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ask a trooper

  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    November 26, 2024
    Question: My vehicle is equipped with airbags. Do I need to wear my seat belt? Answer: Yes, seat belt use is required. An airbag is a supplemental restraint system. Airbags work with seat belts to prevent injuries but are not designed to keep occupants from being ejected. For safety reasons, children under age 13 must ride in the back seat if it is available. Try to keep at least 10 inches…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    November 20, 2024
    Question: I can’t help but notice that it seems like a lot of people are following each other too close out on the highways. It’s been many years since I was in driver’s education but what is the recommendation for following distance? Answer: Here is information that is shared in the Minnesota Driver’s Manual. Applying the "Three-Second Rule" helps you keep a safe distance between your car and…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    November 06, 2024
    Question: I have a medical condition that causes me to lose consciousness on occasion. I am hoping to get a driver’s license. Is there anything I need to do? Answer: When applying for an instruction permit or driver’s license, you will be asked questions about medical conditions. Providing false information on the application could result in losing your driving privileges. If you have a medical…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    September 04, 2024
    Question: I’ve been helping my neighbor prep for sale a 1955 Ford pickup that has been in her family since new.  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 Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    August 21, 2024
    Question: Since I've moved to Minnesota, I've seen many drivers use right turn lanes as a bypass lane.  Is this legal or does the sign reading "lane must turn" mean exactly what it says? Answer: White signs are regulatory and failing to comply can result in a citation for “fail to obey traffic control sign/signal.” “Right Turn Lanes” are what they are posted for, not passing or bypassing. The “…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    April 10, 2024
    Question: I am puzzled as to why seat belts are mandatory in vehicles along with a fine for not complying, but our precious cargo in school buses are not required to wear them? Answer: School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation even without seatbelts. School buses are safer because of their large size and design. School bus interiors are designed on “compartmentalization”, which…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    February 14, 2024
    Question: Hello, I thought I read somewhere that rest areas help reduce crashes. I saw a trooper at a rest area the other day, and it got me thinking about that. Can you write about that?  Answer: More than 20 million travelers stop at Minnesota rest areas annually. Rest areas serve as an essential safety feature on the highway system by giving travelers a place to stop and rest. This helps…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    February 07, 2024
    Question: I was driving on the freeway during the worst part of a recent storm. Just had a question — are people supposed to use their emergency flashers when they are driving? So many cars on the freeway were, and it made it impossible to tell if someone was actually stopped or moving slowly (also, if they changed lanes, there was no way to tell). I was having trouble seeing anyway, and this…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    January 24, 2024
    Question: I heard you on the radio the other day. You were talking about new, young drivers having some restrictions on their driver’s license. You mentioned something about a parent being able to take their license away. Could you explain more about that? Answer: I was talking about graduated driver license (GDLs) laws, which support a three-stage driver licensing system to phase in young…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    January 10, 2024
    Question: I was wondering, with the ads on television showing people driving with their hands off the steering wheel, is that legal in Minnesota if your vehicle has that capability? Answer: I believe you are asking about autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, which are capable of sensing their environment and operating without human involvement. Minnesota law states that every driver is…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    December 27, 2023
    Question: I do a lot of over-the-road traveling for work. Can I stop and stretch my legs along the freeway? Answer: Do not stop on the interstate or along the roadway. The only time you can stop on the freeway is for emergencies. Use the freeway exits/off-ramps and pull off onto the shoulder and park. If you are in need, Minnesota offers several rest areas throughout our great state. According…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    December 20, 2023
    Question: My question is why electric cars and trucks do not have front license plates? These are all from Minnesota which is required by law.  They are not from out of state. Answer: Electric vehicles are required to have a front license plate in Minnesota, this is a common equipment violation. Minnesota State Statute (M.S.S.) 169.79 states: “No person shall operate, drive or park a motor…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    December 06, 2023
    Ask a Trooper Question: I hear there that DWI’s can become more of an issue around the winter holidays. Can you talk about that? Thank you for all you do. Answer: Minnesota Law Enforcement is participating in a statewide campaign that includes extra DWI enforcement that started the day before Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. Over the past five years (2018-2022), more than 120,000 people…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    November 26, 2023
    Question: The first snow storm of the season seemed to catch a lot of us by surprise. Can you talk about what to do to be ready for winter travel? Thank you and be safe. Answer: You are correct, and it comes down to being prepared. While summer months are the deadliest on Minnesota roads, wintertime leads to the most crashes and poses safety risks and hazards. Here are some tips to help stay…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    November 08, 2023
    Question: What is the difference between careless or reckless driving? What about “exhibition driving”? Answer: In general, the difference between reckless and careless is that “reckless” is generally “intentional” or the driver “should know” that the driving behavior could injure or kill someone. Here’s more detail on how they differ: Reckless driving - This involves a motorist who’s aware of…
  • By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol
    October 25, 2023
    Question: I have had a few conversations with others about turning right on red. Can you tell me what the rules are in Minnesota? It’s frightening to see the chances some drivers are taking. Answer: A steady red light means stop and wait for the light to change. Come to a complete stop at the stop line before the crosswalk or entering the intersection. After stopping, you may make a right turn…
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