Use the drop down menu below to find information about contesting a ticket in Hennepin, Ramsey or Washington counties. If you wish to contest a citation issued in a county other than Hennepin, Ramsey or Washington, please contact the
All Other Counties
If you wish to contest a citation issued in a county other than Hennepin, Ramsey or Washington, please contact the local court for assistance.
Hennepin (Fourth District)
If you wish to contest a citation issued in Hennepin County, staff at the MN Court Payment Center are available to discuss the appointment options for meeting with a Hearing Officer.
The MN Court Payment Center is available between 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press five (5) at the prompt for a Call Center Representative.
Twin Cities Metro Area: (651) 281-3219
Outstate Area: (800) 657-3611
You may talk with a Hearing Officer about your "payable" citation. A Hearing Officer is authorized by the Court to hear payable cases and provide options. Depending on the facts of your case and your violation history, some of the options they may be able to offer include:
- Plead guilty with an explanation,
- a reduced fine amount,
- a payment plan to pay the citation over time,
- a continuance for dismissal with payment of prosecution costs,
- set your case for arraignment.
If a case does not settle with a Hearing Officer, a person has the right to ask for a court hearing. A person always has this right with
misdemeanor offenses, however, if the offense is a
petty misdemeanor, this right to a court hearing is waived if the defendant does not appear within 30 days as provided in
MN Statutes § 169.91.
How to Meet with a Hearing Officer
Walk-in
On a first come first served basis, you may meet with a Hearing Officer at the Hearings & Fines Management office located on the skyway level of the Hennepin Co. Government Center in downtown Minneapolis.
By Appointment
Call the MN Court Payment Center to schedule an appointment to meet with a Hearing Officer. Appointments are available at several District Court locations.
*NOTE: Free parking is available at the
suburban court locations.
Division 1
Hennepin County Government Center
300 South 6th Street- Skyway Level
Hearings & Fines Management Office
Minneapolis, MN 55487
map
Division 2
Brookdale Regional Service Center
6125 Shingle Creek Parkway
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
map
Division 3
Ridgedale Regional Service Center
12601 Ridgedale Drive
Minnetonka, MN 55305
map
I have an appointment to meet with a Hearing Officer but now I cannot make it. What can I do?
If you call MN Court Payment Center
before the appointment, you may request a
"continuance" (reschedule) to reschedule the appointment. If you cannot appear for your scheduled appointment, you
must go to the Hennepin Co. Govt. Center location in downtown Minneapolis for a "walk-in" appearance.
What should I bring with me to the appointment with the Hearing Officer?
• Photo identification. A birth certificate is NOT an acceptable form of identification.
• Proof of insurance documentation for the vehicle, letter from the insurance company, or copy of the insurance policy, if applicable
• Color, photographic proof and receipts showing equipment violations have been corrected, if applicable
• Photographic proof of front and back license plate violations have been corrected, if applicable
• The actual disability permit, a photograph is not sufficient, if applicable.
What happens in the appointment with the Hearing Officer?
Check in at the front counter upon arrival at the hearing office at the Hearings & Fines Management Office. Check-in is not required at the suburban hearing officer locations.
The Hearing Officer (not a judge) will review the citation(s), defendant’s violation history, court history, driving record and other information relevant to the citation(s) being contested, and will listen to the defendant's explanation of the circumstances. The Hearing Officer will explain the consequences of the violation(s), including fines.
NOTE: It is not possible to have a trial with evidence at this meeting because a trial can only take place in court with a judge.
The Hearing Officer will explain the guidelines for settling the citation(s) and will determine what options the defendant may have in his or her case. The defendant may ask questions about the options, but the Hearing Officer cannot give opinions or advice about the defendant’s decision. A plan is then made for the defendant to meet the terms of the settlement, and when all of the requirements are completed, the citation matter is settled.
Can I appeal a decision made by a Hearing Officer? The decision of a Hearing Officer is usually the result of the discussion with the defendant about the citation and the possible options to settle it. If you do not like the decision, you may ask that the citation be set for court, unless you waived your right to a court hearing under
MN Statutes § 169.91. That statute says that if you fail to appear for a
petty misdemeanor within 30 days, you have waived your right to court and plead guilty to the charge.
What happens if I pay my citation, but I have a hearing scheduled?
