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Ask a Trooper Archives

Question.

I am curious about something I hear a few of my friends talk about from both Minnesota and Wisconsin, and would like a response from someone who may in fact know the answer. I have heard if you are pulled over for speeding and you ask to see the officer's radar screen in which he clocked you on he is required to show you as "proof" of your alleged speeding. Is this true? Two of my friends said they have gotten pulled over for speeding, (one in Minnesota, one in Wisconsin) and when they asked to see the officer's radar screen the officer could not prove he actually clocked them at what he said he did. (In both cases) The officer told them because he could not provide the necessary on-screen proof, instead would have to just give them a verbal warning rather than a speeding citation. Is this true?

Tom from Oak Park Heights


Question.

My husband and I recently moved to the cities about three months ago. He was pulled over and was given a citation because he hasn't changed his address on his driver’s license. Neither of us knew that you only had 30 days to change your license. The address on his license is his parent’s address and in the last few years he has moved several times because of college and jobs so he never changed his address. Is there any way he could get out of this ticket if he changes his address and explains he didn't know about the law? We can't afford to pay the $100 fine because we didn't know about the law!

Leah from Brooklyn Park


Question.

I have a 9-foot utility trailer that I use for hauling wood; I also have a pull type wood splitter. I was wondering if I could put a hitch on the back of my trailer and pull my wood splitter. The total length I would be towing is 21 feet. I understand it is legal to tow a boat behind a 5th wheel trailer.

You guys and gals do a great job out there on the highway!!! Keep it up.

Keith from Lakeville


Question.

My husband was pulled over for having tint on his windows. The next day he took the tint off his windows. Is there any way he can get out of paying the fine?

Leah from Brooklyn Park


Question.

What are the laws on Interior Neon Lights?

Andy from Lakeville


Question.

I was wondering if you could direct me in finding pictures of "date rape" drugs.  I heard they can come in pill form and I'd like to know what to watch out for.

Mary from Traverse City, MI


Question.

I have a question regarding a speeding ticket.  I was stopped in Oak Grove, Anoka County by an Anoka County Officer, and issued a speeding ticket for 60mph in a 50mph zone.  I have heard that, at least in Hennepin and Ramsey county, there is a fee or something that allows you to pay the fine and an administration fee, the ticket will stay off of your drivers record, unless you receive a ticket for a similar violation within a year.  If this is true, how do you proceed with following through with this?  Additionally are there other provisions similar to this, as I have heard that a speed violation does not go on your record if it is less that 10mph over in a 55mph zone or less.  I was speeding and will accept the fine for this violation; I just do not want it on my record. 

Thank you for your assistance.

Tad from East Bethel

Question.

I received a citation for having a burnt-out taillight.  I have been
told this is a $120 fine.  My question is does Minnesota have a
"fix-it" ticket policy?  If so, what can I do to prove I fixed it?
If not, why are so few cars pulled over for this violation, I see
cars every time I drive with a headlight or taillight burnt out, it
could give the state a lot of needed money? This is a hefty fine for
something so hard to see if you don't have someone check you
brake lights for you.

 Matt from Shakopee

Question.

I have a question concerning the requirements of emergency lights. Are there any requirements as far as when they need them on and when they don't?  I had a state trooper scare the crap out of me last night when I was going on I-35 southbound and he was going at a high rate of speed, I’m guessing 80 to 85 in a 55 zone with no indication of it being an emergency vehicle.  To top it off he had the new version of the light bar that are much more slim line with LEDs.  I think that he in that situation he should had them on since it was about 1:30am, and there are many drunks on the road.  I counted about 10 cars in front and behind of me that could have easily been wondering the same thing.  Any input as far as why they don't need them on at that time of night on the interstate would be greatly appreciated, and what we should do in that situation.

 

Josh from Duluth

 

Question.

My son was run off the road by a driver talking on a cell phone and driving erratically.  He hit a traffic signal light and wrecked his car and his passenger was hurt.  There were witnesses that called 911 and reported the other driver (had his license plate number). The police went to his house but he wouldn't answer the door.  When they finally contacted him by telephone, he admitted being in the area but says he didn't see an accident.  Can't the police ticket him anyhow?

Sarah from Coon Rapids


Question.

