To help reduce crashes, Plymouth Police will focus education and enforcement efforts on speeding in the month of June.

As a member of the Hennepin County Traffic Enforcement Group, Plymouth Police participate in traffic focus initiatives to help reduce crashes and save lives. Each year, illegal or unsafe speed is a leading contributing factor in Minnesota’s fatal crashes. According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, illegal or unsafe speeding accounts for at least 130 deaths annually.

The Law: According to Minnesota Statute 169.14, Subd. 1, “No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. Every driver is responsible for becoming and remaining aware of the actual and potential hazards then existing on the highway and must use due care in operating a vehicle.” Read the full text.

What it Means: Motorists must pay attention to road conditions and other hazards on the road – and adjust vehicle speed accordingly. It is illegal to drive faster than the posted speed limit. Motorists stopped at 20 mph over the speed limit can face double the fine. Motorists speeding at more than 100 miles per hour may have their licenses revoked for six months.

Subdivision 2 of the law details posted speed limits for specified areas. These limits include: 

• 30 miles per hour in an urban district and most residential roadways, unless otherwise posted
• 65 miles per hour on non-interstate expressways and freeways 
• 10 miles per hour in alleys

The law also includes other situations in which motorists may be required to decrease speeds, such as work zones, and also includes information regarding speed-measuring devices.