Question: Can you please explain the new law that requires drivers to move to the right lane if they are impeding traffic by traveling under the posted speed limit?
Answer: Modernized language regarding left lane usage was added to Minnesota state statute for those drivers that drive in the left lane below the posted speed limit and are impeding traffic.
The new law, starting Aug. 1, requires drivers to move out of the left lane when traveling on interstates or multi-lane roads after they have finished passing slower-moving traffic. If you are traveling under the posted speed limit, move to the right when safe to do so. Remember to signal each time you change lanes.
Nothing allows a driver to exceed the speed limit. The posted speed limit is the law and the maximum speed drivers should be going. We are always on alert for violators that choose to speed.
Motorists should keep a three-second following distance to allow for safe stopping and reaction to other vehicles. Aggressive driving, speeding and weaving through traffic give drivers less room for error and may cause others to react in a way that endangers their lives.
Question: I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler which has a windshield that has the ability to fold down from the factory. I am just wondering if the windshield is properly folded down and strapped as per the factory design if this is then legal to drive on highway, county or state roads in Minnesota.
While I doubt I'll ever be zipping down I-94 with the windshield down, it would make it a lot easier driving between off road trails to not put it up and down, but don't want to break the law.
I could only find the statute that indicates that if you do have a windshield you need to have wipers. So it sounds like there isn't a law per se that says "Shall have a windshield on all on road vehicles," so I am assuming if the vehicle wasn't designed to have one (like a motorcycle) it’s not required.
However, it doesn't appear to specify what the rule is when you have a windshield, but the factory designed it to fold down. So the law is kind of gray in my mind and I hoped you could advise how the State Patrol approaches this law or rules for highway use.
Thanks in advance for any information or understanding of the statute you would be able to share.
Answer: We get this question fairly often, and it brings out some good discussion. When it comes to a windshield in a passenger vehicle, you are required to have one. Under Minnesota State Statute 169.468 it states, the commissioner has adopted federal motor vehicle safety standards, which is where it states a windshield is required (in the federal law.)
For the purposes of your windshield being a “fold down from the factory” this is for “off road use.”
Motorcycles may or may not have windshields, but even when they do, they do not meet legal requirements, and a rider must wear eye protection: face shield, goggles, or glasses.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)