Minnesota State Patrol
- By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJune 04, 2019Question: The driver’s training manual says to have both hands on the steering wheel. First it was “two and ten” and now with airbags they say “nine and three.” The question, is it a law that you must have both hands on the wheel? I have never seen that as a law and if so there sure would be a lot of violations. I’m thinking if it is in the manual, it must be a law. Answer: There is not a law…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMay 07, 2019Question: Can you please explain the new hands-free cell phone law? Answer: Under the law, you may not hold your phone in your hand and cannot use it at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone. The new law does allow a driver to use their cell…
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 by Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMarch 05, 2019Question: What is the correct following distance? Everyone seems to be way too close behind each other. Answer: The only law regarding following distance pertains to vehicles pulling trailers. This includes trucks as well as semitractors with trailers. They must maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet. While state law does not require a specific distance for vehicles not pulling trailers, it…
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 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 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 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 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.…
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