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, … [Read more...]

Question:  Are the blue or Xenon headlamps legal in Minnesota? Answer:  Xenon or (HID) high-intensity discharge headlights are legal if they comply with the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requirements as halogen and incandescent headlamps.  Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169.468 requires the Commissioner to adopt vehicle safety rules in substantial conformance … [Read more...]

Question:  Can a vehicle with a Minnesota collector plate be driven legally in Arizona? Is it legal to drive it too and from both states? Answer: The general rule is states honor the registered vehicle and registration laws from the state the vehicle is registered.  So as long as you’re legal in Minnesota you will be fine on your drive to Arizona.  There are several … [Read more...]

Question: I heard DWI arrests are declining, is this this true? What about non-alcohol related DWI arrests?  Answer: While alcohol-related DWI incidents have dropped over the past 10 years in Minnesota, controlled substance-related DWI incidents have increased over the past 30 years. Controlled substance-related DWI convictions •1990: 5 •1997: 128 •2007: … [Read more...]

Question:  This winter has provided snowbanks - barriers in town, eliminating the turn lane, between our east and west bound lanes.  If a school bus is stopped and the stop arm is extended, does the opposing traffic have to stop? Answer: Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should … [Read more...]

Question: I see a lot of people that have their fog lights on and when I am meeting them on the road and some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. What is the law that covers this?  Answer:  If the fog lights are aimed too high and/or are too bright they are illegal, even if they are in … [Read more...]

Question:  My question is, if I see someone texting and they are driving in an unsafe manner (crossing in and out of their lane or going onto shoulder) should I call 911? Answer:  Always call 911 if you see unsafe driving conduct that could result in a crash.  When calling 911, be sure your phone complies with the new hands-free cell phone law.  You must use voice … [Read more...]

Question: Do I need to obtain the new Real ID and driver’s license when my license expires?  Answer: The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division (DPS-DVS) began issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and ID cards on October 1, 2018, to comply with the federal REAL ID Act.  Minnesotans are not required to obtain a REAL ID driver’s … [Read more...]

Question:  I have noticed cars that can’t be seen in the day when they fail to turn on their lights when it is snowing, raining or foggy.  Can you please explain how dangerous it can be and what the law is that covers this? Answer: Minnesota law states that every vehicle on a roadway shall display lighted headlamps, lighted tail lamps, and illuminating devices from sunset to … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: I have a question regarding the auxiliary headlights on a truck with a plow. Are they a requirement? I purchased a plow for my truck recently and the lights that came with are not nearly as bright as the stock lights on my truck. My stock headlights actually work perfectly fine over the top of the plow without any glare back at me. Are the … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol Question: What allows private for-profit ambulance companies to run tax-exempt license plates on their vehicles?   Answer: Vehicles owned by ambulance services specifically intended for emergency response or providing ambulance services are exempt under the Minnesota State statutes. All services must have a valid license issued by the board. The … [Read more...]

Question:  What should a person do if involved in a crash? Answer: Crashes happen every day in Minnesota — the State Patrol alone has handled over 41,000 so far this year. It’s important to know what to do immediately after it happens.  The first and most important thing to do after you’ve been involved in a crash is to get to a safe place. Worry less about “preserving … [Read more...]

Question: What is the legal following distance?  What can I do when someone is following too close behind me? Isn’t there a rule of so many vehicle lengths for miles per hour to use as a guide? Answer:  The only law regarding following distance pertains to  vehicles pulling trailers. This includes trucks as well as semi-truck tractors with trailers. They must maintain a … [Read more...]

Question: Is it a violation if the third brake light quits working on a passenger vehicle?  What about a vehicle that is equipped with a brake light(s) that flash or pulsate? Answer:  The state statute says that a vehicle equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps shall at all times be maintained in good working condition. So all brake lights, including the third one, would … [Read more...]

Question: If a person has a permit to carry in Minnesota, can they transport a loaded rifle or shotgun in a vehicle? Answer: The permit to carry law applies only to handguns, so the answer is no with some exceptions. MS 97B.045 - A person may not transport a firearm in a motor vehicle unless the firearm is: (1) unloaded and in a gun case expressly made to contain a … [Read more...]