Driver's License and Traffic Tickets in Minnesota

Overview

Minnesota does not use a points system for traffic violations. Unlike many other states, Minnesota does not assign points to your license when you get a ticket. There is no set number of points that triggers a suspension. Instead, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS), through its Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division, tracks your driving record and the Commissioner has discretion to suspend your license for habitual violations under Minn. Stat. § 171.18 .

This means that a single speeding ticket will not automatically put you closer to losing your license. However, a pattern of violations — or certain serious offenses — can lead to suspension or revocation.

This guide explains how traffic tickets work in Minnesota, the difference between suspension and revocation, how to contest a ticket, and how to get your license back if you lose it.

Who this guide is for: Minnesota drivers who have received a traffic ticket, are facing license suspension or revocation, or want to understand their rights on the road.

No Points System in Minnesota

Many drivers believe Minnesota uses a points system. It does not. Here is how Minnesota’s system compares:

Feature	Points System (Other States)	Minnesota’s System
How violations are tracked	Each violation adds points to your record	DVS records violations on your driving record
Automatic suspension trigger	License suspended at a set number of points	No automatic trigger — Commissioner has discretion
What matters	Total point count	Pattern and severity of violations
Governing law	Varies by state	Minn. Stat. § 171.18

Even without a points system, your driving record still matters. Insurance companies review your record and may raise your rates after tickets. And if the Commissioner determines you are a habitual violator, your license can be suspended.

Suspension vs. Revocation

If you lose your driving privileges in Minnesota, it will be through either suspension or revocation. These are different, and revocation is more serious.

License Suspension

A suspension temporarily takes away your right to drive. Under Minn. Stat. § 171.18 , the Commissioner of Public Safety may suspend your license for:

• A conviction of an offense that caused death or personal injury
• Habitual recklessness or negligence as shown by your driving record
• Habitual violation of traffic laws
• Fraud in a driver’s license application
• Failure to appear in court on a traffic charge
• Violating a restriction on your license
• Conviction of an offense in another state that would be grounds for suspension in Minnesota

Key facts about suspension:

• Maximum period: 1 year (unless otherwise specified by law)
• You must receive 14 days written notice before the suspension takes effect
• You have 20 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing
• You do not need to retake your driving tests to get your license back after the suspension ends
• You may be eligible for a limited license to drive to work, school, or treatment

License Revocation

Revocation is more serious. It completely cancels your driving privileges. After revocation, you must reapply for a new license and may need to retake written and road tests.

Common grounds for revocation include:

• DUI (driving under the influence)
• Vehicular homicide or criminal vehicular operation
• Fleeing the scene of an accident involving death
• Multiple DUI convictions or implied consent violations
• Certain felony convictions involving a motor vehicle

Key facts about revocation:

• The revocation period depends on the offense — it may be 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, or longer
• You must apply for a new license after the revocation period ends
• You may need to retake the written and road tests
• Reinstatement fees range from $20 to $680 depending on the offense
• You may need to complete alcohol or drug treatment before reinstatement
• An ignition interlock device may be required (especially for DUI-related revocations)

Suspension vs. Revocation: Quick Comparison

	Suspension	Revocation
Severity	Less serious	More serious
Maximum period	Typically up to 1 year	Varies — can be years or permanent
Notice required	14 days before effective	Yes
Right to hearing	Yes — request within 20 days	Yes
Retake driving tests?	No	Often yes
Must reapply?	No — license reinstated after period ends	Yes — must apply for new license
Reinstatement fee	Varies	$20-$680
Common causes	Habitual violations, failure to appear	DUI, vehicular homicide, fleeing scene

Traffic Offense Levels

Not all traffic violations are treated the same under Minnesota law. Here are the categories, from least to most serious:

Petty Misdemeanors

Most traffic tickets fall into this category. A petty misdemeanor is not a crime under Minnesota law.

• Maximum fine: $300 (plus surcharges, which can more than double the total amount you pay)
• Jail time: None
• Criminal record: No — petty misdemeanors are not crimes
• Right to jury trial: No
• Examples: Most speeding violations, running a red light, failing to signal, expired tabs, seatbelt violations

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a criminal offense. You have the right to an attorney and a jury trial.

• Maximum penalty: 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine
• Criminal record: Yes
• Right to jury trial: Yes
• Right to attorney: Yes (public defender if you qualify)
• Examples: Driving after suspension ( Minn. Stat. § 171.24 ), careless driving, driving without insurance, first-offense DUI (in some cases)

Gross Misdemeanors

A gross misdemeanor is a more serious criminal offense.

• Maximum penalty: 1 year in jail and/or $3,000 fine
• Criminal record: Yes
• Right to jury trial: Yes
• Right to attorney: Yes (public defender if you qualify)
• Examples: Some DUI offenses, hit-and-run with injury, driving after cancellation (inimical to public safety)

Felonies

A felony is the most serious category of criminal offense.

