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 really liked your recent article about the dangers of putting your feet up on the dash while driving and air bags. With the way vehicles are changing, can you talk about the other air bags, like side curtains and such? Thank you. Answer: Thank you for the email and I am happy to talk about this. First of all, let … [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...]