If you have scheduled a
hearing officer appointment, but decided to pay your citation prior to the appointment, please call the MN Court Payment Center at: 651-281-3219 (if calling from area codes 612, 651, 763, or 952) or (800) 657-3611 (all other area codes) to cancel your appointment.
If you have scheduled a
court hearing (arraignment) but paid your citation, the Courts' case management system will automatically cancel your court hearing (arraignment) the night after the payment was made. You can check
online that the court hearing (arraignment) was cancelled. Once on the page:
1. Click Find Citation.

2. Enter your citation number and click Search.

3. Verify the correct citation number is displayed and click on the case number.

4. In the Other Events and Hearings section, the word "CANCELLED" should be next to the hearing date.
Ramsey (Second District)
If you wish to contest a citation issued in Ramsey County, staff at the MN Court Payment Center are available to discuss the appointment options for meeting with a Hearing Officer.
The MN Court Payment Center is available between 8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Press five (5) at the prompt for a Call Center Representative.
Twin Cities Metro Area: (651) 281-3219
Outstate Area: (800) 657-3611
You may talk with a Hearing Officer about your "payable" citation if you would like to plead not guilty, plead guilty with an explanation, or you cannot afford to pay the fine. A Hearing Officer is authorized by the Court to hear payable cases and make a decision. Depending on the facts of your case and your violation history, some of the options they may be able to offer include:
- a reduced fine amount,
- a payment plan to pay the citation over time,
- a continuance for dismissal with payment of prosecution costs,
- accept a plea of ‘not guilty’ and set your case for court.
If a case does not settle with a Hearing Officer, a person has the right to ask for a court hearing. A person always has this right with
misdemeanor offenses, however, if the offense is a
petty misdemeanor, this right to a court hearing is waived if the defendant does not appear within 30 days as provided in
MN Statutes § 169.91.
How to Meet with a Hearing Officer
By Appointment
Call the Minnesota Court Payment Center to schedule an appointment to meet with a Hearing Officer. Appointments are available at two District Court locations.
*NOTE: Free parking is available at the
suburban court location.
Ramsey Court Hearing Officer Locations
Downtown Courthouse
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Room 130
St. Paul, MN 55102
map
Suburban Court
2050 White Bear Avenue
Maplewood, MN 55109
map
I have an appointment to meet with a Hearing Officer but now I cannot make it. What can I do?
One hearing officer appointment continuance will be granted as long as you contact the MN Court Payment Center to reschedule your hearing officer appointment prior to your scheduled appointment.
What should I bring with me to the appointment with the Hearing Officer?
- Photo identification. A birth certificate is NOT an acceptable form of identification.
- Proof of insurance documentation for the vehicle, letter from the insurance company, or copy of the insurance policy, if applicable
- The crash or collision report, if applicable
- Color, photographic proof and receipts showing equipment violations have been corrected, if applicable
- Photographic proof of front and back license plate violations have been corrected, if applicable
- The actual disability permit, a photograph is not sufficient, if applicable
- A juvenile offender (under 18 years at the date and time of the offense) needs to appear with a parent or legal guardian, if applicable
- Someone other than the owner may meet with the hearing officer to address parking violations, if applicable
What happens in the appointment with the Hearing Officer?
Check in at the front counter upon arrival at the hearing office.
The Hearing Officer (not a judge) will review the citation(s), the defendant’s violation history, court history, driving record and other information relevant to the citation(s) being contested, and will listen to the defendant’s explanation of the circumstances. The Hearing Officer will explain the consequences of the violation(s), including fines.
NOTE: It is not possible to have a trial with evidence at this meeting because a trial can only take place in court with a judge.
The Hearing Officer will explain the guidelines for settling the citation(s) and will determine what options the defendant may have in his or her case. The defendant may ask questions about the options, but the Hearing Officer cannot give opinions or advice about the defendant’s decision. A plan is then made for the defendant to meet the terms of the settlement, and when all of the requirements are completed, the citation matter is settled.
Can I appeal a decision made by a Hearing Officer?
The decision of a Hearing Officer is usually the result of the discussion with the defendant about the citation and the possible options to settle it. If you do not like the decision, you may ask that the citation be set for court, unless you waived your right to a court hearing under
MN Statutes § 169.91. That statute says that if you fail to appear for a
petty misdemeanor within 30 days, you have waived your right to court and plead guilty to the charge.
