By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Minnesota? Answer: Driving a motor vehicle barefoot in Minnesota is legal, although secured footwear is safer. Crashes are sometimes caused by loose sandals or flip flops that interfere with the brake and acceleration pedals. This brings up another safety issue. Make sure the … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: I junked two vehicles about 30 days ago and have only received one “Junk Certificate” in the mail. I contacted the DVS with the VIN # in question and they have no record of the vehicle being junked and told me to contact the repair shop. I contacted the repair shop that I mailed the signed title to and they said they have taken care of it. I … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: I’ve often wondered why Troopers wear their badges on their pocket flaps and not their chests like other law enforcement officers. Can you tell me the story behind that? Answer: Each individual agency and department will have different rules and regulations as to how the badge is to be worn, although badge placement isn’t random and has … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the law with regard to insurance cards? I was told it must always be available in the vehicle and then I was told that if you do not have it, there is no fine if you produce it within three days. What exactly are the statutes with regard to having your driver’s license on you while driving? Answer: The driver of the vehicle is … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: I own a convertible that I only drive in the summer when it isn’t raining (I hate to put the top up). My commute to work is 1.2 miles each way. It is now of a vintage that I could get collector plates on it but I’ve heard there are restrictions on when I can drive it with those plates displayed. What are the rules? I would like to have … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
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 and is in constant … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it legal to hitchhike in Minnesota? Answer: Minnesota State Statute 169.22 states “No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any private vehicle.” A roadway is defined as “a portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk or … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: I purchased an old trailer to haul my Ranger around, are brakes required on it? Answer: Brakes are required on all trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. Trailers manufactured after June 30, 1988, with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more require brakes installed on all wheels. Every trailer with a gross weight of … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
Minnesota State Patrol Question: Do I need an oversize or wideload permit to haul a boat lift that is over nine feet wide to my cabin? Answer: You would need to obtain a permit because the width is over 8 feet 6 inches. Hauling oversized items without a permit or escorts (if required) can be dangerous and is illegal. Troopers and private escort companies … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper
By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am moving to Minnesota from Colorado. When do I need to register my vehicle, and will I have to take the driver’s test? Answer: Once you become a resident of Minnesota, you have up to 60 days to obtain your Minnesota driver’s license and register your vehicle(s). Below are some of the details from the Minnesota … [Read more...]