Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the Ted Foss law in Minnesota? Answer: The law got its name from a tragedy. Trooper Ted Foss was conducting a traffic stop August 30, 2000, on the shoulder of Interstate 90 when he was hit and killed by a passing vehicle. He left behind his wife, Andrea, and two kids. Emergency responders working on the shoulder of the road have … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Does a bicyclist have to obey the same traffic laws as a motorist? Answer: Yes, Minnesota Statute 169.222 states: “Every person operating a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in respect to those provisions in this chapter relating … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question 1: Does a person need a hood on a vehicle to drive it down the highway legally? Answer 1: No. Question 2: What is the law regarding vehicle fenders and tires sticking out beyond the sides of a vehicle? Answer 2: According to Minnesota State Statute 169.734.  “Every passenger automobile shall have fenders, or other devices, that are designed … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Hello, maybe you can clear this up for me, what is the definition of stop? I think a slight pause is good enough. I look at it as I am stopping, but everything is clear so I can proceed. Answer: To answer your question, it is called a “stop sign” not a “stopping sign.” According to Minnesota State Statute, the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I see vehicles go by with extended carriers attached to their hitch with several full gas cans. We discuss what could happen if a driver was not paying attention and ran into one such vehicle. How safe can this be? Is there any laws in place that makes this unlawful? Answer: There is no law against transporting … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: If involved in a minor auto accident with another driver what steps should be taken at the scene by both parties? Answer: Crashes happen every day in Minnesota.  Crashes are one of the State Patrol’s primary duties. It’s important to know what to do immediately after a crash happens. The first and most important thing to do after you’ve … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: Summertime I notice a lot more tire treads on the roads, can you write about what to do if you have a tire blow out while driving? Answer: It is important to monitor proper tire pressure and your tire condition and hopefully you can avoid a tire blowout.  In the warmer months the hot air can cause your tires to increase pressure while the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: How many classes of driver’s licenses are there and what do they mean? Answer: Minnesota has four different classes of driver’s licenses. Class D is valid for: • Single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less; • Recreational vehicles; • Certain farm vehicles; • Towing vehicles, regardless … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have noticed that some of the local express shuttle buses do not stop at railroad crossings. I thought all buses were supposed to stop before crossing railroad tracks. Can you talk about this? Answer: If it is a school bus or Head Start (early childhood programs, etc.) bus then they are required to stop whether … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: It seems there are far too many wrong way drivers.  On 4-lane and 2-lane roadways, what do drivers do if they encounter a wrong-way driver? Answer: Great question as this is a very dangerous situation. I was part of a crash investigation involving a wrong way driver on I-90 in Olmsted County in 2019. This was one of the worst crashes I have … [Read more...]