Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol answers your questions.
ASK A TROOPER: "Hydroplaning"
Question: I know it has been extremely dry but with the anticipation of "April showers" can you talk about hydroplaning? Answer: At speeds of 35 mph or less, most tires will "wipe" water off the road surface to keep tires in contact with the road. At higher speeds, water can collect under tires and ...
Apr 23, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Moving Boat Dock"
Question: I bought a used boat dock; do I need a permit to get it to my lake house? Answer: You can move a boat dock on Minnesota roads without a permit if the dock is no wider than 8'6", no higher than 13'6" and no longer than 110'. The move must be done during day time hours. The rear corners must be flagge...
Apr 15, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Smart Choices"
Question: I was reading your recent article about headlights needing to be on in the fog. I have asked several law enforcement officers about this and I get the same answer about a judgment call. As a commercial vehicle driver, my two biggest gripes are people driving without headlights on when needed and people not us...
Apr 08, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "School Bus Seat Belt Question"
Question: I am puzzled as to why seat belts are mandatory in vehicles along with a fine for not complying, but our precious cargo in school buses are not required to wear them? Answer: School buses are one of the safest modes of transportation even without seatbelts. School buses are safer because of their large size ...
Apr 01, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Vehicle Scams"
Question: I am looking at purchasing my first vehicle but I am worried about scams. Do you have any advice for me? Thank you. Answer: Here is some information we recently shared on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety blog. Picture this: You are excited about buying a car. You drive it home, but later find out the...
Mar 25, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Summer-like driving behavior behind spike in traffic fatalities"
With highs near 50 and the sun in the sky, it can be hard to believe it is March in Minnesota. If you're not a fan of Minnesota winters, the higher temps and lack of snow this winter is appealing. You might even think that the lack of snow has made our roads safer. Unfortunately, the effect on traffic safety is not alw...
Mar 19, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Roundabout Talk"
Question: Sgt. Grabow, I have noticed that there are more aggressive actions being taken at roundabouts. Drivers are entering the roundabout ahead of others that are already in the circle. Please remind drivers of the appropriate entering law concerning them. Thank you. Answer: Thank you for the suggested topic and I c...
Mar 12, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Mobile Advertising Question"
Question: I have a question in regards to exploring a business idea that has to do with mobile advertising, such as an illuminated board advertising business. I am concerned about the visual distraction for drivers and was wondering if this was allowed. Answer: Moving or parked mobile advertising signs that display lig...
Mar 04, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Dash Camera Question"
Question: I have been thinking about getting a dash camera for my vehicle. If I do, where can I place it? Answer: When it comes to placing things up in the windshield or dashboard area Minnesota has restrictions as a concern for obstructed vision and safety. Dash cameras are allowed if the driver feedback and safety mo...
Feb 29, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "New technology offers life-saving text messages"
Question: I thought I heard about 911 being able to find accurate locations even when people don't know exactly where they are. Can you talk about that? Answer: Yes, we shared some information on this very subject on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety's blog just recently. I will share the article. "As a fo...
Feb 20, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Headlights ON"
Question: With all this fog we've had lately, can you please talk about headlights? I see so many vehicles driving without them on. So many people just assume because they have them set to automatic that they are always on but that is not the case. Sure, they come on at night in the dark but on the days with fog, snow ...
Feb 13, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Highway Advertising"
Question: Why are the builders and developers allowed to place their advertising signs on the shoulders of the state highways and ramps on the weekends? This happens every weekend throughout the state, especially in the Twin Cities Metro Area. This also involves having their vehicles, often hauling trailers, stopping o...
Feb 06, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Driver License Victim of Identity Theft"
Question: I was recently the victim of identity theft. My driver's license was among the items stolen. I am concerned that this person will use my identification to drive, among other things. What can I do in regards to my license? Answer: I am sorry to hear about your situation. This is not my area of expertise but th...
Jan 30, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Rest Areas Reduce Crashes"
Question: Hello, I thought I read somewhere that rest areas help reduce crashes. I saw a trooper at a rest area the other day, and it got me thinking about that. Can you write about that? Answer: More than 20 million travelers stop at Minnesota rest areas annually. Rest areas serve as an essential safety feature on th...
Jan 23, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "New Driver Privilege"
Question: I heard you on the radio the other day. You were talking about new, young drivers have some restrictions on their driver's license. You mentioned something about a parent being able to take their license away. Could you explain more about that? Answer: Yes, I can. I was talking about graduated driver license ...
Jan 16, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Insurance Question"
Question: I have a question about people who are driving for food deliveries and ride-hailing app services using their personal vehicle. Are they supposed to have commercial insurance or any other special type of insurance? Back in the '80s, I was working as an owner/operator using my personal vehicle and was told that...
Jan 09, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Driving Record Request"
Question: I am applying for a new job that will have questions about my driving record. Can I visit with someone from Law Enforcement to get a copy of that? Answer: No, this is not something that Law Enforcement agencies can provide. If you want to know what employers and insurers see, the Driver and Vehicle Services (...
Jan 02, 2024
ASK A TROOPER: "Electric Vehicles Also Need Front License Plate"
Question: My question is why electric cars and trucks do not have front license plates? These are all from Minnesota which is required by law. They are not from out of state. Answer: Electric vehicles are required to have a front license plate in Minnesota, this is a common equipment violation. Minnesota State Statute ...
Dec 19, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Rest Area Options"
Question: I do a lot of over-the-road traveling for work. Can I stop and stretch my legs along the freeway? Answer: Do not stop on the interstate or along the roadway. The only time you can stop on the freeway is for emergencies. Use the freeway exits/off-ramps and pull off onto the shoulder and park. If you are in nee...
Dec 11, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Holiday DWI Talk"
Question: I hear that DWI's can become more of an issue around the winter holidays. Can you talk about that? Thank you for all you do. Answer: Minnesota Law Enforcement is participating in a statewide campaign that includes extra DWI enforcement that started the day before Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve. Over the ...
Dec 05, 2023