Question: Do I need an oversize or wideload permit to haul a boat lift that is over 9 feet wide to my cabin? Answer: You would need to obtain a permit because the width is over 8 feet 6 inches. Hauling oversized items without a permit or escorts (if required) can be dangerous and is illegal. Troopers and private escort companies are required to be trained and certified. An … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Is it legal to wear earplugs or headphones while driving a vehicle in Minnesota? Answer:  State statute says that no person, while operating a motor vehicle, shall wear headphones or earphones that are used in both ears simultaneously for purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or reproductions from radios or other sound-producing … [Read more...]

Question: I read your article last week about trailer safety. I would like more information on trailer hitch ball sizes and why they have different sizes? Answer: There are four different trailer hitch ball sizes. Each size has a different weight rating related to the trailer you are pulling. It is very important to make sure you always use the proper ball size with the … [Read more...]

Question: Is it illegal for a vehicle pulling a trailer to have a ladder or ramp hanging from the side of the trailer? Answer:  You are able to have ladders or ramps secured to the side of an enclosed trailer as long as you do not exceed the width of 8 feet 6 inches.  This is the maximum dimension that may be operated on Minnesota roadways without a special permit.  The … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Last week there was an auto accident that left one adult and three children dead.  There were no seat belts or child restraints used.  Who can be held responsible in this crash? Answer: If there is a crash, the driver is ultimately responsible for the safety of everyone in the vehicle. As a driver it is important to protect all passengers … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I was wondering if you are stopped at a stop light in the left turn lane and an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens come in behind you (either in the turn lane or the lane to your right), what is the proper procedure? Thank you! Answer: When it comes to encountering emergency vehicles while stopped at a stop light and the only place to … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Can someone please tell dealers to inform people that their auto lights do not work during daylight hours? Or put it on those digital signs along the interstates? I did not know this when I bought my ‘05 Vibe until someone told me that.  When we have these storms and fog, there are people driving without lights at all or no tail lights, and … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I was driving on the freeway during the worst part of a recent storm. Just had a question — are people supposed to use their emergency flashers when they are driving? So many cars on the freeway were, and it made it impossible to tell if someone was actually stopped or moving slowly (also, if they changed lanes, there was no way to tell). I … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I’m thinking about getting a commercial driver’s license with a HAZMAT endorsement. Do I need to have a background or some education in basic chemistry? Answer: No, but there are many responsibilities and requirements in dealing with hazardous materials. For example, you need to know when to use placards and which products can be loaded … [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...]