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...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I purchased an old trailer to haul my Ranger around, are brakes required on it? Answer:  Brakes are required on all trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. Trailers manufactured after June 30, 1988, with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more require brakes installed on all wheels. Every trailer with a gross weight of … [Read more...]

  Minnesota State Patrol Question: Do I need an oversize or wideload permit to haul a boat lift that is over nine feet wide to my cabin? Answer: You would need to obtain a permit because the width is over 8 feet 6 inches. Hauling oversized items without a permit or escorts (if required) can be dangerous and is illegal. Troopers and private escort companies … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am moving to Minnesota from Colorado. When do I need to register my vehicle, and will I have to take the driver’s test? Answer: Once you become a resident of Minnesota, you have up to 60 days to obtain your Minnesota driver’s license and register your vehicle(s). Below are some of the details from the Minnesota … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: If a person has a medical exception to a specified window tint level (per medical prescription by medial provider), do you have to register that exception/prescription with the state? Or register the car that has the applied tint?? Answer: It is not necessary to notify the Department of Public Safety Driver Vehicle … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Are you seeing increased speed more in the metro or Greater Minnesota? And are those increased speeds on the Highway or the city streets?  Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol is seeing increased speeds across the state. Whether you live in the metro or Greater Minnesota, excessive speeds are a cause for concern. … [Read more...]

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 of not less than 200 feet. … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can you talk about motorcycle safety going into spring riding? Answer: With everything going on in the world today, a motorcycle ride can be the perfect escape. Leave your worries behind, put that helmet on, and head for the open road. Here are steps you can take to reduce your risk of crashing: •Ride … [Read more...]