Minnesota’s Crack Down on Speeding Leads to Nearly 19,000 Tickets Last Month
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Law Enforcement from 300 agencies in Minnesota cited nearly 19,000 drivers for speeding during extra speed enforcement during the month of July.
The southeast region of the state saw some of the most citations written. The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office led greater Minnesota as the agency with the most number of citations written with 196. State Troopers in the Rochester area led the Minnesota State Patrol districts in the number of citations written with 1,353, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Officers, deputies, and troopers participated in the statewide extra enforcement and awareness campaign coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety that lasted the month of July. Law enforcement cited 18,983 drivers for speed violations during the campaign.
The Minnesota DPS said during the campaign, 37 agencies reported speeds of 100mph or more including the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office reporting one vehicle traveling 130 mph. Other speeds include:
- 140 mph – Cambridge Police Department
- 128 mph – Minnetonka Police Department
- 128 mph – Minnesota State Patrol District 2700 (Duluth)
- 127 mph – Shakopee Police Department
In 2021, 166 motorists died in speed-related crashes, which is the most since 2003. During the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads in the past five years (2017-2021), preliminary numbers show that 196 people lost their lives in speed-related crashes. The DPS said speed has contributed to an average of 113 deathers per year over the past five years.
In 2022, preliminary numbers show 224 fatalities on Minnesota roads compared with 253 this time last year (as of July 31).
Agencies With the Highest Number of Citations
Metro
- 402 Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office
- 385 St. Paul Police Department
- 294 Edina Police Department
- 280 Eden Prairie Police Department
- 199 Airport Police Department
- 199 Carver County Sheriff’s Office
Greater Minnesota
- 196 Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office
- 195 Wright County Sheriff’s Office
- 188 Isanti County Sheriff’s Office
- 134 Motley Police Department
- 131 Elk River Police Department
Minnesota State Patrol
- 1,353 MN State Patrol – District 2100 (Rochester)
- 1,309 MN State Patrol - District 2500 (Golden Valley)
- 1,141 MN State Patrol – District 2400 (Oakdale)
- 1,092 MN State Patrol – District 2700 (Duluth)
- 1,058 MN State Patrol – District 2600 (St. Cloud)
The Minnesota DPS reminds drivers that a citation may affect a person’s bank account, driving record, or insurance rates, but the resulting change in behavior can be a lifesaver.
The cost of a speeding violation will vary by county, but it will typically cost a driver more than $110 with court fees for traveling 10 mph over the limit. Fines double for those speeding 20 mph over the limit and drivers can lose their license for six months for going 100 mph or more.