• Maximum penalty: Varies — can be years in prison
• Criminal record: Yes
• Right to jury trial: Yes
• Right to attorney: Yes (public defender if you qualify)
• Examples: Vehicular homicide, DUI with multiple prior convictions, criminal vehicular operation causing great bodily harm or death

Offense Level Summary

Level	Max Fine	Max Jail/Prison	Crime?	Jury Trial?	Examples
Petty misdemeanor	$300	None	No	No	Speeding, red light, no seatbelt
Misdemeanor	$1,000	90 days	Yes	Yes	Driving after suspension, careless driving, no insurance
Gross misdemeanor	$3,000	1 year	Yes	Yes	Some DUI, hit-and-run with injury
Felony	Varies	Years in prison	Yes	Yes	Vehicular homicide, repeat DUI

How to Contest a Traffic Ticket

You have the right to contest any traffic ticket. Here is how the process works.

Step 1: Read Your Ticket Carefully

Your ticket will show:

• The violation you are charged with
• The court where the case will be heard
• The deadline to respond (usually printed on the ticket)
• The fine amount or how to find out the fine amount
• Your options — typically to pay, appear in court, or contest

Write down the deadline. Missing it can result in additional penalties, including a failure to appear charge and possible license suspension.

Step 2: Decide Whether to Contest

Consider contesting your ticket if:

• You believe you did not commit the violation
• You believe the officer made an error (wrong speed, wrong vehicle)
• You have evidence that supports your case (dash cam, witnesses)
• The ticket is for a misdemeanor or higher offense that could go on your criminal record
• You are concerned about insurance rate increases
• Your driving record already has multiple violations and you are worried about suspension

Paying the fine is the same as pleading guilty. The violation goes on your driving record.

If your ticket is for a misdemeanor or higher offense, you have the right to an attorney. Talk to a lawyer before deciding how to plead. A criminal conviction, even for a traffic misdemeanor, goes on your record.

Step 3: Enter a Not Guilty Plea

To contest your ticket, you need to plead not guilty by the deadline on your ticket. Depending on the court, you can usually do this:

• Online — many Minnesota courts allow online plea entry through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website (mncourts.gov)
• By mail — send a written not-guilty plea to the court listed on your ticket
• In person — go to the court listed on your ticket

When you plead not guilty, you will be scheduled for a court hearing.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Hearing

Before your hearing:

1. Gather evidence. Photos, dash cam video, witness statements, diagrams of the road, or any other evidence that supports your case.
2. Get your driving record. You can request a copy of your driving record from DVS.
3. Research the law. Look up the specific statute you are charged with violating to understand exactly what the state must prove.
4. Consider hiring a traffic attorney. Many attorneys handle traffic cases for a flat fee. An attorney may be able to negotiate a reduced charge.
5. Dress appropriately and arrive early for your court date.

Step 5: Attend the Hearing

For petty misdemeanors (most traffic tickets):

• You will usually have a hearing before a judge (no jury)
• The officer who wrote the ticket may or may not appear
• If the officer does not appear, the case is often dismissed
• The state must prove the violation — you do not have to prove your innocence
• You can present evidence and question the officer

For misdemeanors and higher offenses:

• You have the right to a jury trial
• You have the right to an attorney (public defender if you qualify)
• The process follows standard criminal procedure
• The state must prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt

Possible outcomes:

• Dismissal — the charge is dropped (best outcome)
• Not guilty — you win at trial
• Guilty — you are convicted, and the fine and/or penalties apply
• Continuance for dismissal — the judge agrees to dismiss the charge if you stay violation-free for a set period (common for first offenses)
• Reduced charge — through negotiation, the charge is reduced to a lesser offense

Step 6: After the Hearing

If you are found not guilty or the charge is dismissed:

• The violation does not go on your driving record
• You do not owe a fine for that charge

If you are found guilty:

• The violation goes on your driving record
• You must pay the fine by the deadline the court sets
• You can appeal the decision to a higher court, but appeals are costly and typically require an attorney

Getting Your License Back (Reinstatement)

If your license has been suspended or revoked, here is how to get it back.

After Suspension

1. Wait for the suspension period to end. Do not drive during the suspension — driving after suspension is a misdemeanor under Minn. Stat. § 171.24 .
2. Pay any reinstatement fees. Fees vary by offense.
3. Clear any outstanding tickets or court obligations. Unpaid fines or missed court dates can prevent reinstatement.
4. Contact DVS to confirm your license is reinstated. You can check your status online at the DVS website or in person at a driver’s license office.

After Revocation

1. Wait for the revocation period to end.
2. Complete any required treatment or education programs (such as alcohol or drug treatment for DUI-related revocations).
3. Pay the reinstatement fee ($20 to $680 depending on the offense).
4. Apply for a new license. You may need to retake the written test and road test.
5. Install an ignition interlock device if required (common for DUI revocations).
6. Provide proof of insurance (SR-22 filing may be required for certain offenses).

Limited Licenses

If your license is suspended or revoked, you may be eligible for a limited license that allows you to drive for specific purposes:

• Driving to and from work
• Driving to and from school
• Driving to and from treatment programs
• Driving for essential household needs (in some cases)

To apply for a limited license, contact DVS or talk to your attorney. The court or DVS must approve your application.

