Question: I was arrested for DWI, where do I find information about ignition interlock? Answer: First-time DWI offenders arrested at 0.16 alcohol-concentration level or above and second-time offenders can voluntarily enroll in the ignition interlock program to regain legal driving privileges. If they don’t enroll, they face at least one year without a driver’s license. … [Read more...]
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Question: I have a slow moving emblem for my vehicle. Can I use that when I am driving at normal speed limits or must I take that off? Answer: Vehicles designed to operate at 35 miles per hour or less must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem. The use of this emblem is restricted to the slow-moving vehicles specified in state statute and its use on any other type of vehicle … [Read more...]
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Question: I am serving in the military and my driver’s license is about to expire. I am not sure when I will be able to get it renewed. What are my options. Answer: As an active duty U.S. military, Peace Corps or foreign service member who had a valid, unexpired Minnesota driver’s license or ID when you entered active service, you do not need to renew your license or ID until … [Read more...]
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Question: I have a question about the lawful thing to do in regards to a school bus with lights flashing. If I am driving down a two-lane street with no stop sign and approaching an intersection with a cross street. A bus approaches from the cross street (my left) and stops somewhere before the intersection with red lights activated. Should I stop before the through-street … [Read more...]
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Question: I saw in one of your recent articles talking about stopping for a school bus. In the article you stated, “Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) – but they should remain alert for children.” Can you explain the “etc.” as I still have questions. Answer: Excellent question and yes, I can. … [Read more...]
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Question: I see a lot of people not wearing their seat belt correctly. Several of them, have the shoulder belt worn underneath the shoulder/arm. Can you provide some education on this? Answer: Seat belt use is required with a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped. You are more likely to survive a car … [Read more...]
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Question: I am seeing more and more of these “J-turns” in Minnesota. Can you explain those to people who might not be familiar? Thank you. Answer: J-turns are used to decrease fatalities and injuries caused by broadside crashes on four-lane divided highways. At a J-turn, drivers on the side street approaching the divided highway always make a right turn. To cross the highway … [Read more...]
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Question: Can you talk about how people need to make proper turns? I see a lot of unsafe maneuvers when it comes to turning. Answer: Drivers who turn improperly cause many traffic crashes. Move safely into the correct lane well ahead of the place where you will make the actual turn. • Slow down before turning. Signal your intent at least 100 feet before the turn. Signals … [Read more...]
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Question: I saw your last article was about stopping. With school just around the corner, can you talk about stopping for the school bus? Answer: I certainly can and with last year’s law change it’s a good reminder. Previously, the law required drivers to stop for a bus’s red flashing lights and extended stop arm. Alarmingly, this could create a situation where some drivers … [Read more...]
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Question: I’m seeing more and more vehicles in Minnesota with dark tinted windows. I thought there was a law prohibiting dark tinted windows on both the driver and passenger windows but back windows can be dark. Unless the laws changed and I didn’t know. Thank you Answer: In Minnesota, you can have your windows tinted to a light transmittance of 50%, but not less. Light … [Read more...]