251 s 24,25; 1998 c 388 s 9

171.042 Driver's license for medical reason.

Notwithstanding any provisions of section 171.04, relating to the age of an applicant, the commissioner may issue a driver's license to a person who has attained the age of 15 years but is under the age of 16 years, who, except for age, is qualified to hold a driver's license and who needs to operate a motor vehicle because of personal or family medical reasons. Applicants shall apply to the commissioner for the license on forms prescribed by the commissioner. The application shall be accompanied by written verified statements by the applicant's parent or guardian and by a doctor setting forth the necessity for the license. The commissioner in issuing such license may impose such conditions and limitations as in the commissioner's judgment are necessary to the interests of the public safety and welfare.

HIST: 1975 c 23 s 1; 1986 c 444

171.043 Notice of persons under driver's license cancellation.

The commissioner of public safety shall develop a program under which the commissioner provides a monthly notice to local law enforcement agencies of the names and addresses of persons residing within the local agency's jurisdiction whose driver's licenses or driving privileges have been canceled under section 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (10). At the commissioner's discretion, the commissioner may adopt necessary procedures so that the information is current and accurate. Data in the notice are private data on individuals and are available to law enforcement agencies.

HIST: 1992 c 570 art 1 s 28; 1997 c 12 art 3 s 7; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 91

171.05 Instruction permit.

Subdivision 1. Person 18 or more years of age. Any person who is 18 or more years of age and who, except for a lack of instruction in operating a motor vehicle, would otherwise be qualified to obtain a class D driver's license under this chapter, may apply for an instruction permit and the department shall issue such permit entitling the applicant, while having such permit in immediate possession, to drive a motor vehicle for which a class D license is valid upon the highways for a period of one year, but such person must be accompanied by an adult licensed driver who is actually occupying a seat beside the driver. Any license of a lower class may be used as an instruction permit for a higher class for a period of six months after passage of the written test or tests required for the higher class and when the licensee is accompanied by and receiving instruction from a holder of the appropriate higher class license. A copy of the record of examination taken for the higher class license must be carried by the driver while using such lower class license as an instruction permit.

Subd. 1a. Minimum period to possess instruction permit. An applicant who has received an instruction permit under subdivision 1 and has not previously been licensed to drive in Minnesota or in another jurisdiction must possess the instruction permit for not less than six months for an applicant who is 18 years of age, and not less than three months for all other applicants, before qualifying for a driver's license. An applicant with an instruction permit from another jurisdiction must be credited with the amount of time that permit has been held.

Subd. 2. Person less than 18 years of age. (a) Notwithstanding any provision in subdivision 1 to the contrary, the department may issue an instruction permit to an applicant who is 15, 16, or 17 years of age and who:

(1) has completed a course of driver education in another state, has a previously issued valid license from another state, or is enrolled in either:

(i) a public, private, or commercial driver education program that is approved by the commissioner of public safety and that includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training; or

(ii) an approved behind-the-wheel driver education program when the student is receiving full-time instruction in a home school within the meaning of sections 120A.22 and 120A.24, the student is working toward a home-school diploma, the student's status as a home-school student has been certified by the superintendent of the school district in which the student resides, and the student is taking home-classroom driver training with classroom materials approved by the commissioner of public safety;

(2) has completed the classroom phase of instruction in the driver education program;

(3) has passed a test of the applicant's eyesight;

(4) has passed a department-administered test of the applicant's knowledge of traffic laws;

(5) has completed the required application, which must be approved by (i) either parent when both reside in the same household as the minor applicant or, if otherwise, then (ii) the parent or spouse of the parent having custody or, in the event there is no court order for custody, then (iii) the parent or spouse of the parent with whom the minor is living or, if items (i) to (iii) do not apply, then (iv) the guardian having custody of the minor or, in the event a person under the age of 18 has no living father, mother, or guardian, then (v) the applicant's employer; provided, that the approval required by this clause contains a verification of the age of the applicant and the identity of the parent, guardian, or employer; and

(6) has paid the fee required in section 171.06, subdivision 2.

(b) The instruction permit is valid for one year from the date of application and may be renewed upon payment of a fee equal to the fee for issuance of an instruction permit under section 171.06, subdivision 2.

Subd. 2a. Permit for six months. (a) An applicant who has applied for and received an instruction permit pursuant to subdivision 2 must possess the instruction permit for not less than six months before qualifying for a driver's license.

(b) MS 2000 Expired

Subd. 2b. Instruction permit use by person under age 18. (a) This subdivision applies to persons who have applied for and received an instruction permit under subdivision 2.

(b) The permit holder may, with the permit in possession, operate a motor vehicle, but must be accompanied by and be under the supervision of a certified driver education instructor, the permit holder's parent or guardian, or another licensed driver age 21 or older. The supervisor must occupy the seat beside the permit holder.

(c) The permit holder may operate a motor vehicle only when every occupant under the age of 18 has a seat belt or child passenger restraint system properly fastened. A person who violates this paragraph is subject to a fine of $25. A peace officer may not issue a citation for a violation of this paragraph unless the officer lawfully stopped or detained the driver of the motor vehicle for a moving violation as defined in section 171.04, subdivision 1. The commissioner shall not record a violation of this paragraph on a person's driving record.

(d) The permit holder must maintain a driving record free of convictions for moving violations, as defined in section 171.04, subdivision 1, and free of convictions for violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53. If the permit holder drives a motor vehicle in violation of the law, the commissioner shall suspend, cancel, or revoke the permit in accordance with the statutory section violated.

Subd. 3. Motorized bicycle. Notwithstanding any provision in subdivision 1 to the contrary, the department, upon application and payment of the fee prescribed in section 171.02, subdivision 3, may issue a motorized bicycle instruction permit to an applicant who is 15 years of age and who has successfully completed the written portion of the examination prescribed by the commissioner. The holder of this instruction permit who has the permit in possession may operate a motorized bicycle within one mile of the holder's residence for the purpose of practicing to take the operator portion of the examination prescribed by the commissioner.

HIST: (2720-144b) 1939 c 401 s 5; 1949 c 91 s 1; 1961 c 33 s 1; 1963 c 382 s 2; 1971 c 644 s 7; 1973 c 95 s 1; 1980 c 446 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 454 s 22; 1987 c 384 art 1 s 19; 1990 c 529 s 6,7; 1996 c 275 s 4; 1996 c 455 art 3 s 25; 1997 c 250 s 8; 1998 c 388 s 10-12; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 24,25; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2000 c 489 art 6 s 31

171.055 Provisional license.

Subdivision 1. Requirements for provisional license. (a) The department may issue a provisional license, which must be distinctive in appearance from a driver's license, to an applicant who:

(1) has reached the age of 16 years;

(2) during the six months immediately preceding the application for the provisional license has possessed an instruction permit and has incurred (i) no convictions for a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, (ii) no convictions for a crash-related moving violation, and (iii) no convictions for a moving violation that is not crash related;

(3) has successfully completed a course of driver education in accordance with department rules;

(4) completes the required application, which must be approved by (i) either parent when both reside in the same household as the minor applicant or, if otherwise, then (ii) the parent or spouse of the parent having custody or, in the event there is no court order for custody, then (iii) the parent or spouse of the parent with whom the minor is living or, if items (i) to (iii) do not apply, then (iv) the guardian having custody of the minor or, in the event a person under the age of 18 has no living father, mother, or guardian, then (v) the applicant's employer; provided, that the approval required by this clause contains a verification of the age of the applicant and the identity of the parent, guardian, or employer;

(5) presents certification by the person who approves the application under clause (4) stating that the applicant has driven a motor vehicle accompanied by and under the supervision of a licensed driver at least 21 years of age, for no less than 30 hours, at least ten of which were nighttime hours; and

(6) pays the fee required in section 171.06, subdivision 2.

(b) For purposes of this section, "moving violation" has the meaning given it in section 171.04, subdivision 1.

Subd. 2. Use of provisional license. (a) A provisional license holder may operate a motor vehicle only when every occupant under the age of 18 has a seat belt or child passenger restraint system properly fastened. A person who violates this paragraph is subject to a fine of $25. A peace officer may not issue a citation for a violation of this paragraph unless the officer lawfully stopped or detained the driver of the motor vehicle for a moving violation as defined in section 171.04. The commissioner shall not record a violation of this paragraph on a person's driving record.

(b) If the holder of a provisional license during the period of provisional licensing incurs (1) a conviction for a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, (2) a conviction for a crash-related moving violation, or (3) more than one conviction for a moving violation that is not crash related, the person may not be issued a driver's license until 12 consecutive months have expired since the date of the conviction or until the person reaches the age of 18 years, whichever occurs first.

HIST: 1998 c 388 s 13; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.06 Application for license, permit or identification card; fees.

Subdivision 1. Forms of application. Every application for an instruction permit, for a provisional license, or for a driver's license shall be made upon a form furnished by the department, and every application shall be accompanied by the proper fee. All applications shall be signed in the presence of the person authorized to accept the applications, or the signature on the application may be verified by a notary public.

Subd. 2. Fees. (a) The fees for a license and Minnesota identification card are as follows:

Classified Driver's License D-$18.50 C-$22.50 B-$29.50 A-$37.50 Classified Under-21 D.L. D-$18.50 C-$22.50 B-$29.50 A-$17.50 Instruction Permit $ 9.50 Provisional License $ 9.50 Duplicate License or duplicate identification card $ 8.00 Minnesota identification card or Under-21 Minnesota identification card, other than duplicate, except as otherwise provided in section 171.07, subdivisions 3 and 3a $12.50

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a person who holds a provisional license and has a driving record free of (1) convictions for a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.33, 169A.35, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, (2) convictions for crash-related moving violations, and (3) convictions for moving violations that are not crash related, shall have a $3.50 credit toward the fee for any classified under-21 driver's license. "Moving violation" has the meaning given it in section 171.04, subdivision 1.

(c) In addition to the driver's license fee required under paragraph (a), the registrar shall collect an additional $4 processing fee from each new applicant or person renewing a license with a school bus endorsement to cover the costs for processing an applicant's initial and biennial physical examination certificate. The department shall not charge these applicants any other fee to receive or renew the endorsement.

Subd. 2a. Two-wheeled vehicle endorsement fee increased. (a) The fee for any duplicate driver's license which is obtained for the purpose of adding a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement is increased by $18.50 for each first such duplicate license and $13 for each renewal thereof. The additional fee shall be paid into the state treasury and credited as follows:

(1) $11 of the additional fee for each first duplicate license, and $7 of the additional fee for each renewal, must be credited to the motorcycle safety fund which is hereby created; provided that any fee receipts in excess of $750,000 in a fiscal year shall be credited 90 percent to the trunk highway fund and ten percent to the general fund, as provided in section 171.26.

(2) The remainder of the additional fee must be credited to the general fund.

(b) All application forms prepared by the commissioner for two-wheeled vehicle endorsements shall clearly state the amount of the total fee that is dedicated to the motorcycle safety fund.

Subd. 2b. Never effective. See Laws 1991, c 291 art 19 s 11

Subd. 3. Contents of application; other information. (a) An application must state the full name, date of birth, sex and residence address of the applicant, a description of the applicant in such manner as the commissioner may require, and must state whether or not the applicant has theretofore been licensed as a driver; and, if so, when and by what state or country and whether any such license has ever been suspended or revoked, or whether an application has ever been refused; and, if so, the date of and reason for such suspension, revocation, or refusal, together with such facts pertaining to the applicant and the applicant's ability to operate a motor vehicle with safety as may be required by the commissioner. An application for a class C, class B, or class A driver's license also must state the applicant's social security number. An application for a class D driver's license must have a space for the applicant's social security number and state that providing the number is optional, or otherwise convey that the applicant is not required to enter the social security number. The application form must contain a space where the applicant may indicate a desire to make an anatomical gift. If the applicant does not indicate a desire to make an anatomical gift when the application is made, the applicant must be offered a donor document in accordance with section 171.07, subdivision 5. The application form must contain statements sufficient to comply with the requirements of the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (1987), sections 525.921 to 525.9224, so that execution of the application or donor document will make the anatomical gift as provided in section 171.07, subdivision 5, for those indicating a desire to make an anatomical gift. The application form must contain a notification to the applicant of the availability of a living will/health care directive designation on the license under section 171.07, subdivision 7. The application must be in the form prepared by the commissioner.

(b) The application form must be accompanied by a pamphlet containing relevant facts relating to:

(1) the effect of alcohol on driving ability;

(2) the effect of mixing alcohol with drugs;

(3) the laws of Minnesota relating to operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; and

(4) the levels of alcohol-related fatalities and accidents in Minnesota and of arrests for alcohol-related violations.

(c) The application form must also be accompanied by a pamphlet describing Minnesota laws regarding anatomical gifts and the need for and benefits of anatomical gifts.

Subd. 3a. Middle name. For the purposes of subdivision 3, and section 171.07, subdivision 1, the full name of a married applicant may include, at the option of the applicant, the applicant's family name prior to marriage instead of the applicant's given middle name, notwithstanding the middle name specified on the applicant's marriage certificate.

Subd. 4. Repealed, 1997 c 250 s 17

Subd. 5. Repealed, 1979 c 150 s 2

HIST: (2720-144c) 1939 c 401 s 6; 1949 c 689 s 1,2; 1955 c 798 s 1,2; 1957 c 564 s 2,3; 1959 c 634 s 1; 1965 c 36 s 1; 1971 c 129 s 1; 1971 c 625 s 2; 1971 c 644 s 8,9; 1971 c 659 s 1; 1973 c 59 s 1; 1973 c 698 s 1-3; 1978 c 628 s 1; 1981 c 363 s 31-35; 1982 c 583 s 1; 1985 c 291 s 20; 1986 c 330 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 82; 1987 c 358 s 111; 1987 c 383 s 14; 1988 c 715 s 2; 1989 c 301 s 6; 1989 c 307 s 20,21; 1990 c 509 s 1; 1990 c 510 s 1; 1990 c 529 s 8; 1990 c 573 s 21; 1991 c 202 s 13; 1991 c 233 s 60; 1991 c 291 art 19 s 1,11; 1992 c 464 art 1 s 23; 1993 c 166 s 1; 1993 c 266 s 21,22; 1994 c 501 s 3; 1994 c 536 s 22; 1994 c 632 art 1 s 5; 1995 c 265 art 2 s 19; 1996 c 275 s 5,6; 1997 c 13 s 1; 1997 c 60 s 1; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 32; 1997 c 250 s 9,18; 3Sp1997 c 3 s 2; 1998 c 388 s 14-16; 1999 c 86 art 1 s 83; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2000 c 489 art 6 s 32

171.061 Driver's license agent.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. For purposes of this section:

(1) "applicant" means an individual applying for a driver's license, provisional license, restricted license, duplicate license, instruction permit, Minnesota identification card, or motorized bicycle operator's permit; and

(2) "application" refers to an application for a driver's license, provisional license, restricted license, duplicate license, instruction permit, Minnesota identification card, or motorized bicycle operator's permit.

Subd. 2. Appointment and discontinuance. (a) The commissioner of public safety may appoint an individual, and for cause discontinue the appointment of an agent, to serve as a driver's license agent.

