In Minnesota, a traffic ticket is generally a uniform summons and complaint that includes a notice of the right to contest certain citations. The ticket itself typically functions as the charging document and may state consequences for failing to appear. For some low-level infractions, local governments can use an administrative citation process that must include notice of the right to contest the citation to a neutral third party.
Because statutes treat different categories of traffic offenses differently (for example, juvenile offenders or administrative citations for specified minor infractions), the procedures available for contesting a ticket vary. People often request a hearing or return the ticket with a written plea or contest according to the instructions on the citation or local court rules to begin the contest process.
Current Minnesota law
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What Minnesota law says
Minnesota law requires a uniform traffic ticket form that acts as a summons and complaint, and the ticket must state the consequences for failing to appear in most cases under Minn. Stat. § 169.99. For certain low-level infractions a peace officer may issue an administrative citation and the uniform administrative citation must include notification of the right to contest the citation; local governments must provide a neutral third party to hear challenges under Minn. Stat. § 169.999. Juvenile traffic cases are handled under the juvenile provisions that distinguish major, adult-court, and juvenile-court traffic offenses, affecting which court and procedures apply, under Minn. Stat. § 260B.225.
What to do
A common first step is to read the citation and any instructions printed on the ticket about contesting or requesting a hearing.
A common option is to submit a written plea or contest letter and a hearing request following the instructions on the ticket or the court’s website.
A common next step is to contact the court listed on the ticket to learn local filing methods, deadlines, and whether an administrative contest process applies.
A common approach is to gather documents or evidence (for example, photos or repair records) people often bring to a hearing to support their position.
People sometimes appear in person or by the method specified by the court or administrative hearing officer to present their dispute.
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Common questions
Does a ticket count as a summons and complaint?
Yes, Minnesota law provides that the uniform traffic ticket generally serves as a summons and complaint under Minn. Stat. § 169.99.
Can I contest an administrative citation?
If the citation is one of the limited infractions authorized for administrative citation, the uniform administrative citation must notify the person of the right to contest and the local unit must provide a neutral third party to hear challenges, under Minn. Stat. § 169.999.
Are traffic violations by minors handled differently?
Yes, a minor’s traffic offense may be handled under juvenile procedures or in adult court depending on the child’s age and the type of offense, as described in Minn. Stat. § 260B.225.
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This page provides legal information about Minnesota law and not legal advice. CiteLaw is not a law firm and does not represent you. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.
