Question:  This winter has provided snowbanks - barriers in town, eliminating the turn lane, between our east and west bound lanes.  If a school bus is stopped and the stop arm is extended, does the opposing traffic have to stop? Answer: Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should … [Read more...]

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 bright they are illegal, even if they are in … [Read more...]

Question:  My question is, if I see someone texting and they are driving in an unsafe manner (crossing in and out of their lane or going onto shoulder) should I call 911? Answer:  Always call 911 if you see unsafe driving conduct that could result in a crash.  When calling 911, be sure your phone complies with the new hands-free cell phone law.  You must use voice … [Read more...]

Question: Do I need to obtain the new Real ID and driver’s license when my license expires?  Answer: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) began issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards on October 1, 2018, to comply with the federal REAL ID Act.  Minnesotans are not required to obtain a REAL ID driver’s … [Read more...]

Question:  I have noticed cars that can’t be seen in the day when they fail to turn on their lights when it is snowing, raining or foggy.  Can you please explain how dangerous it can be and what the law is that covers this? Answer: Minnesota law states that every vehicle on a roadway shall display lighted headlamps, lighted tail lamps, and illuminating devices from sunset to … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have a question regarding the auxiliary headlights on a truck with a plow. Are they a requirement? I purchased a plow for my truck recently and the lights that came with are not nearly as bright as the stock lights on my truck. My stock headlights actually work perfectly fine over the top of the plow without any glare back at me. Are the … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: What allows private for-profit ambulance companies to run tax-exempt license plates on their vehicles?   Answer: Vehicles owned by ambulance services specifically intended for emergency response or providing ambulance services are exempt under the Minnesota State statutes. All services must have a valid license issued by the board. The … [Read more...]

Question:  What should a person do if involved in a crash? Answer: Crashes happen every day in Minnesota — the State Patrol alone has handled over 41,000 so far this year. It’s important to know what to do immediately after it happens.  The first and most important thing to do after you’ve been involved in a crash is to get to a safe place. Worry less about “preserving … [Read more...]

Question: What is the legal following distance?  What can I do when someone is following too close behind me? Isn’t there a rule of so many vehicle lengths for miles per hour to use as a guide? Answer:  The only law regarding following distance pertains to  vehicles pulling trailers. This includes trucks as well as semi-truck tractors with trailers. They must maintain a … [Read more...]