(b) A county board may appoint an individual, and for cause discontinue the appointment of an agent, to serve as an agent, pursuant to sections 373.32 to 373.38, with the approval of the commissioner. If a county board does not discontinue an agent's appointment, although cause for discontinuance exists, the commissioner may discontinue the appointment. If a county board does not appoint an individual, the commissioner may establish an office and appoint an individual to accept applications as the public interest and convenience may require.

(c) The county board is responsible for the acts of an agent appointed by the board and for forwarding to the department all applications accepted and fees collected by the agent as required by the department.

Subd. 3. Application. An applicant may file an application with an agent. The agent shall receive and accept applications in accordance with the laws and rules of the department of public safety for a driver's license, restricted license, duplicate license, instruction permit, Minnesota identification card, or motorized bicycle operator's permit.

Subd. 4. Fee; equipment. (a) The agent may charge and retain a filing fee of $3.50 for each application. Except as provided in paragraph (b), the fee shall cover all expenses involved in receiving, accepting, or forwarding to the department the applications and fees required under sections 171.02, subdivision 3; 171.06, subdivisions 2 and 2a; and 171.07, subdivisions 3 and 3a.

(b) The department shall maintain the photo identification equipment for all agents appointed as of January 1, 2000. Upon the retirement, resignation, death, or discontinuance of an existing agent, and if a new agent is appointed in an existing office pursuant to Minnesota Rules, chapter 7404, and notwithstanding the above or Minnesota Rules, part 7404.0400, the department shall provide and maintain photo identification equipment without additional cost to a newly appointed agent in that office if the office was provided the equipment by the department before January 1, 2000. All photo identification equipment must be compatible with standards established by the department.

(c) A filing fee retained by the agent employed by a county board must be paid into the county treasury and credited to the general revenue fund of the county. An agent who is not an employee of the county shall retain the filing fee in lieu of county employment or salary and is considered an independent contractor for pension purposes, coverage under the Minnesota state retirement system, or membership in the public employees retirement association.

(d) Before the end of the first working day following the final day of the reporting period established by the department, the agent must forward to the department all applications and fees collected during the reporting period except as provided in paragraph (c).

Subd. 5. Discontinuance or transfer of appointment. (a) An agent shall notify the department no less than 30 days before the discontinuance of service.

(b) In the event of the notice specified in paragraph (a); death or retirement of the agent; or revocation or discontinuance of the appointment of the agent by the county board or commissioner, the appointment terminates and all equipment provided by the department reverts to the department.

Subd. 6. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules that prescribe:

(1) criteria, procedures, and requirements for appointing an individual as an agent of the commissioner;

(2) criteria for establishment, operation, management, location, and movement of a license application office;

(3) standards for the uniform administration of laws and rules governing the receipt of applications and fees for applications;

(4) number of applications to be processed;

(5) standards for submitting applications including valid forms of identification, depositing funds, maintaining records, and holding proper bonds; and

(6) standards for discontinuing the individual's appointment and for enforcement action.

HIST: 1997 c 250 s 10; 1999 c 86 art 1 s 41; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 26; 2000 c 479 art 1 s 18

171.07 Information on license and identification card.

Subdivision 1. License; contents. Upon the payment of the required fee, the department shall issue to every qualifying applicant a license designating the type or class of vehicles the applicant is authorized to drive as applied for. This license must bear a distinguishing number assigned to the licensee, the full name, date of birth, residence address and permanent mailing address if different, a description of the licensee in such manner as the commissioner deems necessary, and a space upon which the licensee shall write the usual signature and the date of birth of the licensee. No license is valid until it has been signed by the licensee. Except in the case of an instruction permit, every license must bear a colored photograph or an electronically produced image of the licensee. Every license issued to an applicant under the age of 21 must be of a distinguishing color and plainly marked "Under-21." The department shall use such process or processes in the issuance of licenses that prohibits, as near as possible, the ability to alter or reproduce the licenses, or prohibit the ability to superimpose a photograph or electronically produced image on the licenses, without ready detection. A license issued to an applicant age 65 or over must be plainly marked "senior" if requested by the applicant.

Subd. 1a. Filing photograph or image; data classification. The department shall file, or contract to file, all photographs or electronically produced images obtained in the process of issuing drivers' licenses or Minnesota identification cards. The photographs or electronically produced images shall be private data pursuant to section 13.02, subdivision 12. Notwithstanding section 13.04, subdivision 3, the department shall not be required to provide copies of photographs or electronically produced images to data subjects. The use of the files is restricted:

(1) to the issuance and control of drivers' licenses;

(2) for law enforcement purposes in the investigation and prosecution of crimes; and

(3) for child support enforcement purposes under section 256.978.

Subd. 1b. Commercial driver's license. Each class C, class B, or class A driver's license must be clearly marked "Minnesota Commercial Driver's License."

Subd. 2. Limitations on issuing license. The department shall not issue a class B or class A license to anyone who does not have or has not qualified for a class D license. A class A license shall not be issued to anyone under 18 years of age.

Subd. 3. Identification card; fee. (a) Upon payment of the required fee, the department shall issue to every applicant therefor a Minnesota identification card. The department may not issue a Minnesota identification card to a person who has a driver's license, other than an instruction permit or a limited license. The card must bear a distinguishing number assigned to the applicant, a colored photograph or an electronically produced image, the full name, date of birth, residence address, a description of the applicant in the manner as the commissioner deems necessary, and a space upon which the applicant shall write the usual signature and the date of birth of the applicant with pen and ink. Each identification card issued to an applicant under the age of 21 must be of a distinguishing color and plainly marked "Under-21."

(b) Each Minnesota identification card must be plainly marked "Minnesota identification card - not a driver's license."

(c) The fee for a Minnesota identification card is 50 cents when issued to: a person who is mentally retarded, as defined in section 252A.02, subdivision 2; a physically disabled person, as defined in section 169.345, subdivision 2; or, a person with mental illness, as described in section 245.462, subdivision 20, paragraph (c).

Subd. 3a. Identification cards for seniors. A Minnesota identification card issued to an applicant 65 years of age or over shall be of a distinguishing color and plainly marked "senior." The fee for the card issued to an applicant 65 years of age or over shall be one-half the required fee for a class D driver's license. A Minnesota identification card or a Minnesota driver's license issued to a person 65 years of age or over shall be valid identification for the purpose of qualifying for reduced rates, free licenses or services provided by any board, commission, agency or institution that is wholly or partially funded by state appropriations.

Subd. 4. Expiration. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this subdivision, the expiration date of Minnesota identification cards of applicants under the age of 65 shall be the birthday of the applicant in the fourth year following the date of issuance of the card.

(b) Minnesota identification cards issued to applicants age 65 or over shall be valid for the lifetime of the applicant.

(c) The expiration date for an Under-21 identification card is the card holder's 21st birthday. The commissioner shall issue an identification card to a holder of an Under-21 identification card who applies for the card, pays the required fee, and presents proof of identity and age, unless the commissioner determines that the applicant is not qualified for the identification card.

Subd. 5. Anatomical gift; donor document. The department shall offer a donor document to each person making application for a driver's license or a Minnesota identification card who indicates a desire not to make a decision about making an anatomical gift at the time the application is made. The commissioner of public safety shall prescribe the form of the donor document and the application for a driver's license or a Minnesota identification card. The forms must be designed so that execution by the applicant of the donor document or application will make an anatomical gift under the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (1987), sections 525.921 to 525.9224. If the donor is 18 years of age or older, the donor document or application must be signed by the donor. If the donor cannot sign, the donor document or application may be signed for the donor at the donor's direction, in the donor's presence, and in the presence of two witnesses who must sign the donor document or application in the donor's presence. If the donor is a minor, the donor document or application must be signed by the minor donor, and one of the minor donor's parents, a legal guardian, or a parent having legal custody. If the minor cannot sign, the donor document or application may not be signed for the minor. The department shall identify donors of anatomical gifts by the designation "donor" on the front side of the donor's driver's license or Minnesota identification card. The issuance of a driver's license or Minnesota identification card identifying the person as a "donor" completes the donation process and the license or identification card constitutes the final donor record. The department is not required to keep the physical record of the donor card or application after issuing the driver's license or identification card for the donation to be valid. The department shall maintain a computer record of donors. Revocation, suspension, expiration, or cancellation of the license does not invalidate the anatomical gift. The designation "donor" constitutes sufficient legal authority for the removal of all body organs or parts upon death of the donor for the purpose of transplantation. The donor designation may be removed only upon written notice to the department. Delivery of the license or Minnesota identification card during the donor's lifetime is not necessary to make the gift valid.

Subd. 6. Medical alert identifier. Upon the written request of the applicant, the department shall issue a driver's license or Minnesota identification card bearing a medical alert identifier. The applicant must request the medical alert identifier at the time the photograph or electronically produced image is taken. No specific medical information will be contained on the driver's license or Minnesota identification card.

Subd. 7. Living Will/Health Care Directive designation. (a) At the written request of the applicant and on payment of the required fee, the department shall issue, renew, or reissue a driver's license or Minnesota identification card bearing the designation "Living Will/Health Care Directive" or an abbreviation thereof. The designation does not constitute delivery of a health care declaration under section 145B.05.

(b) On payment of the required fee, the department shall issue a replacement or renewal license or identification card without the designation if requested by the applicant.

(c) This subdivision does not impose any additional duty on a health care provider, as defined in section 145B.02, subdivision 6, or 145C.01, subdivision 6, beyond the duties imposed in chapter 145B or 145C.

(d) For the purposes of this subdivision:

(1) "living will" means a declaration made under section 145B.03; and

(2) "health care directive" means a durable power of attorney for health care under section 145C.02, or any other written advance health care directive of the applicant that is authorized by statute or not prohibited by law.

Subd. 8. Certification; school bus safety laws. Before a driver's license may be issued or renewed, an applicant for a driver's license or renewal shall certify by signature that the applicant is aware of the duties and responsibilities required of drivers under section 169.444 to guard against jeopardizing the safety of school children around school buses and the penalties for violating that section. A failure to make this certification does not bar a prosecution for violation of section 169.444.

Subd. 9. Improved security. The commissioner shall develop new drivers' licenses and identification cards, to be issued beginning January 1, 1994, that must be as impervious to alteration as is reasonably practicable in their design and quality of material and technology. The driver's license security laminate shall be made from materials not readily available to the general public. The design and technology employed must enable the driver's license and identification card to be subject to two or more methods of visual verification capable of clearly indicating the presence of tampering or counterfeiting. The driver's license and identification card must not be susceptible to reproduction by photocopying or simulation and must be highly resistant to data or photograph substitution and other tampering.

Subd. 10. Agreement with other agency. (a) The commissioner of public safety is authorized to enter into agreements with other agencies to issue cards to clients of those agencies for use in their programs. The cards may be issued to persons who do not qualify for a Minnesota driver's license or do not provide evidence of name and identity as required by rule for a Minnesota identification card. Persons issued cards under this subdivision will meet the identification verification requirements of the contracting agency.

(b) The interagency agreement may include provisions for the payment of the county fee provided in section 171.061, subdivision 4, and the actual cost to manufacture the card.

(c) Cards issued under this subdivision are not Minnesota identification cards for the purposes defined in sections 48.512, 201.061, 201.161, 332.50, and 340A.503.

Subd. 11. Standby or temporary custodian. (a) Upon the written request of the applicant and upon payment of an additional fee of $3.50, the department shall issue a driver's license or Minnesota identification card bearing a symbol or other appropriate identifier indicating that the license holder has appointed an individual to serve as a standby or temporary custodian under chapter 257B.

(b) The request must be accompanied by a copy of the designation executed under section 257B.04.

(c) The department shall maintain a computerized records system of all persons listed as standby or temporary custodians by driver's license and identification card applicants. This data shall be released to appropriate law enforcement agencies under section 13.69. Upon a parent's request and payment of a fee of $3.50, the department shall revise its list of standby or temporary custodians to reflect a change in the appointment.

(d) At the request of the license or card holder, the department shall cancel the standby or temporary custodian indication without additional charge. However, this paragraph does not prohibit a fee that may be applicable for a duplicate or replacement license or card, renewal of a license, or other service applicable to a driver's license or identification card.

(e) Notwithstanding sections 13.08, subdivision 1, and 13.69, the department and department employees are conclusively presumed to be acting in good faith when employees rely on statements made, in person or by telephone, by persons purporting to be law enforcement and subsequently release information described in paragraph (b). When acting in good faith, the department and department personnel are immune from civil liability and not subject to suit for damages resulting from the release of this information.

(f) The department and its employees:

(1) have no duty to inquire or otherwise determine whether a designation submitted under this subdivision is legally valid and enforceable; and

(2) are immune from all civil liability and not subject to suit for damages resulting from a claim that the designation was not legally valid and enforceable.

(g) Of the fees received by the department under this subdivision:

(1) Up to $111,000 received in fiscal year 1997 and up to $61,000 received in subsequent fiscal years must be deposited in the general fund.

(2) All other fees must be deposited in the trunk highway fund.

Subd. 12. Snowmobile safety certificate. (a) The department shall maintain in its records information transmitted electronically from the commissioner of natural resources identifying each person to whom the commissioner has issued a snowmobile safety certificate. The records transmitted from the department of natural resources must contain the full name and date of birth as required for the driver's license or identification card. Records that are not matched to a driver's license or identification card record may be deleted after seven years.

(b) After receiving information under paragraph (a) that a person has received a snowmobile safety certificate, the department shall include, on all drivers' licenses or Minnesota identification cards subsequently issued to the person, a graphic or written indication that the person has received the certificate.

(c) If a person who has received a snowmobile safety certificate applies for a driver's license or Minnesota identification card before that information has been transmitted to the department, the department may accept a copy of the certificate as proof of its issuance and shall then follow the procedures in paragraph (b).

Subd. 13. Firearms safety designation. (a) When an applicant has a record transmitted to the department as described in paragraph (c) or presents a firearms safety certificate issued for successfully completing a firearms safety course administered under section 97B.015, and requests a driver's license or identification card described in paragraph (b), the department shall issue, renew, or reissue to the applicant a driver's license or Minnesota identification card described in paragraph (b).

(b) Pursuant to paragraph (a), the department shall issue a driver's license or Minnesota identification card bearing a graphic or written indication that the applicant has successfully completed a firearms safety course administered under section 97B.015.

(c) The department shall maintain in its records information transmitted electronically from the commissioner of natural resources identifying each person to whom the commissioner has issued a firearms safety certificate. The records transmitted from the department of natural resources must contain the full name and date of birth as required for the driver's license or identification card. Records that are not matched to a driver's license or identification card record may be deleted after seven years.

