By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol 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 … [Read more...]

Question: I came across the Minnesotan law that states animals cannot be kept in vehicles in a manner that endangers their safety. I also came across certain cities’ laws that states you cannot idle your vehicle with the keys inside. Can you talk about pet safety, especially when the temperatures are high? Answer: Minnesota law states that a person may not leave a dog or … [Read more...]

Question: Can you give out information about fog lights? I notice a lot of people have them on and when I am meeting them on the road in the evening or at night, some are very bright and make seeing the road very difficult. Some of them appear to be out of alignment and are blinding. I hope that having people read this will help make a difference, thanks. Answer:  There are … [Read more...]

Question: When the speed limit changes on a road, does the new speed limit start at the sign, or does it start when you can see the sign? Answer:  The speed zone becomes effective when you reach the sign. If the speed limit reduces, you must begin to slow down before the sign. If the speed limit increases, you must wait until you reach the new speed limit sign before … [Read more...]

Question: Can a person have an alcoholic beverage while operating a boat on a lake? How about if you are a passenger in the back of a motor home? Answer:  It is against the law for any person to consume alcohol in any vehicle while on a public road.  Public highways are any road, paved or not, that are open to the public for vehicular traffic.  The law also applies to … [Read more...]

Question: When golf carts are using a pedestrian crosswalk, are vehicles required to yield? This happens in some towns where the roadway separates a golf course. Answer:  Unless there is an ordinance or some other special allowance set by local or state officials golf carts are treated as motor vehicles and not pedestrians. Minnesota State Statute talks about electric … [Read more...]

Question: The driver’s training manual says to have both hands on the steering wheel.  First it was “two and 10” 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...]

Question: I have heard a lot about “click it or ticket” recently, I thought seat belt use was at an all-time high? Answer:  Most Minnesotans are making the life-saving decision to buckle up. According to the 2018 Minnesota Seat Belt Survey, 92.4% of front seat occupants are wearing their seat belts. Unfortunately, that means more than 7% of motorists continue to risk their … [Read more...]

Question: I moved to Minnesota from Arizona about a year ago and I have a car that has tinted windows.  What is the window tint law in Minnesota?  Answer: Even if your previous state allowed tinted windows, you will now need to comply with Minnesota law: •No vehicle can have ANY tint to the front windshield. •Passenger cars are limited to 50% on all side and rear … [Read more...]

Question: Can you please explain the new hands-free cell phone law?  Answer: Under the law, you may not hold your phone in your hand and cannot use it at any time for video calling, video live-streaming, Snapchat, gaming, looking at video or photos stored on the phone, using non-navigation apps, reading texts and scrolling or typing on the phone. The new law does allow a … [Read more...]

Question: Both my daughter and I have a disability. I have the handicap license plates on my car and she only has a placard. When she drives my car, does she have to use her placard to park? Answer: The registered license plates are designed for you to be able to park that vehicle in a disabled/handicap parking location. If your daughter has her own permit, she would need … [Read more...]

Question: I want to install a lift kit and put bigger tires on my Jeep. I want to comply with all the state laws. What is a bumper height law and the law about tires that extend out past the fenders? Answer: Any time you make any modification or alteration to a vehicle’s stock suspension and tires/rims, it can change how that vehicle handles, steers, brakes and could affect … [Read more...]

Question:  On social media last week, I noticed a trooper behind two motorcycles on I-35 near Faribault in a snow storm, was that a joke?  Answer:  It was not a joke. Two motorcyclists traveling south became stranded on I-35. The motorcycles were towed due to the weather. Spring is upon us and motorcycles are once again sharing the highways.  Unfortunately, the state has … [Read more...]

Question:   I see vehicles with straight pipes, motorcycles with straight pipes and hear many others that sound as if they have no muffler.  If the law is there why is it not enforced? Answer:  Minnesota State Statute 169.69 states:  “Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall … [Read more...]

Question: Can a person “carry” an electronic insurance card on a smart phone? For example, I’ve had my insurance company send my card by email, which I downloaded to my phone. Is this legal, or does a person need to have the paper version? Thanks much in advance! Answer: It would be acceptable if the driver or registered owner is able to show the current auto insurance … [Read more...]