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Minnesota Traffic Tickets Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets and Juvenile Law for Minnesota on
Q: How long will a minor in possession of alcohol stay on my record after I pay the fine?

It looks like I can pay the fine and no court date is needed.

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Sep 20, 2024

Normally forever. Exception: expungement possibility. But if the defendant instead sets up a court date and gets a prosecutor to agree to an outcome that will eventually avoid a conviction (Continuance for Dismissal, or Stay of Adjudication), then upon successful completion of the period of the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Minor in Possession 340A.503.3 but case type is Crim/Traf Non-Mand. I was walking not driving and it looks like this sh

Driver box is checked but it looks like I can just pay a $180 fine? I'm so confused, I was walking and not driving. It also is labeled as a misdemeanor but from what I can tell this should be a petty misdemeanor?

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Sep 20, 2024

Some Minnesota misdemeanors are treated as "payable offenses" by Minnesota courts, meaning the defendant can be convicted by paying a fine without a court appearance. But taka a look at Minnesota Statutes Section 171.173, saying that such a conviction would trigger a suspension of... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: In Minnesota Is there a reasonable chance of dismissing a speeding ticket based on observation of officer alone?

Officer said he does not have a radar or laser reading of my speed, but that he observed me going quickly after somebody called in a motorcycle

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Sep 5, 2024

If police have no speed measurement evidence, such as RADAR or LIDAR, the prosecution will have less evidence to present at a trial. So that is more favorable for the defendant. But, all the many considerations for defending a speeding ticket would still apply, including how to persuade a... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Traffic Tickets and Criminal Law for Minnesota on
Q: Is it legal for police to stop vehicle for license plate lights not working -they do work, stopping too long, slowing?

Radar at 20 - 24 in 55 (unsure exactly, but either coming to stop, or accelerating from stop), stopping too long at stop sign (5 - 10 seconds (7)), and claims license plate lights non functional was the reason for stop. They may be dim, but ARE fully functional.

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Sep 3, 2024

Police can lawfully stop a driver if they observe a violation, or facts amounting to "reasonable, articulable suspicion of criminal activity." Since Minnesota laws requires a working plate light, lack of one can be a lawful basis for a stop. If working, but police claim the contrary, a... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Is it legal to run a red light when the cross street is completely blocked off due to construction?

I'm seeing a lot of road construction where the traffic lights still operate as normal but where there is simply no possibility of cross traffic, no possibility of U-Turns, even. I've seen some drivers, including a bus, treat the solid red light as a stop sign, I've seen some just go... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on May 27, 2024

Context provides meaning. A prudent driver would stop for a red light, even when the cross streets at the intersection are blocked off. But a drivers defending a citation for failure to obey a red light might defend the case arguing that the signal should be treated as a stop sign, given the... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Is it legal to run a red light when the cross street is completely blocked off due to construction?

I'm seeing a lot of road construction where the traffic lights still operate as normal but where there is simply no possibility of cross traffic, no possibility of U-Turns, even. I've seen some drivers, including a bus, treat the solid red light as a stop sign, I've seen some just go... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jun 1, 2024

Sometimes the law doesn't seem logical, like you cannot carry an ice cream cone in your pocket in August in Lansing, Michigan. But in this case, the 100% consensus is the traffic signal is (by the law) deemed to be smarter than you, and must be obeyed. Welcome to Artificial Intelligence. An... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Is it legal to run a red light when the cross street is completely blocked off due to construction?

I'm seeing a lot of road construction where the traffic lights still operate as normal but where there is simply no possibility of cross traffic, no possibility of U-Turns, even. I've seen some drivers, including a bus, treat the solid red light as a stop sign, I've seen some just go... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on May 27, 2024

Yes, you need to stop and wait for light to change. The fact that the cross street is blocked off doesn't change the semaphore to a stop sign. Pedestrians and folks on bikes need to be able cross and ignoring the light doesn't give them a chance to do that.

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Crim/Traf Mandatory for expired car tabs. No date set and no fines listed. Is it required to set my own date?

I got the ticket in the mail because the cop's printer wasn't working. The ticket doesn't have the information on the back side as it's supposed to because it was a copy of the front of the ticket.

Car tabs were expired for a few months and I got pulled over for it.... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on May 18, 2024

You can just call and pay the fine. There is information online on how to take care of the ticket. You can just plug in the citation number at this website and you'll be good to go: https://webpay.courts.state.mn.us/CourtWebPay/Search.aspx?ID=100

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2 Answers | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Criminal Law, Native American Law and Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Is Driving after Cancelation (IPS) ,civil reg. Or criminal? I am a enrolled tribal member, and I was cited on res land

I was cited by a tribal officer, but I was given a Becker Co. Citation, I requested this remain in tribal court and was denied, because the officer believed dac,IPS is a criminal act and would be heard in district court.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Driving after Cancellation (DAC), specifically when labeled as "inimical to public safety" (IPS), is typically regarded as a criminal offense. The categorization as criminal stems from the potential threat to public safety implied by the IPS designation. This determination means that the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: My son was killed by a 16 year old driver, who is only being charged with FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A SINGLE LANE violation.

The Accident Reconstruction Report, the Crash Report, the Field Report and 2 eyewitness statements are available, and all show that the 16 year old driver crossed over the center line causing the accident. The eyewitness reports specifically state that it appeared to be intentional, with the 16... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Mar 31, 2024

There is nothing you can do for force the county attorney to charge out any particular offense. You can certainly voice your opinions on what you believe should occur in the case, but ultimately, the County Attorney has the ultimate authority of what, if anything, to charge out in this case.

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: License suspension from speeding tickets?

