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...]
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Question: I am looking at purchasing my first vehicle but I am worried about scams. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you. Answer: Here is some information we recently shared on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety blog. Picture this: You are excited about buying a car. You drive it home, but later find out the odometer had been rolled back thousands of miles, it was … [Read more...]
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With highs near 50 and the sun in the sky, it can be hard to believe it is March in Minnesota. If you’re not a fan of Minnesota winters, the higher temps and lack of snow this winter is appealing. You might even think that the lack of snow has made our roads safer. Unfortunately, the effect on traffic safety is not always what people think. We’re seeing an alarming spike in … [Read more...]
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Question: I have noticed that there are more aggressive actions being taken at roundabouts. Drivers are entering the roundabout ahead of others that are already in the circle. Please remind drivers of the appropriate entering law concerning them. Thank you. Answer: Thank you for the suggested topic and I can talk about this. Roundabouts handle high levels of traffic with less … [Read more...]
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Question: I have a question in regards to exploring a business idea that has to do with mobile advertising, such as an illuminated board advertising business. I am concerned about the visual distraction for drivers and was wondering if this was allowed. Answer: Moving or parked mobile advertising signs that display lights on the highway are not allowed. That would also … [Read more...]
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Question: I have been thinking about getting a dash camera for my vehicle. If I do, where can I place it? Answer: When it comes to placing things up in the windshield or dashboard area Minnesota has restrictions as a concern for obstructed vision and safety. Dash cameras are allowed if the driver feedback and safety monitoring equipment are mounted immediately behind, … [Read more...]
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Question: I thought I heard about 911 being able to find accurate locations even when people don’t know exactly where they are. Can you talk about that? Answer: Yes, we shared some information on this very subject on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s blog just recently. I will share the article. “As a former dispatcher, Jessica Stanton knows seconds count in an … [Read more...]
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Question: I was recently the victim of identity theft. My driver’s license was among the items stolen. I am concerned that this person will use my identification to drive, among other things. What can I do in regards to my license? Answer: I am sorry to hear about your situation. This is not my area of expertise but the Minnesota State Patrol is part of the Minnesota … [Read more...]
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Question: Hello, I thought I read somewhere that rest areas help reduce crashes. I saw a trooper at a rest area the other day, and it got me thinking about that. Can you write about that? Answer: More than 20 million travelers stop at Minnesota rest areas annually. Rest areas serve as an essential safety feature on the highway system by giving travelers a place to stop … [Read more...]
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By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I have noticed cars that can’t be seen in the day when they fail to turn on their lights on during the recent fog. 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 … [Read more...]
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By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I was driving on the freeway during the worst part of a recent storm. Just had a question – are people supposed to use their emergency flashers when they are driving? So many cars on the freeway were, and it made it impossible to tell if someone was actually stopped or moving slowly (also, if they changed lanes, there was no way to tell). … [Read more...]
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By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I heard you on the radio the other day. You were talking about new, young drivers have some restrictions on their driver’s license. You mentioned something about a parent being able to take their license away. Could you explain more about that? Answer: I was talking about graduated driver license (GDLs) laws, which support a three-stage … [Read more...]
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Question: I have a question about people who are driving for food deliveries and ride-hailing app services using their personal vehicle. Are they supposed to have commercial insurance or any other special type of insurance? Back in the ’80s, I was working as an owner/operator using my personal vehicle and was told that I needed commercial insurance. Answer: Minnesota … [Read more...]
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Question: I am applying for a new job that will have questions about my driving record. Can I visit with someone from Law Enforcement to get a copy of that? Answer: No, this is not something that Law Enforcement agencies can provide. If you want to know what employers and insurers see, the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division has made it easier than ever to get a copy … [Read more...]
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Question: Can a parent with a revoked license still accompany a permit driver? Answer: No, they cannot. A permit holder may drive under the supervision of a parent, guardian or other licensed driver 21 or older occupying the seat beside them. • The permit holder must have the permit in possession to drive. • It’s illegal for drivers under age 18 to use a cell phone, … [Read more...]