The Insurance Suspension
Minn. Stat. 169.791 — proof on demand, a fine of not less than $200, and no conviction if proof reaches the court in time
Proof on demand. Every driver has in possession and produces on a peace officer's demand proof of insurance covering the vehicle. A driver who does not is guilty of a misdemeanor, and one who violates the section within ten years of the first of two prior convictions is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
Proof afterward, for the owner who drove. A driver who owns the vehicle may produce proof to the court administrator, in person or by mail, no later than the date and time on the citation for the first court appearance, and no person is convicted if the proof arrives by then.
A driver who is not the owner. That driver is not convicted unless they knew or had reason to know the owner did not have the proof of insurance the section requires, so long as they give the officer the owner's name and address, or give the court administrator proof or that information by the first appearance date.
The owner who was not driving. The officer may send the owner a notice. Within ten days after receiving it, the owner produces proof, and an owner who does not is guilty of a misdemeanor.
The penalty. The court imposes a fine of not less than $200, and may allow community service in place of the fine if the defendant is indigent. A person convicted is also subject to revocation of the license and the vehicle registration under section 169.792.
How much coverage the law requires, and anything more that reinstatement takes, are set out in other sections that are not on this page. Whether a particular charge applies is a question for a licensed Minnesota attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- Minn. Stat. 169.791 — Criminal penalty for failure to produce proof of insurance
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.