What happens if I pay my citation, but I have a hearing scheduled?
If you have scheduled a
hearing officer appointment, but decided to pay your citation prior to the appointment, please call the MN Court Payment Center (CPC) at: 651-281-3219 (if calling from area codes 612, 651, 763, or 952) or (800) 657-3611 (all other area codes) to cancel your appointment.
If you have scheduled a
court hearing (arraignment) but paid your citation, the Courts' case management system will automatically cancel your court hearing (arraignment) the night after the payment was made. You can check
online that the court hearing (arraignment) was cancelled. Once on the page:
1. Click Find Citation.

2. Enter your citation number and click Search.

3. Verify the correct citation number is displayed and click on the case number.

4. In the Other Events and Hearings section, the word "CANCELLED" should be next to the hearing date.
Washington (Tenth District)
The Washington County Violations Bureau is responsible for processing cases that are payable and/or do not require a court appearance. (Offenses that require a court appearance are handled by the Criminal Division.) Defendants who receive payable citations can either pay the ticket using the "Submit Payment" tab on this page (which constitutes a plea of guilty to all offenses) or see a hearing officer to negotiate a settlement of the case.
Convenient Traffic Ticket Resolution Service
The following is a description of the Hearing Officer Program. The Washington County Violations Bureau provides the opportunity to meet with a hearing officer at either the Stillwater Courthouse or the Washington County Service Center - Cottage Grove to attempt resolution of petty misdemeanor and payable misdemeanor cases.
Hearing officers are available to review payable ticket offenses including parking, traffic, and some misdemeanors. Moving violations, driver's license suspensions, vehicle registration, and insurance violations are a few examples of cases which may be conveniently resolved with a hearing officer in lieu of a court appearance. Settlement options can include reducing the fine, keeping the offense off of the driver's record or, in some cases, dismissing the citation.
The Violations Bureau will not handle matters requiring a court appearance, such as hit and run, underage drink and drive, driving while impaired (DWI) and theft charges.
Defendants have the right to a court hearing with a judge if a settlement cannot be reached with a hearing officer. The service is offered at two locations:
Hearings by Mail
Defendants living 70+ miles from the Washington County Government Center are allowed "hearings by mail" to resolve payable citations. The defendant should mail or fax a letter to the hearing officer containing the following information:
- Addressed to: "Hearing Officer Mail" at: 14949 62nd St. N., P.O. Box 3802, Stillwater, MN 55082;
- Include a copy of the citation;
- Include a legible copy of the driver's license;
- Include a copy of an internet mapping documentation (e.g. Mapquest) confirming defendant's residence is 70+ miles from the Washington County Government Center;
- An explanation of the circumstances surrounding the offense(s);
- Mail to the address noted above, or fax to (651) 430-6300.
The hearing officer will review the above and, if approved, a return letter outlining options and appropriate court document(s) will be sent to the defendant for signature. The defendant will then sign, have his/her signature notarized, and mail the completed document(s) to the hearing officer with a check/money order, if required.
For questions regarding this procedure, call (651) 430-6279.
Traffic Ticket Options in Washington County
Payable Offences
Every citation is either payable or requires a court appearance (call (651) 430-6279 to determine status). If it is
payable, you need to choose one of the following two options
within 30 days of the date of your offense:
Payable Option 1: Pay the fine in full.
Any payment is:
- A plea of guilty to all offenses charged on the citation.
- An admission that you understand and voluntarily waive the following rights to:
- a trial to the court or jury;
- be represented by counsel;
- be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt;
- confront and cross-examine all witnesses against you;
- either remain silent or to testify on your own behalf;
- subpoena witnesses.
Use the "Submit a Payment" tab on this page for payment options.
For more infomation on court debts that have gone to collections, visit the
Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
Notice of Surcharge: Per Minnesota Statute 357.021 Subd. 6, a state surcharge must be imposed on fines. Parking offenses $12, all other criminal and traffic $75.
A charge of $30 will be assessed to all returned checks.
