ask a trooper
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 29, 2022Question: With spring being here and the melting snow, can you talk about what a person should do when coming across water on roads? Answer: Flooding can occur when streams and rivers flow over their banks, when dams or levees break, when there is run-off from deep snow, or any time there is heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can be found on roads, bridges and low areas. Flash floods can come rapidly…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 15, 2022Question: I am a new parent and I am not sure if I am doing this child car seat thing properly. Is there somewhere I can go to find out if I am doing it right? Thank you. Answer: Congratulations on parenthood! I know the feeling and there will only be more questions as time goes on. For child passenger safety, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety has a map that you…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolFebruary 15, 2022Question: It’s so cold in the winter, I am thinking about getting one of those fuzzy steering wheel covers. I think they will help keep my hands warm while driving. But my question is, are they legal? Answer: Steering wheel covers are legal. A quick reminder though – it’s always the driver’s responsibility to keep control of the vehicle at all times, even if the steering wheel cover becomes loose…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolFebruary 01, 2022We all know the dangers of driving with snow and ice on the roads, but driving with snow and ice on your vehicle is also a hazard. Always take time to remove all snow and ice from your vehicle before traveling. This is for your safety and the safety of other drivers. Snow and ice left on your hood, roof and trunk can shift and blow off – blinding you or the driver behind you. Limited visibility…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolDecember 21, 2021Question: I purchased an old trailer to haul my Ranger around. Are brakes required on it? Answer: Brakes are required on all trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. Trailers manufactured after June 30, 1988, with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more require brakes installed on all wheels. Every trailer with a gross weight of more than 3,000 pounds shall also be equipped with a…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolDecember 07, 2021Question: I have a question about headlights. It seems that drivers are using their hi-beams to compensate for their cloudy headlights. Is this an equipment problem? Answer: Using high beams to compensate for cloudy headlights is a hazard to oncoming traffic. If your headlights are cloudy, it is recommended that you clean them. If they are still cloudy after cleaning them, you may have to replace…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolNovember 23, 2021Question: 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…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolNovember 09, 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 Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolNovember 02, 2021Question: I noticed that the horn on my vehicle does not work. Is there a law that that says a vehicle must have a working horn and when it can be used? Answer: According to state law, your vehicle must have a horn that’s “in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet. The horn or other warning device must not emit…
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…
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