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...]
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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...]
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Question: What is the procedure if I hit a deer with my vehicle, can I keep it? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol does issue permits for road-kill deer generally right at the time of the crash or soon after. Any Minnesota resident may claim a road-killed animal by contacting a law enforcement officer. An authorization permit can be issued, allowing the individual to lawfully … [Read more...]
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Question: When Troopers pull over a vehicle, why do they approach it on the traffic side rather than the passenger window? I have observed some other law enforcement agencies approach from the passenger side and thought it made sense from a safety perspective. Answer: Officers are trained in both approaches, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. The side the … [Read more...]
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Question: Can you explain the new Real ID and Driver’s License process in Minnesota? Answer: REAL ID is a federal requirement that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. The benefits to the new driver’s license include use for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities such as military bases. Beginning … [Read more...]
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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 condition. So all brake lights, including the third one, would have … [Read more...]
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Question: I heard one of my neighbors got pulled over by a State Trooper for driving his combine down the road. The Trooper told him he needed a pilot car. Is this true? Answer: Farm equipment may be driven or towed to the left of the center of a roadway only if it is escorted at the front by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights visible in normal sunlight. The equipment … [Read more...]
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Question: What is the process for reporting an unsafe driver if you don’t have a particular incident to report? I’m concerned with a bunch of things I’ve been noticing getting worse over time. Thank you. Answer: There are several options for you to consider. • Write and sign a letter to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) outlining specific concerns. DVS will contact the … [Read more...]
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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 … [Read more...]
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Question: Can a person park their camper/RV in the ditch of a highway? What about staying in a RV at a Minnesota rest area? Answer: Leaving or parking a camper or travel trailer in the ditch or on any highway right-of-way is illegal. A highway right-of-way typically extends near the top of the outside slope. It would only be allowed where signs designate it as a … [Read more...]