Question: In your last article you wrote about “pavement markings.” Could you talk about “turn lanes” as I think there are quite a few people who get confused by this? Answer: Turn lanes near intersections separate left-turning or right-turning traffic from through traffic. White arrows, sometimes accompanied by the word “only,” indicate that drivers must stay within a … [Read more...]

Question: Can you explain what the lines on the highways and streets indicate? I feel like a lot of people can’t figure it out. Thanks. Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. White dashes: You can change lanes where this marking is present.  Shorter and thicker white dashes: The … [Read more...]

Question: Hello, I want to work for a farmer during planting and harvest season driving a semi. I have a valid Class D driver’s license but no Commercial Driver’s License. Can I cross a state line while working for the farmer, Minnesota into North Dakota? Answer: Yes, as long as you stay within 150 air miles of the farm. If you have additional questions regarding commercial … [Read more...]

Question: I seem to encounter a fair amount of emergency vehicles running in emergency mode (lights and sirens.) I also can’t help but notice how many people don’t pull over and yield to them. Can you bring some attention to this? Answer: Great topic for conversation. When an emergency vehicle (such as an ambulance, fire truck or police car) with flashing red lights and … [Read more...]

Question: My grandkids get to be on their school’s School Patrol. I am so happy they get to help but can you talk about this? I want people to be aware to help keep them and everyone safe. Thank you for all you do. Answer: Congratulations to your grandchildren! You should be proud as it is quite an honor to be serve on those School Patrols.  A little history lesson on the … [Read more...]

Motorists traveling on Minnesota highways need to be aware of large farm equipment as there is a lot of field activity, and everyone needs to do their part in sharing the road. Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop. The machines also make wide turns and sometimes cross over the center line. In addition, farm vehicles … [Read more...]

Question: With school back in session, can you talk about school bus safety and what motorists need to know? Answer: School buses have yellow and red lights that flash alternately to warn drivers they are stopping to load or unload students. Bus drivers will activate flashing yellow lights at least 100 feet before a school bus stops in a speed zone of 35 mph or less. They … [Read more...]

Question: I know the distracted driving law has been around for a while now, but can you please talk about it some more?  Answer: Driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25% of all crashes annually. Distracted drivers fail to recognize potential hazards on the road and react more slowly to traffic conditions, … [Read more...]

Question: My husband and I are wondering if it is true that emergency vehicles can change a light from red to green, if they need to proceed through an intersection. Is this true, or is it just a myth that people now believe to be true? Also, if this is true, how is the light triggered? Is it triggered by the flashing lights of the emergency vehicle or is it triggered through … [Read more...]

I was recently issued a 2024 Dodge Durango, replacing my 2019 Dodge Charger.  Dodge discontinued making the Dodge Charger for a few years but is supposed to be coming back.  State Patrol’s main squads are Dodge Durango or the Ford F-150. The State Patrol issues new squads to troopers when the vehicle reaches approximately 120,000 miles.  The retired squads are then auctioned … [Read more...]