Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol


Latest Articles:

“Ask a trooper”

Question: What should a driver do if they are driving and are stopped by law enforcement? Answer: When you first see the red lights behind you, safely pull over to the right and stop as far off the road as possible. Do not keep driving. The officer probably knows the area well and intends for you to stop right away... READ MORE >

“Ask a trooper”

Question: Minnesota just recently enacted a hands-free while driving law, but many states do not have such a law. How is this enforced when people from out of state are traveling on our Interstate highways? I have not seen any signs go up stating that Minnesota is Hands-Free. Would violators just be issued a warning? Answer: The law will be... READ MORE >

“ASK A TROOPER”

Question: Now that Minnesota’s hands free law is in effect it seems there are numerous vehicles pulled over on the shoulder with the driver talking or texting on the phone. This seems unsafe. Is it legal and if not what is the recommended procedure upon receiving a call or text that needs a prompt response and hands free options are... READ MORE >

Ask a trooper

Question: As we are ending the motorcycle season I heard of an individual near Rochester who was killed by going off the road and struck a sign head on. He was not wearing a helmet. Being an individual who has been in a motorcycle accident with the helmet likely saving my life, why are helmets not required in the State... READ MORE >

Ask a Trooper

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... READ MORE >

Ask a Trooper

Question: Can my child use a bicycle helmet when he is a passenger in my side-by-side ATV? Answer: In Minnesota, any class 1 or 2 ATV operator or passengers under the age of 18 must wear an approved helmet when riding on public lands or waters, or a public road right-of-way. They must also wear a seat belt if provided... READ MORE >

Ask a trooper

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... READ MORE >

ASK A TROOPER

Question: When I learned to drive 50 years ago, my Driver’s Ed teacher instructed me to pull into the intersection on a green light, even when there was oncoming traffic, to attempt to make a left turn. I still practice this, green arrows or not. I actually asked a driver’s test person at the DMV office about this and was... READ MORE >

ASK A TROOPER

Question: Last summer at a stoplight, my car was vibrating from the bass boom of the car next to me. I looked over and saw, what I assume was a person driving—but could see only the outline of his pulled up hoodie. As we drove away, I thought there is no way he is going to be able to hear... READ MORE >