By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I noticed that the horn on my vehicle does not work. Is there a law that that says a vehicle must have a working horn and when it can be used?  Answer:  According to state law, your vehicle must have a horn that’s “in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I was wondering if my headlights are 2500 lumens each, is that legal in the state of Minnesota? Answer:  Yes, they are legal in the State of Minnesota according to state statue 169.48. Any lighted lamp for the exception of a headlamp, a spot lamp, or an auxiliary driving lamp of an intensity greater than 300-candle … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I drive school bus and am a retired firefighter. Recently one of our buses was stopped – eight ways on, stop signs deployed – when two fire apparatus approached with red lights and sirens. The apparatus did not slow and sped past the bus.  I’ve always said regardless of what type of emergency vehicle, they must stop … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have an “Ask the Trooper a Question” question: Why are LOUD motorcycles allowed to operate on Minnesota highways? Answer:  Minnesota State Statute 169.69 states:  “Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall vehicle noise … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol A Trooper in Southern Minnesota recently took a report from a concerned bicyclist and asked to have this information passed along. This person rides bicycle, has a flashing white light to the front and flashing red light to the rear, wears a helmet, has a mirror, follows the rules of the road, rides in bicycle lanes where … [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 fuel … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol I followed a tractor that had triple wheels on each side and took up half the lane of oncoming traffic. Following vehicles could not pass and oncoming traffic had to take the shoulder. Answer: Farm equipment may be driven or towed to the left of the center of a roadway only if it is escorted at the front by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol “Let’s have one last celebration before summer ends! What shall we do?” “Great idea! Let’s spend thousands of dollars in legal fees! Or…spending months in the hospital might be fun. Or how about dying in a car crash?” If all of that sounds like a ridiculous way to spend Labor Day weekend, we agree. And yet that’s what can … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have seen a lot of boat trailers and ATV trailers on the shoulders with mechanical issues, what should be checked on these trailers? 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 … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: In reference to the interstate, is it true that one out of five miles is straight so airplanes can land on there if needed? Answer: No, this is a myth that is so widespread that it is difficult to dispel. The myth typically states the requirement came from President Dwight D. Eisenhower or the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. However, no … [Read more...]