HIST: (2720-144d) 1939 c 401 s 7; 1957 c 564 s 4; 1963 c 800 s 1; 1971 c 129 s 2; 1971 c 644 s 10; 1971 c 659 s 2; 1973 c 35 s 39; 1973 c 698 s 4; 1973 c 725 s 23; 1975 c 393 s 1; 1977 c 361 s 1-3; 1980 c 446 s 2,3; 1981 c 311 s 39; 1981 c 363 s 36-38; 1982 c 545 s 24; 1983 c 135 s 1; 1983 c 272 s 1; 1Sp1985 c 4 s 8; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 454 s 23; 1987 c 248 s 1; 1987 c 329 s 1; 1989 c 301 s 7,8; 1989 c 307 s 22; 1990 c 510 s 2-6; 1990 c 568 art 2 s 30; 1991 c 202 s 14; 1991 c 277 s 13; 1991 c 333 s 28; 1992 c 571 art 13 s 1; 1992 c 581 s 15; 1993 c 266 s 23; 1995 c 207 art 2 s 3; 1995 c 259 art 1 s 36; 1996 c 275 s 7-9; 1996 c 455 art 6 s 2; 1997 c 13 s 2,3; 1997 c 60 s 2; 1997 c 65 s 1; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 52; 1998 c 388 s 17; 1999 c 86 art 1 s 42; 1999 c 231 s 167,168; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 27; 2000 c 404 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 46

171.071 Photograph on license or identification card.

Subdivision 1. Religious objection. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 171.07, the commissioner of public safety may adopt rules to permit identification on a driver's license or Minnesota identification card in lieu of a photograph or electronically produced image where the commissioner finds that the licensee has religious objections to the use of a photograph or electronically produced image.

Subd. 2. Certain headwear permitted. If an accident involving a head injury, serious illness, or treatment of the illness has resulted in hair loss by an applicant for a driver's license or identification card, the commissioner shall permit the applicant to wear a hat or similar headwear in the photograph or electronically produced image. The hat or headwear must be of an appropriate size and type to allow identification of the holder of the license or card and must not obscure the holder's face.

HIST: Ex1971 c 3 s 95; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1990 c 510 s 7; 1995 c 7 s 1

171.08 Licensee to have license in possession.

Every licensee shall have the license in immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display it upon demand of a peace officer, an authorized representative of the department, or an officer authorized by law to enforce the laws relating to the operation of motor vehicles on public streets and highways. Unless the person is the holder of a limited license issued under section 171.30, no person charged with violating the possession requirement shall be convicted if the person produces in court or the office of the arresting officer a driver's license previously issued to that person for the class of vehicle being driven which was valid at the time of arrest or satisfactory proof that at the time of the arrest the person was validly licensed for the class of vehicle being driven. The licensee shall also, upon request of any officer, write the licensee's name in the presence of the officer to determine the identity of the licensee.

HIST: (2720-144e) 1939 c 401 s 8; 1963 c 206 s 1; 1971 c 644 s 11; 1983 c 359 s 17; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 681 s 15

171.09 Driving restrictions; authority, violations.

(a) The commissioner shall have the authority, when good cause appears, to impose restrictions suitable to the licensee's driving ability or such other restrictions applicable to the licensee as the commissioner may determine to be appropriate to assure the safe operation of a motor vehicle by the licensee. The commissioner may, upon receiving satisfactory evidence of any violation of the restrictions of the license, suspend or revoke the license. A license suspension under this section is subject to section 171.18, subdivisions 2 and 3.

(b) A person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a motor vehicle while in violation of the restrictions imposed in a restricted driver's license issued to that person under paragraph (a) is guilty of a crime as follows:

(1) if the restriction relates to the possession or consumption of alcohol or controlled substances, the person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor; or

(2) if the restriction relates to another matter, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor.

HIST: (2720-144f) 1939 c 401 s 9; 1986 c 444; 1996 c 346 s 4; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 12 s 14

171.10 Duplicate license; vehicle endorsement.

Subdivision 1. Duplicate license. In the event that an instruction permit, provisional license, or driver's license issued under the provisions of this chapter is lost or destroyed, or becomes illegible, the person to whom the same was issued shall obtain a duplicate thereof, furnishing proof satisfactory to the department that such permit or license has been lost or destroyed or has become illegible, and make payment of the required fee.

Subd. 2. Endorsement added. Any person, after applying for or receiving a driver's license and prior to the expiration year of the license, who wishes to have a motorcycle, school bus, tank vehicle, passenger, double-trailer or triple-trailer, or hazardous materials vehicle endorsement added to the license, shall, after taking the necessary examination, apply for a duplicate license and make payment of the proper fee.

HIST: (2720-144g) 1939 c 401 s 10; 1971 c 644 s 12; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 307 s 23; 1991 c 298 art 7 s 3; 1993 c 142 s 2; 1998 c 388 s 18

171.11 Duplicate license; change of domicile or name.

When any person, after applying for or receiving a driver's license, shall change permanent domicile from the address named in such application or in the license issued to the person, or shall change a name by marriage or otherwise, such person shall, within 30 days thereafter, apply for a duplicate driver's license upon a form furnished by the department and pay the required fee. The application or duplicate license shall show both the licensee's old address and new address or the former name and new name as the case may be.

HIST: (2720-144h) 1939 c 401 s 11; 1943 c 610 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 266 s 24

171.12 Driving record; filing; private data; surcharge.

Subdivision 1. Licenses filed in alphabetical order. (a) The department shall file every application for a driver's license received by it and shall maintain suitable indices containing, in alphabetical order:

(1) all applications denied and the reason for denial;

(2) all applications granted; and

(3) the name of every person whose license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled or who has been disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle by the department, and after each name the reasons for the action.

(b) Notwithstanding section 260B.171 or 260C.171, data revealing that the reason for the action under paragraph (a), clause (3) is an order of the juvenile court are accessible to the public.

Subd. 2. Accident report and record of conviction filed. The department shall file all accident reports and abstracts of court records of convictions and violations received by it under the laws of this state and its political subdivisions, and in connection therewith maintain convenient records or make suitable notations in order that an individual record of each licensee showing the convictions of such licensee and the traffic accidents in which the licensee has been involved shall be readily ascertainable and available for the consideration of the department upon any application for renewal of license and the revocation, suspension, or limitation of licenses.

Subd. 2a. Alcohol concentration on driving record. When a person's driver's license or permit to drive is revoked or suspended pursuant to section 169A.52, or when a person is convicted for violating section 169A.20, 169A.31, 169A.33, 360.0752, or 609.21, and a test of the person's breath, urine, or blood has been made to determine the person's alcohol concentration, the commissioner of public safety shall record the test results on the person's driving record pertaining to that violation. The alcohol concentration is classified as public data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 15, and must be kept for the period of time specified in subdivision 3, clause (2).

Subd. 3. Application and record, when destroyed. The department may cause applications for drivers' licenses, provisional licenses, and instruction permits, and related records, to be destroyed immediately after the period for which issued, except that:

(1) the driver's record pertaining to revocations, suspensions, cancellations, disqualifications, convictions, and accidents shall be cumulative and kept for a period of at least five years; and

(2) the driver's record pertaining to the alcohol-related offenses and licensing actions listed in section 169A.03, subdivisions 20 and 21, and to violations of sections 169A.31 and 171.24, subdivision 5, shall be cumulative and kept for a period of at least 15 years.

Subd. 3a. Record destroyed when order rescinded. Notwithstanding subdivision 3 or section 138.163, when an order for revocation, suspension, or cancellation of a driver's license or disqualification of a driver from operating a commercial motor vehicle is rescinded and all rights of appeal have been exhausted or have expired, the commissioner shall remove the record of that revocation, suspension, cancellation, or disqualification from the computer records that are disclosed to persons or agencies outside the driver and vehicle services division, department of public safety.

Subd. 3b. Record of improper suspension destroyed. Notwithstanding subdivision 3 or section 138.163, when an order for suspension of a driver's license issued pursuant to section 171.186 is rescinded because the license was improperly suspended and all rights of appeal have been exhausted or have expired, the commissioner shall remove the record of that suspension from the computer records that are disclosed to persons or agencies outside the driver and vehicle services division of the department of public safety.

Subd. 4. Repealed, 1976 c 2 s 69

Subd. 5. Donor document. The department shall file all donor documents received by it, and in connection therewith maintain convenient records in order that donor status shall be readily ascertainable. On request of any interested party upon or after the donor's death, the department shall produce the donor document for examination.

Subd. 6. Certain convictions not recorded. The department shall not keep on the record of a driver any conviction for a violation of section 169.14, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (3), unless the violation consisted of a speed greater than ten miles per hour in excess of the lawful speed.

Subd. 7. Privacy of residence address. (a) An applicant for a driver's license or a Minnesota identification card may request that the applicant's residence address be classified as private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12. The commissioner shall grant the classification upon receipt of a signed statement by the individual that the classification is required for the safety of the applicant or the applicant's family, if the statement also provides a valid, existing address where the applicant consents to receive service of process. The commissioner shall use the mailing address in place of the residence address in all documents and notices pertaining to the driver's license or identification card. The residence address and any information provided in the classification request, other than the mailing address, are private data on individuals and may be provided to requesting law enforcement agencies, probation and parole agencies, and public authorities, as defined in section 518.54, subdivision 9.

(b) An applicant for a driver's license or a Minnesota identification card must be informed in a clear and conspicuous manner on the forms for the issuance or renewal that the applicant's personal information may be disclosed to any person who makes a request for the personal information, and that except for uses permitted by United States Code, title 18, section 2721, subsection (b), the applicant may prohibit disclosure of the personal information by so indicating on the form.

(c) An applicant for a driver's license or a Minnesota identification card must be also informed in a clear and conspicuous manner on forms that the applicant's personal information may be used, rented, or sold solely for bulk distribution by organizations for business purposes, including surveys, marketing, or solicitation. The commissioner shall implement methods and procedures that enable the applicant to request that bulk surveys, marketing, or solicitation not be directed to the applicant. If the applicant so requests, the commissioner shall implement the request in a timely manner and the personal information may not be so used.

(d) To the extent permitted by United States Code, title 18, section 2721, data on individuals provided to obtain a Minnesota identification card or a driver's license is public data on individuals and shall be disclosed as permitted by United States Code, title 18, section 2721, subsection (b).

Subd. 7a. Disclosure of personal information. The commissioner shall disclose personal information where the use is related to the operation of a motor vehicle or to public safety, including public dissemination. The use of personal information is related to public safety if it concerns the physical safety or security of drivers, vehicles, pedestrians, or property.

Subd. 8. Request for information; surcharge on fee. The commissioner shall impose a surcharge of 50 cents on each fee charged by the commissioner under section 13.03, subdivision 3, for copies or electronic transmittal of public information concerning driver's license and Minnesota identification card applicants. This surcharge only applies to a fee imposed in responding to a request made in person or by mail, or to a request for transmittal through a computer modem. The surcharge does not apply to the request of an individual for information concerning that individual's driver's license or Minnesota identification card. The commissioner shall forward the surcharges collected under this subdivision to the commissioner of finance on a monthly basis. Upon receipt, the commissioner of finance shall credit the surcharges to the general fund.

HIST: (2720-144i) 1939 c 401 s 12; 1943 c 610 s 3; 1967 c 205 s 1; 1969 c 871 s 2; 1975 c 393 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1986 c 454 s 24; 1988 c 670 s 10; 1989 c 307 s 24; 1990 c 461 s 2; 1993 c 266 s 25; 1993 c 326 art 11 s 3,4; 1994 c 501 s 4-6; 1994 c 615 s 19; 1994 c 618 art 1 s 25; 1995 c 257 art 1 s 10; 1995 c 259 art 1 s 37; 1996 c 440 art 1 s 43,44; 1996 c 455 art 1 s 9; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 53; 1998 c 371 s 9; 1998 c 388 s 19; 1999 c 139 art 4 s 2; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.121 Use of another's residence address.

A person may notify the commissioner in writing to the effect that the person (1) is the owner of a residence, and (2) does not consent to have that residence address identified on any driver's license or identification card or driving record of the department as the residence address or permanent mailing address of any person named in the notice. The notice may not name a spouse of the notifying person. Upon receiving the notice the commissioner shall not issue any license or identification card under this chapter, or accept an application for a license or identification card under this chapter, that lists the residence address identified in the notice as the residence address or permanent mailing address of any person named in the notice.

HIST: 1996 c 356 s 1

171.13 Examination.

Subdivision 1. Subjects tested. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the commissioner shall examine each applicant for a driver's license by such agency as the commissioner directs. This examination must include a test of applicant's eyesight; ability to read and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; knowledge of traffic laws; knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drugs on a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally, and of the legal penalties and financial consequences resulting from violations of laws prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; knowledge of railroad grade crossing safety; knowledge of slow-moving vehicle safety; knowledge of traffic laws related to bicycles; an actual demonstration of ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle; and other physical and mental examinations as the commissioner finds necessary to determine the applicant's fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways, provided, further however, no driver's license shall be denied an applicant on the exclusive grounds that the applicant's eyesight is deficient in color perception. Provided, however, that war veterans operating motor vehicles especially equipped for handicapped persons, shall, if otherwise entitled to a license, be granted such license. The commissioner shall make provision for giving these examinations either in the county where the applicant resides or at a place adjacent thereto reasonably convenient to the applicant.

Subd. 1a. Waiver. The commissioner may waive the requirement that the applicant demonstrate ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of a motor vehicle on determining that the applicant possesses a valid driver's license issued by a jurisdiction that requires a comparable demonstration for license issuance.

Subd. 1b. Driver's manual; alcohol consumption. (a) The commissioner shall include in each subsequent edition of the driver's manual published by the department a chapter relating to:

(1) the effect of alcohol consumption on highway safety and on the ability of drivers to safely operate motor vehicles;

(2) a summary of the laws of Minnesota on operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance; and

(3) the legal penalties and financial consequences resulting from violations of laws prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

(b) This chapter shall also include information on the dangers of driving at alcohol concentration levels below the legal limit for alcohol concentration, and specifically state that:

(1) there is no "safe" level or amount of alcohol that an individual can assume will not impair one's driving performance or increase the risk of a crash;

(2) a driver may be convicted of driving while impaired whether or not the driver's alcohol concentration exceeds the legal limit for alcohol concentration; and

(3) a person under the legal drinking age may be convicted of illegally consuming alcohol if found to have consumed any amount of alcohol, and if that person was driving during or after the consumption of alcohol is subject to driver's license suspension.

Subd. 1c. Driver's manual; fleeing from peace officer. The commissioner shall include in each edition of the driver's manual published by the department a section relating to the criminal sanctions and forfeiture provisions applicable to persons who flee a peace officer in a motor vehicle.

Subd. 1d. Driver's manual; railroad crossing safety. The commissioner shall include in each edition of the driver's manual published by the department a section relating to safe operation of vehicles at railroad grade crossings.

Subd. 1e. Slow-moving vehicle. The commissioner shall include in each examination under subdivision 1 an examination of the applicant's knowledge of highway safety with respect to approaching, following, and passing slow-moving vehicles and the significance of the slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Subd. 1f. Driver's manual; bicycle traffic. The commissioner shall include in each edition of the driver's manual published by the department after August 1, 1995, a section relating to bicycle traffic laws, including any changes in the law which affect bicycle traffic.

