Question: What are the most common vehicle equipment violations you see? Answer: I have witnessed and investigated numerous equipment violations over the course of my career as a Minnesota State Trooper. The most common violations I have seen are:  Window tint violations: Law prohibits tint on the front windshield. Passenger cars are limited to 50% on all side and rear … [Read more...]

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...]