Speeding without a record

Fewer speeding violations could end up on state driving records.

Under current law, a ticket does not appear on someone’s driving record if the person was driving up to 10 mph over the speed limit in a 55 mph zone, or 5 mph over the limit in a 60 mph zone.

Sponsored by Rep. Dean Urdahl (R-Grove City), HF1246 would add the 10 mph threshold to the 60 mph limit.

“This really isn’t going to change anything, at least not significantly,” Urdahl said. “The only thing it will change is that there won’t be reporting to the state and that insurance companies will not up the rates on all these people.” He emphasized the bill has nothing to do with raising speed limits.

The bill was held over March 23 by the House Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division for possible omnibus bill inclusion. A companion, SF1841, sponsored by Sen. David Hann (R-Eden Prairie), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Enacted in 1986, the “Dimler amendment,” named for its sponsor, former Rep. Chuck Dimler (R-Chanhassen), governs which speeding violations are recorded on a driving record maintained by the Department of Public Safety.

The proposal was successfully amended onto last year’s House omnibus transportation policy bill, but the provision was removed in conference committee.

State Traffic Engineer Sue Groth said the increase would send the message that it is OK to drive 10 mph over the speed limit. “Speed and aggressive driving are critical in fatal and life-changing crashes on all of our highways. … Illegal and unsafe speed is the greatest factor among our younger drivers.”

State Patrol Maj. Michele Tuchner said the two things that deter people from driving fast are they don’t want a ticket on their driving record and they don’t want to lose their license.

“You still get a ticket for speeding with this bill,” said Rep. Greg Davids (R-Preston).