Subd. 1g. Driver's manual; crosswalk right-of-way. The commissioner shall include in each edition of the driver's manual published by the department after August 1, 1996, a section relating to the circumstances under which a driver must stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk and the penalties for failure to yield.

Subd. 2. Examination upon renewal. A driver's license shall be issued upon renewal when the applicant has passed an examination consisting of a screening of the applicant's eyesight. Screening of eyesight required by this subdivision shall not be construed as the practice of optometry as defined in section 148.56.

Subd. 3. Examination of licensed driver. The commissioner may require an examination by such agency as the commissioner directs of any licensed driver, to determine incompetency, physical or mental disability or disease, or any other condition which might affect the driver from exercising reasonable and ordinary control over a motor vehicle, but no examination shall be required only for the reason that any licensed driver has attained a certain age. If as a result of the examination the commissioner believes that the driver is an unsafe person to operate a motor vehicle upon the public highways, the commissioner may cancel the driver's license of the person. The commissioner shall give the person written notice of the cancellation.

Subd. 4. Cancellation for failure to submit to examination. If a licensee does not submit to any examination required under the provisions of subdivision 3, the commissioner may cancel the driver's license of the licensee. If such license is canceled, the licensee shall immediately surrender to the department all driver's license certificates in possession.

Subd. 5. Examination fee for vehicle endorsement. Any person applying to secure a school bus, tank vehicle, passenger, double-trailer or triple-trailer, or hazardous materials vehicle endorsement on the person's driver's license shall pay a $2.50 examination fee at the place of application.

Subd. 6. Initial motorcycle endorsement fee. A person applying for an initial motorcycle endorsement on a driver's license shall pay at the place of examination a total fee of $21, which includes the examination fee and endorsement fee, but does not include the fee for a duplicate driver's license prescribed in section 171.06, subdivision 2. Of this amount, $11 must be credited as provided in section 171.06, subdivision 2a, paragraph (a), clause (1), $2.50 must be credited to the trunk highway fund, and the remainder must be credited to the general fund.

HIST: 1939 c 401 s 13; 1947 c 479 s 1; 1949 c 128 s 1; 1971 c 644 s 13; 1971 c 846 s 1; 1973 c 698 s 5; 1981 c 357 s 64; 1983 c 53 s 1; 1986 c 330 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 712 s 1; 1989 c 307 s 25; 1991 c 298 art 2 s 3,4; art 7 s 4; 1993 c 142 s 3; 1993 c 187 s 20,21; 1993 c 347 s 13; 1995 c 72 s 3,4; 1995 c 104 s 2,3; 1996 c 333 s 2; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 33,34

171.131 Physician reporting to commissioner.

Subdivision 1. Voluntary reporting by physicians. Any physician who diagnoses a physical or mental condition which in the physician's judgment will significantly impair the person's ability to operate safely a motor vehicle may voluntarily report the person's name and other information relevant to the condition to the commissioner. The commissioner, upon receiving the report, shall require the person so reported to be examined as provided in section 171.13, subdivision 3.

Subd. 2. Physicians immune from liability. Any physician reporting in good faith and exercising due care shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that otherwise might result by reason of actions pursuant to this section. No cause of action may be brought against any physician for not making a report pursuant to this section.

HIST: 1982 c 479 s 1; 1983 c 216 art 1 s 32; 1986 c 444

171.14 Cancellation.

The commissioner shall have authority to cancel any driver's license upon determination that the licensee was not entitled to the issuance thereof hereunder, or that the licensee failed to give the required or correct information in the application, or committed any fraud or deceit in making such application. The commissioner may also cancel the driver's license of any person who, at the time of the cancellation, would not have been entitled to receive a license under the provisions of section 171.04.

HIST: (2720-144k) 1939 c 401 s 14; 1959 c 506 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 307 s 26

171.15 Nonresident's driving privilege.

Subdivision 1. Suspension or revocation. (a) The privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the highways of this state given to a nonresident hereunder shall be subject to the suspension or revocation by the commissioner in like manner and for like cause as a driver's license issued hereunder may be suspended or revoked.

(b) The commissioner is further authorized, upon receiving a record of conviction in this state of a nonresident driver of a motor vehicle of any offense under the motor vehicle laws of this state, to forward a certified copy of such record to the motor vehicle administrator in the state wherein the person so convicted is a resident.

Subd. 2. Repealed, 1986 c 454 s 37

HIST: (2720-145) 1939 c 401 s 15; 1978 c 783 s 6

171.16 Court may recommend suspension.

Subdivision 1. Court to report to commissioner. Every court having jurisdiction over offenses committed under any law of this state or ordinance of a political subdivision regulating the operation of motor vehicles, shall forward to the department, within ten days, a record of the conviction of any person in the court for a violation of any laws or ordinances, except parking violations and defective vehicle equipment or vehicle size or weight violations.

Subd. 2. Commissioner shall suspend. The court may recommend the suspension of the driver's license of the person so convicted, and the commissioner shall suspend such license as recommended by the court, without a hearing as provided herein.

Subd. 3. Suspension for failure to pay fine. When any court reports to the commissioner that a person: (1) has been convicted of violating a law of this state or an ordinance of a political subdivision which regulates the operation or parking of motor vehicles, (2) has been sentenced to the payment of a fine or had a surcharge levied against that person, or sentenced to a fine upon which a surcharge was levied, and (3) has refused or failed to comply with that sentence or to pay the surcharge, notwithstanding the fact that the court has determined that the person has the ability to pay the fine or surcharge, the commissioner shall suspend the driver's license of such person for 30 days for a refusal or failure to pay or until notified by the court that the fine or surcharge, or both if a fine and surcharge were not paid, has been paid.

Subd. 4. Repealed, 1973 c 698 s 8

Subd. 5. Juvenile court. When any judge of a juvenile court, or any of its duly authorized agents, shall determine formally or informally that any person under the age of 18 years has violated any of the provisions of any law of this state, or ordinances of political subdivisions thereof, regulating the operation of motor vehicles on streets and highways, except parking violations, and except traffic offenses involving a violation of section 169A.20 that must be reported under section 171.17, the judge, or duly authorized agent, shall immediately report the determination to the department and may recommend the suspension of the person's license, and the commissioner is hereby authorized to suspend the license, without a hearing.

Subd. 6. Notice of suspension. A suspension under this section is subject to the notice requirements of section 171.18, subdivision 2.

HIST: (2720-145a) 1939 c 401 s 16, except par (c); 1969 c 946 s 2; Ex1971 c 27 s 24; 1973 c 421 s 4,5; 1981 c 341 s 3; 1983 c 359 s 18; 1984 c 622 s 16; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 123 s 2; 1989 c 307 s 27; 1996 c 346 s 5; 1998 c 367 art 8 s 3; 1998 c 388 s 20; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.165 Commercial driver's license, disqualification.

Subdivision 1. First violation. Subject to section 171.166, the commissioner shall disqualify a person from operating commercial motor vehicles for one year upon receiving a record of the first conviction of the person for a violation of any of the following in the commission of which a commercial motor vehicle was used:

(1) section 169A.20 or 169A.31;

(2) section 169.09, subdivision 1 or 2;

(3) a felony, other than a felony described in subdivision 3, clause (3); or

(4) an offense committed in another state that would be grounds for disqualification under this subdivision or subdivision 2 if committed in Minnesota.

Subd. 2. Implied consent revocation. The commissioner shall disqualify a person from operating commercial motor vehicles for one year from the effective date of a revocation under section 169A.52 or a statute or ordinance from another state in conformity with it, if the person was driving, operating, or in physical control of a commercial motor vehicle at the time of the incident on which the revocation is based.

Subd. 3. Grave or multiple offenses. Subject to section 171.166, the commissioner shall disqualify a person from operating commercial motor vehicles for:

(1) not less than three years, for a conviction or revocation set forth in subdivision 1 or 2 committed during the transportation of hazardous materials;

(2) not less than ten years, if the person is convicted a second or subsequent time of an offense set forth in subdivision 1 or 2, a statute of another state or ordinance in conformity with it, or any combination of those offenses; or

(3) life, if the person is convicted under chapter 152 of a felony involving the manufacture, sale, or distribution of a controlled substance, or involving the possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, sell, or distribute it, and the person is found to have used a commercial motor vehicle in the commission of the felony.

Subd. 4. Serious traffic violation. On receiving a record of conviction and subject to section 171.166, the commissioner shall disqualify a person from operating commercial motor vehicles for 60 days if the person is convicted of two serious traffic violations, or 120 days if convicted of three serious traffic violations. The violations must involve separate incidents and must have been committed in a commercial motor vehicle within a three-year period. For purposes of this subdivision, a serious traffic offense includes the following:

(1) following too closely under section 169.18, subdivision 8;

(2) erratic lane change under sections 169.18, subdivisions 3 and 7; and 169.19, subdivision 4;

(3) operating the commercial vehicle at a speed 15 miles per hour or more above the posted speed limit;

(4) reckless or careless driving under section 169.13;

(5) fleeing a peace officer under section 609.487; and

(6) a violation of a moving traffic statute of Minnesota or any state, or an ordinance in conformity with a Minnesota statute, that arose in connection with a fatal accident.

Subd. 4a. Violation of out-of-service order. (a) The commissioner shall disqualify a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle for not less than:

(1) 90 days nor more than one year if the operator is convicted of a first violation of an out-of-service order;

(2) one year nor more than five years if, during any ten-year period, the operator is convicted of two violations of out-of-service orders in separate incidents; and

(3) three years nor more than five years if, during any ten-year period, the operator is convicted of three or more violations of out-of-service orders in separate incidents.

(b) The commissioner shall notify the commissioner of transportation of each disqualification under this subdivision.

Subd. 5. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules to administer this section. The rules must include procedures for issuing class D licenses to persons who have been disqualified from operating commercial motor vehicles but whose drivers' licenses have not otherwise been revoked, suspended, canceled, or denied.

Subd. 6. Exemptions. A disqualification shall not be imposed under this section on a recreational equipment operator, farmer, or firefighter operating a commercial motor vehicle within the scope of section 171.02, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

Subd. 7. Scope. This section applies to offenses committed, and revocations imposed for incidents occurring, on or after January 1, 1990.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 28; 1991 c 333 s 29; 1994 c 501 s 7; 1996 c 275 s 10; 1999 c 93 s 1; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.166 Review of disqualification.

Subdivision 1. Review of convictions. The commissioner shall review court records of convictions subject to section 171.165, other than a violation of section 169A.20, 169A.31, or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, if the commissioner has reasonable cause to believe the information is pertinent to the disqualification of an individual.

Subd. 2. Notification to commercial driver's license holder or applicant. The commissioner shall notify the applicant or license holder and the individual who is the subject of a review, in writing, of the results of the review. The commissioner shall notify the individual reviewed if the information contained in the review could cause license disqualification.

Subd. 3. Reconsideration of license disqualification. (a) Within 30 days after receiving notice of possible disqualification under subdivision 2, the individual who is the subject of the review may request reconsideration of the notice of possible disqualification. The individual must submit the request for reconsideration to the commissioner in writing. The individual must present information to show that the information the commissioner relied upon is incorrect or not applicable for disqualification of the individual being reviewed.

(b) The commissioner may set aside the disqualification if the commissioner finds that the information the commissioner relied upon is incorrect or not applicable for disqualification of the individual being reviewed.

(c) The commissioner shall notify the applicant or license holder in writing of the reconsideration decision within 15 working days after receiving the request for reconsideration. The disqualification takes effect 20 days after the person receives the reconsideration decision.

Subd. 4. Repealed, 1995 c 56 s 2

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 29; 1995 c 56 s 1; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.17 Revocation.

Subdivision 1. Offenses. (a) The department shall immediately revoke the license of a driver upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of:

(1) manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle or criminal vehicular homicide or injury under section 609.21;

(2) a violation of section 169A.20 or 609.487;

(3) a felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used;

(4) failure to stop and disclose identity and render aid, as required under section 169.09, in the event of a motor vehicle accident, resulting in the death or personal injury of another;

(5) perjury or the making of a false affidavit or statement to the department under any law relating to the ownership or operation of a motor vehicle;

(6) except as this section otherwise provides, three charges of violating within a period of 12 months any of the provisions of chapter 169 or of the rules or municipal ordinances enacted in conformance with chapter 169, for which the accused may be punished upon conviction by imprisonment;

(7) two or more violations, within five years, of the misdemeanor offense described in section 169.444, subdivision 2, paragraph (a);

(8) the gross misdemeanor offense described in section 169.444, subdivision 2, paragraph (b); or

(9) an offense in another state that, if committed in this state, would be grounds for revoking the driver's license.

(b) The department shall immediately revoke the school bus endorsement of a driver upon receiving a record of the driver's conviction of the misdemeanor offense described in section 169.443, subdivision 7.

Subd. 2. Offenses by juveniles. When a juvenile court judge or duly authorized agent determines under a proceeding held under chapter 260 that a person under the age of 18 years has committed an offense defined in this section, the judge or authorized agent shall immediately report this determination to the department, and the commissioner shall immediately revoke the person's license.

Subd. 3. Notice. Upon revoking a license under this chapter, the department shall immediately notify the licensee, in writing, by depositing in the United States post office a notice addressed to the licensee at the licensee's last known address, with postage prepaid.

HIST: (2720-145b) 1939 c 401 s 17; 1951 c 483 s 1; 1961 c 32 s 1; Ex1971 c 27 s 25; 1981 c 363 s 39; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1985 c 291 s 21; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 123 s 3; 1991 c 270 s 2; 1991 c 277 s 14; 1993 c 78 s 5; 1998 c 388 s 21,22; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.171 Suspension; illegal purchase of alcohol or tobacco.

The commissioner shall suspend for a period of 90 days the license of a person who:

(1) is under the age of 21 years and is convicted of purchasing or attempting to purchase an alcoholic beverage in violation of section 340A.503 if the person used a license, Minnesota identification card, or any type of false identification to purchase or attempt to purchase the alcoholic beverage;

(2) is convicted under section 171.22, subdivision 1, clause (2), or 340A.503, subdivision 2, clause (3), of lending or knowingly permitting a person under the age of 21 years to use the person's license, Minnesota identification card, or other type of identification to purchase or attempt to purchase an alcoholic beverage;

(3) is under the age of 18 years and is found by a court to have committed a petty misdemeanor under section 609.685, subdivision 3, if the person used a license, Minnesota identification card, or any type of false identification to purchase or attempt to purchase the tobacco product; or

(4) is convicted under section 171.22, subdivision 1, clause (2), of lending or knowingly permitting a person under the age of 18 years to use the person's license, Minnesota identification card, or other type of identification to purchase or attempt to purchase a tobacco product.

HIST: 1985 c 305 art 1 s 1; 1989 c 301 s 9; 1997 c 227 s 1; 1998 c 388 s 23; 2000 c 472 s 1

171.172 Revocation; controlled substance offense.

The commissioner of public safety shall revoke the license of any person convicted of or any juvenile adjudicated for a controlled substance offense if the court has notified the commissioner of a determination made under section 152.0271 or 260B.198, subdivision 1. The period of revocation shall be for the applicable time period specified in section 152.0271. If the person does not have a license or if the person's license is suspended or revoked at the time of the conviction or adjudication, the commissioner shall, upon the person's application for license issuance or reinstatement, delay the issuance or reinstatement of the person's license for the applicable time period specified in section 152.0271.

