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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
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 >
Question: What is the correct following distance? Everyone seems to be way too close behind each other. What can I do as a driver having someone too close behind me? Answer: The only law regarding following distance pertains to vehicles pulling trailers. This includes trucks as well as semi-truck tractors with trailers. They must maintain a minimum distance of 500... READ MORE >
Question: I know that Minnesota has made a lot of progress for traffic safety and less people are dying on our roads, but what are other states doing? Answer: For the first time in nearly a decade, preliminary data from the National Safety Council estimates that as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes in 2016 across theUnitedStates.That’sa6percent... READ MORE >
