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...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I’m seeing more and more vehicles in Minnesota with dark tinted windows. I thought there was a law prohibiting dark tinted windows on both the driver and passenger windows but back windows can be dark. Unless the laws changed and I didn’t know. Thank you. Answer: In Minnesota, you can have your windows tinted to a light transmittance of … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Is it legal for farmers to load hay on a state highway? Our neighbor bales several miles of state highway ditches. To load the round bales he drives down the highway with a pickup and bale wagon. His son is in the ditch with a tractor and loader. The son gets a bale on the loader and driving perpendicular to the road drives up the ditch and … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I have noticed cars that have a high-mounted center brake light that flashes about four times before becoming steadily lit (like other brake lights). I’m seeing car dealers are installing them on some cars. Are these flashing lights legal? Answer: These types of devices and alterations to the brake lights are not legal according to state … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I have recently noticed several semi-trucks with lug nuts on their front tires that are pointed and stick out beyond the edge of the cab.  I’m concerned that they could cause damage to other vehicles. Is there a law about this? Answer: I believe you are referring to the lug nut covers. They are only a decoration and have no function of … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it legal for me to have a red soft lighted “RAM” lettering logo on the front grill of my truck? It’s not flashing, but always illuminated. Any answer is appreciated. Answer: No vehicle is allowed to have a red light or any colored lights illuminated on the vehicle if it is traveling on the roadway.  These lights … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the Ted Foss law in Minnesota? Answer: The law got its name from a tragedy. Trooper Ted Foss was conducting a traffic stop August 30, 2000, on the shoulder of Interstate 90 when he was hit and killed by a passing vehicle. He left behind his wife, Andrea, and two kids. Emergency responders working on the shoulder of the road have … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Does a bicyclist have to obey the same traffic laws as a motorist? Answer: Yes, Minnesota Statute 169.222 states: “Every person operating a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in respect to those provisions in this chapter relating … [Read more...]