HIST: 1993 c 347 s 14; 1998 c 388 s 24; 1999 c 139 art 4 s 2

171.173 Suspension; underage drinking offense.

The commissioner of public safety shall suspend the license of any person convicted of or any juvenile adjudicated for an offense under section 340A.503, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), if the court has notified the commissioner of a determination made under section 169A.33, subdivision 4. The period of suspension shall be for the applicable period specified in section 169A.33. If the person does not have a license or if the person's license is suspended or revoked at the time of the conviction or adjudication, the commissioner shall, upon the person's application for license issuance or reinstatement, delay the issuance or reinstatement of the person's license for the applicable time period specified in section 169A.33. Upon receipt of the court's order, the commissioner is authorized to take the licensing action without a hearing.

HIST: 1993 c 347 s 15; 1998 c 388 s 25; 2001 c 7 s 44

171.174 Revocation; fleeing peace officer offense.

The commissioner of public safety shall revoke the license of a person upon receipt of a certificate of conviction showing that the person has in a motor vehicle violated section 609.487, subdivision 3 or 4, or an ordinance in conformity with those subdivisions. The commissioner shall revoke the license as follows:

(1) for the first offense under section 609.487, subdivision 3, for not less than one year;

(2) for the second offense or subsequent offenses under section 609.487, subdivision 3, for not less than three years;

(3) for an offense under section 609.487, subdivision 4, clause (a), for not less than ten years;

(4) for an offense under section 609.487, subdivision 4, clause (b), for not less than seven years; and

(5) for an offense under section 609.487, subdivision 4, clause (c), for not less than five years.

A limited license under section 171.30 may not be issued for one-half of the revocation period specified in clauses (1) to (5) and after that period is over only upon and as recommended by the adjudicating court.

HIST: 1996 c 408 art 3 s 10; 1998 c 388 s 26

171.18 Suspension.

Subdivision 1. Offenses. The commissioner may suspend the license of a driver without preliminary hearing upon a showing by department records or other sufficient evidence that the licensee:

(1) has committed an offense for which mandatory revocation of license is required upon conviction;

(2) has been convicted by a court for violating a provision of chapter 169 or an ordinance regulating traffic, other than a conviction for a petty misdemeanor, and department records show that the violation contributed in causing an accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another, or serious property damage;

(3) is an habitually reckless or negligent driver of a motor vehicle;

(4) is an habitual violator of the traffic laws;

(5) is incompetent to drive a motor vehicle as determined in a judicial proceeding;

(6) has permitted an unlawful or fraudulent use of the license;

(7) has committed an offense in another state that, if committed in this state, would be grounds for suspension;

(8) has committed a violation of section 169.444, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), within five years of a prior conviction under that section;

(9) has committed a violation of section 171.22, except that the commissioner may not suspend a person's driver's license based solely on the fact that the person possessed a fictitious or fraudulently altered Minnesota identification card;

(10) has failed to appear in court as provided in section 169.92, subdivision 4;

(11) has failed to report a medical condition that, if reported, would have resulted in cancellation of driving privileges; or

(12) has been found to have committed an offense under section 169A.33.

However, an action taken by the commissioner under clause (2) or (5) must conform to the recommendation of the court when made in connection with the prosecution of the licensee.

Subd. 2. Notice. The department may not suspend a driver's license until 14 days after the date on which the department mails to the licensee a written notice of the department's intent to suspend the license, addressed to the licensee at the licensee's last known address, with postage prepaid. Suspension of a driver's license shall take effect immediately upon a finding by the commissioner, based on department records or other sufficient evidence, that a delay in the effectiveness of the suspension poses a threat to public safety. The department shall immediately notify the licensee of the suspension by mail, addressed to the licensee's last known address, with postage prepaid.

Subd. 3. Hearing. (a) The licensee may request, in writing, a hearing. The department shall afford the requesting licensee an opportunity for a hearing within 20 days after receipt of the request in the county where the licensee resides, unless the department and the licensee agree that the hearing may be held in some other county.

(b) For the hearing, the commissioner may administer oaths and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books and papers, and may require a reexamination of the licensee.

(c) Following the hearing, the department shall either rescind its order of suspension or, for good cause shown, may extend the suspension of the license or revoke the license.

(d) The department shall not suspend a license for a period of more than one year.

HIST: (2720-145c) 1939 c 401 s 18; 1955 c 713 s 1; 1973 c 698 s 6; 1978 c 783 s 7; 1986 c 444; 1989 c 307 s 30; 1990 c 510 s 8; 1991 c 277 s 15; 1994 c 636 art 2 s 4; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 2 s 41; 1996 c 346 s 6,7; 1996 c 442 s 21; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.181 Resident driving privilege.

Subdivision 1. Foreign state conviction. (a) On revoking or suspending the driver's license of a Minnesota resident as a result of a foreign state conviction, the commissioner shall notify that foreign state when the driver's license is reinstated or a new license issued.

(b) For the purposes of this section, "foreign state" means a state as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 15, excluding the state of Minnesota.

Subd. 2. Repealed, 1983 c 127 s 2

HIST: 1978 c 783 s 8; 1986 c 444

171.182 Suspension; uninsured vehicle.

Subdivision 1. Definition. For the purposes of sections 171.182 to 171.184, the term "judgment" means a judgment which has become final by expiration without appeal within the time which an appeal might have been perfected, or by final affirmation on appeal, rendered by a court of competent jurisdiction, including county, municipal, or conciliation court, of any state of the United States, upon a claim for relief arising out of ownership, maintenance, or use of a motor vehicle, for damages, including damages for care and loss of services, because of bodily injury to or death of a person, or for damages because of injury to or destruction of property, including the loss of use thereof, or upon a claim for relief on an agreement of settlement for the damages.

Subd. 2. Copy of judgment to commissioner. If a person fails within 30 days to satisfy a judgment, the court administrator, upon affidavit of the judgment creditor that the judgment has not been satisfied, shall immediately forward to the commissioner a certified copy of the judgment and affidavit of identification.

If the judgment debtor named in a certified copy of a judgment reported to the commissioner is a nonresident, the commissioner shall transmit a certified copy of the judgment to the official in charge of the issuance of drivers' licenses of the state of which the judgment debtor is a resident.

Subd. 3. Conditions. The commissioner, upon receipt of a certified copy of a judgment, shall suspend the license or the nonresident's operating privilege, of the person against whom judgment was rendered if:

(a) at the time of the accident the person did not maintain the reparation security required by section 65B.48; and

(b) the judgment has not been satisfied.

Suspensions under this section are subject to the notice requirements of section 171.18, subdivision 2.

Subd. 4. Duration. A license or nonresident's operating privilege shall remain suspended and shall not be renewed, nor shall a license be thereafter issued to the person until every judgment is satisfied in full, or has expired, or to the extent hereinafter provided.

Subd. 5. Affidavit of insurance coverage. A person whose license or nonresident's operating privileges has been suspended or has become subject to suspension because of an unsatisfied judgment may be relieved of the suspension by filing with the commissioner an affidavit stating that at the time of the accident giving rise to the judgment the person was insured, that the insurer is liable for the judgment, and the reason, if known, why the judgment has not been paid. The affidavit shall be accompanied by a copy of the insurance policy and other documents the commissioner requires to show that the loss, injury or damage giving rise to the judgment was covered by the policy. If satisfied that the insurer was authorized to issue the policy and is liable for the judgment, at least to the extent and for the amounts required in this chapter, the commissioner shall not suspend the license, or reinstate the license if already suspended.

HIST: 1982 c 598 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 82; 1996 c 346 s 8

171.183 Satisfaction of judgment.

Subdivision 1. Requirements. For the purposes of sections 171.182 to 171.184, a judgment is satisfied if:

(1) $30,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of one person as the result of any one accident;

(2) subject to the limit of $30,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person, the sum of $60,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons as the result of any one accident; or

(3) $10,000 has been credited upon any judgment or judgments rendered in excess of that amount because of damage to or destruction of property of others as a result of any one accident.

Subd. 2. Other payments credited. Payments made in settlement of claims because of bodily injury, death or property damage arising from a motor vehicle accident shall be credited in reduction of the amounts provided for in this section.

HIST: 1982 c 598 s 2; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 47

171.184 Installment payments.

Subdivision 1. Authorization. A judgment debtor upon due notice to the judgment creditor may apply to the court in which the judgment was rendered for the privilege of paying the judgment in installments. The court, in its discretion and without prejudice to any other legal remedies which the judgment creditor may have, may so order and fix the amounts and times of payments of the installments.

Subd. 2. Stay of suspension. The commissioner shall not suspend a license or a nonresident's operating privilege if the judgment debtor gives proof of maintaining the reparation security required by section 65B.48, obtains an order or enters into a written agreement with the judgment creditor permitting the payment of the judgment in installments, and does not default on the payment of any installment.

Subd. 3. Termination of stay. If the judgment debtor fails to pay any installment as specified by an order or agreement, then upon notice of default, the commissioner shall forthwith suspend the license, or nonresident's operating privilege, of the judgment debtor until the judgment is satisfied.

HIST: 1982 c 598 s 3

171.185 Costs paid from trunk highway fund.

All costs incurred by the commissioner in carrying out the provisions of sections 171.182 to 171.184 shall be paid from the trunk highway fund.

HIST: 1982 c 598 s 4

171.186 Suspension; nonpayment of support.

Subdivision 1. Suspension. The commissioner shall suspend a person's driver's license or operating privileges without a hearing upon receipt of a court order or notice from a public authority responsible for child support enforcement that states that the driver is in arrears in court-ordered child support or maintenance payments, or both, in an amount equal to or greater than three times the obligor's total monthly support and maintenance payments, and is not in compliance with a written payment agreement regarding both current support and arrearages approved by a court, a child support magistrate, or the public authority responsible for child support enforcement, in accordance with section 518.551, subdivision 13.

Subd. 2. Notice. Upon suspending a driver's license or operating privileges under this section, the department shall immediately notify the licensee, in writing, by mailing a notice addressed to the licensee at the licensee's last known address.

Subd. 3. Duration. A license or operating privilege must remain suspended and may not be reinstated, nor may a license be subsequently issued to the person, until the commissioner receives notice from the court, a child support magistrate, or public authority responsible for child support enforcement that the person is in compliance with all current orders of support or written payment agreements regarding both current support and arrearages. A fee may not be assessed for reinstatement of a license under this section.

HIST: 1995 c 257 art 1 s 11; 1999 c 196 art 2 s 3,4

171.19 Petition for license reinstatement.

Any person whose driver's license has been refused, revoked, suspended, canceled, or disqualified by the commissioner, except where the license is revoked or disqualified under section 169A.52 or 171.186, may file a petition for a hearing in the matter in the district court in the county wherein such person shall reside and, in the case of a nonresident, in the district court in any county, and such court is hereby vested with jurisdiction, and it shall be its duty, to set the matter for hearing upon 15 days' written notice to the commissioner, and thereupon to take testimony and examine into the facts of the case to determine whether the petitioner is entitled to a license or is subject to revocation, suspension, cancellation, disqualification, or refusal of license, and shall render judgment accordingly. The petition for hearing must either be filed within 180 days of the effective date of the order of revocation, suspension, cancellation, disqualification, or refusal to license or be filed before expiration of the withdrawal period, whichever occurs first. The petition shall be heard by the court without a jury and may be heard in or out of term. The commissioner may appear in person, or by agents or representatives, and may present evidence upon the hearing by affidavit personally, by agents, or by representatives. The petitioner may present evidence by affidavit, except that the petitioner must be present in person at such hearing for the purpose of cross-examination. In the event the department shall be sustained in these proceedings, the petitioner shall have no further right to make further petition to any court for the purpose of obtaining a driver's license until after the expiration of one year after the date of such hearing.

HIST: (2720-145d) 1939 c 401 s 19; 1982 c 423 s 11; 1986 c 444; 1992 c 571 art 14 s 10; 1997 c 245 art 1 s 2; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 54; 1998 c 405 s 6; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.20 Minnesota license required; conditions, fees.

Subdivision 1. Repealed, 1993 c 266 s 34

Subd. 2. Operation after revocation, suspension, cancellation, or disqualification. (a) A resident or nonresident whose driver's license or right or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in this state has been suspended, revoked, or canceled, shall not operate a motor vehicle in this state under license, permit, or registration certificate issued by any other jurisdiction or otherwise during the suspension, or after the revocation until Minnesota driving privileges are reinstated.

(b) A resident or nonresident who has been disqualified from holding a commercial driver's license or been denied the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle in this state shall not operate a commercial motor vehicle in this state under license, permit, or registration certificate issued by any other jurisdiction or otherwise during the disqualification period until Minnesota commercial driving privileges are reinstated.

Subd. 3. Driver improvement clinic. The commissioner may require, before reissuing a license which has been revoked or suspended, that the licensee complete a course of study at an approved driver improvement clinic or, in the case of a licensee who is age 18 or younger, a youth-oriented driver improvement clinic. The commissioner may not require the licensee to complete such a course unless an approved driver improvement clinic or youth-oriented driver improvement clinic is located within 35 miles of the licensee's residence. For purposes of this section "an approved driver improvement clinic" means a clinic whose curriculum and mode of instruction conform to standards promulgated by the commissioner.

Subd. 4. Reinstatement fee. Before the license is reinstated, a person whose driver's license has been suspended under section 171.16, subdivision 2; 171.18, except subdivision 1, clause (10); or 171.182, or who has been disqualified from holding a commercial driver's license under section 171.165, must pay a fee of $20. When fees are collected by a licensing agent appointed under section 171.061, a handling charge is imposed in the amount specified under section 171.061, subdivision 4. The reinstatement fee and surcharge must be deposited in an approved state depository as directed under section 171.061, subdivision 4. A suspension may be rescinded without fee for good cause.

HIST: (2720-145e) 1939 c 401 s 20; 1961 c 44 s 1; 1965 c 711 s 6; 1969 c 9 s 32; 1969 c 118 s 2; 1980 c 520 s 3; 1983 c 127 s 1; 1985 c 291 s 22; 1989 c 228 s 3; 1989 c 307 s 31; 1995 c 265 art 2 s 20; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 55; 1998 c 388 s 27; 1998 c 405 s 7; 2000 c 426 s 28

171.21 Copy of record as evidence.

Copies of any of the files or records of the department certified by the commissioner as being true copies shall be received in evidence in any court in this state with the same force and effect as the originals.

