Question: I have some new drivers in our house. We got talking the other day and they didn't know what "hand signals" were. Can you write about that to help inform others that might not be aware? Answer: Congratulations on the new drivers. That is an exciting and concerning time as you help them get more expe...

Question: Every once in a while, I notice some vehicles stop in the road at the railroad tracks when nothing is coming. Can I pass them when they do this? Answer: Some vehicles, such as passenger vans, buses, and larger trucks, are required to stop at all railroad tracks, whether or not a train is present. Do not pass ...

Question: My vehicle is equipped with airbags. Do I need to wear my seat belt? Answer: Yes, seat belt use is required. An airbag is a supplemental restraint system. Airbags work with seat belts to prevent injuries but are not designed to keep occupants from being ejected. For safety reasons, children under age 13 must ...

Question: I was driving through town the other day and a driver opened their car door as I passed by. I had to swerve to avoid hitting their car door. Obviously it was a safety issue but isn't there a law about this? I'd appreciate any info you can share. Thank you. Answer: Correct, there is a Minnesota state law about...

Question: I know it was just National Fire Prevention Week. I've seen a few vehicle fires during my travels. Can you talk about what people can or should do in those situations? Answer: If you notice smoke rising from beneath the hood of your vehicle, pull off the road, turn off the ignition, and exit the vehicle immed...

Question: Hello, we read your column every week. I've noticed more often lately on numerous occasions that when a school bus is stopped and dropping-off or picking-up kids, they do NOT have their red lights flashing or their STOP arm extended. The bus will only have the yellow lights flashing. When searching the intern...

Question: I have a medical condition that causes me to lose consciousness on occasion. I am hoping to get a driver's license. Is there anything I need to do? Answer: When applying for an instruction permit or driver's license, you will be asked questions about medical conditions. Providing false information on the appl...

Question: Can you talk about U-turns and how and when a person can do them? Answer: A U-turn is a 180-degree turn that reverses your direction of travel. Do not make a U-turn unless you can do so without disrupting other traffic. "No U-Turn" signs indicate where U-turns are not allowed. You must not make U-tu...

Question: I heard some talk about new car seat laws and how kids are to be seat belted. Can you explain it in depth please? Answer: Yes I can and as a matter of fact it is National Child Passenger Safety Week. Here is some information that we shared on our Minnesota Department of Public Safety Blog. Figuring out the be...

Question: I dropped off my grandchildren at school the other day and I encountered someone waving a flag around the school buses. Do you know what that would be about? Answer: I am guessing it was a school bus flagger. Some schools have people in place to assist with school buses exiting their school zones and parking ...

Question: With back to school starting, can you talk about school patrol safety? Answer: When you see a student safety patrol helping children cross a street or highway, you must come to a complete stop. You must also stop for adult crossing guards displaying a stop sign or flag. It is illegal to drive through a line o...

Question: I heard the Minnesota State Patrol got a new design for your patches and squad cars. Can you talk about that? Answer: You are correct. For the first time in more than 50 years, the Minnesota State Patrol has a new look. Last year when the Minnesota Legislature approved a replacement design for the Minnesota s...

Question: When traveling through cities and towns with stop lights, I see a lot of people crossing the street at crosswalks that don't seem to understand the pedestrian signals. Can you write about that? Answer: Yes, I can as this is an important conversation about traffic safety. There are stop and go signals for pede...

Question: Hello, we took a trip to the cities this summer. While down there we came across these freeway ramp meters. I know we don't have those in out-state Minnesota but I thought you might be able to write about it in one of your articles for anyone that travels. Thank you for all you do and be safe! Answer: Thank y...

Question: Hello, I have a new driver and they are having a difficult time knowing what type of road they are driving on, whether it is an interstate, state highway or county road. I am trying to teach them so if they need help they can give the proper location. Can you help explain so if anyone else is wondering they w...

Question: Since I've moved to Minnesota, I've seen many drivers use right turn lanes as a bypass lane. Is this legal or does the sign reading "lane must turn" mean exactly what it says? Answer: White signs are regulatory and failing to comply can result in a citation for "fail to obey traffic control sig...

Question: I heard there were some changes in the seat belt law and child restraints. Can you talk about this? Answer: Yes, there are new updates to the child passenger safety (CPS) law that go into effect on August 1, 2024. Age/Size Restraint Use Birth to at ...

Question: I got stopped the other day and the Trooper mentioned that since I moved I need to update my driver's license address. I thought I could just wait until the license was going to expire and update it then. Answer: Minnesota law states if you change your name or address before your license expires, you must app...

Question: In your last article you talked about Class D driver's licenses. Can you write about the other driver's license classes? Answer: Thank you for the question and yes I can. Class A, B and C licenses are called commercial driver's licenses (CDL). A CDL allows you to drive all Class D vehicles, in addition to cer...

Question: I've never really paid attention but I know that I have a class D driver's license, but what is that good for? Answer: Your driver's license allows you to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways. You must carry your license with you at all times when you are driving a motor vehicle. You must have...