Traffic Stops
Minn. Stat. 171.08 — the license on demand, proof of insurance, and when a driver goes straight before a judge
A licensed driver has the license in immediate possession while driving and displays it on demand of a peace officer. On an officer's request, the driver also writes their name in the officer's presence, so the officer can determine identity. A driver charged with not having the license is not convicted on producing, in court or at the arresting officer's office, a license that was valid for that class of vehicle at the time, or satisfactory proof of being validly licensed then, unless the driver holds a limited license.
Every driver also has proof of insurance covering the vehicle and produces it on an officer's demand. Not producing it is a misdemeanor, with a fine of at least $200, and a gross misdemeanor within ten years of the first of two prior convictions. A driver who owns the vehicle is not convicted if the court administrator receives the proof by the date and time of the first court appearance on the citation. A driver who is not the owner is not convicted unless they knew or had reason to know the owner had no proof of insurance, provided they give the officer the owner's name and address, or give the court administrator the proof or that name and address by the first appearance.
Insurance shown on a phone. Using an electronic device to display proof of insurance is not consent for the officer to access anything else on the device.
For a traffic violation, the arresting officer prepares a written notice to appear in court. On a petty misdemeanor, the notice says that failing to appear will be treated as a guilty plea and a waiver of trial, unless the failure is due to circumstances beyond the person's control.
The person is instead taken into custody and immediately before the nearest judge in the county when the person demands an immediate appearance; when the charge is causing or contributing to an accident with injury or death, negligent homicide, driving under the influence, or failing to stop after an accident causing death, injury or property damage; or when there is reasonable cause to believe the person may leave the state.
Knowingly giving false information to an officer or the court administrator about insurance is a separate misdemeanor. The impaired driving stop is on its own page.
Sources for this section (3)
- Minn. Stat. 171.08 — Licensee to have license in possession
- Minn. Stat. 169.791 — Criminal penalty for failure to produce proof of insurance
- Minn. Stat. 169.91 — Arrest
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Minnesota attorney.