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...]

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 vehicle … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am planning on taking a motorcycle trip across the country. Does a trailer pulled behind a motorcycle need to be registered? Answer: If you are pulling a trailer, it must be registered according to its weight.  If the trailer is lightweight it may be permanently registered as a utility trailer or as an RV under … [Read more...]

By Sgt. Troy Christianson Minnesota State Patrol Question: Is it illegal to drive barefoot in Minnesota? Answer: Driving a motor vehicle barefoot in Minnesota is legal, although secured footwear is safer. Crashes are sometimes caused by loose sandals or flip flops that interfere with the brake and acceleration pedals. This brings up another safety issue. Make sure the … [Read more...]

Question: Would law enforcement give me a citation if I have a prescription, from my eye doctor, saying that I get migraine headaches from intense lighting and my truck windows can be tinted to 20% on driver and passenger windows, for no more than two years? Answer: Drivers must be in possession of a prescription or document from their doctor regarding the medical need to … [Read more...]

Question: Can you talk about motorcycle safety? Answer: With spring upon us and motorcycles once again sharing the highways, this is a great time to provide motorcycle crash facts and safety tips. We currently have had two fatal motorcycle crashes this year. In Minnesota, over half of motorcycle crashes are single vehicle crashes.  Motorcycle use is at an all-time high and … [Read more...]