Troy Christianson
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…
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…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMay 02, 2016Question: With all this attention to distracted driving recently, I know that a person can talk on a cell phone while driving if they are 18 years or older. I understand that it is illegal for anyone under that age to be on a cell phone. Does that apply to a hands-free device such as a blue tooth? Answer: Anyone under 18 years of age may NOT operate a vehicle while using a cell phone whether…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolApril 19, 2016Q: What are the requirements for RV triple towing in Minnesota? A: A recreational vehicle combination may be operated without an over-length type permit if: •the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed; •the combination does…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolFebruary 22, 2016Question: At a recent gathering, a friend related a story to me that really surprised me. He was traveling along a local road at night when a car came toward him with his high beams on. My friend flashed his high beams to ask him to switch to lows, but the car ignored him. So, my friend flashed them again, and again the car ignored him. After he passed, the car that was behind the “offender”…
By Troy ChristiansonJanuary 25, 2016Question: I encountered a funeral procession along a two-lane highway (no roads entering this section of highway) and the lead funeral home vehicle had a light bar on the dash flashing an alternating red and blue light. Everyone on the highway going opposite the procession pulled over to the shoulder, thinking it was a police officer. Is this legal for the funeral home to do and what is the…
By Sgt. Troy ChristiansonDecember 28, 2015Question: If a person has a permit to carry in Minnesota, can they transport a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle? Answer: The permit to carry law applies only to handguns, so the answer is no with some exceptions. MS 97B.045- A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is: (1) unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully…- By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolDecember 01, 2015Question: Can you talk about winter driving safety? Answer: This is a great time to talk about it and remind drivers about the dangers of driving on slippery roads and reducing chances of being involved in a crash. •Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are poor. •Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are tightly secured. •Drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and provide for…
- By Sgt. Troy ChristiansonJune 16, 2015Question: I read an article about gas-powered bicycles/mopeds and I have some questions of my own. What is needed in addition when one has a permit or driver’s license? Answer: These rules apply to required equipment and gear for moped riders: •A moped must meet the same lighting requirements as a motorcycle, with a headlight, taillight and stop lamp. The headlight must be on during operation.…
You must log in to continue reading. Log in or subscribe today.
