Question: What is the difference between careless or reckless driving? What about “exhibition driving”? Answer: In general, the difference between reckless and careless is that “reckless” is generally “intentional” or the driver “should know” that the driving behavior could injure or kill someone. Here’s more detail on how they differ: … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper – 11/7/16
Question: Do I need to have a mirror on the outside passenger side of the door on my pickup truck? It has one on the driver’s side and a rear view on the windshield. Answer: Being that your pickup has one on the windshield and one on the driver’s side, you are legal in Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Driver’s Manual, all passenger vehicles must be equipped with … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 10/31/17
Question: The driver’s training manual says to have both hands on the steering wheel. First it was “two and ten” and now with airbags they say “nine and three.” The question, is it a law that you must have both hands on the wheel? I have never seen that as a law and if so there sure would be a lot of violations. I’m thinking if it is the manual, it must be a law. Answer: … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 10/24/16
Question: We have a debate in our house about the pedestrian law. Is a pedestrian standing curbside considered a “crossing pedestrian” if they are giving all indications they are planning to cross? Are motorists required to stop for such a curbside pedestrian if they can do safely? Answer: This is a great time of year to review this law as the days get shorter and the nights … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper ~ 10/17/16
Question: I heard one of my neighbors was 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 by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights that are visible in normal sunlight. The escort … [Read more...]
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Question: I’ve been helping my neighbor prep for sale a 1955 Ford pickup that has been in her family since new. I noticed the other day that the VIN plate is missing from the glove box door (the rivet holes are still there). It must have been lost by the body shop that painted the truck about 15 years ago, and is now out of business. I was able to locate the VIN stamped into … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper – 10.3.16
Question: Is there a minimum size that a steering wheel in a vehicle has to be? I noticed a car that had a very small aftermarket steering wheel and was curious what the law says about that. What about the law of having a steering wheel knob attached to the steering wheel? Answer: There is no law specifically related to steering wheel size. If the mounting of the steering … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper – 9.26.16
Question: Can you talk about the history of the Minnesota State Patrol? Answer: I was educated about the history of the Minnesota State Patrol while I was a cadet at the training academy. Listed below are some of the important changes and a timeline on when they occurred. In 1929, Minnesota State Legislature creates the Highway Patrol in response to the boom in … [Read more...]
Ask a Trooper – 9.12.16
Question: Could you explain the Zipper Merge for merging into construction zones in Minnesota? I have tried using the Zipper Merge many times and it seems that hardly anyone else on the road knows about how it is supposed to work. If another driver intentionally blocks a lane, isn’t that against the law? Answer: According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, when a … [Read more...]
Ask A Trooper – 9/5/16
Minnesota State Patrol With the school year quickly approaching, I would like to focus on the safety of our children. Following the guidelines below will help keep children safe around school buses. School Bus Safety Tips for Motorists: • Motorists must stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying red flashing lights and/or its stop arm is extended. This is … [Read more...]