Question: I’m concerned about the high speeds of drivers I’m seeing these days, both in my city and on the interstate. What can I do about it?  Answer:  The Minnesota State Patrol is extremely concerned about the high rate of speeds troopers are seeing throughout our state. In fact, as of February 25, troopers have cited 132 drivers for speeds of 100 mph or more this year. … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I see a lot of people that have their fog lights on and when I am meeting them on the road and some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. What is the law that covers this? Answer: If the fog lights are aimed too high and/or are too … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question:  I’m wondering what the law says about people tooling around the city with a dog on their lap. Usually the dog has its head sticking out the driver side’s window, enjoying the wind. Dogs are unpredictable and could cause the driver to lose control of steering. Not to mention the visibility problems out the window and … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question:  I bought a vehicle and it does not have anywhere to put the front license plate, do I need to have one on the front of my vehicle? Answer: Minnesota State Statute (M.S.S.) 169.79 states: “No person shall operate, drive or park a motor vehicle on any roadway unless the vehicle is registered in accordance with the laws of this state and has the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: What is the law about pickup trucks with the flashing amber lights? I noticed some of them traveling down the road when they are not actively plowing.  Also, is there a law against plowing or blowing snow onto a public road? Answer: Minnesota state law says that a service vehicle shall not display a lighted lamp when … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am getting my four place snowmobile trailer ready for a trip, do I need brakes on all the axels? Answer:  Brakes are required on all trailers with a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more. If brakes are required they need to be on all wheels of a trailer manufactured after June 30, 1988.  Trailers equipped with … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it legal to wear earplugs or headphones driving a vehicle in Minnesota?  Does the decibel rating matter? Answer:  State statue says that no person, while operating a motor vehicle, shall wear headphones or earphones that are used in both ears simultaneously for purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I was wondering if you could address what someone, such as my spouse should do if needing to call 911 and cannot speak or type as both of those abilities are impaired. We’ve been thinking about getting a medical alert system. Answer: I would agree that a medical alert device might be the best option in this type of … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: My neighbor’s cattle are always out. They don’t take care of their fence and they are getting into my yard. I can deal with that, but my real concern is the highway we live along. I’m worried someone is going to hit a cow and get hurt or something worse. There must be a law about this. Answer: This is concerning as … [Read more...]