Getting pulled over by law enforcement is nerve-wracking on its own. However, the stress can escalate quickly if you realize you’ve left your driver’s license somewhere and don’t have it on you. In Minnesota, you are legally required to carry your license while operating a motor vehicle; failing to do so can lead to real consequences.
While forgetting your license does not automatically mean you will face serious charges, the outcome often depends on the specific details of the stop. Continue reading to learn more about what Minnesota law actually says about driving without your license on you, as well as how this could affect things in the event of a car accident.
Minnesota’s Legal Requirement to Carry Your License
Under Minnesota Statute § 171.08, every person who operates a motor vehicle on a public road must have their driver’s license in their immediate possession. This means simply having a valid license on file with the state is not technically enough. The law expects you to produce it for a law enforcement officer upon request during a traffic stop.
That said, the penalties for not carrying your physical license depend heavily on the details of your situation. The law draws a firm line between two very different scenarios, and understanding where you fall is important.
Forgetting Your License vs. Not Having a Valid One at All
If you hold a valid Minnesota driver’s license but simply forgot to bring it with you, this is typically treated as a petty misdemeanor. In many cases, you may be able to have the citation reduced or even dismissed by showing proof of a valid license to the court after the fact. It is more of an inconvenience than a lasting legal problem for most people.
However, things become considerably more serious if your license has been suspended or revoked, or if you never went through the process of obtaining one.
Driving without a valid license can carry more serious penalties, depending on the circumstances. For example, driving with a suspended or revoked license is generally a misdemeanor if you knew or reasonably should have known about the suspension or revocation. Certain violations can result in gross misdemeanor charges, which carry more severe penalties.
How Could This Situation Affect Me After a Car Accident?
If you happen to get into a car accident while driving without your license on you, it could end up complicating your personal injury claim down the road. Insurance companies are known for seizing on any detail they can use to challenge your credibility and shift blame in your direction.
Keep the following in mind to protect yourself:
- Store your license in a consistent spot so you are less likely to leave it behind.
- If you are stopped without it, stay calm and be upfront with the officer about the situation.
- Ask for written documentation of the citation so you have a clear record of what took place.
- Follow up with the court as soon as possible to present proof of your valid license if that applies.
Importantly, in this context, however, Minnesota is a no-fault insurance state. Your own insurance policy generally covers your initial medical expenses after a crash, regardless of who caused it. Nonetheless, you may be able to file a claim against the other driver for full economic and non-economic damages in some circumstances.
Call Hall Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a St. Cloud Car Accident Attorney
Being pulled over without your license is something that can happen to just about anyone. While it is often a minor issue on its own, things can get more complicated when a car accident enters the picture.
Reach out to a St. Cloud car accident attorney at Hall Law Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.
We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina. We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and their surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615, Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320, St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203, Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198