Question: Can you talk about the open bottle law in Minnesota? Can a person have an alcoholic beverage while operating a boat on a lake? How about if you are a passenger in the back of a motor home? Answer: It is against the law for any person to consume alcohol in any vehicle while on a public road.  Public highways are any road, paved or not, that are open to … [Read more...]

Question:  Are the blue or Xenon headlamps legal in Minnesota? Answer:  Xenon or (HID) high-intensity discharge headlights are legal if they comply with the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements as halogen and incandescent headlamps. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169.468 requires the Commissioner to adopt vehicle safety rules in substantial conformance … [Read more...]

Question: We live in Minnesota but travel south for several winter months. Many other states only have a rear license plate. Why does Minnesota have two? Thanks! Answer: Minnesota state law required two license plates on your vehicle with some exceptions. Some vehicles are allowed to display only one license plate: motorcycles; a dealer’s vehicle or vehicle in-transit; a … [Read more...]

Question: How fast can I drive before getting stopped? Is there a tolerance? Answer: State Patrol policy does not allow for speeds in excess of the posted limit. Officers are required to follow their departmental policy and take into consideration many other factors (roadway, weather, lighting and traffic) including common sense.  Speeding, along with driving too fast for … [Read more...]

Question: I am moving to Minnesota from Iowa. When do I need to register my vehicle, and will I have to take the driver’s test? Answer: Once you become a resident of Minnesota, you have up to 60 days to obtain your Minnesota driver’s license and register your vehicle(s). Below are some of the details from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services … [Read more...]

Question: We came upon a line of three cars all going 50 mph. There was a long stretch of open road for several miles so I passed all three without returning to my lane. My friend questioned the legality. Is it legal to pass more than one vehicle at a time? Answer: You can pass more than one vehicle on the left as long as it is done in a safe manner. Even though there is no … [Read more...]

Question: If a person with a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) gets a DWI in a private, personal vehicle...The test level that applies is .08 or more and he will lose his regular driver’s license but not the CDL, correct? Answer: The legal limit for driving impaired in Minnesota is 0.08 — but motorists can be arrested for DWI at lower levels. The consequences for driving … [Read more...]

Question: What items should I have in my vehicle during this extreme cold weather? What is the proper procedure if I become stranded and/or go off the road? Answer: With the recent below zero temperatures, being prepared with an emergency kit and plan can save your life. We recommend the following items be in your vehicle, especially in the winter: • Bag of abrasive … [Read more...]

Question: What should a person do if they are involved in a crash? Answer: The answer to your question depends on the circumstances of the crash. If it is a property damage crash without injuries you should move your vehicle away from traffic if possible and get to a safe location before exiting or exchanging information with the other driver involved. This may depend on … [Read more...]