Last week I picked up my new 2017 Ford Interceptor AWD squad car.  Some of the features are listed below. Mine is a class B, which it means there is not a light bar on the roof. The State Patrol currently has approximately 650 marked squads, of which 60% have light bars. Features include: • 3.7L VVT V6 engine with 305HP • 6-speed transmission • 18-inch steel rims with … [Read more...]

Question: I am planning an ice fishing trip to the great State of Minnesota and I live in Iowa, is there a limit on how much alcohol I can bring from Iowa into Minnesota? Answer: There is a limit on how much alcohol you can bring into Minnesota from a different state for personal use.  You can bring 288 ounces of beer or wine or one litter of intoxicating liquor per person.  … [Read more...]

Question: Last summer at a stoplight, my car was vibrating from the bass boom of the car next to me. I looked over and saw, what I assume was a person driving — but could see only the outline of his pulled up hoodie. As we drove away, I thought there is no way he is going to be able to hear or see an ambulance or fire truck coming into the intersection on an emergency. While we … [Read more...]

Question: Would you tell me the significance of the color Maroon for the Minnesota State Patrol please? I travel around all over and never saw another agency with this as their primary color for uniform or squad car. Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol was created in 1929. The original trooper uniform was a long gray coat, riding boots, grey knee-high pants and eight-corner … [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 … [Read more...]

Question: I was recently told that I could not keep the trailer ball mount attached to the receiver of the vehicle when it is not actually hooked up to a trailer.  Is this in fact true? Answer: There is not a law in Minnesota that prohibits leaving a ball hitch in the receiver when not pulling a trailer.  I do recommend that you remove your receiver hitch when it is not in … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I recently purchased a trailer that requires yearly tabs. I’m worried the plate will get damaged if I mount it to the manufacturers bracket. I have noticed over the years that owners of some trailers have mounted their trailer plates on the fender well in a vertical position and not horizontal so it can be read … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question:  The other day at an intersection I noticed a car with the windows so frosted up that the driver had to roll down a window to check for cars coming from my side.  What is the law on frosted windows? When I received this question my initial thoughts were of a fatal pedestrian crash that I had been called to.  I was … [Read more...]

Question: What items should I have in my vehicle during this extreme cold weather? What is the proper procedure if I become stranded and/or go off the road? Answer: With the recent below zero temperatures, being prepared with an emergency kit and plan can save your life. We recommend the following items be in your vehicle, especially in the winter: • Bag of abrasive … [Read more...]

Question: If the results of a PBT reading cannot be used against a DWI suspect in court, why is a suspect charged with refusing PBT if that’s what they choose? Answer: Under state law, a preliminary breath test (PBT) is authorized when a law enforcement officer has reason to believe that a person has violated DWI laws. There are certain situations where the PBT can and will … [Read more...]