Question: Are yellow speed signs in curves or busy locations enforceable? I’ve seen 60 mph white speed limit signs then a short distance later a yellow 50 mph sign. The yellow signs don’t say “limit” on them, so I would think going 60 mph in a yellow 50 mph zone isn’t illegal but not a good idea. Answer: The white signs are regulatory signs. Yellow signs are warning and … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I am driving a bus full of band students to an event and I want to know if I am required to pull a trailer to haul the band equipment. I am an experienced bus driver, but parking will be very tight and it will be next to impossible to back the bus with a trailer. Can we keep the band equipment on the bus with the students? Answer: You are … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: In Kansas we can dial *47 to connect to the Kansas Highway Patrol to report non-emergency issues. Things like road hazards, erratic drivers, motorists on the side of the road, etc. This number is *55 in Missouri and *211 in Iowa. Is there a similar number in Minnesota? Answer: Minnesota does not have a standalone abbreviated number to … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: How do you determine if your tires are unsafe for winter driving? Answer:  Over the years, I have investigated numerous crashes where worn tires were a contributing factor. Tires with inadequate tread depth may cause your vehicle to skid or slide out of control on a slippery or wet road surface.  It is important to remember that unsafe … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I heard on TV the State Patrol responded to over 1,300 crashes and five fatal crashes the last several days. Do you have any tips for winter driving? Answer: Snow and ice can make driving a bit more challenging, even if you grew up here. It not only involves knowing what to do while your vehicle is in motion, but preparing carefully … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: My question stems from all the vehicles that have loud music playing.  I can hear them coming from blocks away.  When they drive by my house the windows actually rattle.  Is there a state law or ordinance against these boom boxes on wheels? Answer: Minnesota does not have a state law prohibiting loud music inside a vehicle, but many … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I was wondering what the state guidelines are regarding smoked or tinted headlights. Are they legal? Answer: Minnesota law does not allow for this. It is illegal to equip or operate a motor vehicle with any equipment or material that covers a headlamp, tail lamp, or reflector. I’d also like to remind drivers about when headlights and … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: This summer 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. I never heard back from you, nor did I see a response in my local paper  Please advice concerning the grass clippings on public roads.   … [Read more...]

Question: How far can tires stick out from fenders on road worthy vehicles? My son put big fancy tires on his truck and says they are fine but I thought there was a limit? Answer: Minnesota law states that all passenger vehicles shall have fenders, or other devices, that are designed to prevent, as far as practicable, water, dirt or other material being thrown up and to the … [Read more...]

Question: A friend recently told me that it’s illegal to honk your car horn in Minnesota (he showed me an internet article).  I find this hard to believe.  So many friends and family members drive by our house, giving their horn a little honk and waving; is this illegal?  What if you’re behind someone at a stoplight who hasn’t noticed the light turned green — is it illegal to … [Read more...]