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HF2615 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Driver's license expiration dates extended to every eight years, and fees increased.

Related bill: SF1283

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to modify the regulations related to driver's licenses and motorized bicycle permits in Minnesota, aiming to extend the period of validity and adjust associated fees.

Main Provisions

  • Driver's License Validity: The bill proposes extending the expiration of standard driver's licenses from their current term to a new term of eight years. This change is intended to reduce the frequency of renewals for license holders.

  • Motorized Bicycle Permits:

    • Anyone wishing to operate a motorized bicycle must have a valid driver's license or a specific permit designed for motorized bicycles.
    • Individuals aged 15 or older can apply for either a motorized bicycle operator's permit or instruction permit upon passing a required examination, and after completing an approved safety course for the instruction permit.
    • The safety course will cover topics such as bicycle operation, relevant laws, safety practices, protective gear, traffic strategies, and the effects of alcohol and drugs.

  • Fee Adjustments:

    • The fee for a motorized bicycle operator's permit valid until age 21 is $9.75.
    • The renewal fee for individuals aged 21 or older is increased to $31.50 to account for the extended validity period from four years to eight years.
    • The cost for a duplicate renewal permit remains at $5.25, whereas the fee for the written examination and a 30-day instruction permit is set at $6.75.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill significantly extends the expiration dates of driver's licenses and motorized bicycle renewal permits from four years to eight years for those aged 21 and over, which may streamline administrative processes and provide convenience for license holders.
  • There is an increase in the renewal fees to offset the longer-term validity of the permits.

Relevant Terms

driver's license renewal, motorized bicycle permit, expiration date extension, fee increase, safety course, Minnesota transportation laws.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new instruction permit requirement for persons completing an approved safety course."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No specific removals, but it adjusts the duration and fee structure for permits."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies requirements relating to the operation of motorized bicycles and the necessary permits.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the permit fees and extends the validity period of the renewal permit from four to eight years."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.02",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 3"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Motorized bicycle permit holders must adhere to motorcycle permit restrictions as per section 169.974."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "Motorized bicycle permit holders are subject to restrictions similar to those for motorcycle instruction permit holders.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.974",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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