HIST: (2720-145f) 1939 c 401 s 21

171.22 Unlawful acts relating to driver's license.

Subdivision 1. Violations. With regard to any driver's license, including a commercial driver's license, it shall be unlawful for any person:

(1) to display, cause or permit to be displayed, or have in possession, any fictitious or fraudulently altered driver's license or Minnesota identification card;

(2) to lend the person's driver's license or Minnesota identification card to any other person or knowingly permit the use thereof by another;

(3) to display or represent as one's own any driver's license or Minnesota identification card not issued to that person;

(4) to use a fictitious name or date of birth to any police officer or in any application for a driver's license or Minnesota identification card, or to knowingly make a false statement, or to knowingly conceal a material fact, or otherwise commit a fraud in any such application;

(5) to alter any driver's license or Minnesota identification card;

(6) to take any part of the driver's license examination for another or to permit another to take the examination for that person;

(7) to make a counterfeit driver's license or Minnesota identification card;

(8) to use the name and date of birth of another person to any police officer for the purpose of falsely identifying oneself to the police officer; or

(9) to display as a valid driver's license any canceled, revoked, or suspended driver's license. A person whose driving privileges have been withdrawn may display a driver's license only for identification purposes.

Subd. 2. Penalties. Any person who violates subdivision 1, clause (7) or (8), is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. Any person who violates any other provision of subdivision 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

HIST: (2720-145g) 1939 c 401 s 22; 1957 c 564 s 5; 1961 c 64 s 1; 1969 c 9 s 33; 1971 c 163 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1988 c 681 s 16; 1989 c 301 s 10; 1989 c 307 s 32; 1993 c 266 s 26; 1994 c 501 s 8; 1994 c 636 art 2 s 5

171.23 Renting vehicle to unlicensed driver.

No person shall rent or lease a motor vehicle to any other person unless the latter person is then duly licensed hereunder, or, in the case of a nonresident, then duly licensed under the law of the state or country of residence, except a nonresident whose home state or country does not require that a driver be licensed.

HIST: (2720-145i) 1939 c 401 s 24; 1986 c 444

171.24 Violations; driving without valid license.

Subdivision 1. Driving after suspension; misdemeanor. Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor if:

(1) the person's driver's license or driving privilege has been suspended;

(2) the person has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the suspension; and

(3) the person disobeys the order by operating in this state any motor vehicle, the operation of which requires a driver's license, while the person's license or privilege is suspended.

Subd. 2. Driving after revocation; misdemeanor. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if:

(1) the person's driver's license or driving privilege has been revoked;

(2) the person has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the revocation; and

(3) the person disobeys the order by operating in this state any motor vehicle, the operation of which requires a driver's license, while the person's license or privilege is revoked.

Subd. 3. Driving after cancellation; misdemeanor. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if:

(1) the person's driver's license or driving privilege has been canceled;

(2) the person has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the cancellation; and

(3) the person disobeys the order by operating in this state any motor vehicle, the operation of which requires a driver's license, while the person's license or privilege is canceled.

Subd. 4. Driving after disqualification; misdemeanor. A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if the person:

(1) has been disqualified from holding a commercial driver's license or been denied the privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle;

(2) has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the disqualification; and

(3) disobeys the order by operating in this state a commercial motor vehicle while the person is disqualified to hold the license or privilege.

Subd. 5. Gross misdemeanor. A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if:

(1) the person's driver's license or driving privilege has been canceled or denied under section 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (10);

(2) the person has been given notice of or reasonably should know of the cancellation or denial; and

(3) the person disobeys the order by operating in this state any motor vehicle, the operation of which requires a driver's license, while the person's license or privilege is canceled or denied.

Subd. 6. Responsibility for prosecution. The attorney in the jurisdiction in which the violation occurred who is responsible for prosecution of misdemeanor violations of this section is also responsible for prosecution of gross misdemeanor violations of this section.

Subd. 7. Sufficiency of notice. (a) Notice of revocation, suspension, cancellation, or disqualification is sufficient if personally served, or if mailed by first class mail to the person's last known address or to the address listed on the person's driver's license. Notice is also sufficient if the person was informed that revocation, suspension, cancellation, or disqualification would be imposed upon a condition occurring or failing to occur, and where the condition has in fact occurred or failed to occur.

(b) It is not a defense that a person failed to file a change of address with the post office, or failed to notify the department of public safety of a change of name or address as required under section 171.11.

HIST: (2720-144h, 2720-145j) 1939 c 401 s 23,25; 1943 c 331 s 3; 1947 c 479 s 2; Ex1971 c 27 s 26; 1980 c 520 s 4; 1984 c 622 s 17; 1989 c 307 s 33; 1993 c 347 s 16; 1994 c 615 s 20; 1994 c 636 art 2 s 6; 1997 c 12 art 3 s 8; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 91

171.241 Chapter violations; misdemeanors.

It is a misdemeanor for any person to willfully violate any of the provisions of this chapter unless the violation is declared by any law to be a felony or gross misdemeanor, or the violation is declared by a section of this chapter to be a misdemeanor.

HIST: 1984 c 622 s 18

171.245 Repealed, 1978 c 727 s 11

171.25 Enforcement; delegation of authority.

The commissioner shall be charged with the responsibility for the administration and execution of this chapter.

Any duties required of or powers conferred on the commissioner under the provisions of this chapter may be done and performed or exercised by any of duly authorized agents.

HIST: (2720-145k, 2720-146) 1939 c 401 s 26,27; 1986 c 444

171.26 Money credited to funds.

All money received under this chapter must be paid into the state treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund, except as provided in sections 171.06, subdivision 2a; 171.07, subdivision 11, paragraph (g); 171.12, subdivision 8; and 171.29, subdivision 2, paragraph (b).

HIST: (2720-146a) 1939 c 401 s 28; 1943 c 610 s 4; 1947 c 607 s 1; 1971 c 644 s 14; 1976 c 163 s 37; 1983 c 293 s 70; 1991 c 233 s 61; 1993 c 266 s 27; 1996 c 455 art 6 s 3

171.27 Expiration of license.

The expiration date for each driver's license, other than under-21 licenses, is the birthday of the driver in the fourth year following the date of issuance of the license. The birthday of the driver shall be as indicated on the application for a driver's license. A license may be renewed on or before expiration or within one year after expiration upon application, payment of the required fee, and passing the examination required of all drivers for renewal. Driving privileges shall be extended or renewed on or preceding the expiration date of an existing driver's license unless the commissioner believes that the licensee is no longer qualified as a driver.

The expiration date for each under-21 license shall be the 21st birthday of the licensee. Upon the licensee attaining the age of 21 and upon the application, payment of the required fee, and passing the examination required of all drivers for renewal, a driver's license shall be issued unless the commissioner determines that the licensee is no longer qualified as a driver.

The expiration date for each provisional license is two years after the date of application for the provisional license.

Any valid Minnesota driver's license issued to a person then or subsequently on active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States, or the person's spouse, shall continue in full force and effect without requirement for renewal until 90 days after the date of the person's discharge from such service, provided that a spouse's license must be renewed if the spouse is residing within the state at the time the license expires or within 90 days after the spouse returns to Minnesota and resides within the state.

HIST: (2720-146b) 1939 c 401 s 29; 1943 c 610 s 1; 1947 c 479 s 3; 1951 c 29 s 1; 1957 c 564 s 6; 1971 c 846 s 2; 1973 c 698 s 7; 1973 c 725 s 24; 1985 c 145 s 1; 1986 c 454 s 25; 1989 c 301 s 11; 1998 c 388 s 28

171.28 Citation, Driver's License Law.

Sections 171.01 to 171.28 may be cited as the Driver's License Law.

HIST: 1939 c 401 s 30

171.29 Revoked license; examination for new license.

Subdivision 1. Examination required. No person whose driver's license has been revoked by reason of conviction, plea of guilty, or forfeiture of bail not vacated, under section 169.791, 169.797, or 171.17, or revoked under section 169.792 or 169A.52 shall be issued another license unless and until that person shall have successfully passed an examination as required by the commissioner of public safety. This subdivision does not apply to an applicant for early reinstatement under section 169.792, subdivision 7a.

Subd. 2. Reinstatement fees and surcharges, allocation. (a) A person whose driver's license has been revoked as provided in subdivision 1, except under section 169A.52, 169A.54, or 609.21, shall pay a $30 fee before the driver's license is reinstated.

(b) A person whose driver's license has been revoked as provided in subdivision 1 under section 169A.52, 169A.54, or 609.21, shall pay a $250 fee plus a $40 surcharge before the driver's license is reinstated. Beginning July 1, 2002, the surcharge is $145. Beginning July 1, 2003, the surcharge is $380. The $250 fee is to be credited as follows:

(1) Twenty percent must be credited to the trunk highway fund.

(2) Fifty-five percent must be credited to the general fund.

(3) Eight percent must be credited to a separate account to be known as the bureau of criminal apprehension account. Money in this account may be appropriated to the commissioner of public safety and the appropriated amount must be apportioned 80 percent for laboratory costs and 20 percent for carrying out the provisions of section 299C.065.

(4) Twelve percent must be credited to a separate account to be known as the alcohol-impaired driver education account. Money in the account is appropriated as follows:

(i) in fiscal year 2002:

(A) the first $200,000 to the commissioner of children, families, and learning for programs for elementary and secondary school students; and

(B) the remainder credited to the commissioner of public safety to be spent as grants through March 31, 2002, to the Minnesota highway safety center at St. Cloud State University for programs relating to alcohol and highway safety education in elementary and secondary schools and then from April 1, 2002, through June 30, 2002, for programs described in item (ii); and

(ii) after June 30, 2002, to the commissioner of public safety for grants for programs relating to alcohol and highway safety education in elementary and secondary schools.

(5) Five percent must be credited to a separate account to be known as the traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury account. The money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of health to be used as follows: 35 percent for a contract with a qualified community-based organization to provide information, resources, and support to assist persons with traumatic brain injury and their families to access services, and 65 percent to maintain the traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury registry created in section 144.662. For the purposes of this clause, a "qualified community-based organization" is a private, not-for-profit organization of consumers of traumatic brain injury services and their family members. The organization must be registered with the United States Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3) as a tax-exempt organization and must have as its purposes:

(i) the promotion of public, family, survivor, and professional awareness of the incidence and consequences of traumatic brain injury;

(ii) the provision of a network of support for persons with traumatic brain injury, their families, and friends;

(iii) the development and support of programs and services to prevent traumatic brain injury;

(iv) the establishment of education programs for persons with traumatic brain injury; and

(v) the empowerment of persons with traumatic brain injury through participation in its governance.

No patient's name, identifying information or identifiable medical data will be disclosed to the organization without the informed voluntary written consent of the patient or patient's guardian, or if the patient is a minor, of the parent or guardian of the patient.

(c) The surcharge must be credited to a separate account to be known as the remote electronic alcohol monitoring program account. The commissioner shall transfer the balance of this account to the commissioner of finance on a monthly basis for deposit in the general fund.

(d) When these fees are collected by a licensing agent, appointed under section 171.061, a handling charge is imposed in the amount specified under section 171.061, subdivision 4. The reinstatement fees and surcharge must be deposited in an approved state depository as directed under section 171.061, subdivision 4.

Subd. 3. Compliance with impoundment laws. A person whose license has been revoked under section 169A.52 or 169A.54 may not be issued another license at the end of the revocation period unless the person has complied with all applicable registration plate impoundment provisions of sections 168.041 and 169A.60.

HIST: 1959 c 515 s 1,2; 1981 c 363 s 40; 1983 c 293 s 71; 1Sp1985 c 9 art 2 s 23; 1986 c 330 s 3; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 398 art 7 s 38; 1987 c 403 art 2 s 15; 1988 c 681 s 5; 1988 c 684 art 1 s 19; 1989 c 329 art 8 s 10; 1991 c 265 art 8 s 12; 1991 c 292 art 8 s 3; 1991 c 301 s 9; 1991 c 333 s 30; 1992 c 571 art 14 s 11; 1993 c 224 art 11 s 6; 1994 c 398 s 1; 1994 c 483 s 1; 1994 c 501 s 9; 1995 c 226 art 5 s 2; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 16 s 13; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 35; 1997 c 239 art 8 s 2; 1998 c 367 art 11 s 7; 1998 c 405 s 8; 1998 c 407 art 4 s 1; 1999 c 205 art 3 s 4; 2000 c 426 s 29; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 48; art 11 s 12; art 12 s 15; 1Sp2001 c 9 art 19 s 13

171.30 Limited license.

Subdivision 1. Conditions of issuance. (a) In any case where a person's license has been suspended under section 171.18 or 171.173, or revoked under section 169.792, 169.797, 169A.52, 169A.54, 171.17, or 171.172, the commissioner may issue a limited license to the driver including under the following conditions:

(1) if the driver's livelihood or attendance at a chemical dependency treatment or counseling program depends upon the use of the driver's license;

(2) if the use of a driver's license by a homemaker is necessary to prevent the substantial disruption of the education, medical, or nutritional needs of the family of the homemaker; or

(3) if attendance at a post-secondary institution of education by an enrolled student of that institution depends upon the use of the driver's license.

(b) The commissioner in issuing a limited license may impose such conditions and limitations as in the commissioner's judgment are necessary to the interests of the public safety and welfare including reexamination as to the driver's qualifications. The license may be limited to the operation of particular vehicles, to particular classes and times of operation and to particular conditions of traffic. The commissioner may require that an applicant for a limited license affirmatively demonstrate that use of public transportation or carpooling as an alternative to a limited license would be a significant hardship.

(c) For purposes of this subdivision, "homemaker" refers to the person primarily performing the domestic tasks in a household of residents consisting of at least the person and the person's dependent child or other dependents.

(d) The limited license issued by the commissioner shall clearly indicate the limitations imposed and the driver operating under the limited license shall have the license in possession at all times when operating as a driver.

(e) In determining whether to issue a limited license, the commissioner shall consider the number and the seriousness of prior convictions and the entire driving record of the driver and shall consider the number of miles driven by the driver annually.

(f) If the person's driver's license or permit to drive has been revoked under section 169.792 or 169.797, the commissioner may only issue a limited license to the person after the person has presented an insurance identification card, policy, or written statement indicating that the driver or owner has insurance coverage satisfactory to the commissioner of public safety. The commissioner of public safety may require the insurance identification card provided to satisfy this subdivision be certified by the insurance company to be noncancelable for a period not to exceed 12 months.

Subd. 2. 60-day waiting period. A limited license shall not be issued for a period of 60 days to an individual whose license or privilege has been revoked or suspended for commission of the following offenses:

(1) any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle was used; or

(2) failure to stop and disclose identity as required under section 169.09, in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another.

Subd. 2a. Other waiting periods. Notwithstanding subdivision 2, a limited license shall not be issued for a period of:

(1) 15 days, to a person whose license or privilege has been revoked or suspended for a violation of section 169A.20, sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, or a statute or ordinance from another state in conformity with either of those sections;

(2) 90 days, to a person who submitted to testing under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 if the person's license or privilege has been revoked or suspended for a second or subsequent violation of section 169A.20, sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, or a statute or ordinance from another state in conformity with either of those sections;

(3) 180 days, to a person who refused testing under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 if the person's license or privilege has been revoked or suspended for a second or subsequent violation of sections 169A.20, 169A.50 to 169A.53, or a statute or ordinance from another state in conformity with either of those sections; or

(4) one year, to a person whose license or privilege has been revoked or suspended for committing manslaughter resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle, committing criminal vehicular homicide or injury under section 609.21, or violating a statute or ordinance from another state in conformity with either of those offenses.

