Question: Can a state trooper write a traffic ticket for an infraction that they did not witness?

Answer: A peace officer may arrest or issue a citation for some traffic violations and a number of misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses even if the officer didn’t witness it.

The traffic infractions include:

•Driving through columns of school children (within 4 hours)        

•DWI                                                                                                                                  

•Failure to stop at a railroad crossing (within 4 hours)        

•Failure to yield to an emergency vehicle (within 4 hours)         

•Railroad crossing violation (within 4 hours)       

•School bus stop arm violations (within 4 hours)        

•School cross walk violation (within 4 hours)        

If you witness any of the above violations, please report it to your local law enforcement agency, and it will be investigated.                                                                  

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.

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 Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)