Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | April 12, 2019
Question: I recently moved to Minnesota and I am living with a cousin of mine in Minnesota. I am writing to you concerning driving legally within the state. Back in my native country, Kenya, I am licensed to drive and currently I have that license with me. I also obtained an international driving permit from the necessary licensing body back... READ MORE >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | December 28, 2018
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 >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | December 21, 2018
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 >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | December 14, 2018
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 >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | November 23, 2018
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 >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | November 16, 2018
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... READ MORE >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | April 14, 2018
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 >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | September 02, 2017
Question: My wife and I love to ride our Honda 1800 Goldwing trike. Can our granddaughter ride between us on short rides? She is seven and loves to ride too. Answer: In looking at motorcycle owner manuals, it says, “Your motorcycle is designed to carry you and one passenger.” Based on that and the following additional rules, it is illegal... READ MORE >
Sgt. Neil Dickenson of the Minnesota State Patrol | July 01, 2017
Question: I was told that the speeding fine in a construction zone had gone up recently. Could you also explain the Zipper Merge when merging in a construction zone in Minnesota? Answer: This is a great time to talk about work zone safety as we are currently investigating a local work zone crash that resulted in two injuries, one serious.... READ MORE >
