Question: Is it legal for local police or State Patrol to make regular traffic stops with an unmarked vehicle (no markings at all) or does the vehicle have to be a certain color or have some kind of markings? Answer: You might be aware of some posts on social media that say, according to state law, that unmarked squad cars are illegal and State Patrol squad cars must be maroon.
Here’s what state law says about our use of these vehicles: “The commissioner of public safety may authorize the use of specially marked State Patrol vehicles, that have only a marking composed of a shield on the right door with the words inscribed thereon “Minnesota State Patrol” for primary use in the enforcement of highway traffic rules when in the judgment of the commissioner of public safety the use of specially marked State Patrol vehicles will contribute to the safety of the traveling public. The number of such specially marked State Patrol vehicles used in the enforcement of highway traffic rules shall not exceed ten percent of the total number of State Patrol vehicles used in traffic law enforcement.”
The State Patrol currently has approximately 650 marked squads and 24 “specially marked” squads that are operated by troopers whose primary job function is road patrol. All of the specially marked Minnesota State Patrol squads are legal as authorized by state statute.
Additional unmarked patrol units are not required to have a decal. These include our district investigators, vehicle crime unit, State Capitol area troopers and administration supervisors. Their primary job function is not road patrol. These troopers make traffic stops and respond to emergencies as needed, and the cars are equipped with emergency lights and siren.
A few years ago, I operated an unmarked patrol car and I found this type of squad to be an effective tool in helping keep Minnesota roads safe for everyone by reducing risky driving behavior that can lead to life-changing crashes. We plan to increase the amount of these type of squad cars on the road each year to help us identify violations such as texting and driving, no seat belt use and other unsafe operation.
You can avoid a ticket—and a crash—if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths. 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? Answer: Having an object attached to the windshield or hanging from the rearview mirror can obstruct the driver’s view and result in a dangerous situation. The driver might not be able to see another vehicle, animal, pedestrian or bicyclist. Minnesota law prohibits any objects suspended between the driver and the windshield other than sun visors, rearview mirrors, global positioning systems or navigation systems when mounted or located near the bottom most portion of the windshield; and electronic toll collection devices. This law does not apply to law enforcement vehicles and other authorized emergency vehicles.
If you have a disability parking tag, it needs to be taken down while the vehicle is in motion. Only put the tag up when the vehicle is parked.
Hanging other items such as air fresheners and fuzzy dice from the mirror is against the law. Law enforcement can and will conduct traffic stops when seeing an object that is blocking the driver’s view. They will issue a citation or warning. Question: With the recent temperatures below zero in the area, can you give some tips on what should be in your vehicle and what to do if your car stalls or gets stuck? Answer: When the temperatures are well below zero, it can result in a life-threatening situation if you are not prepared. Having a safety plan and emergency kit in your vehicle can save your life.
If stranded, stay in the vehicle, call 911. Provide the dispatcher with the following information:
. Problem you’re experiencing
. Your location (Get in the habit of looking for mile markers and cross streets/ roadways)
. Any injuries to yourself or passengers
. Preferred tow company, otherwise the closest approved tow company will be dispatched
. At night, keep your dome light on and activate the vehicle’s emergency flashers.
. Be aware that snow can plug your vehicle’s exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter your car so make sure the exhaust pipe is free of snow and keep a window slightly open while the engine is running.
. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and that you have at least a half of a tank of fuel.
. Slow down and use winter driving skills to avoid crashing or going off the road.
. Be patient, as law enforcement and the towing companies may be busy with other calls. We will get there as soon as possible.
We recommend the following items be in your vehicle, especially in the winter: Cell phone and car charger, snow shovel, flashlight with extra batteries, window washer solvent, ice scraper with brush, jumper cables, tow chain or rope, extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves) and blankets, warning devices (flares or triangles), drinking water, non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers, first-aid kit, basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench), and bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats.
A portion of state statutes was used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Neil Dickenson—Minnesota State Patrol at 1131 Mesaba Ave Duluth, MN 55811. (Or reach him at Neil.Dickenson@state.mn.us)
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