How to Use the Dimler Amendment to Keep a Minnesota Speeding Ticket Off Your Record
Under Minnesota's Dimler Amendment, a low-level speeding ticket (such as going up to 10 mph over on a 55 mph highway) will not go on your driving record. This keeps your insurance rates from skyrocketing, and the process is often automatic when paying the standard fine of roughly $120 to $150.
What is the Dimler Amendment in Minnesota?
Getting pulled over for speeding is a stressful experience that usually leads to panic about expensive insurance rate hikes. However, Minnesota has a unique legal loophole designed to protect everyday drivers who make minor mistakes. This rule is commonly called the Dimler Amendment, named after the state representative who sponsored it. Codified under Minn. Stat. § 171.12, this law dictates that certain low-level speeding violations are recorded by the courts but are intentionally hidden from the public driving record maintained by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, St. Paul.
Because the ticket is kept off your public record, your auto insurance company will never see it. This means your insurance premiums will not increase. Whether you were pulled over in Minneapolis, Duluth, or Rochester, understanding how and when this amendment applies is the easiest way to protect your wallet after a traffic stop.
Specific Scenarios and Micro-Niches
The Dimler Amendment is not a free pass to speed everywhere. The law has very specific speed limits and conditions attached to it. If you exceed these limits by even one mile per hour, the violation goes on your permanent record.
The 10 MPH Over Rule on 55/60 MPH Limits
The most common application of the Dimler Amendment involves rural highways and state routes. Under Minn. Stat. § 171.12, the law distinguishes between speed limits: it applies to speeding up to 10 mph over on 55 mph roads, but only up to 5 mph over on 60 mph roads. For example, driving 64 mph in a 55 mph zone or 65 mph in a 60 mph zone qualifies to stay off your record, whereas going 66 mph in a 60 mph zone will be recorded. The court at the Hennepin County District Court, Minneapolis will collect your fine money, but the state will not add the qualifying ticket to your driving history.
Why it Doesn't Apply to School or Work Zones
The Dimler Amendment under Minn. Stat. § 171.12 does not protect drivers in school zones or work zones because its statutory relief strictly applies to highways with posted limits of 55 mph or 60 mph. School zones are governed separately under Minn. Stat. § 169.14, which establishes reduced speed limits (typically 15 to 25 mph) that fall entirely outside the amendment. Similarly, highway work zones are regulated by Minn. Stat. § 169.14 and carry mandatory fine enhancements. Speeding in either zone will be recorded on your driving record immediately. Furthermore, Minn. Stat. § 171.12 excludes commercial motor vehicles (CMV) and commercial driver's license (CDL) holders to adhere to federal standards.
Insurance Premium Protection
For most drivers, the fine itself is annoying, but the resulting insurance hike is devastating. A standard speeding ticket can increase your premiums by 20% to 30% for up to three years. The Dimler Amendment is a statutory shield against this. You do not even need to inform your insurance agent about the ticket because, legally, it does not exist on your public abstract.
How Out-of-State Drivers Can Invoke It
If you live in Wisconsin, Iowa, or another state but get a ticket while visiting Minnesota, the Dimler Amendment still applies to the incident. When you pay the fine to a Minnesota court, such as the Ramsey County District Court, St. Paul, Minnesota will not report the ticket to the national driver registry system. Therefore, your home state will never find out about the infraction, and your out-of-state insurance remains safe.
How Much Does a Speeding Ticket Cost?
Even if the ticket is kept off your record, you still have to pay the fine. The costs generally break down as follows:
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Base Speeding Fine (1-10 mph over) | $40 to $50 |
| State Surcharge (Mandatory) | $75 |
| Law Library Fee | $5 to $15 |
| Total Estimated Out-of-Pocket | $120 to $140 |
We recommend looking through our US Lawyers directory if you have multiple tickets and need a local traffic defense attorney to help negotiate your fines.
How Long Does It Stay on Your Record?
If your ticket qualifies for the Dimler Amendment, it never goes on your public record. It will remain in the internal court system database (MNCIS) permanently so that judges and prosecutors can see it, but insurance companies and employers pulling a background check will see a clean driving history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to go to court to get the Dimler Amendment?
No. If your speed falls within the qualifying limits (like 64 mph in a 55 mph zone), the Dimler Amendment is applied automatically when you pay the fine online or by mail.
Does the Dimler Amendment apply to Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL)?
No. If you hold a CDL, or if you were driving a commercial vehicle at the time of the stop, you are completely excluded from the Dimler Amendment. All tickets will go on your public record.
What if the speed limit was 30 mph?
The Dimler Amendment does not apply to speed limits below 55 mph. Any conviction for speeding in a 30 mph zone (even 1 mph over the limit) is reported to the state and recorded on your public driving record.
Will a Dimler ticket trigger a license suspension if I have too many?
No. Because Dimler tickets are not added to your public driving record, they do not count toward the number of violations that trigger an administrative license suspension by the Department of Public Safety.
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!