Question: Can you please explain the new hands-free cell phone law? Answer: Under the law, you may not hold your phone in your hand and cannot use it at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone. The new law does allow a … [Read more...]
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Question: Both my daughter and I have a disability. I have the handicap license plates on my car and she only has a placard. When she drives my car, does she have to use her placard to park? Answer: The registered license plates are designed for you to be able to park that vehicle in a disabled/handicap parking location. If your daughter has her own permit, she would need … [Read more...]
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Question: I want to install a lift kit and put bigger tires on my Jeep. I want to comply with all the state laws. What is a bumper height law and the law about tires that extend out past the fenders? Answer: Any time you make any modification or alteration to a vehicle’s stock suspension and tires/rims, it can change how that vehicle handles, steers, brakes and could affect … [Read more...]
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Question: On social media last week, I noticed a trooper behind two motorcycles on I-35 near Faribault in a snow storm, was that a joke? Answer: It was not a joke. Two motorcyclists traveling south became stranded on I-35. The motorcycles were towed due to the weather. Spring is upon us and motorcycles are once again sharing the highways. Unfortunately, the state has … [Read more...]
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Question: I see vehicles with straight pipes, motorcycles with straight pipes and hear many others that sound as if they have no muffler. If the law is there why is it not enforced? 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 … [Read more...]
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Question: Can a person “carry” an electronic insurance card on a smart phone? For example, I’ve had my insurance company send my card by email, which I downloaded to my phone. Is this legal, or does a person need to have the paper version? Thanks much in advance! Answer: It would be acceptable if the driver or registered owner is able to show the current auto insurance … [Read more...]
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Question: What are the most common vehicle equipment violations you see? Answer: I have witnessed and investigated numerous equipment violations over the course of my career as a Minnesota State Trooper. The most common violations I have seen are: Window tint violations: Law prohibits tint on the front windshield. Passenger cars are limited to 50% on all side and rear … [Read more...]
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Question: Can someone that had a shoulder replacement and will be in a sling for four more weeks still be legal to drive with one arm? Answer: There are no restrictions placed on a license for this situation, unless a physician notifies Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) of such. If the driver’s (lack of) control of the vehicle due to this type of injury causes issues that … [Read more...]
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Question: What is the correct following distance? Everyone seems to be way too close behind each other. Answer: The only law regarding following distance pertains to vehicles pulling trailers. This includes trucks as well as semi-truck tractors with trailers. They must maintain a minimum distance of 500 feet. While state law does not require a specific distance for vehicles … [Read more...]
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Question: In the past few weeks, I noticed a major increase in the number of crashes due to slippery roads. Can you explain the importance of driving with due care and what troopers are seeing? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol has been extremely busy this winter responding to crashes and calls about vehicles off the road. Responding to an increased number of incidents … [Read more...]