Key Deadlines

Deadline	Details	Authority
Ticket response deadline	Printed on your ticket — typically 10 to 30 days. Missing it can result in additional penalties and license suspension.	Varies by court
14 days	Written notice period before a license suspension takes effect	Minn. Stat. § 171.18
20 days	Time to request a hearing after receiving a suspension notice	Minn. Stat. § 171.18
60 days	Time to request a contested case hearing for implied consent (DUI) revocations	Minn. Stat. § 169.09
Immediately	Hit-and-run: You must stop and exchange information at the scene of any accident involving injury or property damage	Minn. Stat. § 169.09

Costs

Item	Estimated Cost
Typical speeding ticket (petty misdemeanor)	$120-$400 (fine plus surcharges)
Red light / stop sign violation	$120-$300 (fine plus surcharges)
No seatbelt	$25 (no surcharges)
Driving after suspension fine	Up to $1,000 plus surcharges
Reinstatement fee (suspension)	$20-$680 depending on offense
Reinstatement fee (DUI revocation)	Up to $680
SR-22 insurance filing	$15-$25 filing fee (but insurance rates increase significantly)
Traffic attorney (petty misdemeanor)	$200-$500 flat fee (typical)
Traffic attorney (misdemeanor+)	$500-$3,000+
Insurance rate increase after ticket	Varies — typically 15-30% increase for 3 years

When to Get a Lawyer

Most petty misdemeanor traffic tickets can be handled without a lawyer. However, you should talk to a lawyer if:

• You are charged with a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony traffic offense
• You are charged with DUI (driving under the influence)
• You are facing license revocation
• You have multiple recent tickets and are concerned about suspension for habitual violations
• You are a commercial driver and a conviction could affect your CDL
• The ticket involves an accident with injuries
• You received a hit-and-run charge
• You are charged with driving after suspension or revocation under Minn. Stat. § 171.24
• You have an outstanding warrant related to a traffic offense
• You are not a U.S. citizen and a conviction could have immigration consequences

For misdemeanor and higher offenses, you have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, you may qualify for a public defender.

Related Guides

DUI / DWI Charges in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to understanding DUI and DWI charges in Minnesota, including penalties, license consequences, and the court process.

Criminal Defense in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to the criminal justice process in Minnesota. Learn about arrest, charges, court hearings, plea options, sentencing, and your rights at every stage.

Where to Get Help

• Minnesota DVS (Driver and Vehicle Services): drive.mn.gov or call 651-297-3298 for license status, reinstatement requirements, and driving records
• Minnesota Judicial Branch: mncourts.gov for court information, online payments, and case lookup
• 211 (United Way): Dial 2-1-1 for referrals to legal aid and social services

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Minnesota have a points system? No. Minnesota does not assign points for traffic violations. Instead, the Department of Public Safety tracks your driving record, and the Commissioner has discretion to suspend your license based on the pattern and severity of violations under Minn. Stat. § 171.18 .

Will a speeding ticket go on my criminal record? No. Most speeding tickets are petty misdemeanors, which are not crimes under Minnesota law. They go on your driving record (maintained by DVS) but not on your criminal record. However, misdemeanor and higher traffic offenses are crimes and will appear on your criminal record.

How long do tickets stay on my driving record? Traffic violations generally remain on your Minnesota driving record for 5 years. However, certain serious offenses (like DUI) may stay on your record longer. Insurance companies typically look back 3 to 5 years when setting rates.

Can I go to traffic school to remove a ticket? Minnesota does not have a traffic school or defensive driving course that removes tickets from your driving record. Some insurance companies may offer a discount for completing a defensive driving course, but the violation itself stays on your record.

What happens if I do not pay my ticket? If you do not pay your ticket or respond by the deadline, the court may issue a warrant for your arrest, add a failure to appear charge, and notify DVS to suspend your license. Additional late fees may also apply.

Can I get a limited license if my license is suspended? In many cases, yes. A limited license allows you to drive for specific purposes like work, school, or treatment. You must apply through DVS or through the court. Not all suspensions qualify for a limited license — talk to DVS or an attorney about your situation.

What is the difference between suspension and revocation? Suspension temporarily removes your driving privileges — after the suspension period ends, your license is reinstated (though you may need to pay fees). Revocation cancels your license entirely — you must reapply for a new license after the revocation period and may need to retake your driving tests.

What if I was speeding but the speed limit sign was missing or obscured? This could be a defense. If there was no posted speed limit sign, the statutory speed limit applies (typically 30 mph in urban areas, 55 mph on rural highways). If a sign was obscured by vegetation or damage, document this with photos and raise it at your hearing.

Do I have to tell the officer where I was going during a traffic stop? No. You must provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. You do not have to answer questions about where you were going, where you came from, or whether you know how fast you were going. You have the right to remain silent.

What is an SR-22? An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. Your insurance company files it with DVS to prove you carry the required minimum insurance. It is commonly required after DUI revocations or driving-without-insurance convictions. It typically must be maintained for 3 years. The filing fee is small, but having an SR-22 requirement usually increases your insurance rates significantly.