Our vehicle was ticketed under Mn 169.79 while parked at a lot.  The way I read the statute, it says the vehicle may not be driven or parked on a HIGHWAY.  Is a parking ramp a highway under this statute?

Also, I had renewed the stickers with the state at MNDRIVEINFO.ORG in September, but never received my stickers.  The state site reflects the fact that I had renewed the tags months prior to the citation.  Do I have any recourse to fight the fine based on the state's failure to send me my tags?

Charles Cater from Edina


Question.

What are the laws on neon lights in city limits?  I know they are illegal to use on highways, but I was wondering if you could use them while driving in a city?  I see the all the time being used on cars in Brainerd.

Justin from Brainerd


Question.

I was involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, the guy didn't stop, and I got his plate number, but not the state, is there any way to find out which state and who it belongs to?

Sissy from Philadelphia, PA


Question.

I'm currently restoring an old muscle car, and have a question about the windshield.  There are a few places that sell polycarbonate windshields, and I was wondering if I would be able to run one of these as apposed to a stock glass shield.  Thanks for your time.

Mike from Mankato


Question.

In Minnesota is the graphic see through tint (Ex. checkered flags on the back window of a truck) legal for the back, side windows of a 2 Door Grand Prix?

Keith from Gibbon


Question.

Under Minnesota Law can you have colored fog lights? Example: (neon/ocean blue)

Keith from Gibbon


Question.

I was in a car accident 2 months ago. I was driving on 94 and rear-ended a lady because traffic had slowed/stopped suddenly. We filled out a police report and that was about it. Nobody was seriously injured. About a month later I received a ticket for "Driving without Due Care" and a court date set for this month. Why do I need to go to court for this? Is this a new type of ticket that is being given out- I have never heard of it before. Why didn't they give me the ticket at the scene?

Thank you I appreciate your help.

Jen from Albertville


Question.

I was in a traffic accident back in January of 2001.  As far as I remember we filled out the accident report and sent it in.  Now when we call they say they don't have anything on record.

Here's my question.  An officer was called to the scene.  Would this officer have filed anything on the incident?  Either in a report or personal files?  I am curious if I would be able to track down any information on this accident.

Thanks very much!

Todd from Minnetonka


Question.

Hi, I have talked to several Police officers and have gotten several different responses on this issue.  When it comes to window tint, what is the legal limit?  I have also heard it is different from a sedan vs. an SUV; is this true?  Also, is there a specific law or document number to reference?

Thanks very much!

Todd from Minnetonka


Question.

About how many drug busts do you have a year I was just wandering because I have a grandpa and he was a police officer. He always is talking about drug busts.

Jarred Bratcher from Paul’s Valley, Oklahoma


Question.

What is the Alabama state law for neon lights under a car? Can you have them on while stopped and not on the street or are they totally illegal?

Kevin from Prattville, Alabama


Question.

I got an open bottle violation and I was a passenger in a parked car. Is this possible? Wouldn’t it be just the driver’s fault?

Joe from Stillwater


Question.

When being pulled over for a speeding ticket shouldn't it be the officer’s duty to ask for proof of insurance and registration? When a friend of mine was pulled over she was just starting to take out her drivers license and insurance card but the officer said all he wanted was her license?  How does the officer know that she had insurance?  Also what about registration... how do they know if the car was hers and she didn't just steal it 5 minutes ago?  I don't understand why he didn't ask for insurance because if you don't have proof of insurance there are big fines?

Nicole from Chanhassen


Question.

Is it illegal to have accent lights on in your car driving at night (two little lights that help light up the radio)? And what if you have a white colored neon light in the front and a red one in the back and the tubes are not visible but the glow is.

Thanks,

Jon from Aitkin


Question.

I have a question regarding the new Move Over Law, which was put into place in honor of Trooper Ted Foss. I understand the law to state that you are required to move to the left lane should an emergency vehicle be pulled over onto the shoulder.  My question is that if the emergency vehicle’s lights are not on and is parked are you still required to move over to the left lane?

John From Maple Grove


Question.