Subd. 2b. Waiting period for youth under 18. If a person whose driver's license was suspended or revoked for a violation listed under subdivision 2 or 2a is under the age of 18 years at the time of that violation, the commissioner shall not issue a limited license to the person for a period of time that is the longest of: (1) 90 days; or (2) twice the length of the period specified for that violation in subdivision 2 or 2a.

Subd. 2c. Extended waiting period. If a person's license or privilege has been revoked or suspended for a violation of section 169A.20 or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, or a statute or ordinance from another state in conformity with either of those sections, and the person's alcohol concentration was 0.20 or greater at the time of the violation, a limited license may not be issued for a period of time equal to twice the time period specified in subdivision 2a or 2b.

Subd. 3. Conditions on issuance. The commissioner shall issue a limited license restricted to the vehicles whose operation is permitted only under a class A, class B, or class C license whenever a class A, class B, or class C license has been suspended under section 171.18, or revoked under section 171.17, for violation of the Highway Traffic Regulation Act committed in a private passenger motor vehicle. This subdivision shall not apply to any persons described in section 171.04, subdivision 1, clauses (6), (7), (8), (10), (11), and (14), or any person whose license or privilege has been suspended or revoked for a violation of section 169A.20 or sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, or a statute or ordinance from another state in conformity with either of those sections.

Subd. 4. Penalty. A person who violates a condition or limitation of a limited license issued under subdivision 1 or fails to have the license in immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition, a person who violates a condition or limitation of a limited license may not operate a motor vehicle for the remainder of the period of suspension or revocation, or 30 days, whichever is longer.

HIST: 1959 c 632 s 1; 1971 c 217 s 1; 1971 c 644 s 15; 1978 c 727 s 10; 1982 c 423 s 12; 1984 c 622 s 19; 1984 c 655 art 2 s 24; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 136 s 2; 1987 c 171 s 1; 1989 c 307 s 34; 1989 c 321 s 16; 1991 c 270 s 3-5; 1991 c 333 s 31; 1992 c 570 art 1 s 23; 1992 c 571 art 14 s 12,13; 1993 c 347 s 17,18; 1994 c 501 s 10; 1995 c 230 s 10; 1996 c 275 s 11; 1996 c 442 s 22; 1997 c 12 art 3 s 9; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 56; 1998 c 388 s 30; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 91; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7

171.302 License violations; consecutive sentencing.

When sentencing an offender for violating section 171.20, subdivision 2; 171.24; or 171.30, the court may impose consecutive sentences for offenses arising out of a single course of conduct as permitted in section 609.035, subdivision 2.

HIST: 1996 c 442 s 23

171.305 Ignition interlock device; pilot program.

Subdivision 1. Definition. "Ignition interlock device" or "device" means breath alcohol ignition equipment designed to prevent a motor vehicle's ignition from being started by a person whose alcohol concentration exceeds the calibrated setting on the device.

Subd. 2. Pilot program. The commissioner of public safety shall establish a pilot program for the use of an ignition interlock device by a person whose driver's license or driving privilege has been canceled and denied by the commissioner for an alcohol or controlled substance-related incident. The commissioner shall conduct the program from October 1, 2000, until December 31, 2001. The commissioner shall evaluate the program and shall report to the legislature by February 1, 2002, on whether changes in the program are necessary and whether the program should be permanent. No limited license shall be issued under this program after October 1, 2001. For purposes of a pilot program established by this subdivision, the department is exempt from rulemaking requirements found in chapter 14.

Subd. 3. Performance standards. The commissioner shall specify performance standards for ignition interlock devices, including standards relating to accuracy, safe operation of the vehicle, and degree of difficulty rendering the device inoperative. The interlock ignition device must be designed to operate from a 12-volt DC vehicle battery and be capable of locking a motor vehicle's ignition when a minimum alcohol concentration of 0.020 grams of ethyl alcohol per 210 liters of breath is introduced into the device. The device must also require a breath sample to determine alcohol concentration at variable time intervals ranging from five to 30 minutes while the engine is running. The device must also be capable of recording information for later review that includes the date and time of any use of the vehicle or any attempt to use the vehicle, including all times that the vehicle engine was started or stopped and the alcohol concentration of each breath sample provided.

Subd. 4. Certification. The commissioner shall certify ignition interlock devices that meet the performance standards and may charge the manufacturer of the ignition interlock device a certification fee. A manufacturer who submits a device for certification must provide an application for certification on a form prescribed by the department.

Subd. 5. Issuance of limited license. The commissioner may issue a limited license to a person whose driver's license has been canceled and denied due to an alcohol or controlled substance-related incident under section 171.04, subdivision 1, clause (10), under the following conditions:

(1) at least one-half of the person's required abstinence period has expired;

(2) the person has successfully completed chemical dependency treatment and is currently participating in a generally recognized support group based on ongoing abstinence; and

(3) the person agrees to drive only a motor vehicle equipped with a functioning and certified ignition interlock device.

Subd. 6. Monitoring. The ignition interlock device must be monitored for proper use and accuracy by an entity approved by the commissioner.

Subd. 7. Payment. The commissioner shall require that the person issued a limited license under subdivision 5 pay all costs associated with use of the device.

Subd. 8. Proof of installation. A person approved for a limited license must provide proof of installation prior to issuance of the limited license.

Subd. 9. Misdemeanor. (a) A person who knowingly lends, rents, or leases a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device to a person with a limited license issued under subdivision 5 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) A person who tampers with, circumvents, or bypasses the ignition interlock device, or assists another to tamper with, circumvent, or bypass the device, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) The penalties of this subdivision do not apply if the action was taken for emergency purposes or for mechanical repair, and the person limited to the use of an ignition interlock device does not operate the motor vehicle while the device is disengaged.

Subd. 10. Cancellation of limited license. The commissioner shall cancel a limited license issued under this section if the device registers a positive reading for use of alcohol or the person violates any conditions of the limited license.

HIST: 1991 c 270 s 6; 1992 c 570 art 1 s 24; 1993 c 347 s 19; 1997 c 12 art 3 s 10; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 91; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 1

171.31 Person receiving benefits for blindness, discovery of information.

The commissioner of public safety, in order to promote highway safety by restricting driving privileges to those persons meeting accepted visual acuity standards, may request and shall receive information concerning the identity and whereabouts of any person who has applied for or received any type of welfare, licensing, or other benefits for the blind or nearly blind, from the records of all departments, boards, bureaus, or other agencies of this state except the department of revenue, and they shall provide such information notwithstanding the provisions of section 268.19 or any other existing law or rule to the contrary, except that section 270B.02, subdivision 1, prohibits disclosure of information by the commissioner of revenue.

HIST: 1967 c 524 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 18; 1984 c 514 art 3 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1989 c 184 art 2 s 7; 1997 c 66 s 79

171.32 Action upon information relating to blindness.

Subdivision 1. Actions by commissioner. The commissioner upon receipt of any such information shall take such action as the commissioner deems necessary to insure that each such person meets the accepted visual acuity standards required of all driver's license applicants and such further action as required by law or rule. The driver's license of any person who has been classified as legally blind shall be immediately canceled.

Subd. 2. Visual acuity examination. Any person who is notified that the person's driver's license may be canceled because of a defect of visual acuity pursuant to the provisions of this section may demand and shall receive the standard visual acuity examination required of all driver's license applicants, or may be examined by a qualified physician of the person's choice.

Subd. 3. Use of examination data. The results of any visual acuity examination administered because of information received pursuant to this section may be communicated by the commissioner to the department from which the person received a benefit. The information received by the commissioner pursuant to this section must not be divulged or otherwise made known in any manner except in connection with the cancellation of drivers' licenses, and then only to the person involved whose license is canceled, and except for statistical purposes which do not reveal the identity of the individuals involved. The record of such person with respect to visual acuity shall be maintained in the same manner as all other driver's license records.

HIST: 1967 c 524 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

171.321 Qualifications of school bus driver.

Subdivision 1. Endorsement. No person shall drive a school bus when transporting school children to or from school or upon a school-related trip or activity without having a valid class A, class B, or class C driver's license with a school bus endorsement except that a person possessing a valid driver's license but not a school bus endorsement may drive a vehicle with a seating capacity of ten or less persons used as a school bus but not outwardly equipped or identified as a school bus.

Subd. 2. Rules. (a) The commissioner of public safety shall prescribe rules governing the physical qualifications of school bus drivers and tests required to obtain a school bus endorsement. The rules must provide that an applicant for a school bus endorsement or renewal is exempt from the physical qualifications and medical examination required to operate a school bus upon providing evidence of being medically examined and certified within the preceding 24 months as physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle, pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 391, subpart E, or rules of the commissioner of transportation incorporating those federal regulations. The commissioner shall accept physical examinations for school bus drivers conducted by medical examiners authorized as provided by Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, chapter 3, part 391, subpart E.

(b) The commissioner of public safety, in conjunction with the commissioner of economic security, shall adopt rules prescribing a training program for Head Start bus drivers. The program must provide for initial classroom and behind-the-wheel training, and annual in-service training. The program must provide training in defensive driving, human relations, emergency and accident procedures, vehicle maintenance, traffic laws, and use of safety equipment. The program must provide that the training will be conducted by the contract operator for a Head Start agency, the Head Start grantee, a licensed driver training school, or by another person or entity approved by both commissioners.

Subd. 3. Records check of applicant. (a) Before issuing or renewing a school bus endorsement, the commissioner shall conduct a criminal and driver's license records check of the applicant. The commissioner may also conduct the check at any time while a person is so licensed. The check must consist of a criminal records check of the state criminal records repository and a check of the driver's license records system. If the applicant has resided in Minnesota for less than five years, the check must also include a criminal records check of information from the state law enforcement agencies in the states where the person resided during the five years before moving to Minnesota, and of the national criminal records repository including the criminal justice data communications network. The applicant's failure to cooperate with the commissioner in conducting the records check is reasonable cause to deny an application or cancel a school bus endorsement. The commissioner may not release the results of the records check to any person except the applicant or the applicant's designee in writing.

(b) The commissioner may issue to an otherwise qualified applicant a temporary school bus endorsement, effective for no more than 180 days, upon presentation of (1) an affidavit by the applicant that the applicant has not been convicted of a disqualifying offense and (2) a criminal history check from each state of residence for the previous five years. The criminal history check may be conducted and prepared by any public or private source acceptable to the commissioner. The commissioner may reissue the temporary endorsement if the National Criminal Records Repository check is timely submitted but not completed within the 180-day period.

Subd. 4. Training. (a) No person shall drive a class A, B, C, or D school bus when transporting school children to or from school or upon a school-related trip or activity without having demonstrated sufficient skills and knowledge to transport students in a safe and legal manner.

(b) A bus driver must have training or experience that allows the driver to meet at least the following competencies:

(1) safely operate the type of school bus the driver will be driving;

(2) understand student behavior, including issues relating to students with disabilities;

(3) encourage orderly conduct of students on the bus and handle incidents of misconduct appropriately;

(4) know and understand relevant laws, rules of the road, and local school bus safety policies;

(5) handle emergency situations; and

(6) safely load and unload students.

(c) The commissioner of public safety, in conjunction with the commissioner of children, families, and learning, shall develop a comprehensive model school bus driver training program and model assessments for school bus driver training competencies, which are not subject to chapter 14. A school district may use alternative assessments for bus driver training competencies with the approval of the commissioner of public safety. The employer shall keep the assessment for the current period available for inspection by representatives of the commissioner.

Subd. 5. Annual evaluation and license verification. (a) A school district's pupil transportation safety director, the chief administrator of a nonpublic school, or a private contractor shall certify annually to the school board or governing board of a nonpublic school that, at minimum, each school bus driver meets the school bus driver training competencies under subdivision 4. A school district, nonpublic school, or private contractor also shall provide in-service training annually to each school bus driver.

(b) A school district, nonpublic school, or private contractor shall annually verify the validity of the driver's license of each person who transports students for the district with the National Drivers Register or with the department of public safety.

HIST: 1971 c 644 s 16; 1975 c 265 s 1; 1985 c 291 s 23; 1987 c 379 s 2; 1989 c 140 s 13; 1990 c 529 s 9; 1993 c 57 s 1; 1994 c 483 s 1; 1994 c 603 s 17; 1994 c 647 art 12 s 29-32; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 2 s 42-44; art 16 s 13; 1996 c 275 s 12; 1997 c 187 art 3 s 25; 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 31; 2000 c 489 art 6 s 33-36; 2001 c 98 s 1

171.3215 Canceling bus endorsement for certain offenses.

Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) As used in this section, the following terms have the meanings given them.

(b) "School bus driver" means a person possessing a school bus driver's endorsement on a valid Minnesota driver's license or a person possessing a valid Minnesota driver's license who drives a vehicle with a seating capacity of ten or less persons used as a school bus.

(c) "Disqualifying offense" includes (1) any felony offense, (2) any misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony violation of chapter 152, (3) any violation under section 609.3451, 609.746, subdivision 1, 617.23, 617.246, 617.247, or 617.293, or (4) while driving, operating, or being in physical control of a school bus or a Head Start bus, a violation of section 169A.20 or a similar statute or ordinance from another state.

(d) "Head Start bus driver" means a person possessing a valid Minnesota driver's license:

(1) with a passenger endorsement, who drives a Head Start bus;

(2) with a school bus driver's endorsement, who drives a Head Start bus; or

(3) who drives a vehicle with a seating capacity of ten or fewer persons used as a Head Start bus.

Subd. 2. Cancellation for disqualifying and other offenses. Within ten days of receiving notice under section 631.40, subdivision 1a, or otherwise receiving notice for a nonresident driver, that a school bus driver has been convicted of a disqualifying offense, the commissioner shall permanently cancel the school bus driver's endorsement on the offender's driver's license and in the case of a nonresident, the driver's privilege to operate a school bus in Minnesota. A school bus driver whose endorsement or privilege to operate a school bus in Minnesota has been permanently canceled may not apply for reinstatement. Within ten days of receiving notice under section 631.40, subdivision 1a, or otherwise receiving notice for a nonresident driver, that a school bus driver has been convicted of a violation of section 169A.20, or a similar statute or ordinance from another state, and within ten days of revoking a school bus driver's license under section 169A.52, the commissioner shall cancel the school bus driver's endorsement on the offender's driver's license or the nonresident's privilege to operate a school bus in Minnesota for five years. After five years, a school bus driver may apply to the commissioner for reinstatement. Even after five years, cancellation of a school bus driver's endorsement or a nonresident's privilege to operate a school bus in Minnesota for a violation under section 169A.20, sections 169A.50 to 169A.53, or a similar statute or ordinance from another state, shall remain in effect until the driver provides proof of successful completion of an alcohol or controlled substance treatment program. For a first offense, proof of completion is required only if treatment was ordered as part of a chemical use assessment. Within ten days of receiving notice under section 631.40, subdivision 1a, or otherwise receiving notice for a nonresident driver, that a school bus driver has been convicted of a fourth moving violation in the last three years, the commissioner shall cancel the school bus driver's endorsement on the offender's driver's license or the nonresident's privilege to operate a school bus in Minnesota until one year has elapsed since the last conviction. A school bus driver who has no new convictions after one year may apply for reinstatement. Upon canceling the offender's school bus driver's endorsement, the commissioner shall immediately notify the licensed offender of the cancellation in writing, by depositing in the United States post office a notice addressed to the licensed offender at the licensed offender's last known address, with postage prepaid thereon.

