The Minnesota Point System Explained: How to Keep Your Driving Record Clean

When you get your Minnesota driver's license, you also receive a clean driving record. Keeping it that way is one of your most important responsibilities. To encourage safe driving and identify high-risk drivers, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses a system to track traffic convictions.

Unlike many states that use a "point" system, Minnesota's system is based on the number and severity of moving violations on your record. If you accumulate too many convictions in a short period, you will face serious consequences, including the suspension or revocation of your license.

How the Minnesota System Works: A Record of Convictions

Instead of assigning points, the DPS simply records each moving violation conviction on your driving record. Certain actions are triggered when you reach a specific number of violations within a set timeframe.

The Suspension Thresholds

Your license will be suspended if you are convicted of:

• Four or more minor moving violations in a 12-month period.
• Six or more minor moving violations in a 24-month period.

Your license will be revoked if you are convicted of:

• Two or more major violations (like DWI) in a five-year period.

Stricter Rules for Teen Drivers (GDL Holders)

The consequences for new, young drivers are much harsher. Minnesota has a "zero tolerance" approach to unsafe driving by teens under the Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) system.

• First Offense: For a teen driver with a provisional license, a first conviction of a moving violation (including a seat belt or cell phone violation) will result in a 30-day license suspension.
• Second Offense: A second conviction will result in a 180-day license suspension.
• Violating GDL Restrictions: If a teen is convicted of violating their GDL restrictions (like the curfew or passenger limits), their license will be suspended.

This means a single ticket for a teen driver can have very serious consequences for their driving privilege.

Serious Violations

Some offenses are considered "major violations" and carry their own, more severe penalties, regardless of your prior record. These include:

• Reckless or careless driving
• Leaving the scene of an accident
• Driving with a suspended or revoked license
• Driving While Impaired (DWI): A conviction for DWI results in an immediate and lengthy license revocation.

How to Keep Your Record Clean

1. Drive Safely: The most effective method is to avoid getting tickets in the first place by obeying all traffic laws.
2. Understand GDL Laws: If you are a teen driver, strictly adhering to your curfew and passenger restrictions is not just a good idea—it's the law, and breaking it has harsh penalties.
3. Know Your Status: You can order a copy of your driving record from the DPS to stay informed about your status.
4. Fight Your Ticket: If you believe you were wrongly ticketed, you have the right to contest it in court. If you are found not guilty, no conviction is added to your record.

Your driving record is a direct reflection of your choices behind the wheel. By understanding the Minnesota violation system, you can make informed decisions that will keep your record clean and keep you safe on the road.