Minnesota State Patrol Question: I was recently told that I could not keep the trailer ball mount attached to the receiver of the vehicle when it is not actually hooked up to a trailer. Is this in fact true? Answer: There is not a law in Minnesota that prohibits leaving a ball hitch in the receiver when not pulling a trailer. I do recommend that you remove your receiver … [Read more...]
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By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Did I hear there is extra DWI enforcement going on over the holidays? Answer: Yes, here is some information that we shared on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s blog. “The holidays are going to be different this year, that’s for sure. With Minnesota’s pandemic restrictions in place for now, friends and … [Read more...]
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By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: If driving a commercial vehicle and stopped, what documents are needed to present to the trooper? Answer: I will list what is covered in a “Level 1” inspection, done along with weight enforcement. North American Standard Inspection: An inspection that includes examination of driver’s license; medical examiner’s … [Read more...]
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By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have heard a lot about “click it or ticket” recently, I thought seat belt use was at an all-time high? Answer: Most Minnesotans are making the life-saving decision to buckle up. According to the 2019 Minnesota Seat Belt Survey, 93.4% of front seat occupants are wearing their seat belts. Unfortunately, that means … [Read more...]
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Question: How do you determine if your tires are unsafe for winter driving? Answer: Tire talk is important anytime of the year, but as winter approaches it is important to double your efforts when maintaining your tires. Over the years, I have investigated numerous crashes where worn tires were a contributing factor. Tires with inadequate tread depth may cause your vehicle … [Read more...]
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Question: If a person has a permit to carry in Minnesota, can they transport a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle? Answer: The permit to carry law applies only to handguns, so the answer is no with some exceptions. MS 97B.045 - A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is: 1. Unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a firearm, … [Read more...]
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Question: I’m trying to figure out if 2019 license tab stickers were blue? I can’t find any place online that documents the sticker color by year. I know there is a rotation because 2020 is green and 2021 is red. Answer: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) use five colors for registration stickers: red, gold, blue, white and green. … [Read more...]
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Question: Harvest season upon us and with slow moving farm vehicles on roadways, is it permissible to pass a slow-moving farm implement on Minnesota highways in a delineated no-passing zone? If passing is prohibited, maybe this is something to feature in the “Ask a Trooper” segments in various media outlets? Answer: This is perfect timing, going into harvest season. Chances … [Read more...]
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Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is there a law against putting signs along the roadway for political candidates and advertising? Answer: It is illegal to place signs for political purposes and advertising on the road right-of-way. Highway rights-of-way include driving lanes, inside and outside shoulders, ditches and sight corners at intersections. All state, county, city … [Read more...]
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Minnesota State Patrol Question: My family and I have concerns about crosswalk safety due to traffic not stopping and pedestrians not knowing what to do. Can you share how best to navigate such a crosswalk for both motorists and pedestrians? Answer: Crosswalks involve pedestrians and motor vehicles – the literal two-way street. That means everyone involved – pedestrian and … [Read more...]