About Troy Christianson

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can you please explain the new law that requires drivers to move to the right lane if they are impeding traffic by traveling under the posted speed limit?  Answer: Modernized language regarding left lane usage was added to Minnesota state statute for those drivers that drive in the left lane below the posted … [Read more...]

Question: I came across the Minnesotan law that states animals cannot be kept in vehicles in a manner that endangers their safety. I also came across certain cities’ laws that states you cannot idle your vehicle with the keys inside. Can you talk about pet safety, especially when the temperatures are high? Answer: Minnesota law states that a person may not leave a dog or … [Read more...]

Question: 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 … [Read more...]

Question: 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 … [Read more...]

Question: 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 … [Read more...]