My 18 year old daughter who has since moved out of my house and living with her boyfriend (and is no longer on my insurance policy) just got into an accident with her boyfriends car and was at fault and totaled it.  She was hurt in the accident and required hospitalization. She had an accident in May of 03 also, and received a following to close citation, now she received an inattentive driving citation, both accidents she was at fault. Since the boyfriend is age 18 and still going to school he lives at home with his mom and is on her insurance policy.  I know that the insurance typically follows the car but she is a licensed driver and she has no insurance herself.  So my question is, is she really an insured driver right?  What will his insurance company cover if anything? Since he probably is on his mother’s policy and he was letting her drive his car.

Ruth from Glenwood


Question.

I want to know if there is a field test for driving under the influence of meth or what a cop can base his suspicions. One I know is being nervous but everybody gets nervous when being pulled over and I want to know if you were ever convicted of a drug offense it shows up on the cops screen even if you weren’t driving at the time in other words is there a profile on all offenses driving or not. Also, if a person used meth at home would it show up 20 days later if you gave a blood or pee test?  Then could you get a DUI?

Craze from Zimmerman


Question.

I was on a road the other day with a center turn lane. I was in the turn lane about to make a left turn, when someone entering from a parallel street made a left turn in front of me. Now I don’t think that their turn was illegal in itself. They were turning left and went across the near lane and the center turn lane to go left. However, I thought that the person in the center lane had the right-of-way in this situation.  Who does have the right-of-way here?  Note, this was not an intersection with lights. It was a 4 lane road with a center turn, and the driver from the other direction was coming from a 2 lane road.  Hopefully this question makes sense.

Ron from Savage


Question.

If I have a note from a doctor saying I need tinted windows or dark glasses to drive, how did I lose in court?  It did not obstruct my view, as I could read license plates through the questionable window for the officer with ease? 

This makes no sense to me.

Dan from Deerfield


Question.

This is going to sound like the dumbest one you ever answered yet I need to know. Driving my van with a friend that has a child at the age of 8 years of age and the child was in the back.  I had to come to a stop and apparently did it too fast for the child as she was sitting on back (that has been made into a bed) and the girl tipped over like she was picking something up. She was crying and scared.

My question is: even if you are the driver of the vehicle and you have previously stated that everyone is to use seatbelts in the vehicle, is the driver still liable if the parent of the child over-rides what you say about buckling up? Even if you have stated over and over that they need to buckle up.

Rita from Braham


Question.

I received a ticket for driving after suspension; can the officer put me in the back of the squad car?

Does he have the right to do more than a pat search if not being arrested and on what grounds would give him the right to dig through my pockets and wallet.

 I pulled into a driveway when I was tagged for driving with a suspended drivers license, can the homeowner tell the police officer not to tow the vehicle out of the driveway or can they tow it anyway?

 Is the tow driver trespassing on private property to remove the vehicle, and can he be told to get off the property?

 On an inventory report for towing, how extensive of a search can the officers perform, and do I have the right to tell them not to inventory the vehicle?

Jon from Coon Rapids


Question.

Hi, I would like to ask if neon lights or LED lights under the car are legal and if they are what colors are allowed. I read many articles and some say they are and some that they are not legal.

Thank You

Marko


Question.

If I have a note from a doctor saying I need tinted windows or dark glasses to drive, how did I lose in court? It did not obstruct myview, as I could read license plates through the questionable window for the officer with ease? This makes no sense to me.

Dan from Deerfield


Question.

Hello, I am getting my permit in a couple of months and was wondering what the Minnesota laws say about being a certain distance away from the vehicle in front of you? Is it One Full Car-length?

Thank, you it is very much appreciated!

Collin, Smith from Minnetonka, Minnesota


Question.

I need to know what the average speed of traffic is on HWY 394 east bound to downtown is at 8:30am and 9:30am on a work day (Monday to Friday) The area I am interested in is HWY 169 to HWY 100.


Patrick Kelly from Golden Valley


Question.

Okay, now I'm pretty confused about some of the laws that have been made in Minnesota.

1) If you are driving and a colored (neon/backlight) light is in use, can you be pulled over?

2) If your cars headlights have a tint (other then white) such as purple or blue can you be pulled over?

3) If your car has smoked covers on your head or taillights can you be pulled over? I am just curious so I don't make these mistakes and get a ticket I could have avoided.

Thank you for your time.

Jessica from Owatonna.


Question.

