ask a trooper
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolApril 22, 2019Question: Can someone that had a shoulder replacement and will be in a sling for four more weeks still be legal to drive with one arm? Answer: There are no restrictions placed on a license for this situation, unless a physician notifies Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) of such. If the driver’s (lack of) control of the vehicle due to this type of injury causes issues that make for a traffic stop…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolApril 02, 2019Question: What are the most common vehicle equipment violations you see? Answer: I have witnessed and investigated numerous equipment violations over the course of my career as a Minnesota State Trooper. The most common violations I have seen are: •Window tint violations: Law prohibits tint on the front windshield. Passenger cars are limited to 50 percent on all side and rear windows. Pickups,…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 19, 2019Question: What is the law about pickup trucks with the flashing amber lights? I noticed some of them traveling down the road when they are not actively plowing. Also, is there a law against plowing or blowing snow onto a public road? Answer: Minnesota state law says that a service vehicle shall not display a lighted lamp when traveling on the highway or at any other time except at the scene of a…-
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 19, 2019Question: What is the law about pickup trucks with the flashing amber lights? I noticed some of them traveling down the road when they are not actively plowing. Also, is there a law against plowing or blowing snow onto a public road? Answer: Minnesota state law says that a service vehicle shall not display a lighted lamp when traveling on the highway or at any other time except at the scene of a…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 12, 2019Question: Can a person “carry” an electronic insurance card on a smart phone? For example, I’ve had my insurance company send my card by email, which I downloaded to my phone. Is this legal, or does a person need to have the paper version? Thanks much in advance! Answer: It would be acceptable if the driver or registered owner is able to show the current auto insurance electronically (mobile…
By Sgt. Troy ChristiansonSeptember 12, 2017Question: I have a question about the Minnesota State Patrol Blood Relays. Recently, one was performed from the twin cities to Redwing. Why did it involve three patrol officers? I know this isn’t a great distance and have just been wondering what rules or regulations dictate how this is handled. Answer: The story you are referring to was recently shared on our Facebook page, but a number of years…
By Sgt. Troy ChristiansonAugust 29, 2017Question: I read that the fine for going through a school bus stop arm will increase in Minnesota. Can you talk about the fine amount and school bus safety? Answer: State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended. As of Aug. 1, drivers who violate that law will face a larger fine when citations…
By Sgt. Troy ChristiansonAugust 22, 2017Question: Can you drive in a bike lane? For instance, use it for a right turn lane? Answer: No, motorists are not allowed to drive in the bike lanes. The solid white lines on any road mean do not cross. There are designated areas where the solid white line is converted to dashed lines and this is where motor vehicles are allowed to enter a bike lane to make a turn. Before crossing a bicycle lane…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolNovember 07, 2016Question: I’ve been helping my neighbor prep for sale a 1955 Ford pickup that has been in her family since new.t I noticed the other day that the VIN plate is missing from the glove box door (the rivet holes are still there). It must have been lost by the body shop that painted the truck about 15 years ago, and is now out of business. I was able to locate the VIN stamped into the frame and it…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolOctober 17, 2016Question: I heard one of my neighbors was pulled over by a State Trooper for driving his combine down the road. The trooper told him he needed a pilot car. Is this true? Answer: Farm equipment may be driven or towed to the left of the center of a roadway only if it is escorted by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights that are visible in normal sunlight. The escort vehicle must be located in…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolSeptember 19, 2016Question: What are the driver’s license requirements and equipment laws for the new three-wheel type motorcycle vehicles? Answer: The law changed on August 1, 2016. An auto cycle is a motorcycle that: •has three wheels in contact with the ground; •is designed with seating that does not require operators or occupants to straddle or sit astride it; •has a steering wheel; •is equipped with antilock…- By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolSeptember 05, 2016With the school year quickly approaching I would like to focus on the safety of our children. Following the guidelines below will help keep children safe around school buses. School bus safety tips for motorists: Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying red flashing lights and/or its stop arm is extended. This is important not only when approaching a school bus from the…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolAugust 08, 2016Question: I read a recent study by the AAA Foundation for traffic safety that nearly 80 percent of drivers expressed significant anger, aggression or road rage behind the wheel at least once in the previous year. How many “road rage” incidents are reported to the State Patrol on a yearly basis? Answer: Troopers respond to a number of calls on a daily basis based on driving conduct and many other…
July 25, 2016Question: I own a 1994 BMW. Last time registration was due, I purchased a collector plate and joined the BMW club. I know you're not supposed to drive the car for everyday use, such as driving to the grocery store or running errands. I have a friend who told me I can only drive the car to club meetings or auto shows. True or not true? If not true, what are the restrictions to driving the car…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJuly 11, 2016Question: There was a story in the news about a recent hit and run fatal crash where the State Patrol was looking for the public’s help in locating the vehicle that fled. How many hit and run incidents are there in Minnesota and what is the law that covers this? Answer: As a State Patrol public information officer, I will ask the media to assist us in identifying a driver or vehicle in a hit and…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJune 27, 2016Question: How long does a speeding ticket and written warning ticket stay on your record? Answer: A written warning does not go on your driving record, but it is recorded in our computer system. Citations for speed, according to the Driver and Vehicle Services, generally stay on record for five years and serious speeds are 10 years. Each year illegal or unsafe speed is one of the leading…
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