Fosston Woman Charged After Driving With Canceled License

FOSSTON, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Mary Ault Bauer, 37, faces a gross misdemeanor charge following a traffic stop in Fosston.

According to a Polk County criminal complaint, a state trooper stopped Bauer while she drove a white Cadillac SRX.

The December 2, 2025, incident involved driving privileges previously canceled as inimical to public safety.

Investigators also reported that Bauer presented a temporary driver’s license and a voided license during the encounter.

State Trooper Spots Cadillac in Fosston

The investigation began when a Minnesota State Patrol trooper observed a white Cadillac SRX traveling in Fosston.

According to court documents, the trooper checked information associated with the vehicle’s registered owner.

Records indicated that the registered owner, Mary Ault Bauer, had canceled driving privileges.

The trooper also observed that the driver matched the registered owner’s description.

Police stopped the vehicle to investigate the driver’s license status.

The complaint does not identify a traffic violation or unsafe driving before the stop.

Driver Presents Temporary License

During the encounter, Bauer reportedly presented a temporary driver’s license and an older license marked void.

According to the complaint, the trooper returned to the patrol vehicle and checked her driving record.

The record showed that Bauer had applied for a driver’s license on September 5, 2025.

Investigators also found documentation of a withdrawal notice and cancellation notice dated September 16, 2025.

By October 5, 2025, her driving status was recorded as canceled and inimical to public safety.

The trooper informed Bauer that her driving privileges were canceled and that she could not legally drive.

During the conversation, Bauer reportedly explained that she had recently moved.

What Does Inimical to Public Safety Mean?

Minnesota law permits the cancellation of driving privileges under certain public safety conditions.

A cancellation means the affected person cannot legally drive until the state restores the necessary privileges.

The designation is commonly described as “inimical to public safety.”

However, the supplied complaint does not explain why Bauer originally received that designation.

It also does not establish whether she personally received the notices before the traffic stop.

Under state law, prosecutors must show that a driver knew or reasonably should have known about the cancellation.

Gross Misdemeanor Charge Filed

Bauer faces one count of driving after cancellation as inimical to public safety.

The charge falls under Minnesota Statute 171.24, subdivision 5.

The offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law.

The complaint lists a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail, a $3,000 fine, or both.

Actual penalties would depend on a conviction and the court’s sentencing decision.

The supplied complaint does not confirm that Bauer was arrested during the stop.

Polk County Court Proceedings

The case is filed under Polk County Court File No. 60-CR-26-1293.

The criminal complaint includes a summons and identifies Minnesota’s Ninth Judicial District.

Although the traffic stop occurred in December 2025, the case carries a 2026 court file number.

The supplied records do not identify a scheduled hearing date or final case outcome.

Readers can search available court information through Minnesota Court Records Online.

The charge remains an allegation and does not establish guilt.

Bauer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.