Teen driving laws that parents should be aware of:

Minnesota teen drivers are overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes each year — due to driver inexperience, distractions, nighttime driving, speeding and seat belt non-use. To minimize risks of injury or death, new laws will help teens hone their driving skills during the first year of licensure by reducing exposure to high-risk situations such as carrying teen passengers and driving at night. Violating these laws is a misdemeanor.

Nighttime Driving Limitation
For the first six months of licensure: Driving is prohibited midnight – 5 a.m.

Exemptions: Driving when accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older; driving between home and place of employment; driving to/from home and a school event for which the school has not provided transportation; driving for employment purposes.

The nighttime limitation is lifted after the first six months of licensure.

Teen Passenger Limitations
For the first six-months of licensure: Only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. For the second six-months of licensure: No more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Exemption: Passengers under age 20 who are members of the immediate family are permitted.

Cell Phone and Texting Restrictions
It is illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cellular/wireless phone, whether hand-held or hands-free — except to call 911 in an emergency. Minnesota also has a law that makes it illegal for drivers of all ages to compose, read, or send text messages or access the internet on a wireless device while on the road.