A person who is allowed to drive in Minnesota (as a licensed driver from Minnesota or as a driver licensed from another state) can lose their privilege to drive in the state of Minnesota in various ways for committing various offenses. Minnesota can take three actions on a driver’s privilege to drive—suspension, revocation, or cancellation.
A suspension is the least punitive action the state can take. The state can suspend a driver’s license in various situations. Some examples include (but aren’t limited to):
- If a driver fails to pay child support;
- If a driver gets 4 moving violations in a year;
- If a driver gets 5 moving violations in two years;
- If a driver is convicted of driving after suspension, revocation, or cancellation;
- If a driver is charged with Criminal Vehicular Operation or Homicide; or
- If a driver fails to respond to a moving violation.
When a driver has their license suspended, they typically must either wait out the suspension period or comply with whatever deficiency caused the suspension. The driver will also need to pay a reinstatement fee as well.
Revocation of a license is more serious than a suspension and can be caused by the following (among others):
- Refusing a DWI test;
- Testing at .08 or more on a DWI test;
- Driving without insurance or proof of insurance;
- Being convicted of Criminal Vehicular Operation or Homicide; or
- Using a motor vehicle in the commission of a felony.