Question: We came upon a line of three cars all going 50 mph. There was a long stretch of open road for several miles so I passed all three without returning to my lane. My friend questioned the legality. Is it legal to pass more than one vehicle at a time? Answer: You can pass more than one vehicle on the left as long as it is done in a safe manner. Even though there is no … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 1/23/17
Question: If a person with a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) gets a DWI in a private, personal vehicle...The test level that applies is .08 or more and he will lose his regular driver’s license but not the CDL, correct? Answer: The legal limit for driving impaired in Minnesota is 0.08 — but motorists can be arrested for DWI at lower levels. The consequences for driving … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 1/16/2017
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...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 1/9/2017
Question: What should a person do if they are involved in a crash? Answer: The answer to your question depends on the circumstances of the crash. If it is a property damage crash without injuries you should move your vehicle away from traffic if possible and get to a safe location before exiting or exchanging information with the other driver involved. This may depend on … [Read more...]
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Question: Are people allowed to push their leftover snow out onto the highway for the snowplow to move it? Answer: According to Minnesota State Statute 160.2715, “It shall be unlawful to obstruct any highway or deposit snow or ice thereon.” This law prohibits the plowing, blowing, shoveling or otherwise placing of snow on to public roads, including the ditch and … [Read more...]
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Question: I was wondering if someone could tell me what the law is on commercial vehicles having window tint? I drive a dump truck and was wondering if window tint is allowed as long as it’s the 50% that is allowed in passenger vehicles or if it is illegal for dump trucks/semis to have any window tint. Any advice or a link to where I can find out would be greatly … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 12/19/2016
Question: I enjoy reading your column. I have been driving for a number of years but still get confused as to what all the white road markings mean. I know what the white dashes on a road/highway mean – OK to pass. But what do solid white lines mean, particularly if they are on a three-lane highway? Also, what do the intermittent white “bricks” mean? What do narrowly spaced … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 12/12/2016
Question: What are the legal ramifications if someone is arrested for DWI with a child in a vehicle? Answer: If the child is less than 16 years of age and is greater than 36 months younger than the driver, the DWI the violation would be enhanced to include Child Endangerment. • First offense DWI under a 0.16: 90 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine. • First offense DWI under a … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 12/5/2016
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 the Crash Reconstructionist at an incident where an … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 11/28/16
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 … [Read more...]