Question: My friend went in the ditch last weekend and was given a citation for Failure to Drive with Due Care. It seems to me that it wasn’t his fault because the wind was blowing snow across the road making the roads slippery. Why was he issued a citation? Answer: Speeding or traveling too fast for conditions is one of the top contributing factors in fatal and seriously … [Read more...]
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Question: I do not have a remote starter installed on my car. Is it illegal to leave it running while I go inside my house as it warms up and defrosts the windows? Answer: There is no state law that prohibits leaving your vehicle running, but most cities have local ordinances against it. Check your local city ordinances in reference to this rule. Leaving your vehicle running … [Read more...]
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Question: If our semi-truck/trailer combo weight is over 10,000 lb, what are the requirements for labeling the trailer? We know the USDOT number and company name need to be displayed on both sides of the truck tractor, but are not sure what is required for the trailer itself. Answer: The trailer would also require a unit number. You are able to choose the number for your … [Read more...]
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By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I was arrested for DWI. Where do I find information about ignition interlock? Answer: First-time DWI offenders arrested at 0.16 alcohol-concentration level or above and second-time offenders can voluntarily enroll in the ignition interlock program to regain legal driving privileges. If they don’t enroll, they face … [Read more...]
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Question: My father found a wallet at a big retail store while on vacation and was concerned about handing it off to the staff there, instead deciding to contact the owner directly. He was eventually pulled over by local PD, with the wallet in hand, and was told he could be brought up on theft charges. What should he have done? His intent, clearly, was to ensure that the staff … [Read more...]
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Question: What is the procedure if I hit a deer with my vehicle, can I keep it? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol does issue permits for road-kill deer generally right at the time of the crash or soon after. Any Minnesota resident may claim a road-killed animal by contacting a law enforcement officer. An authorization permit can be issued, allowing the individual to lawfully … [Read more...]
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Question: When Troopers pull over a vehicle, why do they approach it on the traffic side rather than the passenger window? I have observed some other law enforcement agencies approach from the passenger side and thought it made sense from a safety perspective. Answer: Officers are trained in both approaches, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. The side the … [Read more...]
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Question: Can you explain the new Real ID and Driver’s License process in Minnesota? Answer: REAL ID is a federal requirement that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The benefits to the new driver’s license include use for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities such as military bases. Beginning … [Read more...]
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Question: Is it a violation if the third brake light quits working on a passenger vehicle? What about a vehicle that is equipped with a brake light(s) that flash or pulsate? Answer: The state statute says that a vehicle equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps shall at all times be maintained in good working condition. So all brake lights, including the third one, would have … [Read more...]
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Question: I heard one of my neighbors got pulled over by a State Trooper for driving his combine down the road. The Trooper told him he needed a pilot car. Is this true? 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 visible in normal sunlight. The equipment … [Read more...]