How Minnesota suspends licenses and what it means for you
A suspended license in Minnesota means the state has temporarily taken away your right to drive. You cannot legally operate a vehicle during the suspension period, and driving anyway can result in criminal charges, additional fines, and a longer suspension. The suspension is not permanent — it ends on a specific date or when you meet certain conditions — but you must stop driving when ready once it takes effect.
Wright County, like all Minnesota counties, enforces state suspension laws. The suspension itself is issued by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, not by the county, but Wright County courts and law enforcement handle cases that lead to suspension and manage reinstatement paperwork filed in that county.
Key Takeaways
- A suspended license is a temporary removal of driving privileges that takes effect on a date set by the state, and you must stop driving on that date even if you have not received physical notice.
- Common reasons for suspension in Minnesota include unpaid traffic fines, failure to appear in court, DWI convictions, and accumulation of too many points from traffic violations.
- You can check your suspension status through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling their driver services line.
- Reinstatement requires paying all fines and fees owed, completing any required programs, and submitting a reinstatement request to the Department of Public Safety.
- Driving on a suspended license is a criminal offense in Minnesota and carries jail time, fines, and vehicle impound in addition to further suspension.
Reasons your license can be suspended in Minnesota
Minnesota suspends licenses for several categories of violations. The most common is unpaid traffic fines — if you receive a ticket and do not pay the fine or appear in court by the important date, the court reports you to the Department of Public Safety and your license is suspended. This can happen even for minor violations like speeding.
DWI (driving while impaired) convictions result in automatic suspension. A first DWI suspension lasts at least 90 days; subsequent offenses carry longer suspensions. Reckless driving convictions also trigger suspension. Accumulating too many points from traffic violations within a set time period — typically 12 points in 12 months, 18 points in 24 months, or 24 points in 36 months — results in suspension.
Other suspension reasons include failure to appear in court, failure to maintain car insurance, child support arrears, and certain drug convictions. Some suspensions are mandatory under state law; others are discretionary and decided by a judge.
How to learn about your license is suspended
Do not wait for a letter in the mail. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety can tell you your suspension status when ready. Visit the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website and use their driver license status check tool, or call their driver services line at 651-296-6911. Have your driver's license number or Social Security number ready.
If you are suspended, the Department of Public Safety will tell you the reason, the suspension start date, and the end date or the conditions you must meet to end it. Write down all of this information. If you cannot reach the state line, you can also visit a Wright County courthouse or a Minnesota Secretary of State office in person to request a status check.
Checking your status does not cost anything and does not count as an admission of guilt or a legal action. It is straightforward information about your driving record.
What you cannot do while suspended
You cannot legally drive any vehicle for any reason during a suspension. This includes driving to work, to a medical appointment, to court, or to the store. There is no exception for emergencies. Some suspensions allow you to request a limited license that permits driving to work or school, but you must request this separately and it is not automatic.
Driving on a suspended license is a criminal misdemeanor in Minnesota. A first offense carries up to 90 days in jail, a fine up to $1,000, and an additional suspension of at least 30 days. A second offense within five years carries up to one year in jail and a fine up to $3,000. Your vehicle can be impounded, and you will face additional court costs.
Police can stop you for any traffic violation and will discover the suspension through their records system. You do not have to be speeding or breaking another law — a straightforward equipment violation or license plate check can expose the suspension.
How to end a suspension and reinstate your license
The steps depend on why you were suspended. For unpaid fines, you must pay the full amount owed plus any collection fees. Contact the Wright County District Court or the court that issued the ticket to find out the exact amount. Once you pay, the court reports the payment to the Department of Public Safety, which removes the suspension.
For DWI suspensions, you must complete a chemical health assessment and any recommended treatment, pay reinstatement fees (currently $680 for a first offense, though this amount can change), and submit proof of completion to the Department of Public Safety. You may also need to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
For suspensions due to too many points, you must wait out the suspension period or, in some cases, complete a driver improvement course. For child support arrears, you must contact the child support enforcement office and make arrangements to pay or establish a payment plan.
Once you have met all conditions, submit a reinstatement request to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. You can do this online through their website, by mail, or in person at a Secretary of State office. Include proof that you have met all requirements — receipts for fines paid, certificates of completion for programs, court documents, or whatever applies to your situation. Reinstatement typically takes one to two weeks after the Department of Public Safety receives your request.
Limited licenses and work permits
If your suspension is for unpaid fines or points accumulation (not for DWI or reckless driving), you may be able to request a limited license that allows you to drive to work, school, or medical appointments. You must request this from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety before or during your suspension.
To request a limited license, contact the Department of Public Safety and explain your situation. You will need to show that you have a genuine need to drive — such as a job that requires it or no other transportation available — and that you have taken steps to address the suspension (such as paying fines or enrolling in a driver improvement course). The Department of Public Safety will decide whether to grant it.
A limited license is not a right; it is a discretionary option. Even if you are denied, you can reapply later if your circumstances change or if you have made progress toward reinstatement.
What happens if you ignore a suspension
Ignoring a suspension does not make it go away. The suspension remains active in the state system, and your driving record is flagged. If you are stopped by police, the suspension will show up when ready. Continuing to drive accumulates additional criminal charges, each one carrying its own jail time and fines.
An ignored suspension also affects other parts of your life. Your vehicle registration can be suspended, your insurance can be cancelled, and you may face difficulty renewing your vehicle plates. If you are involved in an accident while driving on a suspended license, your insurance will likely deny your claim, leaving you personally liable for all damages.
If you have a suspended license and are unsure how to proceed, contact the Wright County District Court or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. Both can explain your options and the steps needed to reinstate your license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive to the courthouse to handle my suspension?
No. Driving on a suspended license is illegal regardless of where you are going or why. If you need to go to court, use public transportation, ask someone to drive you, or contact the court about handling your case by phone or mail if possible.
How long does a suspension last?
The length depends on the reason. Unpaid fine suspensions typically last until you pay. DWI suspensions last at least 90 days for a first offense. Point-based suspensions usually last 30 to 90 days. Some suspensions are indefinite until you meet specific conditions. Check your status with the Department of Public Safety to learn your exact end date.
Do I have to pay a reinstatement fee?
Yes, in most cases. The fee varies by suspension type — currently $680 for DWI, $75 for most other suspensions — though amounts change periodically. You must pay this fee in addition to any fines, court costs, or program fees related to the original violation.
What if I was not notified of my suspension?
Lack of notice does not stop a suspension from taking effect. The state is required to send notice by mail, but the suspension becomes active on the date set by the court or Department of Public Safety regardless of whether you receive the letter. This is why checking your status proactively is important.
Can I get a suspension removed early?
In rare cases, yes. You can petition the court that issued the suspension for early reinstatement, but you must show good cause — such as a medical emergency, job loss due to the suspension, or significant hardship. The court has discretion to grant or deny the petition. Contact the Wright County District Court to ask about filing a petition.