Over 68,000 speeding tickets issued by Minnesota law enforcement

Minnesota law enforcement agencies joined forces in a four-month long campaign to prevent speeding. The goal is to stop speeders from putting their lives, but also the lives of others at risk. Law enforcement from 259 agencies across Minnesota cited 68,723 speeding tickets issued to drivers from May 1st through Sept. 2nd. Eight drivers were also cited for going 120 mph or more.

Officers, deputies, and troopers participated in the statewide extra enforcement and awareness campaign. The coordinated efforts was led the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). They receive funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but also the Minnesota Legislature.

“In a world where speeding has become all too common, it’s easy to forget that it steals lives,” said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “The staggering fact that over 68,000 speeding tickets were issued over four months. That’s only the people who were caught, highlights the severity of the issue. We must prioritize safety over speed. No destination is worth the risk of losing a life.”

Law enforcement were also on the lookout for drivers impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications or other substances this summer. During the Labor Day DWI campaign from Aug. 16 through Sept. 2, officers, deputies and troopers arrested 1,235 drivers for driving impaired.

Speed and DWI are two of the leading causes of fatalities on our roads. Unfortunately, deaths on Minnesota roads are more than 11 percent higher than this time last year. There have been 322 Fatalities as of Sept. 20 in comparison to 286 deaths in 2023.

Through Sept. 15, preliminary numbers show speed has contributed to 94 deaths on Minnesota roads this year compared to 81 at the same time last year. Alcohol has contributed to 80 deaths compared to 82 at the same time last year. Also for other crime stories you can read more here.