Question: What is the State Patrol’s perspective on raising the speed limit on certain two lane roads from 55 mph to 60 mph? As a law enforcement agency, you’re concerned about speeders, so is this a potential safety issue? Answer: As troopers, we patrol the roads 24 hours a day, and it’s troubling how some drivers seem pretty nonchalant about how fast they’re driving. People … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: During the last snow storm I went in the ditch and got stuck. I wanted my friend to come with a tow rope and pull me out. The officer that was there said that was not allowed. What is the deal with that? Answer: It is illegal in Minnesota for the public to use the highway or right-of-way if it may cause a danger to … [Read more...]

Question: Who is responsible for making sure the roadway is cleaned up and free from spilled liquids, glass and other car parts from a crash? Answer: I have noticed that responding agencies and tow companies usually work as a team to treat the injured, direct traffic, investigate the crash and clear the scene as soon as possible for everyone’s safety. This is especially … [Read more...]

Question: I have noticed cars that can’t be seen in the day when they fail to turn on their lights when it is snowing, raining or foggy.  Can you please explain how dangerous it can be and what the law is that covers this? Answer: Minnesota law states that every vehicle on a roadway shall display lighted headlamps, lighted tail lamps, and illuminating devices from sunset to … [Read more...]

Question: I know on the handicap placards, it is stated that they must be removed from hanging, while driving, but yet I see MANY hanging from mirrors, every day. I know you can’t hang fuzzy dice or other things from the mirror so I was just wondering about the handicap placards, since I see so many people driving with them hanging. Is there a fine if somebody gets pulled … [Read more...]

Question: What is the penalty for an expired health card while driving a commercial vehicle such as a semi? Answer: A current health card is required for vehicles over 10,000 pounds.  If the driver’s health card is expired, the driver would be subject to a citation. The driver could be allowed to continue their delivery if the health card the only citation issued at the … [Read more...]

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: • unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a … [Read more...]

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...]

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...]