Question: When does the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) get involved with crashes? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol notifies the NTSB on the following types of crashes. • School bus injuries or death to student passengers. • Public or charter bus crashes resulting in death or injury to occupants. • Railway crossing crashes resulting in two or more deaths, or … [Read more...]

Question: I noticed a dog that was in a vehicle the other day at a local business parking lot and the occupants were not around. I was wondering what I should have done. With the recent warm weather, I can imagine the temperature inside the car must have been dangerously high for that dog. Is there a law against this? Answer: The law states that a person may not leave a pet … [Read more...]

Question: Can you be cited for illegal window tint if you recently purchased the vehicle through a dealer? Can the auto dealer can be charged with the violation? Answer: Citations may be issued to you and the dealer that sold you the vehicle with the illegal window tint. The law states a new motor vehicle dealer, used motor vehicle dealer, or motor vehicle lessor may not … [Read more...]

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...]