ask a trooper
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolOctober 26, 2021Question: I drive school bus and am a retired firefighter. Recently one of our buses was stopped – eight ways on, stop signs deployed – when two fire apparatus approached red lights and sirens. The apparatus did not slow and sped past the bus. I’ve always said regardless of what type of emergency vehicle, they must stop and wait for the school bus driver to shut down the eight ways (indicating…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolAugust 03, 2021Question: I've often wondered why Troopers wear their badges on their pocket flaps and not their chests like other law enforcement officers. Can you tell me the story behind that? Answer: Each individual agency and department will have different rules and regulations as to how the badge is to be worn, although badge placement isn’t random and has some historical significance. Law enforcement…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJuly 20, 2021Question: I junked two vehicles about 30 days ago and have only received one "Junk Certificate" in the mail. I contacted the DVS with the VIN # in question and they have no record of the vehicle being junked and told me to contact the repair shop. I contacted the repair shop that I mailed the signed title to, and they said they have taken care of it. I do not want to get into any sort…- By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJuly 06, 2021Question: What is the law with regard to insurance cards? I was told it must always be available in the vehicle and then I was told that if you do not have it, there is no fine if you produce it within three days. What exactly are the statutes with regard to having your driver's license on you while driving? Answer: The driver of the vehicle is required to provide current proof of…
June 22, 2021Question: I own a convertible that I only drive in the summer when it isn't raining. (I hate to put the top up). My commute to work is 1.2 miles each way. It is now of a vintage that I could get collector plates on it, but I've heard there are restrictions on when I can drive it with those plates displayed. What are the rules? I would like to have collector plates but want to be able to…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMay 25, 2021Question: Do I need an oversize or wide-load permit to haul a boatlift that is over 9 feet wide to my cabin? Answer: You would need to obtain a permit because the width is over 8 feet 6 inches. Hauling oversized items without a permit or escorts (if required) can be dangerous and is illegal. Troopers and private escort companies are required to be trained and certified. An oversize and/or…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMay 11, 2021Question: Are you seeing increased speed more in the metro or Greater Minnesota? And are those increased speeds on the highway or the city streets? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol is seeing increased speeds across the state. Whether you live in the metro or Greater Minnesota, excessive speeds are a cause for concern. People tend to think of dangerous speeds on the highway, but traveling at a…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolApril 27, 2021Question: Can you talk about motorcycle safety going into spring riding? Answer: With everything going on in the world today, a motorcycle ride can be the perfect escape. Leave your worries behind, put that helmet on, and head for the open road. Here are steps you can take to reduce your risk of crashing: •Ride sober. •Wear highly visible protective gear, including a brightly colored helmet. •…- By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolApril 20, 2021Question: I see a lot of people that have their fog lights on, and when I am meeting them on the road, some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. What is the law that covers this? Answer: If the fog lights are aimed too high and/or are too bright, they are illegal even if they are in compliance with the rest of the…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolFebruary 02, 2021Question: I am getting my 4 place snowmobile trailer ready for a trip. Do I need brakes on all the axels? Answer: Brakes are required on all trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. If brakes are required, they need to be on all wheels of a trailer manufactured after June 30, 1988. Trailers equipped with three or more axles and manufactured prior to July 1, 1988, are not required to…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJanuary 25, 2021Question: What items should I have in my vehicle during this extreme cold weather? What is the proper procedure if I become stranded and/or go off the road? Answer: With the recent below zero temperatures, being prepared with an emergency kit and plan can save your life. We recommend the following items be in your vehicle, especially in the winter: •bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolJanuary 19, 2021Question: I was hoping in a future column you could talk about safely navigating a roundabout. Last fall a roundabout was put in by our elementary school. Since the start of the 20-21 school year, I’ve been using it 20 times a week to drop off my kids and pick them up. I see many drivers stopping at the yield sign in order to let other drivers in the roundabout continue on their way. It’s my…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJanuary 05, 2021Question: My neighbor’s cattle are always out. They don’t take care of their fence and they are getting into my yard. I can deal with that, but my real concern is the highway we live along. I’m worried someone is going to hit a cow and get hurt or something worse. There must be a law about this. Answer: This is concerning as this type of activity could lead to a crash resulting in life-changing…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolDecember 08, 2020Question: Did I hear there is extra DWI enforcement going on over the holidays? Answer: Yes, here is some information that we shared on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s blog: The holidays are going to be different this year, that’s for sure. With Minnesota’s pandemic restrictions in place for now, friends and family likely aren’t coming into town to celebrate, and even if they do, you…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolNovember 23, 2020Question: I have heard a lot about “click it or ticket” recently. I thought seat belt use was at an all-time high. Answer: Most Minnesotans are making the life-saving decision to buckle up. According to the 2019 Minnesota Seat Belt Survey, 93.4 percent of front seat occupants are wearing their seat belts. Unfortunately, that means more than 7 percent of motorists continue to risk their lives and…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolNovember 10, 2020Question: If a person has a permit to carry in Minnesota, can they transport a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle? Answer: The permit to carry law applies only to handguns, so the answer is no with some exceptions. MS 97B.045 – A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is: (1) unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, and the case fully…
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