Traffic Ticket FAQ in Minnesota

How many days do I have to pay my MN traffic ticket?

In most districts you have 30 days. But Hennepin County (District 4) has a 21-day limit. This information will be posted on your traffic ticket.

What will happen if I don't pay my traffic ticket?

You will be assessed a $5 late fee. If you're 45 days delinquent, the court will tack on an additional $45 late fee. Any subsequent delays will prompt the court to notify the DVS to suspend your MN driver's license.

How come the court shows no record of my ticket when I attempt to pay online?

There may be several reasons:

• Your ticket has not been entered into the court's database. Depending on the court, it may take days, or sometimes weeks, for the ticket to be filed.
• You may have entered an incorrect citation number―try again.
• You are on the wrong online pay site. See our Paying Your Traffic page for a list of online pay sites.
• If you are younger than 18 you may be required to appear in Juvenile Court.

What happens if I miss my court date?

Your MN driver's license may be suspended and the court may issue a bench warrant for your arrest.

Can I reschedule a court date?

You will need to contact the court to request a continuance. The sooner you call the better the chances of having your request honored.

Can I arrange for a payment plan?

In most cases, yes. Call the Minnesota Court Payment Center to make a payment plan. Dial (651) 281-3219 if you live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, or (800) 657-3611 if you reside outside of the metro area.

If I pay my MN traffic ticket, will it appear on my driving record?

Unless it's a non-certifiable offense (parking ticket, license plate violation, etc) it will appear on your driving record.

How many traffic tickets can I get before my driver's license is suspended?

Your Minnesota driver's license will be suspended for 30 days if after being sent a violation-warning letter you commit four traffic offenses within a 12-month period or five traffic offenses within a 24-month period. Or for 90 days if you're convicted of five offenses within a 12-month period or six traffic offenses within a 24-month period.

Are traffic ticket fine amounts uniform throughout the state?

Fine amounts differ by county due to varying surcharges and law library fees. The fine amount should be listed on your citation. If you have questions, call the Minnesota Court Payment Center at (800) 657-3611, or at (651) 281-3219 if you reside in the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.

What do I do if I lost my traffic ticket?

Learn what to do on our {I{1442Lost Traffic Ticket} page.

Why should I enroll in a driver improvement clinic?

Besides making yourself a more defensive driver, completing one of these courses may qualify you for a discount on your car insurance rates. Check with your auto insurance company if it honors this discount. If not, you may want to shop around online for a new provider by comparing rates from a variety of auto insurance companies.

Why should I hire a traffic ticket attorney

With perhaps your Minnesota driving privileges at stake, a traffic ticket lawyer's expertise could mean the difference between you driving or waiting out a suspended driver's license. Traffic lawyers understand the ways of the court, increasing your chances for reduced charges or even dismissal.