I got ticket for inattentive driving and received the citation the day after the accident. The officer never asked any questions about the accident and only inquired about the location of my 12-year-old daughter. He never asked if she was hurt only was she sitting in the left or right side of the car, back or front. These questions were asked really fast. He never inquired as to what happened, just got out of the car and said it was an accident. I agreed with him and thought just leave well enough alone, since no one was hurt. My car had no damage and I'm not sure the amount of damage on her car. I was not talking on the phone or changing the radio station. We were making a right hand turn with a yield sign. When I can to the light, it was red, so we were at a stop. I looked over my should and no cars were coming. I saw the brake light of the car go off so I proceeded. She stopped then again and I hit her. I went from the gas to the brake.

Lynn from Little Canada, MN


Question.

I am relocating to MN and have a question about vehicle lighting. I am a trained Storm Spotter and member of ARES/RACES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service/Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service). From where I am relocating it is permissible for us to run with lights when responding to a weather emergency or if we are at a disaster area. Currently I have a red dash light amber sidelights and red/white rear lights.


My question is are these lights permitted for official use in MN?

Carlton


Question.

When transporting a firearm in a vehicle, it is supposed to be disassembled, contained, and in the trunk. I also believe that the magazine is not supposed to be with the gun (meaning, gun in trunk; magazine in glove box). Is this correct? And also, with the new Conceal & Carry laws, can a fully trained, licensed, and registered carrier, legally have his weapon on his person while operating a motor vehicle?

Vernon from the Twin Cities


Question.

What is the standing law on elderly drivers in Minnesota? How would an older person get their license taken away? Is it by word of family or what? Give me all the information you know or a Web site that would give me the information. This question is for a paper I am currently writing in my English class.

Anne From Chaska


Question.

I was recently pulled over and given a $115 ticket for what was cited as “blue headlights." I was very curious since I didn't know this was illegal (I had bought replacement bulbs after a stock bulb burnt out)so I decided to check into it. The ticket refers to ordinance 169.55,referring to "Lights on all vehicles." I went to the state trooper website to look up the ordinance and found "...[cars] shall be equipped with one or more lighted lamps or lanterns projecting a WHITE LIGHT
visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle." After finding this information out, I referred to the packaging I received my headlight bulbs in. The package refers to the lights as "Arctic White,” and goes on to say the produce a "European White Light." Keep in mind NO WHERE on the package are the lights EVER referred to as "Blue," only Artic White. Knowing this I have
a question. Can this ticket hold up?

Ben from Willmar


Question:

I am hearing a lot about this Move Over Law. I don’t know anything about it, can you tell me about this law.

James From Eden Prairie


Question.

What are the laws on trailer lights, and reflectors? (Requirements) on hauling and pulling trailers. I've been getting several stories on the actual laws about pulling trailers and the light requirements.

Al from Forest Lake


Question.

I am fuming with anger in regards to the use of the left lane and some people’s interpretation of the law. HWY 52 a four lane, runs through Rochester and is currently under heavy construction. Numerous merges, temporary exits and entrances have been created during this construction phase. With heavy on/off ramp traffic using the right lane, I prefer the left lane when approaching these areas. I have experienced many times, a vehicle attempting a merge onto HWY 52
that is not up to the speed and isn't blending into traffic. This requires an alteration of my speed - plus or minus or a quick lane change to allow this vehicle in. I also prefer a safe buffer zone between my vehicle and the one ahead; especially if I hear road grit hitting my windshield, I back off. I now understand how "Road Rage" can happen; I’m becoming upset just recalling this (less than 3 mile) episode. How? What was his bold thinking? He probably lost more time waiting at the stop sign where he exited, than the time he thinks I caused him to lose. On the other hand, a jerk with a bold ego would NEVER say; "Oh, I see your point. Sorry…" So what was I hoping to accomplish by having words with this guy. Recently on Minnesota Public Radio, there was an interview with a traffic (state) official. There were two separate callers complaining about
people using left lane traffic. They stated Minnesota law; "Slower traffic must keep right". To which this official tried to defuse their frustration by telling them to be patient and courteous to other drivers. My question to these callers would be; "Is the speed LIMIT different in the left lane, than in the right.

Craig from Rochester


Question.

My wife was in a accident, she stopped between a divided 2 lane highway saw a truck pull out of a business a short distance away. He waved her on she doesn't remember if his blinker to turn left was on she went ahead and a car following the truck broadsided her. 5 months later she was charged with careless driving. The local police never asked her what happened said she was to upset. How can that be careless driving?

