Traffic Violations (611)
The good news in August of 2021 was that Minneapolis police stopped pulling over drivers for minor traffic violations such as not having a working license plate light, an item like dice dangling from a mirror, or expired tags. The good news didn’t stop there. The city also stopped prosecuting for driving after suspension when you had no accident or record of reckless driving behavior but it was suspended because you failed to pay for fines or fees.
For those traffic violations Minnesota does prosecute, there are two categories: petty misdemeanors or misdemeanors. Petty misdemeanors carry a maximum fine of up to $300. Misdemeanors can carry a fine of up to $1,000 as well as up to 90 days in jail.
The possible penalties for a traffic violation include fines, and loss of your driver’s license, including your commercial driver’s license.
While you may not need a traffic violations defense lawyer to help you with a parking ticket, you may need such an attorney for one of several felony traffic violations provided in the below table.
Type of Felony Traffic Violations
| Type of Felony Traffic Violation | Description |
| Vehicular homicide: | You’ve killed someone because of your actions behind the wheel. If the victim was a first responder, firefighter, or police officer, the severity of the charge might be changed. |
| Vehicular assault: | You’ve caused serious bodily injury to another person because of your actions behind the wheel. |
| Reckless driving: | You’ve endangered the safety of others by running red lights, speeding, or other dangerous behaviors. |
| Driving while impaired: | You’ve driven your vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Note that drugs include prescription drugs if they impair your motor functions or judgment. |
| Leaving the scene of an accident: | You’ve left the scene of an accident without providing aid or leaving your information. |
| Fleeing a police car: | During a traffic stop, you’ve attempted to flee from police. |
How Long Traffic Violations Remain On Your Record?
In most cases traffic, violations remain on your record for at least three years in Minnesota, but in some cases, they can remain for seven years. In the case of DUI, such a charge remains on your record for 10 years. However, the number of traffic violations you have may lengthen the amount of time they remain on your driving record.
Minnesota Does Not Enforce The Point System
Some states also add points to your driver’s license. Too many points lead to your license being suspended. But Minnesota is one of the few states that does not enforce the point system for traffic violations. Instead, penalties for traffic violations are usually a suspended driver’s license or revoked one. If you commit multiple violations, you may be required to attend traffic school or even have your license suspended. Some traffic violations can be considered a felony offenses, which can also result in fines and jail time.
Expunging Or Sealing Your Driving Record
Another reason you may need an experienced traffic violations defense lawyer is related to having your traffic violations expunged or sealed.
For example, you apply for employment that requires a driver’s license and a clean driving record. While you can petition the court to expunge or seal your driving record on your own, it is in your best interest to hire an experienced traffic violations lawyer who is familiar with the petitioning process in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
If you have been charged with a felony traffic violation or need assistance to expunge or seal your driving record in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it is in your best interest to hire Travis C. Thompson, an experienced traffic violations attorney, to fight for you. For your free consultation, please call (612) 305-8529.
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