Question: I will be traveling to Minnesota in a few weeks. Can I use studded tires in your state? Answer:  According to Minnesota State Statute 169.72, “Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle must have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery. No person shall operate or move on any highway any motor … [Read more...]

Question: When Troopers pull over a vehicle, why do they approach it on the traffic side rather than the passenger window? I have observed some other law enforcement agencies approach from the passenger side and thought it made sense from a safety perspective. Answer: Officers are trained in both approaches, and both have their advantages and disadvantages. The side the … [Read more...]

Question: Can you explain the new Real ID and Driver’s License process in Minnesota? Answer: REAL ID is a federal requirement that establishes minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.  The benefits to the new driver’s license include use for domestic air travel and access to federal facilities such as military bases. Beginning … [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 have … [Read more...]

Question: I heard one of my neighbors got 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 at the front by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights visible in normal sunlight. The equipment … [Read more...]

Question: What is the process for reporting an unsafe driver if you don’t have a particular incident to report? I’m concerned with a bunch of things I’ve been noticing getting worse over time. Thank you. Answer:  There are several options for you to consider. • Write and sign a letter to Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) outlining specific concerns. DVS will contact the … [Read more...]

Question: Do I need an oversize or wideload permit to haul a boat lift that is over 9 feet wide to my cabin? Answer: You would need to obtain a permit because the width is over eight feet six inches. Hauling oversized items without a permit or escorts (if required) can be dangerous and is illegal. Troopers and private escort companies are required to be trained and … [Read more...]

Question: Yesterday, I saw a guy go by my house on a motorcycle. He had his daughter sitting in front of him while he operated the motorcycle. This girl could not have been more than seven years old. What is the age for a child to legally ride as a passenger in Minnesota? A second question, is it legal for that child to sit in front of the actual operator? Answer: A passenger … [Read more...]

Question: Can a young driver with a North Dakota Driving Permit legally drive in Minnesota? How about in other states? Answer: No, they cannot legally drive in Minnesota. In Minnesota, a nonresident who is at least 15 years old may drive here if they have in their immediate possession a valid driver’s license from their home state or country. If you are traveling in other … [Read more...]

Minnesota State Patrol 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 slow down before the sign. If the speed limit increases, you must wait until you reach the new speed limit sign … [Read more...]

Question:  How fast can I drive before getting stopped? Is there a tolerance? Answer: State Patrol policy does not allow for any speeds in excess of the posted limit. Officers use their departmental policy, the totality of circumstances, all other conditions (road, weather, lighting and traffic), and common sense.  Speeding and driving too fast for conditions is discouraged … [Read more...]

Question: I have a short box pick-up. A friend wanted me to carry two 12-foot aluminum boats he had purchased. Being as they would have extended far past my seven foot or less truck bed, I declined, thinking it was too long to be legal.  Was I correct? What is the length limit for loads off the rear of a pick-up? Answer: According to Minnesota state law, no single vehicle may … [Read more...]

Question: I recently purchased a 2018 Polaris Ranger. We have a 2-year-old son and I am wondering what the laws are. Does he need to be in a car seat or booster seat with a helmet? Thank you in advance. Answer: When riding ATVs, OHVs and motorcycles on public lands or waters, or on a public road right-of-way, a passenger under age 18 must: • Wear an approved helmet. • Wear a … [Read more...]

Question:  If I rent a properly licensed and lighted tow dolly from a rental company, can I tow a non-running vehicle that is not licensed (no current plates) and not insured?  Do I need tail lights in addition to the dolly lights? Answer:  A tow dolly is used to tow a vehicle behind a recreational vehicle or other larger vehicle. It has two wheels, an axle and a tow-hitch … [Read more...]

Question: My son has a truck that he wants to jack up and make look cool......what are the rules for tire size, pipe noise, etc.....  I want to know what’s legal before he spends money on this stuff and then gets tickets! Answer: Making modifications to a passenger vehicle/pickup truck can change the way the vehicle handles, steers, brakes and could affect its overall … [Read more...]