Dodge County Traffic Records
Dodge County traffic court records are filed with the 3rd Judicial District Court in Mantorville, Minnesota. This page covers how to search for case records, pay traffic fines, and handle a citation received anywhere in Dodge County.
Dodge County Overview
Dodge County District Court
The Dodge County District Court is part of the 3rd Judicial District, which covers southeast Minnesota counties. The courthouse is located in Mantorville, a small community that serves as the county seat. The court handles all traffic cases filed in Dodge County -- from speeding citations to driving after suspension and more serious moving violations.
Dodge County is positioned between Olmsted County (home to Rochester) to the east and Waseca County to the west. U.S. Highway 14 runs through the county, and Interstate 90 passes close to the southern edge. These roads generate a steady share of the traffic cases that come before the Dodge County court. Anyone stopped by state troopers or local officers on roads within the county will have their case filed here.
There are no hearing officers in Dodge County. If you want to contest a citation, your case goes before a district court judge. You should contact the court to request a hearing date before the 30-day deadline expires. Missing that window can lead to a default judgment and further consequences for your license.
| Court | Dodge County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 721 Main St W, Mantorville, MN 55955 |
| Phone | (507) 635-6260 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| Website | mncourts.gov/find-courts/dodge |
Free surface lot and on-street parking are available near the courthouse. Because Mantorville is a small community, calling ahead before you visit is a good idea. The Dodge County District Court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website has current contact details and courthouse information.
The screenshot below shows the Dodge County court information page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
Confirm hours and contact details on the court page before making the trip to Mantorville.
How to Look Up Traffic Records in Dodge County
The free statewide tool for searching Dodge County traffic court records is Minnesota Court Records Online -- MCRO. Access it at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us from any device at any time. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. No account is needed.
One important restriction applies. MCRO only shows records for cases that have been resolved. If your case is still pending or was recently filed, it may not appear yet. Pre-conviction cases are not available through the online system. For information on an open case, call the court at (507) 635-6260. Once a case closes, it becomes searchable in MCRO and the system updates hourly during business hours.
If you need a certified copy of a record -- for insurance, legal, or other administrative use -- you cannot get one through MCRO. The clerk's office can prepare certified copies for a fee and mail them to you, or have them ready for pickup at the courthouse in Mantorville.
The image below shows the MCRO public access search portal, where you can find Dodge County traffic case records at no cost.
MCRO is available around the clock. Check back in a few days if a recent case has not appeared yet.
Note: Pre-conviction cases are not available through MCRO -- contact the Dodge County courthouse at (507) 635-6260 for pending case information.
Paying Traffic Fines in Dodge County
Dodge County traffic fines can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person at the Mantorville courthouse. Online payments go through webpay.courts.state.mn.us. A $2.34 convenience fee applies to online and phone payments. You need to wait at least 7 days after your citation date before the online system will accept a payment.
By phone, call the Court Payment Center at (651) 281-3219 in the metro or (800) 657-3611 toll-free. The same $2.34 fee applies. To pay by mail, send a check or money order to: Court Payment Center, P.O. Box 898, Willmar, MN 56201. Write your case number on the check so it gets applied to the right account. No convenience fee applies to mail payments.
Online and phone payment are the best options for people who live closer to Rochester or other surrounding communities and don't want to drive to Mantorville. You have 30 days from the date of your citation to respond. If you do neither pay nor request a hearing within that time, a default judgment can be entered. If your citation was for no insurance, fax proof of coverage to 320-231-6507 before paying.
The screenshot below shows the online payment portal used for Dodge County traffic fines.
Save your payment confirmation number after completing an online or phone transaction.
Contesting a Traffic Ticket in Dodge County
After receiving a traffic citation in Dodge County, you have 30 days to respond. Paying closes the case but counts as a conviction and goes on your driving record. If you want to contest the charge, request a hearing by calling (507) 635-6260 or visiting the courthouse in Mantorville.
Dodge County does not have hearing officers. If you contest a citation, you go before a district court judge. Most traffic violations in Minnesota are petty misdemeanors. Under Minnesota Statute 169.89, a petty misdemeanor carries a maximum fine of $300. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor under Minnesota Statute 169.13, which can mean fines up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. Speed limits are set under Minnesota Statute 169.14.
At the hearing, you can explain your side and bring evidence. The judge can dismiss the case, reduce the charge, or uphold the fine. Most people handle basic traffic hearings without a lawyer, but one is worth consulting for serious charges. If you cannot appear in person, contact the court ahead of time. Missing a court date without notice leads to a default judgment and added fees.
The image below is from the Minnesota Judicial Branch traffic help page, which covers your options after a citation.
Visit mncourts.gov/help-topics/traffic-issues for a full breakdown of your citation options in Minnesota.
Note: Dodge County has no hearing officers -- if you want to contest a citation, call the court at (507) 635-6260 to request a court date before the 30-day deadline.
Traffic Laws and Your Driving Record
Minnesota's traffic laws apply uniformly across all 87 counties, including Dodge. Texting while driving is a primary offense under Minnesota Statute 169.475 -- officers can stop you for it alone. First-offense fines run about $135 to $140. Seat belt violations are a primary offense under Minnesota Statute 169.686. Driving 100 mph or faster triggers an automatic 6-month license revocation.
Minnesota does not use a points system. The state tracks conviction counts instead. Four offenses within 12 months leads to a 30-day license suspension. Five within 12 months triggers 90 days. Eight or more within 24 months results in a 1-year suspension. If you need a copy of your driving record, the Department of Vehicle Services charges $9 for a non-certified copy. Request it using form PS2502 through the DVS records request page.
Cities in Dodge County
Dodge County has no cities that meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All traffic cases from Mantorville, Kasson, Hayfield, and other communities in the county are processed through the Dodge County District Court in Mantorville.
Nearby Counties
Dodge County borders several other southeast Minnesota counties. Use these links for traffic court information in neighboring areas.