Question: It seems like we have been seeing a fair amount of rain along with flash flood warnings. Can you talk about what motorists should do if they encounter such a thing? Answer: Flooding can happen when streams and rivers overflow, dams or levees break, snow melts rapidly, or during heavy rainfall. Floodwaters can cover roads, bridges and low areas. Flash floods can … [Read more...]

Question: I have a new driver in the house and they asked a question that got me thinking. If someone has a crash and hits a power pole, what should they do in that situation? Answer: If your car comes into contact with a utility pole, wire or power box, you should: Stay in your vehicle and call 911.  Only get out of the vehicle if it is on fire. If you must get … [Read more...]

Question: I was driving in the metro area the other day and I witnessed a bus driving on the shoulder. Is this allowed? Answer: Transit buses and metro mobility buses are permitted to use the shoulder of a freeway or expressway. Buses can use the shoulder only when main-line traffic speeds are less than 35 miles per hour. Bus drivers on the shoulder may not exceed the speed … [Read more...]

Question: Somebody was trying to tell me the other day that it’s ok to throw out their fruit peels along the highway as they break down fairly quick and it shouldn’t be an issue. I disagreed and told them garbage is garbage. I asked if they would want someone to throw that stuff in their yard. What does the law say? Answer: You are correct. That would not be allowed. It is … [Read more...]

Question: I heard some talk about a new law of July 1 that allows motorcycles to drive through traffic. Can you explain this as a lot of my friends are talking but I can’t get the same answer from any of them. Answer: Motorcycle lane splitting and filtering are legal on Minnesota roads as of July 1. The new law, passed by the Legislature in 2024, allows motorcycles to share … [Read more...]

Question: I heard something about kids needing to ride in the back seat if possible. What is the age on that? Answer: Back on August 1, 2024, there were new car seat guidelines put in place along with this. The back seat is the safest place in most vehicles. Children under 13 must ride in the back if it is available. •Children under 2 years of age must ride in a rear-facing … [Read more...]

Question: Can you write about airbags? I know you just wrote an article about it being best for kids to ride in the back seat. I know airbags are an issue for kids in the front seat so I thought this would be a good topic. Thank you. Answer: An airbag is a supplemental restraint system. Airbags work with seat belts to prevent injuries but are not designed to keep occupants … [Read more...]

Question: I thought I heard something about a new law in regards to caretaker information included on driver’s license or identification card record. Do you have any information on this? Answer: You can now use your Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) records to let law enforcement know if you’re the caretaker for someone else. That way, if you are involved in a crash, law … [Read more...]

Question: I was just talking with someone the other day and they mentioned there is an age requirement for operating an “e-bike.” Can you get me more information on this? Answer: When it comes to e-bikes, a driver’s license or permit is not required. However, the minimum operator age is 15 years old. E-bikes are primarily regulated in the same manner as bicycles and nearly … [Read more...]