ask a trooper

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…

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…

Question: I read one of your articles about motorcyclists needing to wear eye protection. Do contacts qualify as eye protection? Answer: Contact lenses do not qualify as protective eyewear. Motorcyclists are required to wear protective eyewear, such as glasses, goggles or a face shield, even if the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen. Drivers, look twice for motorcycles, especially when…

Question: I know it’s discouraged, but is it actually illegal for students to be standing on a school bus while it is moving? Answer: Minnesota state law says no person shall stand in a school bus when the bus is in motion. In addition, the aisle and emergency exit of a school bus shall be kept unobstructed at all times when children are being transported. Stop for school buses: It's the law…

Question: We are well into summer, but can you please talk about some basic vehicle checks? I stopped to help someone who had broken down alongside the road the other day, and they had no clue to what I thought was common sense stuff: coolant, fluids, battery maintenance and lights. Thanks for keeping people informed. Answer: As a state trooper, we see a lot out on the highways, and I am always…

Question: I have a small utility trailer, and I keep having to replace my license plate because it gets wrecked or torn off when I am traveling. Can I put it sideways on the wheel fender?  Answer: If the trailer is 3,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight (GVW) with lifetime registration, the numbered plate or sticker must be adhered to the side of the trailer frame tongue near the hitch. If the…

Question: If you are 15 years old and have a farm permit to drive a farm truck, how late at night can you drive? Answer: A Minnesota Farm Work license allows a 15-year-old to drive alone only to perform farm work for his or her parent during daylight hours, within 20 miles of the farmhouse, and in cities with populations of less than 100,000. The parent must complete a Farm Work License affidavit…

Question: Are smoked tail lights illegal in Minnesota? Answer: Minnesota law states that “tail lamps shall be plainly visible from a distance of 100 feet to the rear during normal sunlight and at night.” The same goes for turn signals and headlights. Smoking, tinting, covering or placing any material over tail lights, brake lights, headlights or turn signals would be illegal and unsafe as they…

Question: I was wondering if you are stopped at a stoplight in the left turn lane and an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens comes in behind you (either in the turn lane or the lane to your right), what is the proper procedure? Thank you! Answer: When it comes to encountering emergency vehicles while stopped at a stoplight and the only place to move is the actual intersection, it is best to…

Question: Can someone please tell dealers or inform people that their auto lights do not work during daylight hours? Or put it on those digital signs along the interstates? I did not know this when I bought my ’05 Vibe and someone told me that. So when we had these storms and fog, there are people driving without lights at all or no taillights and when it is a white or silver vehicle makes it…

Question:  How do you determine if your tires are unsafe for winter driving? Answer:  Over the years, I have investigated numerous crashes where worn tires were a contributing factor. Tires with inadequate tread depth may cause your vehicle to skid or slide out of control on a slippery or wet road surface. It is important to remember that unsafe tires can hydroplane on both wet and snow covered…

Question: Last week I noticed a truck with a snowplow blade on it. It took up the whole traffic lane. It was not a Minnesota Department of Transportation truck.  What is the legal length allowed for a snow blade? Answer:  The maximum legal width is 8 feet, 6 inches in Minnesota.  Snowplows start at widths of 6 ½ feet for smaller pickups and go up to 9- and 10-foot-wide plows for dump trucks.  The…

Question:  How do you determine if your tires are unsafe for winter driving? Answer:  Over the years, I have investigated numerous crashes where worn tires were a contributing factor. Tires with inadequate tread depth may cause your vehicle to skid or slide out of control on a slippery or wet road surface. It is important to remember that unsafe tires can hydroplane on both wet and snow covered…

Question:  My question stems from all the vehicles that have loud music playing. I can hear them coming from blocks away. When they drive by my house, the windows actually rattle. Is there a state law or ordinance against these boom boxes on wheels? Answer: Minnesota does not have a state law prohibiting loud music inside a vehicle, but many cities do have ordinances prohibiting noise levels. A…

Question: I was wondering what the state guidelines are regarding smoked or tinted headlights. Are they legal? Answer: Minnesota law does not allow for this. It is illegal to equip or operate a motor vehicle with any equipment or material that covers a headlamp, tail lamp, or reflector. I’d also like to remind drivers about when headlights and taillights need to be on. Minnesota law says that…

Question: This summer I sent you an email asking about the legality of individuals discharging grass clippings from lawn mowers onto public roads. They can be very slippery when wet and otherwise are a mess. I never heard back from you, nor did I see a response in my local paper. Please advise concerning the grass clippings on public roads. Answer: Discharging grass clippings onto a highway is…