Issuance of a worthless check to the court is a crime (MS 609.113 subd 2)
Payable Option 2: See a Hearing Officer at the Violations Bureau
Appear in person, with photo ID and your citation, to attempt a settlement on your payable offense (settlement options may include reducing the fine, keeping the offense off of the driver's record or, in some cases, dismissing the charge). If an agreement cannot be reached a court date may be scheduled. Hours/locations are as follows:
Washington County Government Center
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
map
Walk-in service (no appointments) Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesdays office opens at 9:00 am
- May not be available over the lunch hour
Washington County Service Center - Cottage Grove
13000 Ravine Parkway South
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
map
By appointment only: (651) 430-6279
Learn more from the
Hearing Officer Program Brochure.
No Insurance/No Proof of Insurance: As of July 1, 2009, insurance charges became payable. However, if you provide a copy of your insurance card or policy which indicates that you had insurance for the vehicle you were driving at the time of the offense - and you provide this proof within 30 days of the date of offense - the charge will be administratively dismissed. The card or policy must show beginning and ending dates of coverage, and cannot be a bill or statement. It may be mailed, brought in person, or faxed. If you did not have or are unable to provide proof of insurance, the charge remains payable; however be aware that a conviction on an insurance charge is subject to ramifications from the Department of Public Safety. Contact the Department of Public Safety at (651) 296-6911 for more information.
Failure to Appear Notice: Failure to pay the fine, see a hearing officer and/or appear in court if required will result in additional penalties including: issuance of a warrant, driver license suspense, entry of guilty plea and/or referral to collections. MS 169.92
Court-required Offenses
If your citation requires a court appearance:
- A Notice with your court date will be mailed to you at the address noted on your citation.
- If you have questions regarding your court appearance, call (651) 430-6279.
Examples of court-required charges:
Hit and Run; Underage Drink and Drive; Theft; charges involving an accident or endangering life or property (will be indicated on citation).
Your first appearance in court: A first appearance is where you enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, a pretrial or court trial is scheduled. If you enter a plea of guilty, you will be sentenced at that time. The court encourages you to resolve the matter at the first appearance, when the city or county attorney is present to discuss the facts of the case. There is also a public defender present for consultation on misdemeanor cases if you qualify for the services. In addition, the Washington County Criminal Defense Panel Program offers representation on cases at misdemeanor level or higher - call (651) 748-9373 for more information.
- This is a large volume court hearing, and you can expect to be at the court for several hours.
- If you are assessed a fine, you are expected to pay it before leaving or arrange a payment plan.
- If the charge is alcohol- or assault-related, you may be required to be assessed by the Corrections Department.
You have a right to an attorney: If you are not comfortable representing yourself in court, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. An attorney is your representative in court. No one else you will see in the courtroom is rightfully entitled or obligated to protect your rights. If you don't think you can afford an attorney, but feel that you need one, you can ask the Court to appoint an attorney to represent you. This attorney is called a Public Defender. Public defenders are present at the courthouse and will assist you if you apply for and are granted one. You may request the Application Form when you check in for court, complete the form while waiting, and submit it to the Clerk prior to the start of court, or the Judge when your case is called. You will be assessed a co-pay of $75.00 if you qualify for the services.
Failure to Appear Notice: If you fail to pay your fine or appear for the court date, additional penalties may be added. Extended delays may cause a warrant to be issued for your arrest or suspension of your driver's license.
Petty Misdemeanor Offenders: Failure to appear in court on a charge that is a petty misdemeanor is considered a plea of guilty and waiver of the right to trial, unless the person appears in court within ten (10) days and shows that the failure to appear was beyond the person's control. The offender may be subject to a fine up to $300 and have their driver's license suspended (if the offense is a moving violation) until payment of the fine. M.S. § 171.16, subd. 3.
Misdemeanor offenders: A person charged with a misdemeanor who intentionally fails to appear in court for trial on the charge after having been notified that a failure to appear for court appearance is a criminal offense is guilty of a misdemeanor and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 90 days or payment of a fine of not more than $1000, or both. M.S. § 609.49, subdivision 2.
All fines are due on the day they are imposed in court.
If you need reasonable accommodations, an interpreter, or other assistance, call (651) 430-4422. If you cannot communicate by voice, phone our TTY number at (651) 430-6246.
Related Links
How to Obtain a Valid Driver's License (English)
Como Obtenir una Licencia de Manejo Valida (Spanish)
Driver and Vehicle Services Website
DPS Driver's License Reinstatement Information