I got a ticket for no seat belt in MN. The cop said it won't go on my record and also won't go on my insurance record. I have clean record otherwise. Is he right that the offense won't go on my record in Minnesota or effect insurance?

Minnesota statute 169.686 (SEAT BELT USE REQUIRED; PENALTY) states that a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped is required of the driver of a passenger vehicle, or commercial motor vehicle; a passenger riding in the front seat of a passenger vehicle or commercial motor vehicle; and a passenger riding in any seat of a passenger vehicle who is older than three but younger than 11 years of age.

A person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates this statute is subject to a fine of $25. The driver of the passenger vehicle or commercial motor vehicle
in which the violation occurred is subject to a $25 fine for a violation. This law is a secondary one, though there is a push in the MN legislature to make it primary, meaning a peace officer may not issue a citation for a violation of this section unless the officer lawfully stopped or detained the driver of the motor vehicle for a moving violation other than a violation involving motor vehicle equipment.

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The MN Department of Public Safety does not record a violation of this seat belt law on a person's driving record. The DPS explains that fines collected from violations of this law go into a dedicated account that goes mostly to the emergency medical service districts. These EMS districts are to use the monies received for personnel education and training, equipment and vehicle purchases, and operational expenses of emergency life support transportation service.

Since this violation in Minnesota does not go on your driving record the insurance company would not see it on your MVR so usually would not rate on it. If you do inform your insurer of this offense it would likely be minor to them since it only comes with a fine and is a secondary violation. Since insurance company rating systems differ to be certain how your insurance carrier would deal with this citation you should ask your insurance agent.