Running a red light in Minneapolis, Minnesota, can lead to more than just a close call in terms of a car accident at an intersection. It can also lead to a traffic ticket with fines and fees that add up quickly. If you were caught by a police officer or received a citation through the state’s red light camera program, it helps to know what you’re up against financially and how a red light violation could affect you down the road.
Continue reading this blog post to learn about how much a red light ticket costs in the City of Minneapolis.
Red Light Traffic Laws in Minnesota
Minnesota Statute Section 169.06 is one of the primary laws that governs traffic signals throughout the state. When a traffic light turns red, drivers are required to come to a complete stop before entering the intersection. You must remain stopped until the light turns green, unless you are making a permitted right turn on red after coming to a full stop and yielding the right of way.
Rolling through a red light or misjudging a yellow are just a couple of examples of behaviors that can result in a citation. Law enforcement officers can pull you over on the spot, though automated red light cameras may also capture the violation.
Minnesota’s Red Light Camera Pilot Program
Minnesota launched a red light camera pilot program on October 1, 2025, which is set to run through July 2029. Under this program, cameras installed at certain intersections capture vehicles that run red lights and issue citations by mail.
The fine structure under the pilot program is tiered based on the driver’s history and the severity of the violation. A first-time offense generally results in a warning rather than a fine. If a driver is caught going 10 miles per hour or more over the speed limit while running the red light, the fine is $40. For speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour over the limit, that amount jumps to $80.
These fines may seem relatively low compared to traditional traffic tickets, but repeat violations can add up over time. It is also worth highlighting that citations issued through the camera program may carry different implications than those issued by an officer during a traffic stop.
What Should I Do After Receiving a Red Light Ticket?
If you receive a red light ticket in Minneapolis, you generally have a few concrete options. You can pay the fine and accept the violation on your record, or you can contest the ticket in court if you believe the citation was issued unfairly.
Some drivers choose to attend a traffic safety course as well, which may help reduce the impact on their record depending on the circumstances. However, this option is not available in every case, so it is worth looking into your specific situation before making a decision.
Contact a Minneapolis Car Accident Lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys for Legal Help After an Accident
Red light violations are one of the leading causes of intersection accidents. If you were recently involved in a crash caused by another driver who ran a red light in Minneapolis, you may be entitled to compensation for both your economic and non-economic damages.
For more information, please contact an experienced Minnesota car accident lawyer at Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in Minnesota, including Minneapolis, St. Cloud, and Edina.
We proudly serve Hennepin County, Stearns County, and its surrounding areas:
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Minneapolis
825 Nicollet Mall, Suite 615
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(800) 292-1979
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.97514068188609, -93.27349979814521
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – St. Cloud
1010 W St Germain St # 320
St Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-1000
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 45.55903612908877, -94.16420517306956
Hall Law Personal Injury Attorneys – Edina
5200 Willson Rd #203
Edina, MN 55424
(952) 697-5560
Find us with our GeoCoordinates: 44.90963991439301, -93.34937342327198
