Question: I’ve been helping my neighbor prep for sale a 1955 Ford pickup that has been in her family since new.  I noticed the other day that the VIN plate is missing from the glove box door (the rivet holes are still there).  It must have been lost by the body shop that painted the truck about 15 years ago, and is now out of business.  I was able to locate the VIN stamped into … [Read more...]

Question: I’ve never really paid attention, but I know that I have a class D driver’s license, but what is that good for? Answer: Your driver’s license allows you to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways. You must carry your license with you at all times when you are driving a motor vehicle. You must have the appropriate class of license and endorsement for the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: With summer time here and all the construction zones, can you talk about the zipper merge? It’s been talked about for a while but a lot of people don’t seem to get it. Answer: The late merge of “zipper merge” is a driving strategy that requires a change in the mindset of motorists who traditionally have been taught to merge early when … [Read more...]

Question: Can a truck with collector plates on it be used in a snow plow business? Is it legal to use collector plates on a vehicle driven on a daily basis? Answer: Driving a vehicle for general transportation with collector plates on is illegal.  It is also illegal to use collector plates for business purposes. There are several different requirements for “collector” … [Read more...]

Question: I have a question for you regarding on-ramps to the freeway. I thought I used to see yield signs when coming from the ramp. Do I still need to yield to traffic on the freeway? Answer: Yes, you must yield when you are merging to the main line traffic as they have the right of way. Entry ramps are short, one-way roads that provide access to freeways. At the end of … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Can you talk about drug use and impaired driving. It seems like I am seeing more and more of this. Answer: Drug-impaired driving is as dangerous as alcohol-impaired driving. Minnesota law prohibits driving while impaired by controlled or intoxicating substances. These substances include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over the … [Read more...]

Question: While traveling, I see a lot of vehicles pulled over on the side of the road with either steam or smoke coming from the vehicle. Can you talk about what a person should do in these situations? Answer: When dealing with a vehicle that is overheating, most vehicles have dashboard gauges or lights that indicate the engine temperature. Activities such as driving in … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I sent you an email asking about the legality of individuals discharging grass clippings from lawn mowers onto public roads. They can be very slippery when wet and otherwise are a mess.  Answer:  Discharging grass clippings onto a highway is illegal, most cities also have ordinance on this as well.  The statue is 169.42 Sub 1, Objects … [Read more...]

Question: If I am stopped by the police and am asked to show my  driver’s license or car insurance papers, do I have to have physical copies to show or are photos of these papers on my phone also acceptable to show?  Answer: Every driver is required to carry proof of insurance while driving. They must also produce proof of insurance when requested by an officer during a … [Read more...]

Question: I know it has been extremely dry, but with the anticipation of “April showers” can you talk about hydroplaning? Answer: At speeds of 35 mph or less, most tires will “wipe” water off the road surface to keep tires in contact with the road. At higher speeds, water can collect under tires and lift them off the surface of the road – this is called … [Read more...]

Question: I bought a used boat dock; do I need a permit to get it to my lake house? Answer: You can move a boat dock on Minnesota roads without a permit if the dock is no wider than 8’6”, no higher than 13’6” and no longer than 110’.  The move must be done during daytime hours.  The rear corners must be flagged with 18” squared red or orange flags.   The dock sides will have … [Read more...]

Question: I am puzzled as to why seat belts are mandatory in vehicles along with a fine for not complying, but our precious cargo in school buses are not required to wear them? Answer: School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation even without seatbelts.  School buses are safer because of their large size and design.  School bus interiors are designed on … [Read more...]