Question: I know on the handicap placards, it is stated that they must be removed from hanging, while driving, but yet I see MANY hanging from mirrors, every day. I know you can’t hang fuzzy dice or other things from the mirror so I was just wondering about the handicap placards, since I see so many people driving with them hanging. Is there a fine if somebody gets pulled … [Read more...]

Question: What is the penalty for an expired health card while driving a commercial vehicle such as a semi? Answer: A current health card is required for vehicles over 10,000 pounds.  If the driver’s health card is expired, the driver would be subject to a citation. The driver could be allowed to continue their delivery if the health card the only citation issued at the … [Read more...]

Question: If a person has a permit to carry in Minnesota, can they transport a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle? Answer: The permit to carry law applies only to handguns, so the answer is no, with some exceptions. MS 97B.045 - A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is: • unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a … [Read more...]

Question: My friend went in the ditch last weekend and was given a citation for Failure to Drive with Due Care.  It seems to me that it wasn’t his fault because the wind was blowing snow across the road making the roads slippery. Why was he issued a citation? Answer: Speeding or traveling too fast for conditions is one of the top contributing factors in fatal and seriously … [Read more...]

Question: I do not have a remote starter installed on my car. Is it illegal to leave it running while I go inside my house as it warms up and defrosts the windows? Answer: There is no state law that prohibits leaving your vehicle running, but most cities have local ordinances against it. Check your local city ordinances in reference to this rule. Leaving your vehicle running … [Read more...]

Question: If our semi-truck/trailer combo weight is over 10,000 lb, what are the requirements for labeling the trailer?  We know the USDOT number and company name need to be displayed on both sides of the truck tractor, but are not sure what is required for the trailer itself. Answer: The trailer would also require a unit number.  You are able to choose the number for your … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I was arrested for DWI. Where do I find information about ignition interlock? Answer: First-time DWI offenders arrested at 0.16 alcohol-concentration level or above and second-time offenders can voluntarily enroll in the ignition interlock program to regain legal driving privileges. If they don’t enroll, they face … [Read more...]

Question: My father found a wallet at a big retail store while on vacation and was concerned about handing it off to the staff there, instead deciding to contact the owner directly. He was eventually pulled over by local PD, with the wallet in hand, and was told he could be brought up on theft charges. What should he have done? His intent, clearly, was to ensure that the staff … [Read more...]