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There is a difference between having your Minnesota driver’s license suspended and having it revoked.

• A suspension means you cannot drive for a certain period of time, but can get your license back later.
• A revocation of your license means your driver’s license is cancelled, and you will need to submit to an investigation before you can obtain another license.

Insurance companies keep a close watch on license suspensions / revocations. Your insurance premiums may go up drastically, and you may be labeled a “high-risk” customer. Even worse, your insurance company may cancel your policy, leaving you to search for insurance with the “high-risk” driver tag, meaning you’ll have to pay much higher premiums. It is recommended that you get in touch with a DUI/DWI lawyer as they are experts at handling such incidents and can offer you the best advice. Additionally, you will face Heavy Fines and Reinstatement Fees, and Points on your driver’s license! All this information can be found on our website. You could also contact Ticket Counsel absolutely FREE!!!

There are a variety of reasons why your Minnesota driver’s license might be suspended. Some of these are related to specific driving violations, while others may be due to violation of other State laws. The following are some of the most common reasons for a Minnesota driver’s license to be suspended or revoked.

• Excessive Moving Violations: The state of Minnesota does not operate on a point system, in which drivers accumulate points on their license for every moving violation they commit. However, your license can still be suspended, revoked or cancelled if you commit moving violations.
• Driving with a Suspended License or No License: Driving with a suspended license will lead to an increase in the length of the suspension, and you may also be imprisoned for up to 5 years. The duration of the additional suspension varies depending on the reason for the underlying suspension. Your driver’s license may also be suspended if you do not have your license with you while you are driving. If you are found driving without a license the suspension period is as follows: 1st time offense (in 5 years) – 30 days; 2nd – 90 days; 3rd – 180 days; 4th or more – 1 year.
• Driving without Insurance: All motor vehicles driven in Minnesota must be properly insured. Failure to provide proof of valid auto insurance can result in your license being suspended. If you have had no prior offense of this during 5 years, your license will be suspended for 30 days, a 1st offense during 5 years will result in a 90-day suspension, a 2nd, in 180 days, 3rd or subsequent offenses will result in a 1 year suspension. Information on license revocation due to insurance offenses can be found
• Other Driving-Related Violations: Your Minnesota driver’s license may also be suspended if you engage in reckless driving, are found to be at fault in a fatal accident, or if you abandon your vehicle on a public highway or if you are convicted of a misdemeanor resulting from a traffic violation. If you are convicted in an accident where there was a fatal injury or death, your suspension period will be 90 days if another person was injured and 180 days if the person was killed.
• Physical or Psychological Disqualification: The Division of Driver and Vehicle Services can order a re-examination of any person who may not be fit to drive. An individual’s driving privileges may be suspended if the re-examination finds they are physically or psychologically unable to drive safely. The Minnesota DPS advises that at-risk drivers are not necessarily limited to young or old motorists. Among the health conditions that may create an at-risk situation are:
  • Stroke or arthritis, which could cause an inability to tightly grip the steering wheel, reduced strength, an inability to transfer your foot from the gas pedal to the brake pedal, or difficulty looking over your shoulder.
  • Various forms of dementia, which could cause reduced reaction ability and reduced decision-making ability.
  • Severe eye ailments, which lessen your ability to view and focus, depending on different conditions; such as darkness or glare.
  • Medications that cause side effects such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness, muscle relaxation, or more.
  • Hearing loss that could prohibit your ability to hear some sounds.
• Non-Driving Reasons for License Suspension: A variety of non-driving violations or issues can result in your license being suspended. These include: not responding to a Division of Driver and Vehicle Services notice or not appearing in court; failing to pay traffic tickets, fines or surcharges; and not paying child support.
• License Misuse: Your license can be suspended if you misuse it in any way. A first time offense in a 5-year period will result in a 90-day suspension, a 2nd or subsequent offense in a 5-year period, in 180 day suspension.
• Criminal Vehicle Homicide/Manslaughter and Fleeing from a Peace Officer: If you are charged with any of the above, your license will be suspended for 1 year. If you are convicted of either of the offenses, your license will be later revoked up to 15 years.
• School Bus Violations: Your license will be suspended for the following periods: 30 days for the 2nd offense in 5 years; 180 days for the 3rd offense; 12 months for the 4th and subsequent offenses in 5 years.
• Committing a traffic offense in another state, that would be grounds for a suspension in Minnesota.
• Limited License Violations: If you are convicted of violating a restriction on a limited driving license your license will be suspended for: 30 days – 1st offense (in a 5-year period); 90 days – 2nd offense (in a 5-year period); 180 days – 3rd offense (in a 5-year period); 12 months – 4th or subsequent offense (in a 5-year period).
• Habitual Violator: If you are a habitual violator, your license can be suspended for: 30 days if you commit 4 traffic offenses in a 12 month period or 5 traffic violations in a 24 month period. 90 days if you are convicted of 4 traffic offenses within 1 year or if you are convicted of 5 traffic offenses within 2 years. One year, if convicted of 8 or more offenses within 2 years.

