Minnesota Traffic Violation Records

Traffic violation records in Minnesota are primarily maintained by the Driver and Vehicle Services division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS). In addition, traffic offenses that are handled through the Minnesota court system are documented and stored by the respective clerks of the district courts where those cases are adjudicated.

Common traffic violations in Minnesota include speed limit violations, DUI, failure to obey traffic signals, and operating a motor vehicle without a valid driver's license. Of these violations, speed limit violations are the most common. More than 11% of drivers in Minnesota have a previous speeding ticket on their driving record. This is slightly higher than the 10.54% national average.

Although Minnesota does not use a traditional demerit point system to punish, it still takes traffic violations seriously. Instead of points, the state records each moving violation on offenders' driving records. Common penalties for breaking speed limits include license suspension or revocation, depending on the severity of the offense.

Are Traffic Violations Records Public in Minnesota?

Traffic violation records are generally public in Minnesota under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Despite the public nature of traffic violation records in Minnesota, certain personal details contained in these records, such as a driver's name, date of birth, and residential address, are protected under privacy laws like the Driver's Privacy Protection Act (DPPA). These details are only accessible to specific entities, such as law enforcement or persons who have obtained the record owner's written consent.

In addition, reports of traffic crimes, such as traffic misdemeanors and felonies handled by the district courts, are also publicly accessible to interested persons. Anyone who wants access to court records relating to traffic violations may access them online via the Minnesota courts website and in person at the office of the clerk of the court handling the matter.

How To Look Up Traffic Tickets in Minnesota?

You may look up traffic tickets using the Minnesota Court Records Online system. To start:

• Visit the MCRO Website
• Select the "Case Search" option
• Select "Citation Number"
• Search by Citation Number: Enter the citation number to find details about your ticket.

Also, third-party services provide databases that may be used to look up traffic tickets. These services often aggregate public records from various sources, offering easy access to public records. One such reliable third-party service is PublicRecord.us, which provides access to a wide range of public records, including traffic ticket information.

Where Do I Pay Traffic Violations?

Minnesota offers the following methods for traffic fine payment:

• Online: Minnesota courts provide an online payment option via their Courts WebPay portal. Payment may be made using credit or debit VISA or MasterCard. You may also use the system to determine the fine amount.
• Automated Phone: Traffic fines may also be paid using the automated phone lines provided by the state. These lines are (651) 281-3219 and (800) 657-3611.

• Mail: Check or money order must be made payable to "District Court Administration" and mail the payment to:

  Minnesota Court Payment Center

  P.O. Box 898

  Willmar, MN 52601

  You must include a copy of the citation, citation number, or the case number with your payment. Cash is not accepted.

• In Person: In-person traffic fines payment is also possible at the district court in the county where the citation was issued. Note that the county name may be found in the upper left corner of the traffic citation.

How Much Does It Cost To Request Your Driving Records Online?

The Driver and Vehicle Services division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety offers multiple options for persons looking to obtain their driving records. The available options include:

• By Mail: Submit a completed PS2502 record request form and the applicable fee to:

  Driver and Vehicle Services

  Records Unit

  445 Minnesota St., Suite 161

  St. Paul, MN 55101-5161

  If you are requesting someone else's record, you must choose one of the acceptable reasons on the form or provide written authorization from the individual whose record is required by completing and submitting a PS2506 form.

• Online: Driving record requests may be submitted via your MyDVS account on the DPS website
• In-Person: In-person access is available at a full-service deputy registrar office or exam station (only non-certified records may be obtained via this option).

The following fees apply for obtaining a Minnesota driving record:

• If the record is requested by the subject of the data, $9 for a standard copy
• If the record is requested by an individual who is not the subject of the data, $9.50 for a standard copy
• If the record is requested by the subject of the data, $10 for a certified copy.
• If the record is requested by an individual who is not the subject of the data: $10.50

Minnesota driving records typically contain information spanning five years for non-certified records, while certified records include the driver's entire driving history. A Minnesota driving record includes details like license information, traffic violations, accidents or reported crashes, and license suspensions and revocations.

What Are Moving and Non-Moving Violations in Minnesota?

Moving violations are traffic violations occurring when a motorist fails to adhere to Minnesota traffic or driving laws while their vehicle is still in motion. Examples include running a red light, reckless driving, and speeding. Non-moving violations are traffic violations occurring when a vehicle is not in motion. Examples of non-moving violations in Minnesota include parking violations, expired vehicle registration, and faulty equipment such as broken headlights or taillights.

The penalties for moving violations are more severe compared to those for non-moving violations. Moving violations are typically penalized with fines and license suspension or revocation if multiple violations are accumulated. Serious moving violations may require a court appearance, while convictions for moving violations may also result in increased auto insurance premiums. Non-moving violations are usually punished with fine impositions. Typically, non-moving violations do not affect the driving records or insurance premiums of the violators.

How Long Does DWI Stay on Your Record in Minnesota?

Except if expunged, a DWI conviction remains indefinitely on your record. Minnesota's penalties for DWI offenses have contributed to the low drunk-driving-related death rates in the state. The state ranks in the top 10 for states with the lowest rates of drunk driving-related deaths. Minnesota records 496 DUI arrests and 3.15 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers.

For a first-time DWI offense, if the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below 0.16 and there are no aggravating factors, it is typically charged as a misdemeanor. The penalties may include up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and a license revocation for 90 days. In addition, the court may require the offender to undergo a chemical dependency assessment, attend a victim impact panel, and potentially install an ignition interlock device as a condition of license reinstatement.

