Minnesota § 471.985 - COUNTY AND CITY ORDINANCES PROHIBITING TRESPASSING
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 471.985 — COUNTY AND CITY ORDINANCES PROHIBITING TRESPASSING, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 471.985. COUNTY AND CITY ORDINANCES PROHIBITING TRESPASSING
Subdivision 1.Authority.
The county board of any county or the city council of any home rule charter or statutory city may enact ordinances to prohibit persons from entering uninvited onto the land of another to consume alcohol or controlled substances.
The county board or city council may enact ordinances to prohibit a person from bringing a motor vehicle onto the land of another without invitation to facilitate the consumption of alcohol or controlled substances on that land.
Subd. 2.Determination of purpose.
To determine the purpose of an uninvited entry of a person or motor vehicle, factors to be considered shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
(1) time of day;
(2) presence of containers intended to contain or containing alcohol;
(3) presence of equipment used to dispense alcoholic beverages;
(4) presence of paraphernalia containing identifiable residues of a controlled substance;
(5) noise level;
(6) lighting;
(7) identified physiological responses; and
(8) conduct of persons in the presence of a peace officer.
Subd. 3.Violations.
A person who violates an ordinance enacted pursuant to subdivision 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 4.Defenses.
Express consent, endorsement, or ratification by a landowner of an entry onto land is an absolute defense to charges under an ordinance enacted pursuant to subdivision 1.
A landowner who expressly consents to, endorses, or ratifies an entry onto land shall not be presumed to be in control of the persons gathered on land, nor is the landowner presumed to have knowledge of an unlawful act merely because of the express consent, endorsement, or ratification.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 471.985
What does Minnesota Statutes § 471.985 cover?
Section 471.985 ("COUNTY AND CITY ORDINANCES PROHIBITING TRESPASSING") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 471.985?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 471.985" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 471.985 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.