HF3431
Traffic safety camera system pilot program modified and made permanent.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)
Related bill: SF3656
AI Generated Summary
Purpose
- Establish and make permanent a traffic safety camera pilot program to educate and enforce speeding violations and traffic-control signal violations using camera systems.
What the bill would do (main provisions)
- Create a traffic safety camera pilot program under a new or amended section, defining camera-based traffic enforcement for red light and speed violations, in coordination with transportation and public safety commissioners.
- Limit pilot program to a defined time period (August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2029) and specify who may implement it (certain local authorities, including cities, counties, towns, plus the city of Mendota Heights; Minneapolis has a special restriction).
- Specify enforcement in trunk highway work zones as a starting point (and expand to other locations as defined).
- Allow only designated authorities to implement camera enforcement; Minneapolis is expressly restricted from implementing through its police department.
- Requirements for public engagement, signage, and information:
- Agencies must maintain websites with program details, camera locations, impact studies, and processes to contest citations.
- Prior to starting camerabased speed enforcement, implement a public engagement campaign and signage at monitoring sites to notify drivers.
- Public engagement must reach traditionally underrepresented populations and include feedback analysis and an engagement summary.
- Penalties and enforcement for red light and speed violations:
- Red light camera penalties: owner/lessee guilty of a petty misdemeanor with a base fine (typically $40). First offenses receive a warning; second offenses may enter a diversion program with a traffic safety course, after which fines/convictions would be waived.
- Speed safety camera penalties: similar structure with a base fine of $40 or $80 if speeding is at least 20 mph over the limit; first offenses get warnings; second offenses may enter diversion with a traffic safety course.
- Both red light and speed violations are generally not subject to suspension or revocation of the driver’s license, with exceptions for certain CDL holders and other specified cases.
- A traffic enforcement agent must verify images and only issue citations after the system has begun enforcement, with specific thresholds (e.g., for speeding, at least 10 mph over the limit).
- Citations may be mailed to the vehicle owner; specific time frames apply (e.g., notifications and deadlines for Minnesota-registered vs. out-of-state vehicles).
- Citations and uniform documentation:
- Establish a uniform traffic safety camera citation that functions like a summons/complaint, with required components such as location, time, images, officer verification, and information about diversion and contest processes.
- Include rights to contest, and a disclosure of fines and diversion eligibility on the citation.
- Data privacy and use:
- Data from the traffic safety camera system are private or nonpublic data, with restrictions on sharing and dissemination.
- Private entities involved in the program may only use data for camera enforcement and must comply with applicable data privacy laws; summary data may be shared.
- Data are not generally subject to subpoenas or discovery in prosecutions or civil actions not tied to the camera enforcement.
- Driving records:
- Generally, violations captured by the camera would not be recorded on an individual’s driving record, with the same CDL-related exceptions noted for penalties.
- Administrative and legal adjustments:
- Aligns or amends related statutory provisions for the pilot program and enforcement mechanisms, including sections governing red light and speed camera enforcement, and data practices.
Significant changes to existing law
- Adds a formal, time-limited pilot program for camera-based traffic enforcement, expanding to both red light and speed violations and creating a broader framework for penalties, notices, public engagement, and data handling.
- Introduces a structured process for warnings, diversions, and traffic safety courses as alternatives to fines/convictions.
- Creates specific local authority participation rules (including Mendota Heights and certain large cities) and imposes a prohibition on Minneapolis enforcing through its police department.
- Establishes detailed data privacy protections and limits on data use and sharing, along with public-facing reporting and signage requirements.
Implementation details and timeline
- Pilot program effective from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2029.
- Public engagement and signage requirements to precede and accompany enforcement.
- Enforcement in work zones starting August 1, 2025, with potential expansion per statute.
- Regulations for issuance of citations, warning periods, and process for contesting citations, including mail-in options and specific timelines.
Potential impacts on residents
- Increased use of camera-based enforcement for speeding and red light violations within the pilot areas.
- Fines and penalties are structured to include warnings and diversion options, with privacy protections for data collected by cameras.
- Enhanced public information and opportunities to provide feedback on the program, with transparent reporting on impacts.
