Question: With back to school starting, can you talk about school patrol safety? Answer: When you see a student safety patrol helping children cross a street or highway, you must come to a complete stop. You must also stop for adult crossing guards displaying a stop sign or flag. It is illegal to drive through a line of children crossing the road, even if a school safety … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I heard the Minnesota State Patrol got a new design for your patches and squad cars. Can you talk about that? Answer: You are correct. For the first time in more than 50 years, the Minnesota State Patrol has a new look.  Last year when the Minnesota Legislature approved a replacement design for the Minnesota seal and flag, State … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Hello, we took a trip to the cities this summer. While down there we came across these freeway ramp meters. I know we don’t have those in out-state Minnesota but I thought you might be able to write about it in one of your articles for anyone that travels. Thank you for all you do and be safe! Answer: Thank you. I don’t believe this is … [Read more...]

Question: My husband always used to say “never use your cruise control during any rain.”  Is that still true with advances on tires and technology? Answer:  He is correct, cruise control should never be used on wet or icy roadways.  If your wheels lose traction, the cruise control will continue to accelerate, causing the vehicle to skid. By the time you realize you are … [Read more...]

Question: Since I’ve moved to Minnesota, I’ve seen many drivers use right turn lanes as a bypass lane.  Is this legal or does the sign reading “lane must turn” mean exactly what it says? Answer: White signs are regulatory and failing to comply can result in a citation for “fail to obey traffic control sign/signal.” “Right Turn Lanes” are what they are posted for, not passing … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Hello, I have a new driver and they are having a difficult time knowing what type of road they are driving on, whether it is an interstate, state highway or county road. I am trying to teach them so if they need help they can give the proper location. Can you help explain so if anyone else is wondering they will know? Thank … [Read more...]

Question: I own a 1987 Toyota based RV.  The dashboard instrument cluster is pretty minimal. No tachometer, etc.  I have found a cluster from another Toyota truck that I’d like to install.  My problem is that my RV has about 112,000 miles on the odometer while the “new” odometer shows a bit over 210,000 miles. Is it legal to unwind the “new to me” odometer to match the actual … [Read more...]

Question: I’ve been helping my neighbor prep for sale a 1955 Ford pickup that has been in her family since new.  I noticed the other day that the VIN plate is missing from the glove box door (the rivet holes are still there).  It must have been lost by the body shop that painted the truck about 15 years ago, and is now out of business.  I was able to locate the VIN stamped into … [Read more...]

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...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson 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 … [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...]