New options in Minnesota went into effect late in 2010 and early 2011 as to the process of handling fines if you get a traffic citation. The idea is to standardize the procedures statewide while making it easier and more streamlined to handle the volume of tickets. Here is some basic information on what to do if your stopped, how to pay your fines, and how you can contest the citation.

If you are pulled over, please remain in your car and keep your hands on the wheel or in view of the officer. Stop your vehicle as soon as practical to do so, don't make any sudden movements, or get out of your car.  Remember that a Law Enforcement Officer may read these behaviors as potentially threatening and react even if your intent is otherwise, so let the Officer come to you and comply with any instructions.

Nobody likes getting a ticket, but if it helps us change our habits or pay more attention to our driving, then we all will benefit from safer roadways. If you do receive a traffic ticket and the offense is payable, meaning you won't have to appear in court, the Officer will give you a card with the information on how and where to pay for the ticket. You should wait about 10 days from the date of the citation before making any type of payment.

There are phone numbers and a website address listed to answer your questions below: 

Those numbers are: 1 (800) 657-3611 for statewide or (651) 281-3219 for metro.

The website address is: www.mncourts.gov

Citations may be made out and paid by check (no cash) via regular mail to:

Minnesota Court Payment Center
PO BOX 898
Willmar, MN 56201
FAX: 320-231-6507

Citations may also be paid by Credit Card (MasterCard and Visa only) by visiting www.mncourts.gov or calling (800) 657-3611 toll free. Additional information on these options may be found on the Becker Co. Court webpage at: www.co.becker.state.mn.us

* If you want to plead guilty with an explanation or try to resolve the issue without going to trial, you can  
  request to speak with the local prosecutor handling the case. Call Court Administration at (218) 846-7305. 

* The amount of the traffic fine is no longer listed on citations. The Court Payment Center will inform you of
  what you will need to pay. 

* Certain violations require an appearance in court (Summons) and will be noted on the citation. Other types
  of violations require a long-form complaint to be drafted by the prosecuting attorney. In this type of situation,
  you will receive no ticket but will receive a summons via mail. The officer should explain this if your violation
  falls into one of these categories. 

Failure to pay fines or appear for court as directed may have serious consequences. You may face failure to appear charges, suspension of your driver's license (regardless of state), a warrant being issued for your arrest, referral to a collection agency, or all of the above.