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By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJuly 22, 2026Question: Hello, I live in “cabin country” and it never fails, during the summer months with the influx of traffic, there are always arguments regarding traffic “laws” or “it’s just being Minnesota nice”. There’s been several near misses and I can see both sides of the argument and wondering if you can help clear up an ongoing discussion. At a single-lane intersection, the roadway is…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJune 17, 2026Question: I know you talk about the importance of tires when it comes to the winter months but I think it’s just as important to talk about it in the spring with rain and wet roads. Thank you. Answer: It is always a good time to talk about tire safety. Tires must support your vehicle’s weight and grip the road properly. Inspect tires regularly for cuts, cracks, uneven wear, bald spots, bulges…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJune 03, 2026Question: In last week’s article you wrote about e-bikes. Can you also just provide a reminder on all around bicycle safety? Thank you. Answer: If you’re riding a bicycle, you must: •Obey all traffic control signs and signals, just as you would when driving. — The only exception is that bicyclists may treat stop signs as yield signs when the intersection is clear. •Use signals, if able, to…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMay 27, 2026Question: Did I hear something about a new law about stopping for school buses? Answer: In March 2026, Minnesota law changed to require drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus whenever the red lights are flashing. The stop arm does not need to be fully extended. This new requirement aims to remove confusion and clarify expectations for every driver on the road. WHAT CHANGED…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMay 13, 2026Question: In my community and on my daily commute I encounter two roundabouts each morning, others that I work with will encounter three roundabouts in less than five minutes. Please use your platform to remind drivers how to safely and properly use a roundabout. I see, almost on a daily basis, drivers physically stop their vehicle for other drivers that have not even entered the roundabout.…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMay 06, 2026Question: Like most people I travel every day for work and I know that construction season is upon us. Can you write about getting people to understand the zipper merge? I still see a lot of people that can’t seem to figure this out. Answer: The zipper merge is a driving strategy that requires drivers to change their mindset about merging. Traditionally, drivers have been taught to merge early…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolApril 29, 2026Question: I am looking to purchase a used vehicle. I have been online and checking things out and some of these listings appears too good to be true. Do you have any advice on what a person can or should do so they don’t become a victim? Answer: If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. Online marketplaces are full of stolen and tampered vehicles. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of…
April 01, 2026Question: I just purchased a pull behind camper. I have never owned or pulled one before. What do I need to know? Answer: If you pull a camper or trailer with your vehicle, you must maintain at least 500 feet of following distance from other vehicles. When loaded, 10 to 15% of the trailer’s weight should be balanced on the hitch between the trailer and vehicle. When correctly loaded, the…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolNovember 25, 2025Question: Can you explain what the lines on the highways and streets indicate? I feel like a lot of people can’t figure it out. Thanks. Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. •White dashes: You can change lanes where this marking is present. •Shorter and thicker white dashes: The lane is ending. •Solid…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolNovember 05, 2025Question: I have two grandsons, one 17 years old with a driver’s license, the other 15 with a permit. They both have a bad habit of driving with one hand on the wheel. I stress how dangerous this is and both hands need to be on wheel all the time. I drive at the 9 and 3 position and try to have them do the same. Any suggestions? Answer: When it comes to driving, try to keep at least 10 inches…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolOctober 08, 2025Question: I want to work for a farmer during planting and harvest season driving a semi. I have a valid Class D driver’s license but no commercial driver’s license. Can I cross a state line while working for the farmer, Minnesota into North Dakota? Answer: Yes, as long as you stay within 150 air miles of the farm. If you have additional questions regarding commercial motor-vehicles please…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJuly 09, 2025Question: I heard some talk about a new law of July 1 that allows motorcycles to drive through traffic. Can you explain this as a lot of my friends are talking but I can’t get the same answer from any of them. Answer: Motorcycle lane splitting and filtering are legal on Minnesota roads as of July 1. The new law, passed by the Legislature in 2024, allows motorcycles to share lanes with cars for…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJune 11, 2025Question: I read your last article about road construction and work zones. Can you talk about the zipper merge? It seems like a lot of people don’t know what it is or can’t figure it out. Thank you. Answer: The “Late Merge - Zipper Merge” is a driving strategy that requires drivers to change their mindset about merging. Traditionally, drivers have been taught to merge early when a lane is ending…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJune 04, 2025By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have been receiving text messages about an “E-Z Pass Final Reminder.” It’s something about having an outstanding toll and submitting payment. I was told it was a scam. Can you get me more information on this? Answer: Here is information from the Minnesota Department of Transportation E-ZPass page. https://www.dot.state.mn.us/ezpassmn…- By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolApril 09, 2025Question: Do you have any advice on what a person should do if they are driving along in the dark and their headlights go out? Answer: If your headlights suddenly go out, try using your parking lights, hazard warning lights or turn signals — one of them may work and give you enough light to guide you off the road. If your headlights fail on a busy or lighted road, you will probably have enough…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolApril 02, 2025Question: I’m wondering about a light that seems to only be on at night on the traffic lights. It’s a small purple or blueish light that’s near the traffic lights. I’ve tried to figure out what its use is or if it’s a camera. I’ve asked other people what it means, and I’ve never met anyone who knows what it is. Thank you! Answer: What you are talking about is a blue light, and they are visible…
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