Driving Without Insurance in Minnesota

Driving, or as an owner allowing operation of, a vehicle without required insurance is a misdemeanor (a gross misdemeanor for a third offense within ten years, or if the uninsured driver causes an accident resulting in death or substantial bodily harm), with a mandatory fine of at least $200. Failing to produce proof of insurance on demand is also a misdemeanor. On conviction, the driver's license is revoked for up to 12 months, and if the driver is also the owner, the vehicle's registration is revoked for up to 12 months. The Commissioner of Public Safety may also revoke registration and suspend the license based on department records showing no insurance.

Every driver must have proof of insurance in their possession whenever driving and show it when a peace officer asks. An insurance identification card may be in electronic format, and showing proof on an electronic device does not give the officer consent to access other contents of the device. A driver who is the owner and could not show proof can avoid conviction by giving the court proof that the vehicle was insured by the first court appearance.

Before a driver's license or vehicle registration revoked for driving without insurance can be reinstated, the person must file with the Commissioner of Public Safety a written certificate from an insurer authorized in Minnesota stating that the required insurance has been provided.