Blog: Your Legal Rights During a Traffic Stop in Minnesota

By: Alex R. Flaten

INTRODUCTION: 

Being pulled over by law enforcement can be stressful—even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong. For many drivers, a traffic stop brings uncertainty: What do I have to say? What do I have to show? Can the officer ask me questions?

In Minnesota, drivers have important rights during traffic stops, and a recent law clarifies what officers can and cannot require of you during these encounters. Understanding these rights can help you stay calm, protect yourself legally, and avoid unintentionally making a situation worse.

WHY DID I GET PULLED OVER?

Under Minnesota law, a peace officer who stops you for a traffic violation must inform you of the reason for the stop, unless it would be unreasonable to do so under the circumstances. This requirement comes from Minnesota Statute § 169.905, which limits how traffic stops are conducted and what questions officers can ask. Importantly, the law also states that an officer must not ask the driver to guess or identify the reason for the stop. In other words, you should not be put in the position of saying something like, “Was I speeding?” or “Did I forget to signal?” The officer is required to tell you the reason for the stop.

This protects drivers from accidentally admitting fault or speculating about violations they may not have committed.

WHAT YOU ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE

During a lawful traffic stop in Minnesota, you are generally required to provide:

• Your driver’s license

• Proof of insurance

• Vehicle registration

You must also comply with lawful orders, such as staying in the vehicle or stepping out of the car if instructed to do so. Beyond that, you still have important constitutional rights—most notably, the right to remain silent.

DO YOU HAVE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS?

You are not required to answer investigative questions such as:

• “Do you know how fast you were going?”

• “Have you had anything to drink tonight?”

• “Where are you coming from?”

You may politely say something like: “I choose to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney.” Being polite and calm is always recommended, but you do not have to volunteer information that could later be used against you.

WHAT IF THE OFFICER DOESN’T FOLLOW THE LAW?

Minnesota Statute § 169.905 states that if an officer fails to follow the rule about explaining the reason for the stop, that alone does not automatically result in dismissal of the case or exclusion of evidence. However, that does not mean the officer’s actions are irrelevant.

Improper procedures, unconstitutional searches, or violations of your rights can still be extremely important in your defense. An experienced attorney can review:

• Whether the stop was lawful in the first place

• Whether the officer expanded the stop beyond its legal scope

• Whether any search, questioning, or testing violated your rights

Traffic stops are one of the most common ways criminal charges—especially DWI charges—begin. Small legal details can make a big difference in the outcome of a case.

SEARCHES DURING A TRAFFIC STOP

In general, police cannot search your vehicle without:

• Your consent,

• A valid warrant, or

• A recognized legal exception (such as probable cause or certain safety concerns).

You have the right to politely refuse consent to a search. Saying “I do not consent to any searches” helps preserve your rights, even if the officer searches anyway.

STAY CALM, STAY RESPECTFUL, STAY PROTECTED

Even when you know your rights, it’s important not to argue on the roadside. Traffic stops are not the place to litigate your case. If you believe your rights were violated, the correct place to challenge that is in court—with an attorney on your side.

HOW JENNRICH LAW CAN HELP

If you or a loved one has been cited, charged, or arrested after a traffic stop in Minnesota, Jennrich Law is here to help. We know that traffic stops can escalate quickly into serious legal matters, including DWI, criminal charges, or license consequences.

At Jennrich Law, we:

• Carefully review whether the stop was legal

• Examine whether your constitutional rights were violated

• Challenge improper police procedures

• Fight to protect your record, your license, and your future

You don’t have to face the system alone. If something didn’t feel right about your traffic stop, it’s worth having an experienced attorney take a closer look. Contact Jennrich Law today to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights.