What you pay for a Minnesota speeding ticket
A Minnesota speeding ticket costs you a base fine plus court fees, and the total depends on how far over the limit you were driving. The base fine ranges from $40 for driving 1 to 10 miles per hour over the limit, up to $300 for driving 40 miles per hour or more over the limit. On top of that, Hennepin County (Minneapolis area) adds about $75 to $100 in court processing fees, while other counties vary — some add $50, others add $150 or more.
The court fee is separate from the fine itself and goes to the county to cover the cost of processing your case. You pay both amounts when you resolve the ticket, whether you pay it directly, go to court, or work out a payment plan. The total bill typically ranges from $115 to $400 depending on the speed violation and which county issued the ticket.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota base fines for speeding start at $40 for 1–10 mph over the limit and increase to $300 for 40+ mph over the limit.
- Court fees vary by county but typically add $50 to $150 on top of the base fine.
- You can pay the ticket by mail, in person at the courthouse, or online through the county's payment system.
- If you cannot pay the full amount at once, you can request a payment plan or ask the court about a reduced fine based on your income.
How Minnesota calculates the base fine
Minnesota law sets a fixed base fine for each speed range. Driving 1 to 10 mph over the limit costs $40. Driving 11 to 20 mph over costs $100. Driving 21 to 30 mph over costs $200. Driving 31 to 40 mph over costs $250. Driving 40 mph or more over the limit costs $300. These are the amounts the state legislature set, and they do not change based on your driving record or where you were cited.
The officer writes the speed you were traveling and the posted limit on the ticket. The fine is determined by the difference between those two numbers. If you were going 48 in a 35, that is 13 mph over, which falls in the 11–20 range and triggers the $100 base fine.
Court fees and where they go
After the base fine, the county adds a court fee to cover the cost of processing your case. This fee is not set by state law — each county sets its own amount. Hennepin County charges approximately $75 to $100. Ramsey County (St. Paul area) charges around $90 to $110. Smaller counties may charge $50 to $75. The fee appears as a separate line item on your ticket or court paperwork.
Some counties also add a surcharge for the Driver and Vehicle Services fund, which supports road safety programs. This is typically $10 to $20 and is listed separately from both the fine and the court fee. Always check your ticket or the county court website to see the exact breakdown for your location.
Paying your ticket by mail or online
Most Minnesota counties allow you to pay a speeding ticket without going to court. Look at the back of your ticket — it will list the payment methods and the address or website where you can pay. Many counties now accept online payment through their court website, which is the fastest option. You enter your ticket number, date of birth, and driver's license number, then pay by credit card or bank account.
If you prefer to pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address listed on the ticket. Include your ticket number and driver's license number with your payment. Mail payments take longer to process — typically 7 to 10 business days — so if you are close to a important date, use online payment or pay in person at the courthouse.
Paying the ticket without contesting it means you are admitting to the violation. This will appear on your driving record and may affect your insurance rates. If you want to dispute the ticket or ask for a reduced fine, you must appear in court or request a court date in writing.
Payment plans and hardship options
If you cannot pay the full amount at once, contact the courthouse listed on your ticket and ask about a payment plan. Most Minnesota counties will set up a plan that lets you pay in installments over several months. You typically need to make the first payment when you set up the plan, then pay the remaining balance in equal monthly amounts. There is usually no extra fee for a payment plan, though some counties charge a small administrative fee.
If you are experiencing financial hardship, you can request that the court reduce the fine based on your income. This is called a mitigation hearing. You will need to show proof of your income, expenses, and dependents — recent pay stubs, tax returns, and a list of monthly bills help. The judge will decide whether to lower the fine or keep it as written. This does not erase the violation from your record, but it can reduce what you owe.
How a speeding ticket affects your insurance
A speeding conviction in Minnesota stays on your driving record for three years. During that time, your insurance company can see it and may raise your rates. The amount of the increase depends on your insurer and your driving history. A first speeding ticket typically raises rates by 10 to 15 percent, though some companies charge more. If you have multiple violations, the increase is steeper.
Some insurance companies offer a discount if you complete a defensive driving course. The course is usually online, takes 4 to 6 hours, and costs $20 to $50. After you finish, you submit a certificate to your insurance company. This does not remove the ticket from your record, but it may reduce the rate increase or prevent one altogether. Check with your insurer to see if they offer this discount.
Contesting a speeding ticket in court
If you believe the ticket was issued in error, you can request a court date and contest it. Write to the courthouse listed on your ticket and ask for a trial date. Include a brief explanation of why you are contesting the ticket — for example, if the speed limit sign was obscured, or if you believe the officer's radar or laser reading was inaccurate. The court will schedule a date, usually 4 to 8 weeks out.
At trial, the officer must prove you were speeding. They will testify about how they measured your speed and what they observed. You have the right to ask questions and present your own evidence. If the officer does not show up, the ticket is usually dismissed. If the judge finds you not guilty, you owe nothing. If the judge finds you guilty, you must pay the fine and court fees, and the conviction stays on your record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a Minnesota speeding ticket online?
Most Minnesota counties accept online payment through their court website. Go to the county court's website, enter your ticket number and driver's license information, and pay by credit card or bank account. Check the back of your ticket for the website address or call the courthouse to confirm they offer online payment.
What happens if I don't pay my speeding ticket?
If you do not pay within the important date on your ticket, the court may suspend your driver's license and add late fees. You may also face a failure-to-pay charge, which is a separate violation. The court will send you a notice before suspending your license, so watch your mail. Contact the courthouse when ready if you miss a payment important date.
Does a speeding ticket go on my permanent record?
A speeding conviction stays on your Minnesota driving record for three years. After three years, it is no longer visible to insurance companies or most employers. However, law enforcement can still see it in their system. It does not affect your criminal record unless the speeding was part of a more serious charge.
Can I get a speeding ticket dismissed?
You can request a trial and ask the judge to dismiss the ticket if you believe it was issued in error. The officer must prove you were speeding. If they do not appear at trial or if the judge finds the evidence insufficient, the ticket may be dismissed. However, straightforward requesting a trial does not may provide dismissal.
How much does a defensive driving course cost in Minnesota?
Defensive driving courses typically cost $20 to $50 and take 4 to 6 hours to complete, usually online. After you finish, you receive a certificate to submit to your insurance company. Some insurers offer a discount for completing the course, though it does not remove the ticket from your record.