Minnesota State Patrol Question: I watched a news report which involved a carjacking in St. Paul, Minn.  I live in Minnesota.  The carjacker was apprehended when they attempted to burglarize the victim’s home using the address found on insurance paperwork located in the victim’s car. I am writing to find out if I could take a picture (using my phone) of my insurance paperwork … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I called in a driving complaint of a possible drunk driver and received a call back and was told the driver was tired. Can the driver be cited for this? Answer:  Yes, the drowsy driver could be cited for inattentive driving and additional serious charges could be incurred if the drowsy driver causes a crash. A … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have a question about headlights, it seems that drivers are using their high-beams to compensate for their cloudy headlights.  Is this an equipment problem? Answer: Using high beams to compensate for cloudy headlights is a hazard to oncoming traffic.  If your headlights are cloudy it is recommended that you clean them. If they are still … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol 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 tires … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I heard something about “Crash Responder Safety Week,” can you talk about that? Answer: Answer: Crash Responder Safety Week runs November 8-14. The goal is to reach out to every emergency responder, driver, and passenger to educate them in how to play their part in ensuring safe responses at crash scenes. Crash … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the difference between careless or reckless driving? What about “exhibition driving”? Answer: In general, the difference between reckless and careless is that “reckless” is generally “intentional” or the driver “should know” that the driving behavior could injure or kill someone. Here’s more detail on how … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I noticed that the horn on my vehicle does not work. Is there a law that that says a vehicle must have a working horn and when it can be used?  Answer:  According to state law, your vehicle must have a horn that’s “in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I was wondering if my headlights are 2500 lumens each, is that legal in the state of Minnesota? Answer:  Yes, they are legal in the State of Minnesota according to state statue 169.48. Any lighted lamp for the exception of a headlamp, a spot lamp, or an auxiliary driving lamp of an intensity greater than 300-candle … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I drive school bus and am a retired firefighter. Recently one of our buses was stopped – eight ways on, stop signs deployed – when two fire apparatus approached with red lights and sirens. The apparatus did not slow and sped past the bus.  I’ve always said regardless of what type of emergency vehicle, they must stop … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have an “Ask the Trooper a Question” question: Why are LOUD motorcycles allowed to operate on Minnesota highways? Answer:  Minnesota State Statute 169.69 states:  “Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall vehicle noise … [Read more...]