By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Now that motorcycle season is here, can you talk about motorcycle operators must “wear” eye protection. Windshields haven’t been considered legal eye protection for many years. Answer: You are correct. No person shall operate a motorcycle without wearing an eye-protective device. No person under the age of 18 shall operate or ride a … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: What is the difference between careless or reckless driving? What about “exhibition driving”? Answer: In general, the difference between reckless and careless is that “reckless” is generally “intentional” or the driver “should know” that the driving behavior could injure or kill someone. Here’s more detail on how they differ: Reckless … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: If I sell my vehicle to a private party, what do you recommend I do to protect myself in the event the new owner gets into a crash or is arrested prior to them transferring the title into their name? Answer: If the vehicle you sold is involved in a hit and run or pursuit and the driver flees the scene, law enforcement will contact the … [Read more...]

Question: I have an “Ask the Trooper a Question” question: Why are LOUD motorcycles allowed to operate on Minnesota highways? Answer: Minnesota State Statute 169.69 states:  “Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall vehicle noise and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or … [Read more...]

Question: I was wondering, with the ads on television showing people driving with their hands off the steering wheel, is that legal in Minnesota if your vehicle has that capability? Answer: I believe you are asking about autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, which are capable of sensing their environment and operating without human involvement. Minnesota law states that … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Now that spring if finally here, I am seeing a lot of tractors, sprayers and other large equipment on the highways. A number of them didn’t appear to be using their flashing lights, slow moving signs and escort when required. I am concerned this could cause a bad crash. Can you write about this in your “Ask a Trooper” column? Answer: … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Are drivers required to use turn signals when entering or exiting a roundabout? With a newly constructed roundabout very recently opened in town, I have not once observed a turn signal used. What is the law? Answer: This is a great question as we are seeing more roundabouts in the state of Minnesota. Minnesota state law says that a signal … [Read more...]

Question: I have noticed an increasing number of U.S. branded vehicles (mostly pickups/SUV) driving with no daytime running lights. At first I assumed they were just burned out or whatever, but I’m seeing way too many for that to be true. On a recent foggy morning I almost pulled out in front of one. I believe car manufacturers were required to put DRLs on their vehicles … [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: My son recently got his driver’s license. Does his name need to be on the proof of auto insurance card? Answer: Minnesota accepts proof of auto insurance on paper or electronically. Your son’s name doesn’t need to be listed on the card as long as someone’s is. Talk to your auto insurance agent about adding him to your coverage. Here is what the card must … [Read more...]