ask a trooper
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJuly 30, 2019Question: With the upcoming new hands-free law that is effective August 1, can a teen that is under 18 years old and has a driver’s permit or provisional driver’s license use their phone in hands-free mode? Answer: The new hands-free law does not change anything for teens under 18 with a driver’s permit or provisional driver’s license: They cannot make or answer calls while driving (hand-held or…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJuly 09, 2019Question: Can you give out information about fog lights? I notice a lot of people have them on and when I am meeting them on the road in the evening or at night, some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. I hope that having people read this will help make a difference. Thanks. Answer: There are some specific…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJune 25, 2019Question: When the speed limit changes on a road, does the new speed limit start at the sign, or does it start when you can see the sign? Answer: The speed zone becomes effective when you reach the sign. If the speed limit reduces, you must begin to slow down before the sign. If the speed limit increases, you must wait until you reach the new speed limit sign before increasing your speed. Each…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJune 18, 2019Question: Can a person have an alcoholic beverage while operating a boat on a lake? How about if you are a passenger in the back of a motor home? Answer: It is against the law for any person to consume alcohol in any vehicle while on a public road. Public highways are any road, paved or not, that are open to the public for vehicular traffic. The law also applies to open alcohol containers that…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJune 11, 2019Question: When golf carts are using a pedestrian crosswalk, are vehicles required to yield? This happens in some towns where the roadway separates a golf course. Answer: Unless there is an ordinance or some other special allowance set by local or state officials, golf carts are treated as motor vehicles and not pedestrians. Minnesota State Statute talks about electric personal assistive mobility…- 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 28, 2019Out of the tragedy of one teen’s death comes life-saving change for Minnesotans statewide. For Kathy Cooper, her family’s efforts to strengthen Minnesota’s seat belt law began after her daughter Meghan’s unbelted death. Their advocacy is saving lives. In 2009 the state’s primary seat belt law took effect in honor of Meghan. It is helping contribute to fewer unbuckled people dying in traffic…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMay 14, 2019Question: Both my daughter and I have a disability. I have the handicap license plates on my car and she only has a placard. When she drives my car, does she have to use her placard to park? Answer: The registered license plates are designed for you to be able to park that vehicle in a disabled/handicap parking location. If your daughter has her own permit, she would need to display her permit in…
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 30, 2019Question: I want to install a lift kit and put bigger tires on my Jeep. I want to comply with all the state laws. What is a bumper height law and the law about tires that extend out past the fenders? Answer: Anytime you make any modification or alteration to a vehicle’s stock suspension and tires/rims, it can change how that vehicle handles, steers, brakes and could affect its overall performance…
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 Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolApril 02, 2019Question: What are the most common vehicle equipment violations you see? Answer: I have witnessed and investigated numerous equipment violations over the course of my career as a Minnesota State Trooper. The most common violations I have seen are: •Window tint violations: Law prohibits tint on the front windshield. Passenger cars are limited to 50 percent on all side and rear windows. Pickups,…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 19, 2019Question: What is the law about pickup trucks with the flashing amber lights? I noticed some of them traveling down the road when they are not actively plowing. Also, is there a law against plowing or blowing snow onto a public road? Answer: Minnesota state law says that a service vehicle shall not display a lighted lamp when traveling on the highway or at any other time except at the scene of a…-
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 19, 2019Question: What is the law about pickup trucks with the flashing amber lights? I noticed some of them traveling down the road when they are not actively plowing. Also, is there a law against plowing or blowing snow onto a public road? Answer: Minnesota state law says that a service vehicle shall not display a lighted lamp when traveling on the highway or at any other time except at the scene of a…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolMarch 12, 2019Question: Can a person “carry” an electronic insurance card on a smart phone? For example, I’ve had my insurance company send my card by email, which I downloaded to my phone. Is this legal, or does a person need to have the paper version? Thanks much in advance! Answer: It would be acceptable if the driver or registered owner is able to show the current auto insurance electronically (mobile…
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…
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