default.html.twig template not found for page: /resources/general-criminal-law/what-to-expect-with-unpaid-traffic-ticketsMost traffic violations in Minnesota are petty misdemeanors, which are non-criminal offenses carrying a fine of up to $300. However, certain violations are misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or felonies, each with significantly harsher consequences.
Under Minn. Stat. § 169.89, a traffic violation defaults to a petty misdemeanor unless the offense was committed in a way that endangered a person or property, or unless two or more petty misdemeanor convictions precede it within 12 months, in which case it can be elevated to a misdemeanor.
| Offense Level | Fine Range | Jail Time | Goes on Driving Record? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petty misdemeanor | Up to $300 + $75 surcharge | No | Yes (if traffic-related) |
| Misdemeanor | Up to $1,000 | Up to 90 days | Yes |
| Gross misdemeanor | Up to $3,000 | Up to 1 year | Yes |
| Felony (e.g., criminal vehicular homicide) | Varies | More than 1 year | Yes |
Important distinction: Parking tickets and expired tabs are non-moving violations. They do not go on your driving record and do not affect your insurance, but unpaid fines can still be sent to collections.
Paying a Minnesota traffic ticket is a formal guilty plea. Under Minnesota Rule of Criminal Procedure 23.03, you waive the right to trial, the right to counsel, and the right to contest the charge. The conviction is entered and certified to the MN Department of Public Safety.
According to the Minnesota Court Payment Center, drivers must pay or schedule a court appearance within 30 days of the date the citation is filed with the court. The ticket itself, the Minnesota Judicial Center, and the Court Payment Center are the authoritative sources on your specific deadline.
If you fail to pay or appear within 30 days of the court filing date for a petty misdemeanor, Minnesota law treats your absence as a guilty plea. The conviction is entered without a hearing, and the case may be referred to collections.
Under Minn. Stat. § 169.99, subd. 1(b), the uniform traffic ticket for petty misdemeanors must state that failure to appear is treated as a guilty plea and waiver of the right to trial, unless the failure to appear was due to circumstances beyond your control.
For misdemeanor-level offenses, failure to appear is different. It does not automatically result in a guilty plea, but it can trigger a bench warrant for your arrest. If you miss your deadline and want to contest the conviction, you must file a Motion to Withdraw a Guilty Plea and Vacate Conviction with the court and serve a copy on the prosecuting authority.
Missing a court appearance for a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor traffic citation can result in a bench warrant. Under Minn. R. Crim. P. 23, the court may also set bail in the amount of the unpaid fine. If you are stopped while a warrant is active, you can be taken into custody on the spot.
Key facts for Minnesota:
You have four main options: pay and accept the conviction, set up a payment plan, contest the ticket, or retain an attorney. The right choice depends on the violation level, your driving record, and your insurance situation.
Appropriate when the fine is small, the violation is a first offense, and the insurance impact is acceptable. Remember that payment is a formal guilty plea.
If you cannot pay in full, contact the Court Payment Center to request a $50/month payment plan. Eligibility requirements apply. This does not reduce the conviction; it only structures payment.
You have the right to appear in court and contest the charge before a hearing officer or judge. In Hennepin County, approximately 85% of defendants who meet with a hearing officer reach an agreement that avoids a full conviction. A continuance for dismissal with payment of prosecution costs is one common outcome. You must request a court date before paying the fine and before the 30-day deadline expires.
Contesting petty misdemeanors: Under Minn. Stat. § 169.91, you waive the right to a court hearing on a petty misdemeanor if you do not appear within 30 days. This deadline is strict.
An attorney is worth considering when:
An attorney can appear on your behalf at most court hearings, negotiate with prosecutors, and potentially reduce or dismiss charges before they reach your driving record.
Consult an attorney if your ticket is a misdemeanor or higher, if you have prior convictions that could compound the consequences, if a warrant may be active, or if your license is already suspended or revoked.
Since 1980, Bruno Law has handled all categories of Minnesota traffic violations, including DWI, careless driving, criminal vehicular operation, and license revocation matters. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to obtain the best available outcome.