Question: I heard about a thing called “Vanessa’s Law” the other day and I wasn’t quite sure what it was all about. I know it has to do with new or young drivers.
Answer: Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before her 16th birthday in May 2003. In her memory, Vanessa’s Law was passed a year later. She was a passenger in a vehicle driven by an unlicensed 15-year-old.
Vanessa’s Law applies to all teens who commit an impaired driving crime or crash-related moving violation but applies differently whether you have a provisional license or are unlicensed.
If you are convicted of a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance-related violation (such as driving while impaired, implied consent, open bottle or underage drinking and driving/not a drop law) while you are driving without a license as a teenager, you cannot get a license, instruction permit or provisional license until you are 18.
At 18, you must:
• Pass the Class D written test.
• Fulfill reinstatement requirements, including payment of fees, which can be up to $680 depending on circumstances.
• Obtain an instruction permit and hold it for at least six months.
• Pass the road test and apply for a new license.
If you lose driving privileges due to a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance related violation while driving with your provisional license, you cannot regain a license until age 18.
At that time, you must complete the following steps to obtain a full driver’s license:
• Fulfill all reinstatement requirements, including the payment of fees, which can be up to $680 depending on circumstances.
• Complete the classroom portion of a formal driver education course.
• Pass the Class D written test if the license has been expired for over one year.
• Obtain an instruction permit and hold it for three months.
• Complete the behind-the-wheel portion of a driver education course and apply for a new license.
Any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, 2900 48th St., NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848; or send an email to: Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.