Law Overview

Minnesota Law requires that all motor vehicles be covered by a minimum liability insurance policy. Proof of the insurance coverage must be carried in the vehicle at all times and be available upon the request of a police officer. Insurance is required for all vehicles; this includes vehicles operated in Minnesota that are registered in another state.

If you are a resident of Minnesota, a 60-day grace period is granted for you to obtain a Minnesota's Driver's License. The same time period is set for registering your motor vehicles in Minnesota

• All children under the age of 18 years old must be properly restrained in a child safety seat or seat belt.
• All children under the age of 13 years old must sit in the back seat if possible. Children from birth to at least 2 years old must be rear-facing and in an infant or convertible child safety seat.
• Children who are at least 2 years old AND have outgrown the rear-facing seat with internal harness by height or weight should be in a forward-facing with an internal harness. Children 4 years old AND have outgrown the forward-facing seat with internal harness by height or weight must ride restrained in a belt-positioning booster seat using the lap belt and shoulder belt.
• Children who are 9 years old or have outgrown the booster seat AND the child can pass the five-step test must ride restrained with a lap belt and shoulder belt secured correctly on the vehicle seat.
• If a child can be placed in more than one category, then the child must be placed in the more protective category (rear-facing being the most protective category).
• Car seats must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions, a child passenger restraint system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.
• Law applies to all motor vehicles originally equipped with factory-installed seat belts.
• Driver is responsible.
• Applies to both residents and non-residents of Minnesota.
• Suspected non-use is a valid basis to stop a motor vehicle.

Exceptions

• Children riding in emergency medical vehicles, when medical needs make use of a restraint unreasonable
• Children riding in a motor vehicle for hire, including a taxi, airport limousine or bus, but excluding a rented, leased or borrowed motor vehicle
• Children riding with a peace officer on official duty, when a restraint is not available (a seat belt must be substituted)
• Children certified by a licensed physician as having a medical, physical or mental disability that makes restraint use inadvisable
• Passengers in school buses with a GVWR of over 10,000 pounds.

The State of Minnesota prohibits drivers from operating motor vehicles while intoxicated by alcohol or controlled substances. Minnesota Law also forbids the presence of open containers of alcoholic beverages inside the driver and passenger areas of a motor vehicle. Because alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death on our highways, the Worthington Police Department strictly enforces impaired driving. IF YOU DRINK, DON'T DRIVE!

All vehicles on public streets must have al equipment in working order at all times. This includes all lights, mufflers, and all safety equipment.

Minnesota law forbids the use of window tinting on the windshield of any vehicle (unless it was part of the manufacturing process). Minnesota Law requires window tinting to allow at least 47% light transmittance on side or rear windows of passenger vehicles. Pick-up trucks and vans can have a higher amount of tinting on the windows to the rear of the driver's seat. Materials used for tinting may not have a reflection rate of more that 23%. Just because a legitimate company installed the tinting material doesn't mean the material complies with the law. Make sure you check the law before making a purchase.

Minnesota Emergency Vehicles have the right of way when operating red lights and sirens. This includes all Police, Fire, Rescue, and Ambulances. When you see these vehicles, you must pull to the right side of the road and let them pass. This includes their right of way at intersections.

YOU MAY NOT FOLLOW A FIRE TRUCK TO OR ENTER THE AREAS WHERE THEY ARE!