Question:  Can someone that had a shoulder replacement and will be in a sling for four more weeks still be legal to drive with one arm? Answer:  There are no restrictions placed on a license for this situation, unless a physician notifies Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) of such. If the driver’s (lack of) control of the vehicle due to this type of injury causes issues that … [Read more...]

Question: What is the correct following distance? Everyone seems to be way too close behind each other. 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 minimum distance of 500 feet. While state law does not require a specific distance for vehicles … [Read more...]

Question: In the past few weeks, I noticed a major increase in the number of crashes due to slippery roads. Can you explain the importance of driving with due care and what troopers are seeing? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol has been extremely busy this winter responding to crashes and calls about vehicles off the road. Responding to an increased number of incidents … [Read more...]

Question: Do you turn in front of an approaching vehicle or behind it when two vehicles both want to turn left at an uncontrolled intersection? Answer: If two vehicles approach the intersection close to the same time, both vehicles should carefully make a left turn in front of each other while ensuring that the intersection is clear from approaching vehicles. Before … [Read more...]

Question: If I sell my vehicle to a private party, what do you recommend I do to protect myself in the event the new owner gets into a crash or is arrested prior to them transferring the title into their name? Answer: If the vehicle you sold is involved in a hit and run or pursuit and the driver flees the scene, law enforcement will contact the registered owner in an attempt … [Read more...]

Question: What is the State Patrol’s perspective on raising the speed limit on certain two lane roads from 55 mph to 60 mph? As a law enforcement agency, you’re concerned about speeders, so is this a potential safety issue? Answer: As troopers, we patrol the roads 24 hours a day, and it’s troubling how some drivers seem pretty nonchalant about how fast they’re driving. People … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: During the last snow storm I went in the ditch and got stuck. I wanted my friend to come with a tow rope and pull me out. The officer that was there said that was not allowed. What is the deal with that? Answer: It is illegal in Minnesota for the public to use the highway or right-of-way if it may cause a danger to … [Read more...]

Question: Who is responsible for making sure the roadway is cleaned up and free from spilled liquids, glass and other car parts from a crash? Answer: I have noticed that responding agencies and tow companies usually work as a team to treat the injured, direct traffic, investigate the crash and clear the scene as soon as possible for everyone’s safety. This is especially … [Read more...]

Question: I customized the front of my truck.  Is it legal in Minnesota? Answer:   There are two violations with your customized front end. 1. License plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. The plates must be securely mounted and displayed horizontally with the identifying numbers and letters visible. License plates issued to vehicles must also … [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...]