Bob from Hutchinson


Question.

On a cracked windshield, is an Insurance Company responsible for repairing a cracked windshield in the State of Minnesota.


Jason from Shakopee


Question.

I have a few questions.

First, can the Minnesota State Patrol stop out of state registered cars for tinted window violation if the windows are very dark (Tested @ 15% visible light transmission) on the front door windows? If so, what usually happens? Ticket, repair order or remove tint on the spot?

Second, there are some vehicles especially 4x4 trucks and SUV’s that have headlamps that doesn’t have DOT markings but instead have ECE or EU markings (E-1, E-2.) Can the driver be cited? If so, is this a violation that the State Patrol actively looks for? FYI this is different from the blue headlamps that are being used by "Street Racers" in Japanese Imports.

Thanks for the info.

Mark from Rapid City, SD


Question.

I have a motorcycle and have heard different answers to this question. Can you please give me the right answer? I want to know if I can have flashing headlights and taillights on my motorcycle. Some say "Yes" and some say "NO", which one is it?

Thanks

Bob from Shakopee


Enough Is Enough

The Minnesota State Patrol says, "Enough is enough!" The Minnesota fatality rate on our roadways is at an all timehigh of 460 people. There are many reasons for this from DWI, Speeding and Aggressive Driving to not wearing or improperly wearing safety belts. The Minnesota State Patrol will be once again hitting the roads on October 31st in Scott County and Hennepin County in the corridor of 394 from Minneapolis to Wayzata in a DWI saturation, looking for the impaired driver. Some would say this is old news, but the Patrol will continue its efforts in the pursuit of removing the impaired driver and lowering the death rate on our roadways. A life is a terrible thing to waste, lets start making responsible choices and choose not to drink and drive. -- Sgt. Dave Marquart


Problems On The Roadways!


The Minnesota State Patrol will be concentrating on some traffic problem areas in Minneapolis. See Story

Question. MY SON WAS STOPPED IN BECKER,MN BY BECKER POLICE FOR GOING 68 IN A 65 ZONE. WAS THEN GIVEN A TICKET FOR HAVING AN AIR FRESHENER HANGING FROM HIS MIRROR. ($120) WENT TO PAY THE TICKET IN SHERBRNE CO. BUT NOONE CAN TELL ME IF THIS WILL GO ON HIS RECORD, SO DO I NEED TO GO TO COURT TO SPEAK TO THE JUDGE? THE COUNTY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SAID THEY "DIDN'T THINK SO", THE DPS SAID "ONLY IF THE COUNTY SENDS IT THRU AS SUCH- NORMALLY NO" HOW CAN I BE GUARANTEED IT DOES NOT GO ON HIS RECORD IF I PAY BEFORE COURT? IT IS MY TRUCK, AND I PUT THE AIR FRESHENER IN (HE LEAVES HIS GYM BAG IN THE TRUCK) AND HAD NO IDEA I WAS DOING ANYTHING WRONG.I FEEL TERRIBLE THAT HE WOULD GET I TICKET FOR HELPING ME OUT, BY DRIVING MY TRUCK, WHEN I APPARENTLY MADE THE MISTAKE. IS THIS COMMON TO GIVE A TICKET FOR THIS?? AT SHERBURNE COUNTY COURT HOUSE, OVER 30 CARS IN THE PARKING LOT HAD THINGS ON THEIR MIRRORS. STEVE from COON RAPIDS


Question. I moved from California to Michigan last year. In Michigan we only need a rear license plate, so when I attached it I left the old California plate on the car as a conversation piece.

Is it legal to have an expired or out-of-state plate on the front of my car in a state that does not require a front plate?

Steve From Benton Harbor, Michigan



Previous Questions and Answers

Question. My fiancé just brought home this ticket he got on the way home from work, he turned right on red, and hit a pedestrian on a bike, damaged front bike tire, he was issued misdemeanor for inattentive driving, but the officer didn’t have him sign the bottom of the ticket, he thought this weird and I also. All the ticket tells us is appear in court on or after 10/7/2003 but on or before 10/14 2003 8am-4pm. does this mean we just pay a fine? And if so of how much? Usually that s written on a ticket I thought. Please help your time is greatly appreciated.

