Ask a Trooper – QUESTION: I have been trying to find out what the laws say about using All Terrain Vehicles on public roads and in right of ways. Not the safety requirements, just using them on roads. Thanks! ANSWER: Currently, state law does not prohibit ATV’s from being operated on city or township roads. [...]
Ask a Trooper
Ask a Trooper: ID must be in possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle
Ask a Trooper — QUESTION: Is it still a misdemeanor to not have a ID in your position in Minnesota if your over 18? ANSWER: Rick, M.S.S. 171.08 says yes, that every licensee shall have the license in immediate possession at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall display it upon demand of [...]
Clear covers for license plates are no longer legal
QUESTION: You might have written about this before, but I have recently heard conflicting information regarding license plate covers. First, I heard that the clear ones are legal, but now someone else told me they are not. I just want to know, what does Minnesota law say? ANSWER: At one time, the clear covers for [...]
It’s the time of the year to practice bicycle safety
QUESTION: I read an article last year which stated that most bicycle accidents happen while riding with the traffic. I only feel safest while facing the traffic. I think that it is a shame that the law has us riding while I cannot see behind me. How did “they” ever come up with this law? [...]
Minnesota State Patrol has 14 dog handler units statewide
QUESTION: Does the State Patrol have dog handler units? If so, please tell me all about them. I am very interested and I really have not heard much about if the State Patrol has that or not like many other departments do. Thank you! ANSWER: I contacted Sgt. Robert Frisby, who is the Canine Coordinator [...]
Length of violation depends on seriousness of traffic violation
Ask a Trooper – QUESTION: I recently received a warning ticket for following too close. How long does that remain on my records? – Tom ANSWER: Tom; I get so many questions about this that I am going to overkill the answer on purpose with the latest information I have, hoping it helps a lot [...]
Right of way concern by motorist clarified by Sgt. Mowers
Ask a Trooper — QUESTION: If I approach a two-way stop and intend to turn left onto the cross street (which has no stop sign), but have to wait for several seconds/minutes for cross traffic to clear, if someone approaches the opposite direction stop sign (across the street) and is going straight, once traffic clears, [...]
No Minnesota law exists requiring motor vehicle to have a windshield
Ask a Trooper – QUESTION: I have a Jeep Wrangler and am able to fold the windshield down on the hood. The wipers and defroster work fine, but is it illegal to drive on a sunny day, for example, with the windshield folded down? Thanks. — Charles ANSWER: No. Minnesota law does not require a [...]
First responders should use four-way flashers on vehicles
Ask a Trooper — QUESTION: I am a SKYWARN Spotter for the National Weather Service and Storm Chaser. A lot of times, myself and other spotters/chasers are put in situations where we are in situations that require extra care and could potentially be dangerous at the expense of helping warn the public and to explore [...]
Left turns will be allowed on flashing yellow arrows in some designated areas
QUESTION: I have heard that there are yellow flashing left turn arrows in Minnesota. What are they for and what do they mean? Can you write about them? Thank you. ANSWER: There have been some changes in certain traffic signals in Minnesota when it comes to left turns. Officials from Minnesota Department of Transportation (Mn/DOT) [...]
