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...]
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Question: Hello, I live in “cabin country” and it never fails, during the summer months with the influx of traffic, there are always arguments regarding traffic “laws” or “it’s just being Minnesota nice.” There’s been several near misses and I can see both sides of the argument and wondering if you can help clear up an ongoing discussion. At a single-lane intersection, the … [Read more...]
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Question: My kid just received their driver’s license. It was during this time that I found out they are limited on their passengers. They want to give their friends a ride but I think more people should know about this on the limitations. Answer: Teen drivers are only allowed to have one passenger under the age of 20 for the first six months they have their provisional … [Read more...]
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Question: I bought a boat and the width is 10 feet wide, how can I legally haul it to different lakes? Answer: The maximum length cannot exceed the width of 8 feet 6 inches. This is the maximum dimension that may be operated on Minnesota roadways without a special permit. The maximum height is 13 feet 6 inches. If you exceed the height or width, then you would have to … [Read more...]
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Question: I have a new driver in my house. What advice should I give them when encountering a road rage type situation? Answer: Stay safe if you encounter an aggressive driver. You can only control what you do and how you respond. •Get out of their way. •Stay calm – safely reaching your destination is your goal. •Do not challenge them. •Avoid eye contact. •Ignore their … [Read more...]
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Question: I would like more information on trailer hitch ball sizes and why they have different sizes? Answer: There are four different trailer hitch ball sizes. Each size has a different weight rating related to the trailer you are pulling. It is very important to make sure you always use the proper ball size with the trailer you are pulling. The ball size required for the … [Read more...]
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Question: With summer being upon us, can you get some information out in regards to motorcycle safety? Answer: Operating a motorcycle requires different skills than driving a car, so there are some additional requirements for motorcycle riders: •Motorcyclists are entitled to the full use of their lanes and have all the rights and duties of other drivers. •Operators must have … [Read more...]