Rice County Traffic Records
Rice County traffic court records are managed through the 3rd Judicial District Court in Faribault, Minnesota. All traffic citations issued in the county -- from Interstate 35 tickets to local road violations -- are processed at the Rice County Courthouse. This page covers how to search for records, pay a fine, and understand your options after getting a traffic citation in Rice County.
Rice County Overview
Rice County District Court
The Rice County District Court is part of the 3rd Judicial District, which covers the south-central region of Minnesota. All traffic matters filed in Rice County run through the courthouse in Faribault. Citations from Interstate 35 -- one of the busiest roads in this part of the state -- as well as from county roads and city streets are all handled at this location.
The Rice County Courthouse has several features that make it easier to track your case. Three calendar monitors are posted inside the courthouse so you can see scheduled hearings as soon as you walk in. Zoom remote assistance is also available for certain matters, which means you may not always need to drive to Faribault. Check with court staff when you call about your case to find out if remote options apply to your situation. The court is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and parking is free.
Rice County does not have hearing officers. If you want to contest a citation, the case goes before a district court judge. Call (507) 497-7134 to set a hearing date. You must do this within 30 days of the citation date. Missing that deadline can result in a default judgment against you, so don't wait until the last minute to make the call.
| Court | Rice County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | Rice County Courthouse, Faribault, MN 55021 |
| Phone | (507) 497-7134 |
| Hours | Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| Special Features | Three calendar monitors in courthouse; Zoom remote assistance available |
| Parking | Free surface lot and on-street parking |
| Website | mncourts.gov/find-courts/rice |
The screenshot below shows the Rice County court information page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
Check the Rice County court page before visiting to confirm hours and remote assistance options.
Searching Traffic Records in Rice County
Minnesota Courts Records Online, MCRO, is the state's free public tool for looking up court records. Search Rice County traffic cases by name, case number, or citation number at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us. No login is needed. MCRO covers all 87 Minnesota counties, Rice included.
Pre-conviction cases are not available through MCRO. If your case has not been decided yet, it will not appear in online search results. For status on a pending case, call the Rice County courthouse at (507) 497-7134. Once a case is resolved, the record becomes part of the public database and searchable through MCRO. The system updates regularly during business hours.
Certified copies of records must be requested through the court clerk, either in person or by mail. The courthouse also has public-access terminals for on-site searches at no charge. MCRO is a read-only system -- it's for viewing records, not for paying fines or filing documents.
The image below shows the MCRO public access portal used to look up Rice County traffic court records.
Searches are free. No account is needed to use MCRO.
Note: Pre-conviction cases are not available through MCRO -- call the Rice County courthouse at (507) 497-7134 for status on a pending case.
Paying Traffic Fines in Rice County
Rice County traffic fines can be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person. The online payment portal is at webpay.courts.state.mn.us. A $2.34 convenience fee applies to online and phone payments. Wait at least 7 days after the citation date before paying online -- the court needs time to enter the ticket first.
Phone payments go through (651) 281-3219 in the metro area or (800) 657-3611 toll-free. To pay by mail, send a check or money order payable to the court to: Court Payment Center, P.O. Box 898, Willmar, MN 56201. Include your citation number on the payment. In-person payments are accepted at the Faribault courthouse during regular business hours -- no convenience fee for paying at the window.
The 30-day deadline applies. You must pay or contact the court within 30 days of your citation date. Letting it go past that point can lead to a default judgment. If your ticket was for driving without insurance, contact the court before you do anything else -- you may need to send proof of coverage first. Fax insurance proof to (320) 231-6507.
The screenshot below shows the Minnesota Court Payment Center portal used to pay Rice County traffic fines.
Save your confirmation number after completing an online or phone payment.
Contesting a Citation in Rice County
To fight a traffic ticket in Rice County, call (507) 497-7134 and request a court date. There are no hearing officers in this county -- contested citations go before a district court judge. Make that call within 30 days of the citation date. Zoom remote assistance is available in some circumstances, so ask about that option when you call.
Most traffic violations are petty misdemeanors in Minnesota. Under Minnesota Statute 169.89, the fine can be up to $300. Reckless driving is handled under Minnesota Statute 169.13, which is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and up to 90 days in jail. Serious charges are worth discussing with an attorney before you make any decisions.
The self-help line at (651) 435-6535 can walk you through the process. Staff are available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Traffic guidance is also at mncourts.gov/help-topics/traffic-issues.
The image below is from the Minnesota Judicial Branch traffic help page, which covers options for drivers throughout the state including Rice County.
See mncourts.gov/help-topics/traffic-issues for guidance on responding to a traffic citation.
Note: Rice County has no hearing officers -- call (507) 497-7134 to set a judge hearing if you want to contest your citation. Ask about Zoom options when you call.
Traffic Laws and Penalties in Minnesota
Minnesota ranks traffic violations by severity. Basic offenses like moderate speeding, following too close, or failing to yield are petty misdemeanors with fines up to $300. Minnesota Statute 169.14 sets speed limits at 30 mph in urban areas, 55 mph on most roads, 65 mph on expressways, and 70 mph on rural interstates. Getting caught at 100 mph or more triggers an automatic 6-month license revocation.
Texting while driving is a primary offense under Minnesota Statute 169.475. Officers can pull you over for it on its own. Fines run about $135 to $140. Seat belt violations are primary offenses under Minnesota Statute 169.686 as well.
There is no points system in Minnesota. The state counts convictions. Four in 12 months means a 30-day suspension. Five in 12 months means 90 days. Eight or more in 24 months can mean a full year off the road. To get a copy of your driving record, the DVS charges $9 for a non-certified copy. Use form PS2502 and submit it through the DVS records request page.
Cities in Rice County
Faribault is the county seat of Rice County and where the district courthouse is located. Northfield is another notable city in the county. Neither city meets the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All traffic citations issued anywhere in Rice County are handled at the Faribault courthouse.
Nearby Counties
Rice County borders several other Minnesota counties to the south and east of the Twin Cities metro. If your citation was issued in a neighboring county, use the links below to find the right court.