"ASK A TROOPER" by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol Question: I am interested in getting an E-Bike, but I do not know what the laws are. Can you get me some more information? Answer: Under Minnesota law, a legal electric-assisted bicycle must meet all of the following requirements: The motor m...

Question: Did I hear something about a new law about stopping for school buses? Answer: In March 2026, Minnesota law changed to require drivers to stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus whenever the red lights are flashing. The stop arm does not need to be fully extended. This new requirement aims to remove confu...

Question: In my community and on my daily commute I encounter two roundabouts each morning, others that I work with will encounter three roundabouts in less than five minutes. Please use your platform to remind drivers how to safely and properly use a roundabout. I see, almost on a daily basis, drivers physically stop ...

Question: Like most people I travel everyday for work and I know that construction season is upon us. Can you write about getting people to understand the zipper merge? I still see a lot of people that can't seem to figure this out. Answer: The zipper merge is a driving strategy that requires drivers to change their mi...

Question: I know you talk about the importance of tires when it comes to the winter months but I think it's just as important to talk about it in the spring with rain and wet roads. Thank you. Answer: It is always a good time to talk about tire safety. Tires must support your vehicle's weight and grip the road properly...

Question: We are starting to see a lot more fog with spring time. Can you provide some advice for driving in those types of conditions. Answer: This is a great topic. Here is some information from the National Weather Service for driving in fog. If you must drive in foggy conditions, keep the following safety tips in m...

Question: In your last Ask A Trooper article, you provided some information on pulling trailers. Can you talk a little more about trailer requirements? Answer: Here is some additional information on trailer requirements: Maximum length - 45 feet Maximum width - 8 feet 6 inches Maximum height - 13 feet 6 inches Tail lam...

Question: I just purchased a pull behind camper. I have never owned or pulled one before. I have been doing some research so I know what to do and expect. I thought it would be helpful as I know I am not alone in this situation. Can you write about this? Answer: If you pull a camper or trailer with your vehicle, you mu...

Question: Even with laws I still see a lot of motorists driving distracted. Can you get a reminder out there? Answer: Driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25 percent of all crashes annually. Distracted drivers fail to recognize potential hazards on the r...

Question: I enjoy reading your column in the weekly newspaper. I have a question I hope you can address. We've had some heavy fog recently and I get frustrated with the vehicles that do not have their lights on. Sometimes the headlights are on and the rear lights are not. What is the advice/law in using your lights ...

Question: The longer I've been driving the more issues I see on the highway. I'm certain there are a number of people that don't understand on-ramps and merging onto the freeway. Can you talk about that? Answer: Entering the freeway. Entry ramps are short, one-way roads that provide access to freeways. At the end of mo...

Question: Can you write about the laws on headlights on when they are to be used? It would probably be a good idea to mention the rules of dimming one's bright lights. Thanks. Answer: When you are within 1,000 feet of an oncoming vehicle or following another vehicle at a distance of 200 feet or less, your headlights mu...

Question: Hi Sgt Grabow, I took my driver's training course many years ago. One thing I remember from my training is the steps that goes into making a right-hand turn, including: Looking to my right to make sure no one/nothing is there. Putting on my right turn signal. Looking again for no obstacles. Proceeding to move...

Question: Hi, I read your "Ask A Trooper" article regarding Winter Travel Survival Kit Essentials. You might reconsider recommending cat litter as an agent for traction. Traditional cat litter is made of small chunks of clay, when one attempts to use it for traction in winter conditions it quickly dissolves i...

Question: I heard about a thing called "Vanessa's Law" the other day and I wasn't quite sure what it was all about. I know it has to do with new or young drivers. Answer: Vanessa Weiss was killed just days before her 16th birthday in May 2003. In her memory, Vanessa's Law was passed a year later. She was ...

Question: I travel a lot and I see a number of people making some poor choices when it comes to passing semis and large vehicles. There is no way these big rigs can stop in time when people do these unsafe maneuvers. Can you write about this? Answer: A commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle or a combination of motor veh...

Question: During one of the recent winter storms, I encountered numerous vehicles driving on a 4-lane highway with their four-way hazard lights on. The vehicles were not driving significantly slower than the other traffic, as nearly everyone had slowed considerably due to the low visibility. Is it legal in Minnesota a...

Question: I have heard a person can text 911 if they need to. Can you explain what that is about? Answer: Here is some information we shared on the Department of Public Safety's blog. Text-to-911 is a different way to get help when you can't make a voice call. Texting should only be used when you can't make a voice cal...

Question: I've heard about some snow plows getting hit out on the highway this winter. Can you remind people what they should be doing when sharing the roads with our plow drivers? Answer: For people to stay safe around plows, they just need to practice good common sense and have some patience. Give Space: Stay at leas...

Question: I know you were talking about winter safety tips in your last article. Can you go over the items a person should have in their vehicle when traveling in the winter? Answer: When assembling a winter travel survival kit, it's best to include a variety of items that prepare you for cold, isolation, and unexpecte...