Minnesota Stoplight Cameras: Ticket Or No Ticket?

Minnesota outlaws red light cameras, but that doesn't mean you won't get a ticket for running a red light. Red light cameras capture photo and video evidence of traffic violations at city intersections, and while many states use these cameras to reduce fatal accidents, 19 states outlaw their use. Minnesota is one of them. However, if you are observed by a traffic officer or two officers working in tandem, you can still get a ticket.

Red light cameras are illegal in Minnesota

For a red light violation to be enforced, two officers are required—one to observe the lights and the other to pursue the offending vehicle. This means that while red light cameras are illegal, traffic cameras can be used in the citation process. However, the officer must pull over the driver and cite them in person to prove who is driving.

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that red light camera laws, which ticketed the vehicle owner and not the driver, were in conflict with state law. This ruling has made it difficult for cities to implement red light cameras as they would need to invest in more sophisticated cameras that can determine the driver's identity.

Despite the illegality of red light cameras in Minnesota, running a red light is still an offence and can result in a ticket and fines of up to $300.

You can still get a ticket for running a red light

While red light cameras are illegal in Minnesota, you can still get a ticket for running a red light. The state uses "blue lights", or red light enforcement lights, to capture signal violators. A blue light camera consists of a pair of blue lights attached to the back of a traffic pole that lights up when a car enters a guided intersection after the light turns red. Two officers work together to issue tickets at a "blue light" intersection: one observes the lights, and the other follows any vehicles that run the red light.

If you are observed running a red light by a Minnesota traffic officer, you will get a ticket. Depending on where you are, you could also get a serious charge of reckless driving. Violating any of these traffic laws leads to a ticket for a petty misdemeanour, with fines of up to $300, plus surcharges and points added to your license.

In Minnesota, motorists must come to a complete stop at a red light (solid or flashing) or a stop sign before reaching a marked limit line, entering the crosswalk at the near side of the intersection, or entering the intersection itself. However, Minnesota law allows motorists to make a right turn after stopping at a red light, unless there is a sign indicating that the turn is prohibited. Motorists must still use caution and follow right-of-way rules when making a right on red.

In Minnesota, a motorist can make a left turn after stopping at a red light only from a one-way street onto another one-way street. Motorists need to follow the normal right-of-way rules and proceed with caution when making the turn. A steady yellow light is a warning that the light is about to turn red, and motorists are allowed to enter an intersection while the light is still yellow, but not after it has turned red.

Two officers are required to enforce red light violations

While red light cameras are illegal in Minnesota, you can still be ticketed for running a red light. Red light cameras capture photo and video evidence of traffic violations at city intersections. Many states use these cameras to reduce the rate of fatal accidents at busy intersections. However, Minnesota is one of the 19 states that outlaws red light cameras.

If you are observed by two officers while running a red light, you can still get a ticket. One officer observes the lights, and the other pursues the offending vehicle. This is because, in Minnesota, the state uses red light enforcement lights, also called blue lights, to enforce red light violations. Two blue lights are attached to the back of a traffic light pole and light up when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red.

You could end up owing $300 in fines for a red light ticket in Minnesota. If you feel you have been mistakenly ticketed, you can either admit guilt and pay the fine, or challenge the ticket in court.

The state uses 'blue lights' to capture signal violators

In Minnesota, red light cameras are illegal. Instead, the state uses red light enforcement lights, also known as blue lights, to enforce red light violations. These blue lights are attached to the backside of a traffic light pole and light up when a vehicle enters the intersection after the light has turned red.

The blue lights help officers catch motorists who run a red light in a more efficient and safe manner. They come on when the signal turns red, allowing officers to see which vehicle has entered the intersection. This way, the officer can be facing the right direction to pull over the vehicle for a citation.

The use of blue lights for traffic enforcement has been implemented in other states as well, and it is believed to improve road safety and reduce accidents. In Minnesota, the blue lights were installed at several intersections, including Highways 210 and 371, and Highway 371 and Crow Wing County Highway 48.

The installation of the blue lights in Minnesota was a joint effort between the Brainerd Toward Zero Deaths group, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and local law enforcement agencies. The goal was to improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by red-light runners.

It is worth noting that while red-light cameras are illegal in Minnesota, you can still receive a ticket for running a red light. Two officers are required to enforce red-light running laws, with one observing the lights and the other pursuing the offending vehicle.

You can challenge a ticket in court

Minnesota outlaws red light cameras, but that doesn't mean you won't be fined for running a red light. If you are observed by two officers, you can still get a ticket. You could end up owing $300 in fines for a red light ticket in Minnesota. If you feel you've been mistakenly ticketed, you can challenge it in court.

Challenging a Ticket in Court

Minnesota residents have the right to appear in court to fight a traffic ticket. They also have the right to request a jury trial. The recipient of the ticket may decide to either self-represent in court or get the services of an attorney. Fighting a ticket in a Minnesota court of law gives the recipient the chance to avoid the penalties of a driving conviction.

The procedure for fighting a ticket in Minnesota varies from county to county. However, the procedural framework is the same:

Interested parties are typically expected to visit the applicable courthouse to schedule an appearance with the court within 30 days of receiving the citation. The following counties provide hearing officer appointments to persons who wish to contest their tickets: Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota, and Washington. Hearing officers assess the case and provide options based on the merit of the case and any previous violation record. Available options for clearing a ticket are:

• Guilty plea with explanation
• Installment payment arrangement
• Dismissal with payment of prosecution costs

For other counties, contact the local court for more information.

Defendants may appeal their case if the hearing officer’s options do not favor them. If all the aforementioned options fail or the defendant insists on a court appearance, the hearing officer may set the case for a trial by the laws regarding misdemeanor traffic violations. Hearings for petty offenses may be held within 30 days of setting the trial date; if not, the defendant may lose the right to one, according to the statutes regarding the trial of traffic cases.

Attendance at a court hearing is mandatory unless there is adequate representation by an attorney. Hearing Officer appointments are made possible by remote technology or by mail. Eligible parties can schedule one by contacting the Court Payment Center. For a remote technology appointment, parties are usually required to have the following:

• Valid and current photo ID (birth certificates are not acceptable)
• Evidence of vehicle insurance. A cover letter from the company or a copy of the policy is acceptable
• Accident report, if applicable
• Coloured copy of photo proof of correction of equipment violations, license plates, and relevant receipts
• Original copy of disability permit, if applicable
• Presence of parent or guardian (with juvenile offenders)

The system allows persons other than the ticketed party to meet the hearing officer as per parking violations. Mail hearings typically require:

• A clear, readable copy of the driver’s license
• A copy of the citation
• A statement of the circumstances of the offense

Note that these options are usually only applicable to payable citations.

Frequently asked questions