MINOT—On Monday, Dec. 20, the Minot City Council approved the Minot Police Department’s (MPD) request for an increase of certain traffic fines within the city by 100%.
The following photos are samples from the list of amendments that will have an impact on the Minot Code of Ordinances. These changes are scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
Back in 2019, the North Dakota legislature passed SB 2304 granting municipalities the authority to increase traffic fines up to 100%. The proposed ordinance, first petitioned by the police on Dec. 6, was unanimously accepted by the City Council.
During discussion on the proposal, Alderwoman Lisa Olsen said, “I think that this is the time to do this. We were certainly given the latitude to be able to increase these a few years ago. We’ve done it kind of cautiously and methodically, and it seemed like the right time.”
After the motion was approved, Mayor Shaun Sipma added, “Even from the former chief and the current chief, we have talked about the ridiculously low fine dollars that really is not a disincentive in any way shape or form to abide by some of the more, I would say, courteous or even responsible traffic laws to keep people safe.”
Alderman Stephan Podrygula weighed in by stating, “I really like the fact that you [the police] didn’t change everything…but even with these improvements, I see them as improvements in terms as encouraging safe behavior, we are still far behind what most other jurisdictions and other states have.” He expressed additional concerns regarding cost efficiency for police to issue tickets even at their new rates, as well as speculation of whether the new ordinance will deter people from driving recklessly.
In a separate interview, MPD Chief John Klug gave the following statements regarding the new ordinance:
“We get a lot of complaints from the public about different driving behaviors. It comes down to if we issue a $10 or $20 ticket, most people kind of laugh it off and go about their day. Not much incentive to change their behavior. Ultimately, this is not about money, but more about people bettering their driving habits.”
“Ultimately, this is not about money, but more about people bettering their driving habits.” John Klug, MPD Chief of Police
When asked what impact sentencing had on driving behavior, Klug responded, “If there is a revolving door [in and out of jail] this discourages some of our officers. But we need to focus on the full picture.” He explained that the police can only do so much from their end and that, in his opinion, the courts should exercise proper sentencing.
In addition to the role of governing authorities, Klug said of the citizens and their relationship with the police, “[T]he citizens ought to do what they can to encourage one another to drive with care and to obey the law... And we try to motivate our officers to do their best for the community, keep people safe, and help them too.”
As stated above, an increase in traffic fines will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.