Stacie from Boise


Question. What does the law state about children riding in the front seat? My daughter has three girls and is starting to baby-sit another child, hence my oldest granddaughter who is 5 would have to sit in the front seat in the car – can she do this? I am concerned about her safety – also, can she get a ticket for breaking the law? Can you tell me what age they can start riding in the front seat.

Barbara from Minnetonka, MN


Question. What is the law on speed limit signs? Does the speed on the signs go into effect when you first see the sign or when you actually get to the sign?

Thanks you for this service, I think its great!

Jeff from Las Vegas


Question. If fifteen feet of skid marking were left on the road by the front tires
of a car how fast was the driver going when he first applied the brakes.

Thank you very much

April T From Stillwater


Question. On a left turn at the green lights (Circular Light), I want to know the correct, lawful way to exercise a left turn at a green circular light. I remember my driver’s education person telling me to pull 1/3 of the way into the intersection, and go when it clears. If it doesn’t clear then I have to go after the light turns red. Some people have tried to tell me that I’m wrong, and I really just want to know the right way to do it. Also, I went through driver’s education in Michigan. Are the laws different from state to state?


Michelle from Gaithersburg MD


Question. I got an equipment ticket for my windows, which were 36% but the Plymouth cop said all my windows were down first. The ticket says I have to take off side and rear windows but the back 2 windows are legal and the back window they can’t prove that my window is to dark. Another thing is that on the ticket it says that I have a different year on my car so is it invalid. Please respond and tell me what I need to do.

Mike from Plymouth


Question:

What is the current law regarding the transport of a pet in the rear of a pickup truck. I was under the belief that pets now must be in a cage or container and the container/cage must be secured in a fashion, on the inside of the truck bed? A relative insists that pets transported in a back of a pickup bed only has to be restricted with a leash of sorts so that the animal is unable to jump over the sides of the bed. What is the correct ruling on this?

Traci from Minneapolis


Question:

I purchased a 1996 Camaro for my son at a dealer auction in Shakopee. The window tinting on the side and rear windows are dark. This was a government vehicle and I believe it was a law enforcement vehicle. He received a fix-it ticket for the window tinting. If this was original manufacturers equipment under Minnesota State law this vehicle should be exempt from the window tinting statutes.

Can I prove this vehicle was formerly a law enforcement vehicle by having someone in law enforcement run the vin number?

Mike from Wabasso


Question. What is the fine for no front license plate? Mine was either stolen or lost.

Thanks

Fred from Akron


Question. Hey, I was wondering what the law is on having people in the back of a pickup truck? I have heard different things about if you have people in the back, their backs have to be against the cab of the truck facing the rear that is legal then.

Anthony from Lakeville.


Question. This is unfortunate to have to even say, but in this day and age I have concerns that if I see police lights behind me and am being asked to stop, I have no way of knowing if it is really a police officer behind me. There have been stories, we’ve all heard of them, and it makes me concerned as to what I can legally do to protect myself, without appearing to "resist stopping." Since I’m a pretty "feeble female", of course I am more concerned about what could happen if it’s not really a police officer, but if it is a real officer I also need to have concrete info as to what to do and how to let them know why I don’t want to stop until I get to someplace safe. Since I drive at all hours and am sometimes traveling on dark country roads, a definite legal course of action ahead of time would be to my advantage.

Teddi


Question. As my family was driving into a regional park, following another family, another car came up behind us and had to quickly brake so as not to his us. The posted speed was 15 mph. We were going a little faster (20-25mph) and were surprised that that speed would upset someone as too being too slow. After following us closely for a bit, the car pulled out and passed my car then pulled out again and raced past the car we were with. Then the speeding car put on its brakes and stopped. Before anything happened the car sped off to the park parking lot. When we got to the lot ourselves we were afraid to get out and enjoy the beach. We decided to stay, took down the license plate and vehicle type and went to the opposite end of the beach. The driver was very young and with a young friend as well. Since there were five children with us we were afraid to con

Mark from Coon Rapids


Question. You are traveling South down a 4-lane divided highway (like Hwy 65) and you want to turn left (East) on a two lane road where the intersection is controlled only by stop signs on the two lane crossroad. Where is the proper place for you to stop your vehicle?

