Question: Harvest season upon us and with slow moving farm vehicles on roadways, is it permissible to pass a slow-moving farm implement on Minnesota highways in a delineated no-passing zone? If passing is prohibited, maybe this is something to feature in the “Ask a Trooper” segments in various media outlets? Answer:  This is perfect timing, going into harvest season. Chances … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is there a law against putting signs along the roadway for political candidates and advertising? Answer:  It is illegal to place signs for political purposes and advertising on the road right-of-way. Highway rights-of-way include driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches and sight corners at intersections. All state, county, city … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: My family and I have concerns about crosswalk safety due to traffic not stopping and pedestrians not knowing what to do. Can you share how best to navigate such a crosswalk for both motorists and pedestrians? Answer:  Crosswalks involve pedestrians and motor vehicles – the literal two-way street. That means everyone involved – pedestrian and … [Read more...]

Question: Schools opening back up, I am starting to see more school buses on the road the past few days. Can you talk about the laws for failing to stop for a school bus and what law enforcement is doing to help keep students safe? Answer:  State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully … [Read more...]

Question: It seems like I am seeing more motorcycles than ever. Can you talk about their safety going into fall riding? Answer: Preliminary reports show that 46 riders have lost their loves in crashes this year, compared to 37 riders at this time last year. With everything going on in the world today, a motorcycle ride can be the perfect escape. Leave your worries behind, … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am making a hunting blind out of an old boat trailer, do I need brakes 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 … [Read more...]

Question: How long can a trailer and a trailer boat combination be on the roadway? Answer: Maximum length of towing vehicle and one trailer combined is 75 feet. (Fig. 2)  Maximum length of trailer allowed is 45 feet. Maximum allowed width of a vehicle is 102”.  Maximum height allowed is 13’6”.    Three unit RV combinations (Fig. 3) consisting of a full size pickup … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I enjoyed your article “Trailer Wheel Bearing Talk.” Could you talk more about tire safety? I look around in parking lots and see many tires that are unsafe. Thanks!? Answer:  Tire talk is an important conversation as their functions include supporting the vehicle load, transmitting traction and braking forces, … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can you talk about boat trailer safety with all the traffic we see pulling these things? Answer:  State Troopers often encounter motorists pulling trailers that are experiencing breakdowns. Most often it involves a flat tire or trailer wheel bearing. Basic trailer maintenance involves greasing the wheel … [Read more...]