Question: I was driving through town the other day and a driver opened their car door as I passed by. I had to swerve to avoid hitting their car door. Obviously, it was a safety issue but isn’t there a law about this? I’d appreciate any info you can share. Thank you.  Answer: Correct, there is a Minnesota state law about this issue.  When you are stopped or parked on the … [Read more...]

Question: I know it was just National Fire Prevention Week. I’ve seen a few vehicle fires during my travels. Can you talk about what people can or should do in those situations? Answer: If you notice smoke rising from beneath the hood of your vehicle, pull off the road, turn off the ignition, and exit the vehicle immediately. Do not use water to put out the fire – this will … [Read more...]

Question: Hello, we read your column every week. I’ve noticed more often lately on numerous occasions that when a school bus is stopped and dropping off or picking up kids, they do NOT have their red lights flashing or their STOP arm extended. The bus will only have the yellow lights flashing. When searching the internet for school bus rules/regulations I can only find … [Read more...]

Question: I have a medical condition that causes me to lose consciousness on occasion. I am hoping to get a driver’s license. Is there anything I need to do? Answer: When applying for an instruction permit or driver’s license, you will be asked questions about medical conditions. Providing false information on the application could result in losing your driving … [Read more...]

Question: This week it has been extremely foggy on the morning commutes, can you give some advice on driving in fog? Answer: Driving when the weather limits your visibility can be a challenge for all of us on the road. You can reduce your chances of being involved in a crash by eliminating distractions and by following a few safety tips. Minnesota law states that every … [Read more...]

Question: I heard some talk about new car seat laws and how kids are to be seat belted. Can you explain it in depth please? Answer: Yes, I can and as a matter of fact it is National Child Passenger Safety Week. Here is some information that we shared on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety Blog. Figuring out the best way to keep kids safe in your vehicle can be … [Read more...]

Question: I dropped off my grandchildren at school the other day and I encountered someone waving a flag around the school buses. Do you know what that would be about? Answer: I am guessing it was a school bus flagger. Some schools have people in place to assist with school buses exiting their school zones and parking lots. If you encounter one, you must stop for a school bus … [Read more...]

Question: With back to school starting, can you talk about school patrol safety? Answer: When you see a student safety patrol helping children cross a street or highway, you must come to a complete stop. You must also stop for adult crossing guards displaying a stop sign or flag. It is illegal to drive through a line of children crossing the road, even if a school safety … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I heard the Minnesota State Patrol got a new design for your patches and squad cars. Can you talk about that? Answer: You are correct. For the first time in more than 50 years, the Minnesota State Patrol has a new look.  Last year when the Minnesota Legislature approved a replacement design for the Minnesota seal and flag, State … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Hello, we took a trip to the cities this summer. While down there we came across these freeway ramp meters. I know we don’t have those in out-state Minnesota but I thought you might be able to write about it in one of your articles for anyone that travels. Thank you for all you do and be safe! Answer: Thank you. I don’t believe this is … [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: Since I’ve moved to Minnesota, I’ve seen many drivers use right turn lanes as a bypass lane.  Is this legal or does the sign reading “lane must turn” mean exactly what it says? Answer: White signs are regulatory and failing to comply can result in a citation for “fail to obey traffic control sign/signal.” “Right Turn Lanes” are what they are posted for, not passing … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Hello, I have a new driver and they are having a difficult time knowing what type of road they are driving on, whether it is an interstate, state highway or county road. I am trying to teach them so if they need help they can give the proper location. Can you help explain so if anyone else is wondering they will know? Thank … [Read more...]

Question: I own a 1987 Toyota based RV.  The dashboard instrument cluster is pretty minimal. No tachometer, etc.  I have found a cluster from another Toyota truck that I’d like to install.  My problem is that my RV has about 112,000 miles on the odometer while the “new” odometer shows a bit over 210,000 miles. Is it legal to unwind the “new to me” odometer to match the actual … [Read more...]

Question: I’ve been helping my neighbor prep for sale a 1955 Ford pickup that has been in her family since new.  I noticed the other day that the VIN plate is missing from the glove box door (the rivet holes are still there).  It must have been lost by the body shop that painted the truck about 15 years ago, and is now out of business.  I was able to locate the VIN stamped into … [Read more...]