Understanding The New Speed Enforcement Initiative In Minnesota

If feel the need... the need for speed, watch out, because you're now more likely to get caught in Minnesota if you're exceeding the speed limit.

Going faster than the posted speed limit is probably something we've *all* done at some point, right? Whether you're late for work, are trying to get to an event, or can't wait to get home, speeding is pretty common here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Speeding, though, is also something that can cause some tragic results, as well. Which is why you're now more likely to get a ticket if police in the Bold North catch you speeding on an interstate, state highway or street near your house.

SEE ALSO: What A Speeding Ticket Will Now Cost You in Minnesota

It's all because of an extra speed enforcement campaign the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MNDPS) just launched on May 1st. This extra enforcement involves over 300 law enforcement agencies across the state and means that officers, deputies, and troopers are all now on the lookout for those drivers who are putting the pedal to the metal in Minnesota.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

The MNDPS notes that there's a good reason why they started this campaign, which is set to run through September 2nd, 2025. It's because speed-related fatal crashes have been on the increase in Minnesota. Check out these sobering numbers:

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Minnesota speeding-related deaths by year

2024: 137
2023: 113
2022: 130
2021: 171
2020: 122

MNDPS says there have already been 10 speed-related crashes so fary this year, and notes that speed-related crashes can happen on any road at any time. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 87 percent of all speeding-related traffic fatalities occurred on non-interstate roadways in 2022.

This extra enforcement coincides with what MNDPS calls the '100 Deadliest Days' on Minnesota roads: the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day. MN DPS says that there were 151 fatalities during those two holidays last year, including 44 speed-related fatal crashes.