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- Speeding tickets remain on your Minnesota driving record for about five years.
- Insurance companies often increase premiums after a speeding violation.
- The exact impact on your rates depends on your insurer, violation severity and driving history.
- Traffic violations can affect more than insurance — they’re recorded by the Minnesota DPS.
- Contesting a ticket can reduce long‑term effects.
In Minnesota, a speeding ticket typically remains on your driving record for five years. That record is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) and can be accessed by insurance companies, employers, or law enforcement agencies.
For serious violations — such as excessive speeding (20+ mph over the limit) or reckless driving — the record may persist longer or lead to additional consequences.
Wise Words- Most minor speeding tickets = 5 years
- Severe violations = potentially longer impact
- Records affect both insurance and licensing
Will a speeding ticket raise my insurance rates in Minnesota?
Yes — in most cases, a speeding ticket will raise your car insurance premium. Insurance companies use driving history as a key risk factor. Even a single ticket can result in a rate increase of 20% to 30%, depending on your insurer and prior record.
Factors that influence rate hikes:
- How fast you were driving over the limit
- Your previous violations (if any)
- Your age and insurance history
- The insurance company’s risk models
Some insurers offer accident forgiveness or minor violation waivers — it’s worth asking.
How do insurance companies in Minnesota view speeding violations?
Insurance carriers check your motor vehicle report (MVR), which includes all moving violations. Speeding is classified as a moving violation and typically signals higher risk. The more violations you have, the higher your premiums — or the more likely you are to be dropped from coverage.
For drivers under 25 or those with new licenses, a single ticket can have disproportionate effects.
Tip: Compare quotes after a ticket — some insurers penalize more harshly than others.
Can you get a speeding ticket removed from your driving record in Minnesota?
After five years, you may be able to request removal of a speeding ticket from your driving record — although this does not automatically happen. The Minnesota DPS doesn’t guarantee automatic expungement, but old violations eventually stop affecting insurance.
Here are your options:
- Contact Minnesota DPS to check eligibility for record clearing.
- Ask your insurer how long they consider violations in underwriting (some use three years instead of five).
- Contest or negotiate the ticket if it’s recent.
How to handle a speeding ticket: Pay or fight?
If you receive a speeding ticket, you have two primary options:
- Pay the fine, which counts as an admission of guilt.
- Contest the ticket in court — you might avoid points or even get the ticket dismissed.
If you’re unsure, consult a traffic lawyer — especially for high-speed or multiple offenses. Even reducing the violation (e.g., to a non-moving infraction) can help avoid insurance spikes.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Tickets in Minnesota
How long does a speeding ticket stay on my Minnesota driving record?
In Minnesota, a speeding ticket typically stays on your driving record for at least five years before you can request removal.
Will a speeding ticket always increase my car insurance rates?
Not always, but many insurers view speeding violations as a risk factor and may raise your premiums. The extent of the increase varies by company, driving history, and ticket severity.
Can a speeding ticket be removed from my record sooner?
After about five years, you may be able to request removal from your driving record, but this depends on Minnesota DPS procedures and whether the violation qualifies.
Does Minnesota have a point system for speeding violations?
Minnesota doesn’t use a points system the same way some states do, but violations are logged on your record and can influence insurance and license status.
What should I do after getting a speeding ticket in Minnesota?
You can pay the fine and accept the citation, or you can choose to contest it in court, which might help avoid a conviction on your record. Consulting legal options may also help depending on circumstances.
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