By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Hello, maybe you can clear this up for me, what is the definition of stop? I think a slight pause is good enough. I look at it as I am stopping, but everything is clear so I can proceed. Answer: To answer your question, it is called a “stop sign” not a “stopping sign.” According to Minnesota State Statute, the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I see vehicles go by with extended carriers attached to their hitch with several full gas cans. We discuss what could happen if a driver was not paying attention and ran into one such vehicle. How safe can this be? Is there any laws in place that makes this unlawful? Answer: There is no law against transporting … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: If involved in a minor auto accident with another driver what steps should be taken at the scene by both parties? Answer: Crashes happen every day in Minnesota.  Crashes are one of the State Patrol’s primary duties. It’s important to know what to do immediately after a crash happens. The first and most important thing to do after you’ve … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: Summertime I notice a lot more tire treads on the roads, can you write about what to do if you have a tire blow out while driving? Answer: It is important to monitor proper tire pressure and your tire condition and hopefully you can avoid a tire blowout.  In the warmer months the hot air can cause your tires to increase pressure while the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: How many classes of driver’s licenses are there and what do they mean? Answer: Minnesota has four different classes of driver’s licenses. Class D is valid for: • Single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or less; • Recreational vehicles; • Certain farm vehicles; • Towing vehicles, regardless … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I really liked your recent article about the dangers of putting your feet up on the dash while driving and air bags. With the way vehicles are changing, can you talk about the other air bags, like side curtains and such? Thank you. Answer: Thank you for the email and I am happy to talk about this. First of all, let … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have noticed that some of the local express shuttle buses do not stop at railroad crossings. I thought all buses were supposed to stop before crossing railroad tracks. Can you talk about this? Answer: If it is a school bus or Head Start (early childhood programs, etc.) bus then they are required to stop whether … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: It seems there are far too many wrong way drivers.  On 4-lane and 2-lane roadways, what do drivers do if they encounter a wrong-way driver? Answer: Great question as this is a very dangerous situation. I was part of a crash investigation involving a wrong way driver on I-90 in Olmsted County in 2019. This was one of the worst crashes I have … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can someone with a motorcycle permit have their small dog riding on the motorcycle or would that be considered a passenger? We have already purchased a helmet and leather jacket for this lucky pup! Thank you for your response. Answer: First of all, where will this dog be seated and how? I see less issues if you are talking about a motorcycle … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I recently heard something about a new phone number “988” for people dealing with a mental health crisis. With all these three digit numbers, 911, 411, 511, can you talk about that? Answer: 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. … [Read more...]