Question: Can a person get a ticket for driving too slow?
Answer: Yes. Freeways in Minnesota have an actual posted minimum speed limit. A driver must use due care in operating a vehicle, so there are times when traveling under that limit would be legal and encouraged because of weather conditions (snow, ice, fog, etc.) and actual or potential hazards on the highway.
Here is what Minnesota State Statute 169.15 says about impeding traffic: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law or except when the vehicle is temporarily unable to maintain a greater speed due to a combination of the weight of the vehicle and the grade of the highway.”
I look at it as how a “normal and reasonable” person would travel on a road. If a motorist is unable to maintain a safe speed when it’s a clear, sunny day and roads are in good condition , I would look for a reason beyond the violation, including:
•Impairment from alcohol or drugs, even prescription medications
•General physical/health problems
•Diabetic loss of consciousness or seizures
•Vision problems
•Lack of physical driving skills
•Lack of knowledge of traffic laws
•Mental or emotional problems (including road rage, memory loss, etc.)
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, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us or on his Twitter feed at MSPPIO_SOUTH.