Question: I just saw something about a Minnesota traffic safety program that’s been around for 20 years. Can you talk more about that? Answer: Yes, here is some information we shared on our DPS blog: “Minnesota has seen a 32% reduction in traffic fatalities between 2003 and 2022, in part due to the Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) traffic safety program. The Department of Public … [Read more...]

Question: The first snow storm of the season seemed to catch a lot of us by surprise. Can you talk about what to do to be ready for winter travel? Thank you and be safe. Answer: You are correct and it comes down to being prepared. While summer months are the deadliest on Minnesota roads, wintertime leads to the most crashes and poses safety risks and hazards. Here are some … [Read more...]

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: Reckless driving This involves a … [Read more...]

Question: I have had a few conversations with others about turning right on red.  Can you tell me what the rules are in Minnesota?  It’s frightening to see the chances some drivers are taking. Answer: A steady red light means stop and wait for the light to change. Come to a complete stop at the stop line before the crosswalk or entering the intersection. After stopping, you … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: I noticed several freshly killed deer on the side of the highway yesterday. What are the traffic related requirements when someone collides with a deer, and what are the game related requirements with killing a deer? Is it legal to take the deer home? Answer: If you are involved in a vehicle vs. deer/large animal crash, call 911 to report … [Read more...]

Question: Is it illegal to honk your car horn in Minnesota? My friends and family members drive by our house, giving their horn a little honk and waving; is this illegal?  What if you’re behind someone at a stoplight who hasn’t noticed the light turned green — is it illegal to tap your horn to alert them?  And what about those car alarms that start honking if they sense an … [Read more...]

Question: I read one of your articles about motorcyclists needing to wear eye protection. Do contacts qualify as eye protection? Answer: Contact lenses do not qualify as protective eyewear. Motorcyclists are required to wear protective eyewear, such as glasses, goggles or a face shield, even if the motorcycle is equipped with a windscreen. Drivers, look twice for motorcycles, … [Read more...]

Question: I read your column in the newspaper but don’t think I’ve seen this question. When traveling in the Twin Cities with the required number of passengers in your car, can you use the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes?  Do you need to have a transponder set to carpool or some setting to indicate you meet the minimum number of passengers? I often have enough passengers but … [Read more...]

Question: What is the Ted Foss law in Minnesota? Answer: The law got its name from a tragedy. Trooper Ted Foss was conducting a traffic stop August 30, 2000, on the shoulder of Interstate 90 when he was hit and killed by a passing vehicle. He left behind his wife Andrea and two kids. Emergency responders working on the shoulder of the road have got your back. Do you have … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: Hello, I am part of a group sponsoring a family from the Ukraine.  They arrived a couple weeks ago and we have met with the state offices to get them lined up with Social Security numbers, work permits, etc. The husband and wife both have current driver licenses from Ukraine.  They want to obtain a Minnesota license and are scheduled for the … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Question: We are well into summer, but can you please talk about some basic vehicle checks? I stopped to help someone who had broken down alongside the road the other day, and they had no clue to what I thought was common sense stuff: coolant, fluids, battery maintenance and lights. Thanks for keeping people informed. Answer: As a state trooper, we … [Read more...]

Question: I read your article last week on not having a driver’s license in possession; what about proof of insurance in your vehicle. Answer: Every driver is required to carry proof of insurance while driving. They must also produce proof of insurance when requested by an officer during a traffic stop or an incident such as a crash.  You can be cited for no proof on insurance … [Read more...]