Extra enforcement runs from May 1-Sept. 2

ST. PAUL — Speeding is an ongoing threat to safety on Minnesota roads. To slow drivers down and save lives, extra law enforcement will be out from May 1 through Sept. 2. Officers, deputies and troopers from nearly 300 agencies statewide will be participating in the extra enforcement.

“It's so frightening seeing a car come whizzing past your rear-view mirror. Everyone knows that speeding is wrong, and yet so many people still do it,” said Mike Hanson, director of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). 

“Drivers, take a moment, plan ahead and follow the speed limit. Trust me, you won’t get there faster if you’re in a fatal crash," Hanson said. He is reminding drivers that speed is the one thing they have absolute control of every minute they are behind the wheel.

So far in 2025, there have been at least 10 speed-related fatalities, and speeding continues to be one of the top contributing factors in fatal crashes year after year.

Minnesota speeding-related deaths by year

• 2024: 137 
• 2023: 113 
• 2022: 130 
• 2021: 171 
• 2020: 122 

Speed-related crashes can happen on any road at any time. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 87 percent of all speeding-related traffic fatalities occurred on non-interstate roadways in 2022.

100 deadliest days

Memorial Day through Labor Day are typically the most traveled days on Minnesota roads and nationwide. These so-called “100 deadliest days” carry some of the largest fatal crash counts every year. To push back against the rise in deadly driving and to try to save lives, law enforcement will be focusing on speeding, seat belt usage, impairment and distraction — the four behaviors that are the largest contributors to fatal crashes. 

“Our troopers are always working to prevent traffic fatalities, but as we enter this time period, our efforts intensify,” said Col. Christina Bogojevic, Minnesota State Patrol chief. “Every year, we deliver heartbreaking news to families, and the 100 deadliest days remain a deeply challenging stretch. That’s why we’re focusing on enforcement and education to change behavior. Drivers, slow down. We want everyone getting home safely.”

By the numbers: Memorial Day through Labor Day 

• 151 fatalities in 2024.
• 44 speed-related fatalities in 2024.
• 1,188 fatalities from 2017-2024.

Slow down and save a life

• Speeding is dangerous and unnecessary. Drivers often won’t get to their destination any faster, and they threaten the lives of everyone on the road.
• Slowing down gives drivers more control and allows them to respond more quickly to changing conditions.
• Planning ahead for trips will decrease the desire to rush.

Speeding is a costly choice

• A citation may affect a person’s bank account, driving record or insurance rates. 
• The cost of a speeding ticket varies by county, but it will typically cost more than $110 with court fees for traveling 10 mph over the limit. Fines double for those speeding 20 mph over the limit, and drivers can lose their license for six months for going 100 mph or more.

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

 The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s more than 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Office of Traffic Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program, school bus stop arm camera project and oversees the funding for the Advisory Council on Traffic Safety.