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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?
Question: My neighbor has cattle and horses, and I know they had gotten out of their fences and onto the road a few times. If they are struck by a vehicle, can he get cited or sued? Answer: Law enforcement could cite your neighbor, and he could be sued civilly by someone who was injured or sustained loss because of an incident like this. Minnesota state law says: "It shall be unlawful for any owner or any person having the control of any such animal to permit the same to run at large in the state."
Question: I don't have a remote starter installed in my car. Is it illegal to leave it running while I go inside my house as it warms up and defrosts the windows? Answer: There is no state law that prohibits it, but many cities have local ordinances against it. Check your local city ordinances in reference to this rule. Leaving your car running unattended is also an invitation for thieves. Just the other day, there was an attempt to locate a stolen vehicle that occurred in a city where the owner left the vehicle running unattended. This happens far too often.
Question: I was arrested for DWI. Where do I find information about ignition interlock? Answer: First-time DWI offenders arrested at 0.16 alcohol-concentration level or above and second-time offenders can voluntarily enroll in the ignition interlock program to regain legal driving privileges. If they don't enroll, they face at least one year without a driver's license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.