Question: I’ve never really paid attention, but I know that I have a class D driver’s license, but what is that good for? Answer: Your driver’s license allows you to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways. You must carry your license with you at all times when you are driving a motor vehicle. You must have the appropriate class of license and endorsement for the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: With summer time here and all the construction zones, can you talk about the zipper merge? It’s been talked about for a while but a lot of people don’t seem to get it. Answer: The late merge of “zipper merge” is a driving strategy that requires a change in the mindset of motorists who traditionally have been taught to merge early when … [Read more...]

Question: Can a truck with collector plates on it be used in a snow plow business? Is it legal to use collector plates on a vehicle driven on a daily basis? Answer: Driving a vehicle for general transportation with collector plates on is illegal.  It is also illegal to use collector plates for business purposes. There are several different requirements for “collector” … [Read more...]

Question: I have a question for you regarding on-ramps to the freeway. I thought I used to see yield signs when coming from the ramp. Do I still need to yield to traffic on the freeway? Answer: Yes, you must yield when you are merging to the main line traffic as they have the right of way. Entry ramps are short, one-way roads that provide access to freeways. At the end of … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Can you talk about drug use and impaired driving. It seems like I am seeing more and more of this. Answer: Drug-impaired driving is as dangerous as alcohol-impaired driving. Minnesota law prohibits driving while impaired by controlled or intoxicating substances. These substances include illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and over the … [Read more...]

Question: While traveling, I see a lot of vehicles pulled over on the side of the road with either steam or smoke coming from the vehicle. Can you talk about what a person should do in these situations? Answer: When dealing with a vehicle that is overheating, most vehicles have dashboard gauges or lights that indicate the engine temperature. Activities such as driving in … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I sent you an email asking about the legality of individuals discharging grass clippings from lawn mowers onto public roads. They can be very slippery when wet and otherwise are a mess.  Answer:  Discharging grass clippings onto a highway is illegal, most cities also have ordinance on this as well.  The statue is 169.42 Sub 1, Objects … [Read more...]