DRIVERS have been alerted about a new red light law that would result in a nearly $100 fine for reckless driving.
The proposed driving law, which could go into effect August 1, would change the way drivers are ticketed.
Minnesota officials proposed a driving law that would ticket drivers using traffic cameras[/caption]
The cameras would monitor drivers’ speed at five specific locations[/caption]
“The City of Minneapolis plans to begin using traffic safety cameras as early as August 2025. The cameras will provide automated enforcement of speed limits starting at about five locations,” as stated on the city’s website.
The city plans to run the pilot program through July 2029.
Depending on the success of the program, Minneapolis may even expand up to a maximum of 42 camera locations across the city.
The program might also include the enforcement of red lights.
Nearly 20 years after Minneapolis pulled the plug on red light cameras—following a 2007 state Supreme Court decision that deemed the program illegal—the controversial traffic enforcement tool is inching back into the spotlight.
In 2024, Minnesota lawmakers passed more narrowly tailored legislation that gives select communities the green light to test out the technology once again.
While the new laws come with stricter guidelines and limitations, they mark a significant shift in the state’s stance on automated traffic enforcement.
Under the pilot program, first-time speeders would receive a warning, but after that, drivers caught going more than 10 mph over the limit would face a $40 fine.
That fine would be doubled to $80 for those exceeding the limit by 20 mph or more.
Unpaid tickets could climb to $84 each, creating a steeper penalty for those who ignore citations.
All violations must be reviewed and verified by a trained enforcement agent before being finalized.
Vehicle owners can avoid liability by submitting a sworn statement if they weren’t behind the wheel, or if the car had been sold or stolen at the time.
“Other cities have found traffic safety cameras effective at reducing traffic crashes and saving lives,” according to the city’s website.
“Minneapolis has had an increase in traffic deaths since 2020. Speeding is the leading cause of these severe crashes,” they added.
More Driving Laws in August 2025
- Louisiana drivers risk being hit with a $100 fine if they are caught driving recklessly behind the wheel. The law, which is set to come into play August 1, will monitor those who are using their cellular devices while driving. Fines will rise to $250 if drivers are caught scrolling in a school zone or construction area.
- North Dakota also updates it ordinances in May, stating that drivers will face a ticket for driving over the speed limit. Offenders will be charged $20 on interstates, or $5 for every mile per hour over the limit — whichever costs more. The changes are expected to go into effect on August 1.
- Drivers in North Carolina are also facing a new driving law that focuses on driving and criminal law enhancements. Drivers who violate this law, coming August 1, will be required to install an Ignition Interlock Device. This device has a breathalyzer in drivers’ vehicle which prevents the engine from starting unless the driver can blow a clean breath sample.
- Louisiana motorists who repeatedly break driving rules could be facing jail time, starting August 1. Under the new law, those who are caught driving one mile an hour under the speed limit could be fined $150. Second and third time offenses warrant a harsher penalty.
- Missouri drivers should look out for a “Valentine’s Law,” which enforces stricter penalties for those fleeing law enforcement during a traffic stop. Starting in August 2025, drivers can face up to 30 years in prison and additional monetary expenses.
According to the city, officials located potential areas that meet a certain criterion, which would benefit from the new cameras.
“Public engagement ahead of the pilot launch will share the locations and ask for feedback,” according to the city.
“Feedback will be considered in determining the locations used in the pilot.”
All potential locations must have a traffic safety concern, be distributed fairly throughout the city, and be within 2,000 feet of a school.
But before any cameras start flashing, Minneapolis leaders want to hear from residents.
A series of public meetings through mid-May will help shape where the devices could go, with final decisions expected later this summer.
Community voices will play a key role in determining how the city plans to combat reckless driving.