Before the intersection in the left turn lane
Just into the median
The far side of the median

Also, are the cars going straight across on the two lane road supposed to wait for the median to be clear before they pull into it?

Jeff from Cambridge


Question. Can you tell me what would happen to me if I were stopped for driving while intoxicated?

A curious person.


Question. I recently purchased a 21-foot camping trailer. I had the dealer install everything on my van to pull it and bought the trailer mirrors. Are there any special laws or rules I should know regarding pulling a large trailer?

Larry from Lino Lakes


Question. Can you be arrested on hear say evidence?

Travis from Braidwood


Question. A friend and I were discussing their motor home and the issue of seat belts.
Do the children need to be buckled up in the motor home?

Brian from Rogers


Question. What is the legal limit for tinted windows on a truck? I have heard that it is factory only now and all kinds of different percentages. Also can I have it checked by law enforcement?

Joel from Winona


Question. What can older drivers do to protect themselves, their passengers and other road users?

Donna from Hawaii


Question. I was cited after a traffic crash for inattentive driving. I was not able to ask the issuing officer any questions since the ticket was mailed to me. My question is, what does this mean? I have never received a ticket for this. I must appear in court and don’t know if I need to have a lawyer or if I will simply pay a fine if I plead guilty. What if I plead innocent?

John from Farmington


Everyday I drive North on 35W from County Road 70 approximately 8:20 - 8:35am. At least twice a week (depending on the timing) I see a man in a two-tone tan Lexus wagon that drives like a raging lunatic. At one point he nearly collided with me (I’m talking within inches) trying to pass a semi. I was still shaking an hour later. On Wednesday he ran another person off on the shoulder of the freeway, at 185th Street. All of this is due to him driving incredibly fast and passing everyone like he’s on a racetrack. He always tailgates the person in front of him on an extreme level. So what should I do?

At one point I did manage to get his license number but lost it. On Wednesday (6/4) after I witnessed him running someone off the road I tried to get his number again but he was driving to fast. Any suggestions.

The information on the car/booster seats was GREAT. But what does the law say on this? Does it support the recommendations? Also, what is the punishment for not obeying the law (and common sense) regarding car seats? I know too many people who don’t buckle their children up.


I would like to know if State Patrol personnel, county officers and local police officers are exempt from using their signals when turning?


I would like to know if I refuse to have my vehicle searched, what would give the police just cause to search anyways?


I want to know if you can get a ticket when you are on the highway and the speed limit is 65 and you are going 70. I try to do 65 but everyone passes me and I feel like a nuisance. This is why I was against raising the speed limit. It seems no matter what the law is people will always go 5 or 10 over?


If I was involved in a crash, what should I do?  I see a lot of people walking around looking at their cars and I really feel it is unsafe.  Then what if I see a crash, do I just call 911 or should I stop and give assistance.


I see a lot of people driving around with headsets to their cell phones. Can we have headsets on to listen to our CD players while driving? I wouldthink that would be fair!


I see a lot of people driving around with headsets to their cell phones.Can we have headsets on to listen to our CD players while driving? I would think that would be fair!


I always hear people talking about speed traps; can you tell me if we really do have speed traps here in Minnesota?


I hear a lot of people say that children need to be in booster seats until age 8. Can you tell me if this is true and why?


My teenage son has had his driver's license for less than a year and he has already caused an accident and received two traffic tickets. Despite his poor driving history he still thinks he is a better driver than many older drivers on the road. He bought his car with his own money and resents the restrictions I put on his future driving. Any suggestions?


I would like to make a winter survival kit, what should it include?


I'm starting to drive and the driving instructor told me that I must come to a complete stop, yet I watch my parents and they just slow down and roll through it.  I know the driving instructor is teaching me right, but out of curiosity can you tell me what the cops are looking for at a stop sign, and what does the law really say because I don't want a ticket.


My question regards airbag technology.  Back in the 80's I realized they were dangerous to smaller passengers. However, since the late 90's the manufacturers have changed the velocity at which the bag is deployed, in most owners' manuals they say you if the seat is all the way back the bag will not kill anyone.  Is it then illegal for me to have either my nine or eleven year old in the front seat properly buckled?


What is the legal standing on wearing shoes while driving?  I've been told both ways and love driving shoeless.