Minnesota laws by category

In Minnesota, only non-aerial, non-explosive "sparkling devices" are legal — wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less, and similar nonexplosive, nonaerial items, snakes, smoke devices and trick noisemakers. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Minnesota requires a permit to carry for any pistol carried in a public place, concealed or openly, and for a pistol in a motor vehicle, snowmobile or boat; carrying without one is a gross misdemeanor, and a felony on a second or later conviction (Minn. Stat. §624.714, subd. 1a). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Minnesota, full-strength beer, wine and spirits are sold to take away only at an exclusive liquor store licensed by the city or county with the commissioner's approval (Minn. Stat. 340A.405), or at a municipal liquor store. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Radar detectors are legal in passenger vehicles in Minnesota — Chapter 169 of Minnesota Statutes has no ban on them. Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Minnesota, you need a burning permit to burn leaves, brush, plant clippings or clean untreated wood unless the ground has at least 3 inches of continuous snow (Minn. Stat. 88.16). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

In Minnesota, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 16 (residents age 16 through 89 must have one; all nonresidents need one except those under 16 fishing with a licensed parent or guardian). Licenses are issued by the Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (MNDNR).

Minnesota's state general sales tax rate is 6.875%: a 6.5% general rate (Minn. Stat. 297A.62, subd. 1) plus an additional 0.375% required by the Minnesota Constitution, article XI, section 15, which expires July 1, 2034 (297A.62, subd. 1a). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Recreational cannabis is legal in Minnesota for adults 21 and older: up to 2 ounces of flower in public and 2 pounds at home, 8 grams of concentrate, and edibles totaling 800 mg of THC (Minn. Stat. 342.09, subd. 1). The industry is regulated by the Office of Cannabis Management (Minn. Stat. 342.02).

In Minnesota, all hunters and trappers in the field during open firearms/muzzleloader deer seasons must display blaze orange or blaze pink on the visible portion of the cap and outer clothing above the waist (sleeves and gloves excluded). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Minnesota has no legal sports betting, retail or online, as of 2026. Bills failed amid a tribal/racetrack impasse. A tribal-exclusive online bill (SF 4139) was introduced in 2026 but had not passed.

Minnesota requires a watercraft operator's permit to operate a PWC or a motorboat over 25 hp for anyone 12 or older born after June 30, 2000 (since July 1, 2026). Exceptions may apply — read the full rule.

Manufacturing, transferring or possessing a switchblade knife opening automatically is a crime under Minn. Stat. 609.66 subd. 1(a)(4).

Minnesota's UAV statute (626.19) restricts only law-enforcement drone use; no MN law criminalizes a private person's drone surveillance. General privacy law (609.746) may apply.