• Driving Under the Influence: Your Minnesota driver’s license will be suspended if you are found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The length of the suspension depends on the severity of the violation and whether it is a first or repeat offense. Refusing to take a test can also result in your license being suspended.
• Driving in Excess of 100 mph.
• Committing a traffic offense in another state, that would be grounds for a revocation in Minnesota.
• A Felony in which a Motor Vehicle is used: Your license will be revoked for 1 year if you are convicted of this offense.
• Perjury/False Affidavits or Statements: If you are convicted of any of these in relation to giving information on your motor vehicle or ownership of it, your license will be revoked for 180 days.
• Gross Misdemeanors: If you have been convicted of:
  • 3 gross misdemeanors within 1 year, your license will be suspended for 30 days.
  • 4 gross misdemeanors within 1 year it will be 90 days.
  • 5 or more gross misdemeanors within 1 year it will be 12 months.
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident: If you leave an accident scene without giving first aid, your license will be revoked for: 180 days if the other person has been injured. 12 months if the other person was killed.

Having your Minnesota driver’s license suspended is a serious matter and it is essential to adhere to State law in the event that your license is suspended. If you believe your license may be suspended due to one of the reasons listed above it is advisable to speak with a traffic ticket lawyer or a DUI-DWI lawyer. The most important things to be aware of following a license suspension are:

• If your license has not already been taken away from you in court, you must surrender it to the Minnesota Division of Driver and Vehicle Services. You can surrender your license in person at a Driver License Office, or mail it to:

Driver and Vehicle Services

445 Minnesota St. Suite 168

St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

• While your license is suspended, you are not permitted to drive. If you are found driving with a suspended license, you may be imprisoned for up to 5 years, and the length of your suspension may be increased.
• After your suspension is over, you will receive a written notice of restoration, with instructions on how to restore your license. Do not drive until you have completed the necessary steps and received a valid, replacement license from the Minnesota DDVS.
• You may also apply for a hardship license if you wish to drive to work/school or have to receive medical treatment. You can call (651) 296-6911for more information on this.

Convictions, license suspensions, and revocations will show up on your 3-year and 5-year driving records. You may be able to dismiss traffic tickets and remove points from your driving record by completing an online defensive driving course. Because your driving record can affect your auto insurance rates and even your employment, it’s crucial that you make sure your information is accurate.

The state imposes strict repercussions on young drivers. Your Minnesota provisional driver’s license will be revoked if you’re convicted of an impaired driving offense or a crash-related violation. You will lose all driving privileges until you turn 18 years old.

You may be granted limited driving privileges after your MN driver’s license has been suspended or revoked. Depending on your situation, you will be restricted to:

• Driving to and from work.
• Driving to and from chemical dependency treatment or counseling.
• Driving dependents living in your household for medical, education or nutritional needs.
• Driving to and from school.

You will receive a notice from the DDVS after you have completed your suspension period. The notice will include complete instructions regarding how to get your license back. Generally, you will need to:

• Pay the restoration fee of $680 if your license was suspended due to drugs/alcohol/or for a criminal offense involving a motor vehicle. For all other offenses including a no fault insurance revocation the fee is $20. NOTE: The fees above do not include the cost of applying for a new license. Contact the DVS if you don’t see your specific fee: Telephone: (651) 215-1328. TTYL: (651) 282-6555.
• The fee can be paid in person at a Driver License Office. You can also mail a check or money order payable to:

Driver and Vehicle Services

445 Minnesota St. Suite 168

St. Paul, Minnesota 55101

• Apply for a standard license renewal to obtain a new license.
• Have no other suspensions, revocations, or cancellations against the license.
• Have met all conditions for reinstatement (e.g., completed driver improvement, or met medical requirements).
• Have received your notice of reinstatement from the commissioner.
• Again, the MN DVS sends letters with exact instructions specific to your case. Keep in mind that you may have to fill out certain forms; for example, you might need to fill out the Request for Administrative Review (form PS31122) if you want your case to be reviewed by the Commissioner of Public Safety.

If you’re unable to pay your full fee at one time, you may be eligible to pay through a payment plan under the MN Driver Diversion Pilot Program (DDP). To find out if you’re eligible, contact Diversion Solutions: By phone at (866) 518-2597. Online at the Diversion Solutions website. By mail at: Driving Diversion Program
P.O. Box 19
Red Wing, MN 55066

Note that after your license is restored, you may be subject to a probation period of 1 year, during which any new violations may result in an additional suspension of your Minnesota driver’s license.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not enforce a so-called “point system” for driver infractions and improvement. However, your driver’s license can be suspended, revoked, or canceled under certain conditions. The drivers and vehicle owners of Minnesota must comply with the terms of the Minnesota Safe and Sober Campaign. Minnesota’s Office of Traffic and Safety enforcement programs all fall under this campaign. The Minnesota Safe and Sober Campaign consists of the following components:

• The Challenge Program: Aimed at recognizing law enforcement agencies that successfully reduce traffic deaths and injuries through their efforts.
• A Grant Program: Which increases traffic enforcement and community outreach for Minnesota law enforcement agencies.
• Other Programs: Including “enforcement saturations” and seat belt safety promotion.
• Law Enforcement Liaisons: Who work with local agencies on traffic enforcement and other issues.

NOTE: By law, you are required to notify your employer within 30 days of receiving a traffic offense conviction or by the end of the next business day after receiving a CDL disqualification notice.

For commercial driver license reinstatement in Minnesota:

• Your suspension/disqualification period must be complete.
• You must pay your reinstatement fee.
• Check your CDL disqualification or suspension paperwork for information about reinstatement fees. Your fees might vary depending on the number and type(s) of offenses.
• You must complete any other reinstatement requirements.
• You must return your Class D license to the DVS: The DVS requires you obtain a regular passenger license (Class D) for the duration of your CDL disqualification. See “Obtaining a Regular Class D License”
• You must receive your reinstatement notice from the commissioner.