Administration

Paying a Traffic Ticket

If you have received a Traffic Citation in the City of St. Louis Park, you have several options:

1. Pay the fine amount indicated on the back side of the citation. If the fine amount is not listed, call the Violations Bureau at 612-348-2040 or check the court website at www.mncourts.gov/district/4

2. Plead not guilty pursuant to the instructions on the ticket and set the matter for a Court hearing (which would occur at the Southdale Courthouse, 7009 York Avenue South, Edina, MN)

3. See a Hearing Officer.

What is a Hearing Officer?
A Hearing Officer works for the Violations Bureau at the District Court. A Hearing Officer has the authority to settle a number of designated violations on behalf of the City of St. Louis Park. If you choose to see a Hearing Officer, the Hearing Officer will review your driving record, the citation you’ve received and listen to your version of events. If this is your first driving violation, you may be eligible to keep the violation off of your driving record if you meet certain criteria, as determined by the Hearing Officer.

What "designated offenses" can the Hearing Officer handle?
First-time petty traffic offenses, which include (but are not limited to):
1. Speeding
2. Stop sign violations
3. Stop light violations
4. Illegal turns
5. Illegal lane changes
6. Traveling the wrong direction.

Where can I see a Hearing Officer?
Hennepin County District Courthouse
Southdale 7009 York Avenue South, Edina, MN 55435
By appointment only! (612-543-0400)
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Hennepin County Government Center
Minneapolis 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487
By appointment (612-348-2040) or walk-in’s available Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Fines may either be paid in person at the Southdale Court or mailed to the address on the ticket. The Police Department cannot accept the payment. Some violations - such as DUI, reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, and no insurance - require a court appearance. Failure to respond to a ticket within 14 days will result in increased penalties and fees. In addition, a Warrant for Arrest may be issued and your driver's license may be suspended.