Know Your Rights: Traffic Tickets and Driver's License in Minnesota

If you drive in Minnesota, you have legal rights when you get a traffic ticket, during a traffic stop, and if you face license suspension or revocation. Here is what you need to know.

Your Rights

1. Minnesota has no points system. Your license is not automatically suspended after a set number of tickets. Instead, the Commissioner of Public Safety has discretion to suspend your license for habitual violations. See Minn. Stat. § 171.18 .

2. You have the right to contest any traffic ticket. You can plead not guilty and have your case heard in court. You do not have to simply pay the fine.

3. Most traffic tickets are not crimes. The majority of traffic tickets — including most speeding tickets, red light violations, and seatbelt violations — are petty misdemeanors. A petty misdemeanor is not a crime under Minnesota law. It carries a fine but no jail time and does not go on your criminal record.

4. You must receive notice before your license is suspended. The Commissioner must give you at least 14 days written notice before a suspension takes effect. You have 20 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing. See Minn. Stat. § 171.18 .

5. You have the right to a jury trial for criminal traffic offenses. If your traffic charge is a misdemeanor or higher (such as driving after suspension, careless driving, or DUI), you have the right to an attorney and a jury trial.

6. You have the right to remain silent during a traffic stop. You must provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked. But you do not have to answer questions about where you are going, where you came from, or whether you know how fast you were going.

7. Driving after suspension is a crime. If your license is suspended, driving is a misdemeanor under Minn. Stat. § 171.24 — up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Do not drive on a suspended license.

8. You may be eligible for a limited license. If your license is suspended or revoked, you may be able to get a limited license to drive to work, school, or treatment. Contact DVS or talk to an attorney.

What to Do if You Get a Ticket

• Read the ticket carefully. Note the violation, the court, and the deadline to respond.
• Do not ignore the ticket. Missing the deadline can lead to additional charges, a warrant, and license suspension.
• Decide whether to pay or contest. Paying the fine is the same as pleading guilty. The violation goes on your driving record and may increase your insurance rates.
• If the charge is a misdemeanor or higher, talk to a lawyer first. Criminal traffic offenses can result in jail time and a criminal record.
• Keep the ticket and any related documents (photos of the scene, witness information, dash cam footage).

What to Do During a Traffic Stop

• Pull over safely as soon as you can.
• Turn off the engine and turn on your interior light if it is dark.
• Keep your hands visible — on the steering wheel is best.
• Provide your license, registration, and insurance when asked.
• Be polite but know your rights. You do not have to consent to a vehicle search. You do not have to answer questions beyond identifying yourself.
• Do not argue or resist. If you believe the stop is unlawful, challenge it later in court — not on the roadside.

What to Do if Your License Is Suspended

• Do not drive. Driving after suspension is a misdemeanor.
• Check your suspension notice for the reason, duration, and reinstatement requirements.
• Request a hearing within 20 days if you believe the suspension is wrong.
• Ask about a limited license if you need to drive to work or school.
• Pay any outstanding fines or fees and complete any required programs before applying for reinstatement.
• Contact DVS at 651-297-3298 or visit drive.mn.gov to check your license status.

Traffic Offense Levels

Level	Max Fine	Jail?	Crime?	Examples
Petty misdemeanor	$300	No	No	Speeding, red light, no seatbelt
Misdemeanor	$1,000	Up to 90 days	Yes	Driving after suspension, no insurance
Gross misdemeanor	$3,000	Up to 1 year	Yes	Some DUI, hit-and-run with injury
Felony	Varies	Years in prison	Yes	Vehicular homicide, repeat DUI

Important Deadlines

Deadline	What It Means
Ticket response deadline	Printed on your ticket — do not miss it or you may face additional charges and license suspension
14 days	Notice period before a license suspension takes effect
20 days	Time to request a hearing after receiving a suspension notice
60 days	Time to request a contested case hearing for implied consent (DUI) revocations

Get Help

• Minnesota DVS: drive.mn.gov or 651-297-3298
• Minnesota Judicial Branch: mncourts.gov for court information and online payments
• 211 (United Way): Dial 2-1-1 for legal aid referrals

For more detail: See our full guide on driver’s license and traffic tickets:

Driver's License and Traffic Tickets in Minnesota

A plain-language guide to traffic tickets, license suspension, revocation, and your rights as a driver in Minnesota.