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Thursday, May 21, 2026

Does a new Minnesota law ban ‘aimless driving’?

Brian Arola, MinnPost
no

Minnesota has no laws prohibiting aimless or purposeless driving.

A recent online post features a fake press release stating Gov. Tim Walz signed a new bill into law banning “cruising around” or “driving with no place to go.” The release has notable errors, including: 

  • An outdated state seal at the top
  • A reference to an unrelated bill

The post falsely claims the governor signed a House bill numbered 626; similar versions circulating in other states used the same number. In Minnesota, the last House File 626 is from 2025 and proposed age exemptions for small game and fishing licenses.

So while Minnesotans may want to steer clear of aimless drives while gas prices remain sky high, no statute requires them to have a particular destination in mind while operating a motor vehicle. 

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