Minnesota State Patrol
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJuly 07, 2020Question: I have heard speeding over 100 mph has increased. What is the State Patrol doing about this problem? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol, along with law enforcement agencies across the state, is currently conducting enhanced speed enforcement on the roadways through July 19. The extra enforcement will target speeding violations as well as aggressive driving. From April 1-May 21, the…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolFebruary 04, 2020Question: Do I need to obtain the new Real ID and Driver’s License when my license expires? Answer: The Minne-sota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) began issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards on Oct. 1, 2018, to comply with the federal REAL ID Act. Minnesotans are not required to obtain a REAL ID driver’s license or ID card; however,…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolJanuary 07, 2020Question: I see many vehicles driving down the road with ice and snow coming off of them. What is the law about clearing ice and snow from your vehicle prior to driving? Answer: The law states that no vehicle shall be moved on a roadway, unless the load is secured to prevent any leaking, blowing, shifting or falling debris. Ice or snow that may fall from a vehicle could be considered an unsecured…
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolOctober 29, 2019Question: As we are ending the motorcycle season, I heard of an individual near Rochester who was killed by going off the road and striking a sign head on. He was not wearing a helmet. Being an individual who has been in a motorcycle accident with the helmet likely saving my life, why are helmets not required in the state of Minnesota for all two- and three-wheel bikes? Answer: There is not a…- October 15, 2019Question: Minnesota just recently enacted a hands free while driving law, but many states do not have such a law. How is this enforced when people from out of state are traveling on our interstate highways? I have not seen any signs go up stating that Minnesota is hands-free. Would violators just be issued a warning? Answer: The law will be enforced for all drivers on Minnesota roadways. …
By Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota Highway PatrolSeptember 10, 2019Question: As we are ending the Motorcycle season I heard of an individual near Rochester, MN whom was killed by going off the road and struck a sign head on. He was not wearing a helmet. Being an individual whom has been in a motorcycle accident with the helmet likely saving my life, why are helmets not required in the State of Minnesota for all two and three wheel bikes? Answer: There is not a…
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 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 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 by Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolMarch 05, 2019Question: What is the correct following distance? Everyone seems to be way too close behind each other. Answer: The only law regarding following distance pertains to vehicles pulling trailers. This includes trucks as well as semitractors with trailers. They must maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet. While state law does not require a specific distance for vehicles not pulling trailers, it…
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…
By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolOctober 17, 2016Question: I heard one of my neighbors was pulled over by a State Trooper for driving his combine down the road. The trooper told him he needed a pilot car. Is this true? Answer: Farm equipment may be driven or towed to the left of the center of a roadway only if it is escorted by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights that are visible in normal sunlight. The escort vehicle must be located in…- By Troy Christianson, Minnesota State PatrolSeptember 05, 2016With the school year quickly approaching I would like to focus on the safety of our children. Following the guidelines below will help keep children safe around school buses. School bus safety tips for motorists: Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying red flashing lights and/or its stop arm is extended. This is important not only when approaching a school bus from the…
By Troy ChristiansonJanuary 25, 2016Question: I encountered a funeral procession along a two-lane highway (no roads entering this section of highway) and the lead funeral home vehicle had a light bar on the dash flashing an alternating red and blue light. Everyone on the highway going opposite the procession pulled over to the shoulder, thinking it was a police officer. Is this legal for the funeral home to do and what is the…- By Sgt. Troy ChristiansonJune 16, 2015Question: I read an article about gas-powered bicycles/mopeds and I have some questions of my own. What is needed in addition when one has a permit or driver’s license? Answer: These rules apply to required equipment and gear for moped riders: •A moped must meet the same lighting requirements as a motorcycle, with a headlight, taillight and stop lamp. The headlight must be on during operation.…
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