A driver’s license is a big milestone on the way to adulthood, but with this new found freedom comes a number of different rules and regulations. Aside from the rules that every driver has to follow on the road, teens and new drivers have additional regulations that they must follow in order to legally operate a vehicle. Below, we run through some of the additional rules teen drivers have to follow, and how to contest a ticket for these violations in court.
Teen Driving Regulations In Minnesota
Besides following the speed limit, here are some of the additional regulations teen drivers in Minnesota must abide by when they get behind the wheel.
Passenger Limits – For the first six months of having your license, a new driver may only have one passenger under the age of 20 in the vehicle with them at a time, unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For the second six months of having a license, no more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless a parent or legal guardian is present.
Driving Time Regulations – For the first six months you have your license, you are not permitted to drive between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m. However, there are some exceptions to the rule. You can drive during these hours if:
- You are accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older.
- You are driving between your home and your place of employment.
- You are driving to or from home and a school event, and transportation by the school is not provided.
- You are driving for work purposes.
Cell Phone Use – No drivers under the age of 18 are allowed to use a cell phone while they are operating a motor vehicle. This is true even if the person is using a hands-free device. The only exception to this rule is if they are using their phone to call 911 in the event of an emergency. Texting or reading electronic messages while driving is prohibited for all drivers of any age.
Absolute Zero – The legal driving limit for individuals over the age of 21 is 0.08, but anyone younger than that is not allowed to have any alcohol in their system when they are behind the wheel. You can be charged with underage DUI if you are caught behind the wheel with alcohol in your system.
Challenge a Teen Driving Citation in Minnesota
If you’ve been cited for any of the above violations, or if you’ve committed another driving offense like speeding or rolling a stop sign, consider contesting the ticket in court. Not only can the court extend your provisional license regulations, but you may also face fines and increases to your insurance rates, which can prove costly as a young driver.
The best way to challenge these cases is to talk with a lawyer about your legal options. At Appelman Law Firm, we offer a free initial case review where you can sit down with an attorney and talk about your case and all your options. We’ll be very direct in whether we think it’s worth your time to have legal counsel by your side or if it’s something you may be able to challenge on your own. We want to give you the best chance to beat the charges while also being conscious of all the costs involved. Sometimes a lawyer can save you money, while other times you’re best on your own. We’ll be open and honest with you, and if hiring professional assistance is in your best interests, we’ll go to work for you right away.
To talk with a lawyer about your legal options, or to learn more about our free case evaluation, head on over to our contact page or give Appelman Law Firm a call at (952) 224-2277. We look forward to talking to you.