Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: I was talking with a friend the other day and the topic of “quotas” came up. He told me that cops have to write a certain amount of tickets each month otherwise they get in trouble. He also said this is why you see so many more out on the streets and highways at the end of the month trying to get their numbers in. Is this true? 

 

Answer: No, traffic citation quotas are prohibited in Minnesota. State Statute 169.985 says, “A law enforcement agency may not order, mandate, require, or suggest to a peace officer a quota for the issuance of traffic citations, including administrative citations authorized under section 169.999, on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly basis.”

Through education and enforcement, the Minnesota State Patrol strives to reduce fatalities and injuries on our roads. Illegal or unsafe speed is a leading contributing factor in Minnesota’s fatal crashes — accounting for at least 80 deaths annually. Two-thirds of those deaths occur on rural, two-lane roads in Minnesota; young adults are the most common offenders and greatest at risk.

Speeding is not an innocent crime — it puts every motorist at risk on the road:

Greater potential for loss of vehicle control

Increased stopping distance

Slower response time to avoid crashes

Increased crash severity — the faster the speed, the more violent the crash

Lack of seat belt use also plays a significant role in contributing to driver and passenger deaths. About half of the motorists killed in Minnesota are not buckled up.

To keep you and your loved ones safe: Drive the speed limit, buckle up, pay attention and never drink and drive.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848 or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

 

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.