Beltrami County ( trfnews.i234.me ) — Ponemah Man Charged With Driving After License Cancellation
A Ponemah man is facing multiple traffic-related charges in Beltrami County after being pulled over for speeding and found to have a canceled driver’s license. According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, James Eugene Dow, 63, was cited for driving after cancellation, inimical to public safety, no proof of insurance, and speeding.
According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the incident occurred on July 22, 2025, as troopers were patrolling Highway 89 in northern Beltrami County. Troopers clocked a vehicle traveling at 76 miles per hour in a 60-mph zone.
The troopers conducted a traffic stop and identified the driver as Dow. During the stop, Dow was unable to provide proof of insurance for the vehicle. A check of his driving record revealed that his license had been canceled as inimical to public safety, a designation applied when a driver is deemed a risk to others on the road.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Dow is facing three separate charges in connection with the incident:
- Count I: Driving After Cancellation – Inimical to Public Safety (Gross Misdemeanor), punishable by up to 364 days in jail or a $3,000 fine.
- Count II: Failure to Carry Proof of Insurance (Misdemeanor), punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.
- Count III: Speeding – 16 mph over the posted limit (Petty Misdemeanor), punishable by a fine of up to $300.
According to court documents, Dow was issued a summons to appear in court rather than being taken into custody. His driving privileges remain canceled under Minnesota law.
The Minnesota Statutes §171.24 outlines penalties for driving after suspension or cancellation, while §169.791 requires all drivers to carry valid proof of insurance when operating a vehicle.
The case remains pending in Beltrami County District Court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