If the first offense is considered aggravated, for example, if the driver has a BAC of 0.16 or higher, or if a child was in the vehicle at the time, it becomes a gross misdemeanor. This carries steeper penalties, including up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $3,000, and a license revocation of up to one year. An ignition interlock device may be required, and the vehicle may be subject to forfeiture.

Subsequent DWI offenses carry increasingly severe consequences, with longer jail sentences, higher fines, extended license revocations, and mandatory use of ignition interlock devices.

What Are the Penalties for Breaking the Speed Limit in Minnesota?

Minnesota speed limits are outlined in Section 169.14 of the state statutes. Although local authorities and the Minnesota Department of Transportation are allowed to adjust speed limits, the following are the basic speed limits in the state:

• Alleys: 10 mph
• Residential roadways if adopted by the road authority having jurisdiction over the residential roadway: 25 mph
• Urban district: 30 mph
• Rural residential district: 35 mph
• Non-interstate expressways: 65mph
• Interstate highways outside the limits of any urbanized area with a population higher than 50,000: 70 mph
• Any other location other than those specified: 55 mph

In Minnesota, speeding is typically classified as a petty misdemeanor, carrying a base fine of between $40 and $150, depending on the speed. In addition to the base fine, offenders must also pay a $75 court surcharge, and in some cases, an additional law library fee.

Penalties increase under certain conditions. For example, the base fine is doubled if the offense occurs in a school zone, involves driving 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit, or happens while passing a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights. If the violation occurs in a designated work zone, the fine is automatically set at $300.

A speeding violation may be elevated from a petty misdemeanor to a misdemeanor if it is committed in a way that endangers people or property. In such cases, the penalties may include higher fines and potential jail time.

More serious speeding offenses carry stricter consequences. Driving over 100 miles per hour results in an automatic driver's license revocation for a minimum of six months. While Minnesota does not use a driver's license point system, repeated traffic violations, including speeding, may lead to the suspension or revocation of driving privileges.

Note that if a driver is caught going no more than 10 mph over the limit in a 55 mph zone, or no more than 5 mph over the limit in a 60 mph zone, the violation may not be recorded on a driver's record. However, all speeding violations are recorded if they occur in zones with speed limits under 55 mph or above 60 mph, involve commercial vehicles, or are committed by drivers with a commercial driver's license or permit.

How Long Does a Speeding Ticket Stay on Your Record in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a speeding ticket typically remains on your driving record for at least five years.

How to Appeal A Traffic Ticket?

You may fight a Minnesota traffic ticket in the following ways:

• Request a Court Hearing: After being issued a traffic citation, you plead "not guilty" and arrange for a court appearance. Doing this allows you to contest the ticket in a legal setting.
• Question the Officer's Observations: You may argue that the officer may have misinterpreted the events. For example, you may claim their view was blocked or that their perception of your actions, such as speeding or an improper lane change, was inaccurate.
• Prove an Honest Mistake: In some situations, you may be able to claim that you made a reasonable error due to unclear signage or difficult road conditions. For instance, if a speed limit sign was hidden from view, this may serve as a valid defense.
• Justify Your Actions: If you violated a traffic rule to prevent harm, such as swerving to avoid a collision or speeding to address a medical emergency, you may argue that your actions were necessary under the given circumstances.
• Challenge Equipment Accuracy: You may question the reliability or calibration of the tools used to issue the citation, such as a radar gun or red-light camera.

If you are facing multiple offenses or have been charged with a serious offense such as reckless driving, it is recommended that you hire an attorney to represent you in court.

How To Resolve an Out-of-State Traffic Ticket?

Minnesota is a member of the Driver License Compact and also a participant in the Nonresident Violator Compact. Hence, the state shares and receives traffic violation information with other member states. In addition, if you fail to resolve a ticket in Minnesota, your home state may suspend your driver's license until the matter is resolved.

If you have been issued an out-of-state traffic ticket, you may fight it in the following ways:

• Review Your Ticket: Check the ticket thoroughly for details on how to respond, the deadline to take action, and any specific instructions provided.
• Contact the Appropriate Authority: Reach out to the court or traffic enforcement agency in the state where the violation occurred to learn about their procedures for contesting tickets.
• Request a Court Date: Some jurisdictions allow violators to dispute a citation by submitting a written declaration or affidavit, providing an alternative to appearing in person.
• Seek Legal Representation: Consider hiring a local attorney who specializes in traffic cases. A traffic lawyer may be able to reduce the impact of the offense and negotiate lower penalties.
• Collect Evidence: Gather supporting evidence such as photographs, witness testimony, or vehicle-related documentation that may be used to strengthen your argument against the offense.

How Do Minnesota Traffic Laws Differ From Other States?

While the basics of traffic laws in the United States are common in many jurisdictions, the specifics differ. Some unique traffic laws in Minnesota include the following:

• Minnesota prohibits studded tires on regular vehicles due to the damage they cause to roads. However, they are allowed on nonresidents' vehicles visiting the state and for certain authorized emergency or rural uses.
• In Minnesota, motorcycles are required by law to have their headlights on at all times, even during daylight hours.
• Many intersections in Minnesota use flashing yellow arrows for left turns, which means you can turn left but must yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
• Electric vehicle owners in Minnesota are required to pay an annual fee of $75. This fee serves as a substitute for the state gas tax, which electric vehicle drivers do not pay since their vehicles do not rely.