Minnesota Driving & Vehicles Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for driving & vehicles in the state of Minnesota. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 8 different categories.
Driving Barefoot
LEGALMinnesota statutes do not prohibit driving barefoot. There are no specific laws or regulations requiring drivers to wear footwear. Drivers must operate vehicles safely, but barefoot driving is permitted.
State Law
No restrictions on possession of footwear while driving.
Practical Considerations
No restrictions on sale or purchase of footwear related to driving.
Penalties
N/A
Lane Splitting (Motorcycles)
ILLEGALMinnesota law prohibits lane splitting. Motorcycles are required to operate within a single lane and may not pass between lanes of traffic. The Minnesota Statutes do not provide an exception for lane splitting, and it is considered unsafe and illegal.
Lane Splitting Rules
N/A
Lane Filtering Rules
N/A
Penalties
Violations can lead to fines and possible points on the license under unsafe lane usage or reckless driving laws.
License Requirements
None
License Plate Covers
ILLEGALMinnesota law prohibits covering any assigned letters, numbers, or the state of origin on a license plate with any material, including clear covers.
Usage Rules
Illegal to possess and use any license plate covers
Purchase & Sale
Illegal to sell license plate covers
Penalties
Misdemeanor charge with fines; enforcement is strict
Age Restriction
N/A
Radar Detectors
LEGALRadar detectors are legal in Minnesota for private passenger vehicles. Minnesota Statutes do not prohibit the possession, use, or sale of radar detectors in non-commercial vehicles.
Passenger Vehicle Use
Legal to possess and use radar detectors in private vehicles.
Commercial Vehicle Rules
Legal to sell and purchase radar detectors.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Radar Jammers
ILLEGALBoth radar jammers (federally illegal) and laser jammers are illegal in Minnesota. There have been no recent legislative changes in Minnesota regarding this law.
State Law
Illegal — both radar and laser jammers
Federal Law
Illegal to sell or possess
Penalties
Federal fines for radar jammers; state penalties for laser jammers including fines and equipment confiscation.
Age Restriction
N/A
Right Turn on Red
LEGALRight turn on red is legal in Minnesota after coming to a complete stop and yielding to pedestrians and cross traffic, unless a sign prohibits it at a specific intersection. No significant statewide changes have been made in 2023-2024, but there is ongoing evaluation of static and dynamic 'No Rig...
General Rule
Legal after complete stop
Exceptions & Restrictions
N/A
Penalties
Traffic violation if sign prohibits it at specific intersection.
Driver Requirements
N/A
Studded Snow Tires
ILLEGALThe use of studded snow tires is prohibited on public roads in Minnesota with no exceptions for winter weather.
Usage Rules
Illegal to use on public roads
Seasonal Restrictions
Illegal to sell for road use
Penalties
Traffic citation and fines
Age Restriction
N/A
Window Tinting
RESTRICTEDMinnesota law requires front side windows to allow at least 50% VLT. Rear side and back windows may be tinted to any darkness. Reflective tint is prohibited on all windows. These rules are codified in Minnesota Statutes Section 169.71.
Tint Limits (VLT %)
Possession is allowed if vehicle complies with tint limits.
Medical Exemptions
Sale of tint films is legal; installation must comply with state VLT limits.
Penalties
Fines up to $200 and possible requirement to remove illegal tint.
Age Restriction
None