Hello! I’m afraid I am facing license suspension, but after further research I’m a little confused. My first ticket was 1/11/2022, second was 11/14/2022, third was 2/6/2023 and my fourth ticket being 3/1/2024. I’ve THOUGHT after 4 tickets your license would automatically be suspended for 30... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Mar 3, 2024

The answer is in Minnesota Rules 7409.2200 HABITUAL VIOLATORS, available online. (For those with a Minnesota Driver's License, at least.) Four petty misd. traffic offenses within a 12-month period; or five traffic within a 24-month period will get a DL suspension. The rule is more complex... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: I got pulled over and got a ticket. Although my ticket does not have a citation number on it anywhere or my speed.

What does this mean? Is it kinda invalid now maybe? I obviously can't look it up without a citation number

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 1, 2024

Receiving a ticket without a citation number or the recorded speed is unusual and might seem like an oversight that could affect the ticket's validity. However, it's important to note that the absence of this information on the ticket itself does not automatically make it invalid. The... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: I was pulled over and cited in a friend's car for no proof of insurance. Do I pay the fine or go to court?
Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Feb 27, 2024

It appears to on the "2024 STATE PAYABLES LIST TRAFFIC/CRIMINAL" list for Minnesota Courts. That means it should be "payable" online, via the Minnesota court's website without court appearance. But is that a good idea? Doing so will result in the court... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Hello question my friend was just pulled over for a headlight out . Mind you she was only about 2 miles away from home.

She's mental health issues and she is a diabetit was 8 PM the night before Thanksgiving as she got pulled over for a headlight out. As the officer approached her window he had noticed her pupils were Dilated. He jumped the gun and asked her if she was smoking fetal. He asked her to get out of... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Feb 8, 2024

In Minnesota, the license revocation process is a separate civil process from the criminal charges. A license is revoked immediately upon a breath test over the legal limit or a blood/urine test that shows a prohibited substance on board. She can apply for a public defender to represent her in... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, DUI / DWI and Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Hello question my friend was just pulled over for a headlight out . Mind you she was only about 2 miles away from home.

She's mental health issues and she is a diabetit was 8 PM the night before Thanksgiving as she got pulled over for a headlight out. As the officer approached her window he had noticed her pupils were Dilated. He jumped the gun and asked her if she was smoking fetal. He asked her to get out of... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Feb 7, 2024

She should get help from a private criminal defense attorney, or a free public defender, if she qualifies. Then she can work with her lawyer in developing effective defenses, and factual information. On the driver's license issue, she may want to call a "Driver Evaluator" at the... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Juvenile Law for Minnesota on
Q: Kid got 2 driving violations within provisional driving period. Go to court or just pay the fines? Consequences?

Kid got a 2 charges, 1 for exhibition driving & other for more than one kid in the car while under provisional license. What are the definite and possible consequences for this?

A couple weeks prior she got a parking ticket, which went under mine and my husband's name since we own... View More

Jonathan Matthew Holson
Jonathan Matthew Holson
answered on Feb 7, 2024

The exhibition driving is going to be a huge issue for your insurance. I would suggest doing what you can to negotiate that ticket down. It looks like you are in Hennepin County, so there is a far greater likelihood that they may be willing to agree to keep it off of her driving record assuming... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets, Car Accidents and Juvenile Law for Minnesota on
Q: Kid got 2 driving violations within provisional driving period. Go to court or just pay the fines? Consequences?

Kid got a 2 charges, 1 for exhibition driving & other for more than one kid in the car while under provisional license. What are the definite and possible consequences for this?

A couple weeks prior she got a parking ticket, which went under mine and my husband's name since we own... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Feb 7, 2024

First, I'd look at the consequences for various violations. For example, a parking ticket should have no significant long term implications. Just pay it. But "Exhibition Driving" on the driver's license record could trigger future problems with insurance and police. So... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: My wife got a speed citation. Many details are incorrect including the date, time, plate number, make, color. What to do

My wife received a speeding citation for 72 in a 55 in Hennepin Cty, MN. She believes she was speeding, but like 65 not 72. (72 in a 55 would be out of character for her). The officer gave her the citation and the Date is off by 2 days, time is off by 5 hours (plus the 2 days of course) Vehicle... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Jan 19, 2024

Typically, if the driver or her lawyer alert the prosecutor to inadvertent errors on the citation by the officer, they will then amend to fix those errors. This removes potential benefits to the driver. A better approach may be to never mention those errors until in the midst of a trial, when it... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Can police come into a daycare to issue a ticket? Especially when they did not pull the person over outside the daycare?

My daughter has a suspended license and her fiance had a medical procedure that prevented him from being able to drive and they needed to pick up their son from daycare. My daughter opted to drive to the daycare, which was close to her home to pick up her son. She could not walk him home as he is... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Jan 16, 2024

Yes, police can come into a daycare to issue a ticket. The officer probably decided it would be best if others could watch the child while addressing your daughter rather than when she and the child were outside in their car. Subzero temperature would also encourage this procedure.

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3 Answers | Asked in Traffic Tickets for Minnesota on
Q: Can police come into a daycare to issue a ticket? Especially when they did not pull the person over outside the daycare?

My daughter has a suspended license and her fiance had a medical procedure that prevented him from being able to drive and they needed to pick up their son from daycare. My daughter opted to drive to the daycare, which was close to her home to pick up her son. She could not walk him home as he is... View More

Thomas C Gallagher
Thomas C Gallagher
answered on Jan 16, 2024

In general, yes. Generally police can go anywhere non-police can lawfully go (without a warrant, or other special authority). However, when I analyze all the available information about a client's case, I look for every possible defense issue first. Then after a discussion with the client,... View More

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