Over 800 Speeding Tickets Issued to Rochester-Area Drivers During Summer Speeding Crackdown

Rochester, MN (RochesterNow)- Authorities issued hundreds of tickets to drivers in the Rochester area during an enforcement crackdown over the summer. 

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That’s according to a report released Thursday morning by the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). 

Statewide authorities issued over 51,000 speeding tickets during the “100 deadliest days” traffic enforcement campaign, which ran from May 1 through September 7. 

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Despite the extra enforcement effort, Minnesota saw 154 traffic deaths, the highest number reported in the 100-day window since 2023. 

“By stopping dangerous driving before a crash happens, officers help save lives,” said Mike Hanson, director of OTS. “As the data shows us, we still have a lot of work to do to prevent these needless tragedies on our roads.” 

Rochester Authorities Issue Over 800 Speeding Tickets, Make Nearly 50 DWI Arrests During 2026 Summer Driving Crackdown

The Rochester Police Department and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office were among the more than 300 law enforcement agencies to participate in the campaign. 

Local authorities wrote 822 speeding citations in the Rochester area during the enforcement effort. Rochester police issued 505 tickets and Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office deputies wrote 317 speeding tickets, the report says. 

The highest speed Rochester police ticketed a driver for was 91 mph. The sheriff’s office cited a motorist going 133 mph, according to the report. 

45 DWI Arrests in Rochester Area During Enforcement Campaign

45 Rochester area drivers were arrested on suspicion of DWI during an impaired driving crackdown, held August 19 through Labor Day. 41 of those arrests were made by Rochester police, which reported the highest BAC measured was 0.2. 

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Nine motorists were cited for violating the Ted Foss Move Over Law, which was created in the memory of State Trooper Ted Foss. He died while conducting a traffic stop on I-90 in Winona County on August 31, 2000. 

Authorities cracked down on that law on the 26th anniversary of his death.