Relevant Terms - red light camera - speed safety camera - camera-based traffic enforcement - traffic safety camera pilot program - monitoring site - enforcement agent - citation - warning - diversion - traffic safety course - petty misdemeanor - fine - 40 dollars - 80 dollars - 20 miles per hour over the limit - work zone - trunk highway - local authority - Minneapolis - Mendota Heights - public engagement - signage - impact study - data privacy - private entity - driving record - commercial driver license (CDL) - contest the citation - uniform citation - data sharing - summary data - posting and notices - mailing of citations - deadline and notice periods
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| February 17, 2026 | House | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Transportation Finance and Policy | |
| February 23, 2026 | House | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.06 subdivision 10 is amended to modify red light camera penalties under the bill.",
"modified": [
"Adjusts penalties for red light camera violations and related diversion provisions; specifies applicability within a defined time window."
]
},
"citation": "169.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 10"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.06 subdivision 11 is amended to address red light camera limitations.",
"modified": [
"Adds or clarifies limitations related to penalties and enforcement for red light camera violations."
]
},
"citation": "169.06",
"subdivision": "subdivision 11"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.14 subdivision 13 is amended to address speed safety camera penalties.",
"modified": [
"Sets speed safety camera penalties (e.g., fines) and provisions for diversion and traffic safety courses; applicable to violations within a defined time window."
]
},
"citation": "169.14",
"subdivision": "subdivision 13"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.14 subdivision 14 is amended to set speed safety camera limitations.",
"modified": [
"Outlines exemptions and limitations for speed safety camera enforcement (e.g., stolen vehicle, lessor scenarios, emergency vehicles)."
]
},
"citation": "169.14",
"subdivision": "subdivision 14"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.147 subdivision 1 is amended to define camerabased traffic enforcement.",
"modified": [
"Establishes definitions and scope for camerabased traffic enforcement and related pilot program."
]
},
"citation": "169.147",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.147 subdivision 2 is amended to establish the Pilot Program.",
"modified": [
"Creates and governs the traffic safety camera pilot program and identifies implementing authorities."
]
},
"citation": "169.147",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.147 subdivision 5 is amended to address public engagement and notice for the pilot program.",
"modified": [
"Requires public engagement, signage at monitoring sites, and dissemination of information about the pilot program."
]
},
"citation": "169.147",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.147 subdivision 9 is amended to govern citations and warnings under the pilot program.",
"modified": [
"Outlines authority of traffic enforcement agents to issue citations and related conditions."
]
},
"citation": "169.147",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.147 subdivision 10 is amended to establish uniform citation processes.",
"modified": [
"Details the uniform citation form and required contents for camerabased violations."
]
},
"citation": "169.147",
"subdivision": "subdivision 10"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.147 subdivision 14 is amended to regulate data practices for the pilot program.",
"modified": [
"Specifies privacy, sharing restrictions, and data retention for camera data."
]
},
"citation": "169.147",
"subdivision": "subdivision 14"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [
"Repeal of subdivision 19"
],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.147 subdivision 19 is repealed by the bill.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.147",
"subdivision": "subdivision 19"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 171.12 subdivision 6a is amended to address driving record implications for camera violations.",
"modified": [
"Prohibits recording certain camera violations on driving records (with specified exceptions)."
]
},
"citation": "171.12",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cross-reference to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168A.10 related to transfers of vehicle interest (lessor/lessee context).",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "168A.10",
"subdivision": ""
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 171.01 subdivision 29 is referenced in relation to driving offenses within the data practices context.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "171.01",
"subdivision": "subdivision 29"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.99 subdivision 1 is referenced in the context of citation procedures.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.99",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 169.99 subdivision 1d is referenced in the context of citation procedures.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "169.99",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1d"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.02 subdivision 8 is referenced in data practices provisions related to camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 8"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.02 subdivision 12 is referenced in data practices provisions related to camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 12"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.02 subdivision 9 is referenced in data practices provisions related to camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 9"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.82 subdivision 2 is referenced in data practices provisions for camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.82",
"subdivision": "subdivision 2"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.82 subdivision 3 is referenced in data practices provisions for camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.82",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.82 subdivision 6 is referenced in data practices provisions for camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.82",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.82 subdivision 7 is referenced in data practices provisions for camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.82",
"subdivision": "subdivision 7"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.05 subdivision 6 is referenced in data practices provisions related to camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.05",
"subdivision": "subdivision 6"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 13.05 subdivision 11 is referenced in data practices provisions related to camera data.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "13.05",
"subdivision": "subdivision 11"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee