ASK A TROOPER: "Safety Recall Info"
Question: I bought a used vehicle a while back. Where can I check to see if there have been any safety recalls on it? Thank you. Answer: There are several different ways and places to get this information. One place to look is the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. NHTSA's recalls look-up t...
Jul 25, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Trailer Question"
Question: I would like to transport a flag pole laying down on a trailer. I am wondering the maximum length a load hanging off can be and what type of markings would be needed. Answer: The length of a single trailer and load cannot exceed 45 feet in Minnesota. The combination of truck and trailer cannot exceed 75 feet....
Jul 10, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Motorcycle Eye Protection and More"
Question: Now that motorcycle season is here, can you talk about how motorcycle operators must "wear" eye protection. Windshields haven't been considered legal eye protection for many years. Answer: You are correct. No person shall operate a motorcycle without wearing an eye-protective device. No person under...
Jul 03, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Another Road Test Question"
Question: I read your recent article about vehicle equipment and taking the road test for your driver's license. When I take my test, can I take my dog along with me? Answer: Minnesota state statute says pets or loose objects that may distract, injure, or break are not allowed in the motor vehicle during the road test....
Jun 27, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Road Test Question"
Question: My child will be taking their road test for getting their driver's license. Do you know what vehicle equipment is required for this? Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol does not oversee these activities. That would be the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS.) But here is some information from their website and fr...
Jun 19, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Summer Heat Impacts Travel"
Question: I see a lot of vehicles broken down and on the side of the road in the summer months. This is when we have our best weather, but I am not sure if people realize how hard the heat can be on a vehicle. Many look like they are on a road trip. Can you provide some insight on how to prevent or prepare for this? An...
Jun 13, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: Summer Driving Kit
Question: I know you talk about winter travel survival kits when it is that time of the year. But with summer upon us, can you talk about that and things motorists should have? Answer: Great idea! Motorists need to be prepared when traveling at any time or anywhere. Here is some information that is shared from the Nati...
Jun 06, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: 'Summer Travel Safety'
Question: I am excited for summer and doing some traveling. Can you talk about summer travel safety? Answer: Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer. It's when many cabins and campgrounds open and families begin summer vacations. It's also a dangerous time on Minnesota roads and lakes with the incre...
May 30, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Doorless Vehicle Question"
Question: Now that the weather is nicer you see a lot of SUVs driving without their doors on the vehicle. Without the front doors they also don't have side mirrors. Is it legal to drive without having side mirrors on a vehicle? Answer: You can drive a motor vehicle without doors in Minnesota. If the door removal also ...
May 23, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Trailer License Plate Question"
Question: I have a small utility trailer and I keep having to replace my license plate because it gets wrecked or torn off when I am traveling. Can I put it sideways on the wheel fender? Answer: If the trailer is 3,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight (GVW) with lifetime registration, the numbered plate or sticker ...
May 16, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Sharing the Road With Farm Equipment"
Question: Now that spring is finally here, I am seeing a lot of tractors, sprayers and other large equipment on the highways. A number of them didn't appear to be using their flashing lights, slow moving signs and escort when required. I am concerned this could cause a bad crash. Can you write about this in your "...
May 09, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Cruise Control Question"
Question: My husband always used to say, "never use your cruise control during any rain." Is that still true with advances on tires and technology? Answer: He is correct, cruise control should never be used on wet or icy roadways. If your wheels lose traction, the cruise control will continue to accelerate, c...
May 02, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Motorcycle Question"
Question: I like riding my motorcycle without hands on the handlebars from time to time. I know it's probably frowned upon and not advised, just like riding without a helmet. But when I'm going down the road at cruising speed, it's freedom - The bike and I are one. I'm just wondering, legally, can I get a ticket if I d...
Apr 25, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Bumper and License Plate Questions"
Question: Can I drive my car without the plastic bumper? My son hit a snowbank and it fell off the other day. Later he was stopped for not having a front license plate as it was attached to the bumper. Can he display the license plate in the front windshield? Answer: When you mentioned "plastic bumper" I am g...
Apr 18, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Handless Operation"
Question: I was wondering, with the ads on television showing people driving with their hands off the steering wheel, is that legal in Minnesota if your vehicle has that capability? Answer: I believe you are asking about autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, which are capable of sensing their environment and opera...
Apr 11, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Trailer Ball Hitch Sizes"
Question: I read your article last week about trailer safety. I would like more information on trailer hitch ball sizes and why they have different sizes? Answer: There are four different trailer hitch ball sizes. Each size has a different weight rating related to the trailer you are pulling. It is very important to ma...
Apr 04, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Proof of Insurance Question"
Question: My son recently got his driver's license. Does his name need to be on the proof of auto insurance card? Answer: Minnesota accepts proof of auto insurance on paper or electronically. Your son's name doesn't need to be listed on the card as long as someone's is. Talk to your auto insurance agent about adding hi...
Mar 27, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Headlight Question"
Question: Trooper Grabow, recently I have noticed an increasing number of U.S. branded vehicles (mostly pickups/SUV) driving with no daytime running lights. At first I assumed they were just burned out or whatever, but I'm seeing way too many for that to be true. On a recent foggy morning, I almost pulled out in front ...
Mar 21, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Railroad Crossing Emergency"
Question: What am I supposed to do if I am at a railroad crossing and need to report an emergency? Answer: Call 911 and provide the needed information. Every highway-rail crossing has an Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign that provides a 24/7/365 telephone number to report problems or emergencies at the railroad ...
Mar 14, 2023
ASK A TROOPER: "Trailer Width"
Question: Is it illegal for a vehicle pulling a trailer to have a ladder or ramp hanging from the side of the trailer? Answer: You are able to have ladders or ramps secured to the side of an enclosed trailer as long as you do not exceed the width of 8 feet 6 inches. This is the maximum dimension that may be operated on...
Mar 07, 2023