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Question: What is the State Patrol's perspective on raising the speed limit on certain two lane roads from 55 MPH to 60 MPH? As a law enforcement agency, you're concerned about speeders, so is this a potential safety issue? Answer: As troopers, we patrol the roads 24 hours a day, and it's troubling how some drivers seem pretty nonchalant about how fast they're driving. People may feel confident about their driving skills, and especially when the skies are clear, roads are dry and you're cruising on the open road, it's tempting to drive too fast.
Question: If you are stopped at an intersection at a red light and there is an emergency vehicle behind you should you go through the red light to let the vehicle pass? Answer: Every situation varies when emergency vehicles are responding to an incident and how much room there is to yield and move over. The state requires motorists to move to the right and not block any intersection when an emergency vehicle is approaching. The driver should stop and remained stop until the emergency vehicle passes.
Question: I customized the front of my truck. Is it legal in Minnesota? Answer: There are two violations with your customized front end. 1. License plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. The plates must be securely mounted and displayed horizontally with the identifying numbers and letters visible. License plates issued to vehicles must also display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of each
Question: During the last snow storm I went in the ditch and got stuck. I wanted my friend to come with a tow rope and pull me out. The officer that was there said that was not allowed. What is the deal with that? Answer: Every incident is different. Without knowing the complete story and having all the information it comes down to the law and safety. It is illegal in Minnesota for the public to use the highway or right-of-way if it causes a danger to other motorists.
Question: Who is responsible for making sure the roadway is cleaned up and free from spilled liquids, glass and other car parts from a crash? Answer: In my experience I noticed that all responding agencies and tow companies work as a team to treat the injured, direct traffic, investigate the crash and clear the scene as soon as possible for everyone's safety. This is especially important on a roadways with higher speed limits. Below, I included a general list of the responsibilities at a crash scene. Each scene varies as to what level of crash it is and what is needed.
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: During the recent snow event, I noticed some vehicles had no lights on at all during the heavy snowfall and this can create a very dangerous situation, especially when visibility is reduced. Being seen while driving can help reduce your chances of getting into a crash.
Question: I know on the handicap placards, it is stated that they must be removed from hanging, while driving, but yet I see MANY hanging from mirrors, every day. I know you can't hang fuzzy dice or other things from the mirror so I was just wondering about the handicap placards, since I see so many people driving with them hanging. Is there a fine if somebody gets pulled over for not removing them from the mirror or is it just that.......a warning?
Question: I will be travelling 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 vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, having any metal tire in contact with the roadway, except in case of emergency."
Question: What is the penalty for an expired health card while driving a commercial vehicle such as a semi? Answer: If a health card is required (vehicle over 10,000 pounds), there would be a fine if it's expired. The driver would be allowed to continue on if that's the only issue from the traffic stop. If the driver is stopped again before the health card is current, the driver would be placed out-of-service until the health card is valid and could receive another citation.
Question: My friend went in the ditch last weekend and was given a citation for Failure to Drive with Due Care. It seems to me that it wasn't his fault because the wind was blowing snow across the road making the roads slippery. Why was he issued a citation?