Driving on a suspended license in Minnesota is a crime, and the penalties increase sharply if you do it more than once

If your Minnesota license is suspended and you drive anyway, you face criminal charges — not just a fine. A first offense is a misdemeanor. A second or third offense within ten years becomes a felony. You can lose your vehicle, spend time in jail, pay hundreds or thousands in fines, and face a longer suspension or permanent revocation. The state does not distinguish between "just driving to work" and any other reason; the law applies the moment you turn the key.

The consequences depend on whether this is your first time driving suspended, how many prior suspensions you have had, and whether you caused an accident or were stopped for another reason. Minnesota courts also consider whether you knew your license was suspended — though ignorance is rarely a successful defense.

Key Takeaways

  • Driving on a suspended license in Minnesota is a misdemeanor on the first offense and a felony on the second or third offense within ten years.
  • Penalties include jail time (up to 90 days for a first offense, up to one year for a felony), fines ranging from $200 to $1,000 or more, and vehicle impoundment.
  • A conviction adds points to your driving record and typically extends your suspension by at least one year.
  • If you need to drive during a suspension, you may be able to request a work permit or limited license through the court or the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Criminal penalties for a first offense

A first conviction for driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in Minnesota. You face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $200 to $500, or both. The court may also order you to pay restitution if your driving caused damage or injury.

Beyond the when ready sentence, a conviction stays on your criminal record. This can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing. You will also receive points on your driving record, which can lead to higher insurance rates or further license actions.

Felony charges for repeat offenses

If you are convicted of driving suspended a second time within ten years, the charge becomes a felony. Penalties jump to up to one year in jail and fines up to $1,000. A third offense within ten years carries the same felony charge and sentence range.

Felony convictions have lasting consequences. You lose certain voting rights, may be barred from owning firearms, and face serious barriers to employment. The conviction appears on background checks for life, even after you complete your sentence.

Vehicle impoundment and other financial costs

When you are stopped while driving suspended, law enforcement can impound your vehicle. You must pay towing and storage fees to recover it — typically $200 to $400 for towing alone, plus daily storage charges that add up quickly. If the vehicle is not claimed within a set period, it may be sold at auction.

You also pay court costs, attorney fees if you hire a lawyer, and increased insurance premiums once your license is reinstated. Some insurers will not cover you at all after a suspended-license conviction, forcing you to use high-risk insurance pools with much higher rates.

How suspension is extended after a conviction

A conviction for driving suspended typically extends your original suspension by at least one year from the date of conviction. If your license was already set to be reinstated in six months, a conviction could push that date back to eighteen months or longer.

In some cases, the court may recommend permanent revocation to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, especially if you have multiple convictions or caused an accident. Revocation is harder to overturn than suspension and may require a formal hearing and proof that you are safe to drive again.

Work permits and limited licenses during suspension

Minnesota law allows you to request a work permit (also called a limited license) if your suspension is for certain reasons — such as unpaid child support, unpaid traffic fines, or accumulation of points. A work permit lets you drive to and from work, medical appointments, and court-ordered programs, but nowhere else.

To request a work permit, you must file a petition with the district court in the county where you live. You will need to show that you have a job or job offer, that you have no other way to get to work, and that you are not a danger to public safety. The court decides whether to grant it. A work permit is not a right; it is a privilege the court may deny.

If your suspension is for a DWI or reckless driving conviction, you may not be able to get a work permit at all. Check with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety or a local attorney to learn what options exist for your specific suspension reason.

How to learn about your license is suspended

You can check your license status through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website or by calling their driver services line. Provide your driver's license number and date of birth. The state will tell you whether your license is suspended, why, and when it will be reinstated.

If you discover your license is suspended, do not drive. Contact the agency or court that issued the suspension to learn what you must do to clear it — whether that is paying fines, completing a program, or serving out the suspension period. If you need to drive for work or medical reasons, ask about a work permit before you get behind the wheel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a work permit if my license is suspended for a DWI?

No. Minnesota law does not allow work permits for suspensions related to DWI, implied consent refusal, or reckless driving convictions. You must wait out the suspension period or pursue other transportation options. Some people use rideshare services, public transit, or carpool arrangements during this time.

What if I did not know my license was suspended?

Lack of knowledge is not a legal defense in Minnesota. The state assumes you know the status of your license, especially if you received a notice in the mail or were told by a court. If you did not receive notice, you may have grounds to challenge the suspension itself, but that is separate from the charge of driving suspended.

Will a suspended-license conviction show up on a background check?

Yes. A misdemeanor or felony conviction for driving suspended appears on criminal background checks. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards will see it. Some employers have policies against hiring people with certain criminal convictions, so this can affect your job prospects.

Can I get my vehicle back if it was impounded?

Yes, but you must pay towing and storage fees, which can be several hundred dollars. You also need proof of ownership and a valid driver's license or work permit to retrieve it. If you cannot pay the fees, the vehicle may be sold at auction after a set period.

How long does a suspended-license conviction stay on my record?

A misdemeanor conviction stays on your criminal record permanently in Minnesota. You can petition to have it expunged (sealed) after three years if you meet certain conditions, but expungement is not automatic. A felony conviction is even harder to remove from your record.