Question: I was told the fine for passing a school bus, when the red lights are activated and the stop arm is extended, had recently increased. Answer: State law requires all vehicles to stop for school buses when the bus driver activates the flashing lights and has the crossing arm fully extended. Red flashing lights on buses indicate students are either entering or … [Read more...]

Question: The new hands-free law does that apply to tractors, lawn mowers and UTV’s? Answer: The hands-free law applies to all motor vehicles. A Motor vehicle would  include tractors and lawn mowers on a street or highway. The hands free law would not apply if someone was in a ditch or on private property. The UTV is not considered a motor vehicle, so they are not allowed … [Read more...]

Question: As we are ending the motorcycle season I heard of an individual near Rochester, Minn., whom was killed by going off the road and struck a sign head on. He was not wearing a helmet. Being an individual whom has been in a motorcycle accident with the helmet likely saving my life, why are helmets not required in the State of Minnesota for all two and three wheel … [Read more...]

Question: When turning left on a blinking yellow light, should one pull into the intersection? It seems like a blinking yellow should let at least one car through, but often cars will wait behind the line, negating the ability to move traffic through the intersection. Answer: If you are preparing to turn left at a flashing yellow light you must enter the intersection … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I’m writing to you to ask a question regarding whether or not you might know where the signal that I can only assume is the method to tell current “smarter” cars what the speed limit is on the road or highway they are currently driving. I wonder how accurate they really are. Answer: Never rely solely on the … [Read more...]

Question: I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler which has a windshield that has the ability to fold down from the factory. I am just wondering if the windshield is properly folded down and strapped as per the factory design if this is then legal to drive on highway, county or state roads in Minnesota. While I doubt I’ll ever be zipping down I-94 with the windshield down, it would make it … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Can you please explain the new law that requires drivers to move to the right lane if they are impeding traffic by traveling under the posted speed limit?  Answer: Modernized language regarding left lane usage was added to Minnesota state statute for those drivers that drive in the left lane below the posted … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it a violation if the third brake light quits working on a passenger vehicle?  What about a vehicle that is equipped with a brake light(s) that flash or pulsate?  Answer: The state statute says that a vehicle equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps shall at all times be maintained in good working … [Read more...]

Question: I came across the Minnesotan law that states animals cannot be kept in vehicles in a manner that endangers their safety. I also came across certain cities’ laws that states you cannot idle your vehicle with the keys inside. Can you talk about pet safety, especially when the temperatures are high? Answer: Minnesota law states that a person may not leave a dog or … [Read more...]

Question: Can you give out information about fog lights? I notice a lot of people have them on and when I am meeting them on the road in the evening or at night, some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. I hope that having people read this will help make a difference, thanks. Answer:  There are … [Read more...]