By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol “Let’s have one last celebration before summer ends! What shall we do?” “Great idea! Let’s spend thousands of dollars in legal fees! Or…spending months in the hospital might be fun. Or how about dying in a car crash?” If all of that sounds like a ridiculous way to spend Labor Day weekend, we agree. And yet that’s what can … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have seen a lot of boat trailers and ATV trailers on the shoulders with mechanical issues, what should be checked on these trailers? Answer:  State Troopers often encounter motorists pulling trailers that are experiencing breakdowns. Most often it involves a flat tire or trailer wheel bearing. Basic trailer maintenance involves greasing … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: In reference to the interstate, is it true that one out of five miles is straight so airplanes can land on there if needed? Answer: No, this is a myth that is so widespread that it is difficult to dispel. The myth typically states the requirement came from President Dwight D. Eisenhower or the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. However, no … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the purpose of solid white lines, separating traffic moving in the same direction? Example the ones leading up to the Lowry tunnel in Minneapolis. Does it make it illegal to change lanes? Answer: Pavement markings direct and regulate traffic. While there are several different types, we will focus on white lines. White lines … [Read more...]

  Question: My son just got back from Legionville, where he was selected to attend and will serve as a school patrol captain when school starts up next fall. He had a great experience and I didn’t realize how much history there is with it. Answer: The idea of the School Patrol originated with Sister Carmela of the Cathedral School in St. Paul on Febraury 21, 1921, … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Minnesota? Answer: Driving a motor vehicle barefoot in Minnesota is legal, although secured footwear is safer. Crashes are sometimes caused by loose sandals or flip flops that interfere with the brake and acceleration pedals. This brings up another safety issue. Make sure the … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I’ve often wondered why Troopers wear their badges on their pocket flaps and not their chests like other law enforcement officers. Can you tell me the story behind that?  Answer:  Each individual agency and department will have different rules and regulations as to how the badge is to be worn, although badge placement isn’t random and has … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the law with regard to insurance cards?  I was told it must always be available in the vehicle and then I was told that if you do not have it, there is no fine if you produce it within three days. What exactly are the statutes with regard to having your driver’s license on you while driving?  Answer: The driver of the vehicle is … [Read more...]

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 and is in constant … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question:  Is it legal to hitchhike in Minnesota? Answer: Minnesota State Statute 169.22 states “No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any private vehicle.”  A roadway is defined as “a portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk or … [Read more...]