Question: What can be done about an aging family member when their driving skills become diminished and it becomes a safety concern? Answer: Older drivers in general are safe. As we age the risks behind the wheel increase with the possibility of declining cognitive, vision and physical abilities. Older drivers are more likely to get killed or injured because they are more … [Read more...]

Question: I was told that the fine for speeding in a construction zone had increased recently.  Could you also explain the Zipper Merge for merging into construction zones in Minnesota? Answer: A recent work zone crash left two people injured, so this is a great time to remind drivers about the importance of maneuvering through a work zone safely.  During the spring and summer … [Read more...]

Question: I was told that the Minnesota State Patrol is involved in teaching a school patrol camp in the summer. Can you provide me with some information about it? Answer: Legionville is a summer camp is where school patrol students are taught the fundamentals of school patrol, school bus safety, bicycle and pedestrian safety. It is located just north of Brainerd, and it … [Read more...]

  Question: What are the requirements for RV triple towing in Minnesota? Answer:  A recreational vehicle combination may be operated without an over-length type permit if: (1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight … [Read more...]

  Question: I see vehicles go by with extended carriers attached to their hitch with several full gas cans. We discuss what could happen if a driver was not paying attention and ran into one such vehicle. How safe can this be? Is there any laws in place that makes this unlawful? Answer: There is no law against transporting fuel containers on an extended carrier for … [Read more...]

  Question: I can’t help to think of all the ways to be distracted while driving such as texting, using the phone, changing the radio, eating, smoking, etc. that in addition, having small pets on one’s shoulder or lap while driving can be legal. Not only cats and small dogs being positioned in the driver’s line of sight or blind spot, I have even seen ferrets and … [Read more...]

  Question: What is the rule for drivers of motorcycles for making left or right turns at intersections? Someone told me that because some vehicles are not heavy enough to trip the signal lights they are legally able to make a left or right turn at a red light when it is safe to do so, after the signal light has cycled once. Please advise, thanks! Answer: Minnesota … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

  Question: I want to install a lift kit and put bigger tires on my pickup. I want to comply with all the state laws. What is a bumper height law and the law about tires that extend out past the fenders? Answer: Adding a lift kit and installing bigger tires and rims are very popular on pickup trucks. Anytime you make any type of modification or alterations to a … [Read more...]

Question: On most days I observe college students who are wearing dark jackets and hats, listening to “tunes” while walking, or walking in the same direction as motor traffic rather than facing that traffic. This street has no sidewalks so all the walking occurs close to the cars. I am concerned that these young people are putting themselves at risk of becoming victims of motor … [Read more...]