How to Keep a Speeding Ticket off your Minnesota Driving Record: The Dimler Amendment (M.S. 171.12, Subd 6)

Most attorneys know that even a single speeding ticket can spike insurance premiums, jeopardize a commercial license, or contribute to a driver’s license suspension depending on the individual’s past driving history. But few attorneys—and even fewer clients—know that a little-known Minnesota statute, the “Dimler Amendment,” can prevent many minor speeding convictions from ever appearing on a driver’s official record.

In this Training Update, we take a deep dive into M.S. 171.12, subd. 6, which quietly shields certain low-level speeding violations in 55 and 60 mph zones from being reported on a person’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) driving record. When used correctly, it can protect your clients’ insurance rates, help avoid license sanctions, and preserve clean records for job or court purposes.

This is a practical tool every criminal and family law attorney should have in their legal toolkit. Whether you’re negotiating a minor traffic ticket for a client, helping a friend or family member, or even dealing with your own citation—knowledge of the Dimler Amendment is power.

This update explains:

• Which violations qualify and which don’t;
• How and when to ask for a speed reduction;
• What role judges, prosecutors, and officers each play;
• What to do if you’re charged with a non-speeding infraction.

Read the full training update here:
👉 Click to Read Martine Law Training Update 25-6 – The Dimler Amendment

Special thanks to Martine Law attorneys Tyler Martin and Abbey Rostamo for generously contributing their insight and expertise to this update.

NOTE: This training update is also available on the Minnesota Judicial Training and Education Website. While visiting, you can subscribe to receive notifications of new updates. Please share this training update with colleagues, clerks, or anyone who would benefit from staying current on Minnesota law and litigation strategy.

Martine Law Training Updates will continue to focus on key areas of litigation, including Criminal and Family Law, Evidence and Procedure, and Trial Advocacy. With a subscriber base exceeding 3,500 attorneys, judges, and legal professionals, these updates reflect our firm’s commitment to the belief that legal education is the soul of the judiciary.