Subd. 2a. Cancellation for crime against minor. Within ten days of receiving notice that a Head Start bus driver has committed a crime against a minor, the commissioner shall permanently cancel the passenger endorsement on the offender's driver's license. Upon canceling the offender's passenger endorsement, the commissioner shall immediately notify the licensed offender of the cancellation in writing, by depositing in the United States post office a notice addressed to the licensed offender at the licensed offender's last known address, with postage prepaid thereon. For purposes of this subdivision, "crime against a minor" means an act committed against a minor victim that constitutes a violation of section 609.185, 609.19, 609.195, 609.20, 609.205, 609.21, subdivision 1, 609.221, 609.222, 609.223, 609.342, 609.343, 609.344, 609.345, 609.352, or a felony violation of section 609.322, 609.324, or 609.377.

Subd. 3. Background check. Before issuing or renewing a driver's license with a school bus driver's endorsement, the commissioner shall conduct an investigation to determine if the applicant has been convicted of committing a disqualifying offense, four moving violations in the previous three years, a violation of section 169A.20 or a similar statute or ordinance from another state, a gross misdemeanor, or if the applicant's driver's license has been revoked under section 169A.52. The commissioner shall not issue a new bus driver's endorsement and shall not renew an existing bus driver's endorsement if the applicant has been convicted of committing a disqualifying offense. The commissioner shall not issue a new bus driver's endorsement and shall not renew an existing bus driver's endorsement if, within the previous five years, the applicant has been convicted of committing a violation of section 169A.20, or a similar statute or ordinance from another state, a gross misdemeanor, or if the applicant's driver's license has been revoked under section 169A.52, or if, within the previous three years, the applicant has been convicted of four moving violations. An applicant who has been convicted of violating section 169A.20, or a similar statute or ordinance from another state, or who has had a license revocation under section 169A.52 within the previous ten years must show proof of successful completion of an alcohol or controlled substance treatment program in order to receive a bus driver's endorsement. For a first offense, proof of completion is required only if treatment was ordered as part of a chemical use assessment. A school district or contractor that employs a nonresident school bus driver must conduct a background check of the employee's driving record and criminal history in both Minnesota and the driver's state of residence. Convictions for disqualifying offenses, gross misdemeanors, a fourth moving violation within the previous three years, or violations of section 169A.20, or a similar statute or ordinance in another state, must be reported to the department of public safety.

Subd. 4. Waiver of permanent cancellation. (a) The commissioner of public safety or the commissioner's designee, in consultation with the division of driver and vehicle services, may waive the permanent cancellation requirement of this section for a person convicted of a misdemeanor, a gross misdemeanor, a nonfelony violation of chapter 152, or a felony that is not a violent crime under section 609.1095.

(b) After notice to the requesting school district and contract provider of school bus transportation, the commissioner may waive the permanent cancellation requirement after ten years have elapsed since the person was convicted of a violation of section 609.582, subdivision 2, 3, or 4.

HIST: 1991 c 265 art 9 s 60; 1994 c 603 s 18; 1994 c 647 art 12 s 33; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 2 s 45-47; 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 32; 1998 c 367 art 2 s 32; art 6 s 15; 1999 c 241 art 9 s 42,43; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2001 c 25 s 1

171.322 Age limit for operator of vehicle for hire.

No person under 18 years of age shall operate a motor vehicle while it is in use as a carrier of persons for hire, nor shall any person under 18 years of age drive a passenger carrying vehicle as a hired driver.

HIST: 1971 c 644 s 16

171.323 Repealed, 1993 c 142 s 4

171.33 Driver training school; definitions.

Subdivision 1. Commercial driver training school or school. "Commercial driver training school" or "school" means a business enterprise conducted by an individual, association, partnership, or corporation, which charges a fee, for the education and training of persons to drive motor vehicles or for the preparation of an applicant for a driver's license examination given by the state.

Subd. 2. Instructor. "Instructor" means any person, whether acting as operator of a commercial driver training school or as an employee of any such school, who teaches or supervises persons learning to drive motor vehicles or preparing to take an examination for a driver's license, and any person who supervises the work of any other instructor.

Subd. 3. Commissioner. "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 1; 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 18; 1986 c 444

171.34 License for school required.

No commercial driver training school shall be established or operated after January 1, 1968 unless such school has applied for and obtained a license from the commissioner. The commissioner shall issue or adopt rules governing the requirements for a license, which may include requirements concerning location, equipment, courses of instruction, previous records of the school and instructors, financial statements, filing of schedule of maximum fees and charges, character and reputation of the instructors, insurance in such sum and with such provisions as the commissioner deems necessary to protect the interests of the public, and such other matters as the commissioner may prescribe, but the applicant shall not be required to have qualified for a teacher's certificate as required in the public school system.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70

171.35 License for instructor required.

No person shall act as an instructor after January 1, 1968 unless such person has applied for and obtained a license from the commissioner. The commissioner shall issue or adopt rules governing the requirements for an instructor's license, which may include requirements concerning moral character, physical condition, knowledge of the courses of instruction and of motor vehicle laws and safety principles and practices, previous personnel and employment records, teaching experience and qualifications, and such other matters as the commissioner may prescribe, but the applicant shall not be required to have qualified for a teacher's certificate as required in the public school system.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 3; 1985 c 248 s 70

171.36 License renewal; fees; proceeds to trunk highway fund.

All licenses shall expire one year from date of issuance and may be renewed upon application to the commissioner. Each application for an original or renewal school license shall be accompanied by a fee of $150 and each application for an original or renewal instructor's license shall be accompanied by a fee of $50. The license fees collected under sections 171.33 to 171.41 shall be paid into the trunk highway fund. No license fee shall be refunded in the event that the license is rejected or revoked.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 4; 1981 c 357 s 65; 1982 c 424 s 43

171.37 Inspection and examination.

The commissioner or an authorized representative shall inspect the school facilities and equipment of applicants and licensees and shall examine applicants for instructor's licenses. The commissioner shall issue or adopt such rules and do all things necessary and proper to accomplish the purposes of this section.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 5; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

171.38 School or instructor license denial or revocation.

The commissioner may revoke or refuse to issue or renew a school or instructor's license in any case on finding that the applicant or licensee has not complied with, or has violated any of the provisions of sections 171.33 to 171.41 or any rule issued or adopted pursuant thereto. Any revoked license shall be returned to the commissioner by the licensee, and its holder cannot apply for a new license for a period as determined by the commissioner not to exceed one year from the date of such revocation.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 6; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

171.39 Exemptions.

(a) The provisions of sections 171.33 to 171.41 do not apply to any person giving driver training lessons without charge; to employers maintaining driver training schools without charge for their employees only; to a home-school within the meaning of sections 120A.22 and 120A.24; or to schools or classes conducted by colleges, universities, and high schools as a part of the normal program for those institutions.

(b) Any person who is a certificated driver training instructor in a high school driver training program may give driver training instruction to persons over the age of 18 without acquiring a driver training school license or instructor's license, and those instructors may make a charge for that instruction, if there is no private commercial driver training school licensed under sections 171.33 to 171.41 within ten miles of the municipality where driver training instruction is given and there is no adult drivers training program in effect in the schools of the school district in which the trainee resides.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 7; 1969 c 6 s 29; 1998 c 388 s 29; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 28; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 49

171.40 Violations relating to driver training school; petty misdemeanor.

A violation of any provision of sections 171.33 to 171.41 or any rule issued or adopted pursuant thereto shall be a petty misdemeanor.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 8; 1969 c 6 s 30; Ex1971 c 27 s 27; 1985 c 248 s 70

171.41 Cooperation of state agencies.

The commissioner shall request and receive the assistance of other state departments and agencies in establishing rules pursuant to sections 171.33 to 171.41.

HIST: 1967 c 880 s 9; 1985 c 248 s 70

171.50 Driver License Compact.

The Driver License Compact is enacted into law and entered into with all other jurisdictions legally joining in it, in the form substantially as follows:

DRIVER LICENSE COMPACT

ARTICLE I

Findings and Declaration of Policy

(a) The party states find that:

(1) The safety of their streets and highways is materially affected by the degree of compliance with state and local ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles.

(2) Violation of such a law or ordinance is evidence that the violator engages in conduct which is likely to endanger the safety of persons and property.

(3) The continuance in force of a license to drive is predicated upon compliance with laws and ordinances relating to the operation of motor vehicles, in whichever jurisdiction the vehicle is operated.

(b) It is the policy of each of the party states to:

(1) Promote compliance with the laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations relating to the operation of motor vehicles by their operators in each of the jurisdictions where such operators drive motor vehicles.

(2) Make the reciprocal recognition of licenses to drive and eligibility therefor more just and equitable by considering the overall compliance with motor vehicle laws, ordinances, and administrative rules and regulations as a condition precedent to the continuance or issuance of any license by reason of which the licensee is authorized or permitted to operate a motor vehicle in any of the party states.

ARTICLE II

Definitions

As used in this compact:

(a) "State" means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

(b) "Home state" means the state which has issued and has the power to suspend or revoke the use of the license or permit to operate a motor vehicle.

(c) "Conviction" means a conviction of any offense related to the use or operation of a motor vehicle which is prohibited by state law, municipal ordinance, or administrative rule or regulation, or a forfeiture of bail, bond, or other security deposited to secure appearance by a person charged with having committed any such offense, and which conviction or forfeiture is required to be reported to the licensing authority.

ARTICLE III

Reports of Convictions

The licensing authority of a party state shall report each conviction of a person from another party state occurring within its jurisdiction to the licensing authority of the home state of the licensee. Such report shall clearly identify the person convicted; describe the violation specifying the section of the statute, code, or ordinance violated; identify the court in which action was taken; indicate whether a plea of guilty or not guilty was entered, or the conviction was a result of the forfeiture of bail, bond, or other security; and shall include any special findings made in connection therewith.

ARTICLE IV

Effect of Conviction

(a) The licensing authority in the home state, for the purposes of suspension, revocation, or limitation of the license to operate a motor vehicle, shall give the same effect to the conduct reported, pursuant to article III of this compact, as it would if such conduct had occurred in the home state, in the case of convictions for:

(1) manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle;

(2) driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotic drug, or under the influence of any other drug to a degree which renders the driver incapable of safely driving a motor vehicle;

(3) any felony in the commission of which a motor vehicle is used;

(4) failure to stop and render aid in the event of a motor vehicle accident resulting in the death or personal injury of another.

(b) As to other convictions, reported pursuant to article III, the licensing authority in the home state shall give such effect to the conduct as provided by the laws of the home state.

(c) If the laws of a party state do not provide for offenses or violations denominated or described in precisely the words employed in subdivision (a) of this article, such party state shall construe the denominations and descriptions appearing in the subdivision (a) hereof as being applicable to and identifying those offenses or violations of a substantially similar nature and the laws of such party state shall contain such provisions as may be necessary to ensure that full force and effect is given to this article.

ARTICLE V

Applications for New Licenses

Upon application for a license to drive, the licensing authority in a party state shall ascertain whether the applicant has ever held, or is the holder of a license to drive issued by any other party state. The licensing authority in the state where application is made shall not issue a license to drive to the applicant if:

(1) The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been suspended by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such suspension period has not terminated.

(2) The applicant has held such a license, but the same has been revoked by reason, in whole or in part, of a violation and if such revocation has not terminated, except that after the expiration of one year from the date the license was revoked, such person may make application for a new license if permitted by law. The licensing authority may refuse to issue a license to any such applicant if, after investigation, the licensing authority determines that it will not be safe to grant to such person the privilege of driving a motor vehicle on the public highways.

(3) The applicant is the holder of a license to drive issued by another party state and currently in force unless the applicant surrenders such license.

ARTICLE VI

Applicability of Other Laws

Except as expressly required by provisions of this compact, nothing contained herein shall be construed to affect the right of any party state to apply any of its other laws relating to licenses to drive to any person or circumstance, nor to invalidate or prevent any driver license agreement or other cooperative arrangement between a party state and a nonparty state.

ARTICLE VII

Compact Administrator and Interchange of Information

(a) The head of the licensing authority of each party state shall be the administrator of this compact for the state. The administrators, acting jointly, shall have the power to formulate all necessary and proper procedures for the exchange of information under this compact.

(b) The administrator of each party state shall furnish to the administrator of each other party state any information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of this compact.

ARTICLE VIII

Entry Into Force and Withdrawal

(a) This compact shall enter into force and become effective as to any state when it has enacted the same into law.

(b) Any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until six months after the executive head of the withdrawing state has given notice of the withdrawal to the executive heads of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect the validity or applicability by the licensing authorities of states remaining party to the compact of any report of conviction occurring prior to the withdrawal.

ARTICLE IX

Construction and Severability

This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any party state or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person, or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state party thereto, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the remaining states and in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 35

171.51 Definitions.

Subdivision 1. Executive head. For purposes of sections 171.50 to 171.56, with reference to this state, the term "executive head" means the governor of Minnesota.

Subd. 2. Licensing authority. For purposes of sections 171.50 to 171.56, the term "licensing authority" with reference to this state means the driver's license division of the Minnesota department of public safety.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 36

171.52 Transfer of information.

The licensing authority shall furnish to the appropriate authorities of any other party state information or documents reasonably necessary to facilitate the administration of section 171.50, articles III, IV, and V.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 37

171.53 Compact administrator.

The compact administrator provided for in section 171.50, article VII, is not entitled to additional compensation on account of service as administrator, but is entitled to expenses incurred in connection with the duties and responsibilities as administrator, in the same manner as for expenses incurred in connection with other duties or responsibilities of employment. The compact administrator shall represent this state or shall appoint a representative for this state in the driver license compact commission, and that commission has the authority to formulate procedures for exchanging information, as provided in section 171.50, article VII.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 38

171.54 Reporting to licensing authority.

A court or other agency or political subdivision of this state, that has jurisdiction to take action regarding the suspension, revocation, cancellation, or other limitation of a license to drive, shall promptly report the action and the circumstances upon which it is based to the licensing authority on forms furnished by the department.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 39

171.55 Out-of-state convictions given effect.

The commissioner shall give the same effect for driver licensing purposes to conduct reported from a licensing authority or court in another state that the commissioner would give to conduct reported from a court or other agency of this state, whether or not the other state is a party to the Driver License Compact in section 171.50. The conduct to be given effect by the commissioner includes a report of conviction for an offense enumerated in section 171.50, article IV, or an offense described in sections 171.17 and 171.18.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 40

171.56 Filing of bylaws and amendments.

The driver license compact commission shall file a copy of its bylaws and amendments to the bylaws with the Minnesota secretary of state.

HIST: 1989 c 307 s 41

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes