If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Hwy. 10 W., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).
Dec. 26
With winter upon us, I felt the need to share some insight from our Department of Public Safety blog in reference to winter driving when the weather and road conditions deteriorate.
“When the National Weather Service starts using words like “life-threatening,” our Homeland Security and Emergency Management division sits up and pays attention. This ongoing winter storm will make travel a doozy, especially with the holidays coming up this weekend.
Now would be a bad time to let your guard down, especially where winter driving is concerned.
Take Feb. 24 and 25, 2019, for example. The dates themselves may not ring a bell, but surely you remember the southern half of our state getting pummeled by a winter storm. In some areas, 13 inches of snow fell, and winds gusted up to 50 mph. Large swaths of interstates and other roads were closed, but more than 600 people had to be rescued from their vehicles. State troopers, sheriff’s deputies, state conservation officers, snowplow drivers, National Guard soldiers and even local snowmobile clubs mobilized to rescue stranded motorists.
And after they were rescued, they needed a place to stay until the roads were safe enough to continue their journeys. Once the hotels and their lobbies filled up, the locals began offering convenience stores and churches to stranded travelers. More than 200 took refuge at National Guard Armories in Owatonna, Albert Lea, Olivia and St. James. The St. Cloud State Univerity men’s hockey team even stayed in the St. James jail when their bus got stuck between two snowdrifts.
Staff Sgt. Joshua Barker of the Minnesota Army National Guard was among the rescue workers that weekend. They deployed in SUS-Vs – those are tracked vehicles with a wide wheel base that are designed to sit on top of the snow – and got to work.
Most of the stranded people Sgt. Barker rescued were “in pretty good spirits,” he remembers. “Some didn’t even want help.” They thought they were prepared, but only had a shovel. And with that much snow, a shovel wasn’t going to get them out of their predicament. As Sgt. Barker put it, “Most people were more prepared to get stuck than to survive.”
For example, many didn’t have food or blankets on hand. Some had dressed for cold, but not for long-term survival in extreme temperatures – because rescue teams are so busy during snowstorms, it can take hours for help to come once you get stuck. One couple Sgt. Barker rescued had driven up from Kansas City overnight. The road they wanted to take was closed, but instead of stopping some place safe, they tried to take a different route. That’s how they ended up stranded on a gravel road in the middle of the night, wearing only light jackets.
Another call came from a janitor at an interstate rest stop. Some truckers and other travelers had been plowed in, and no one had any food. The SUS-Vs were able to bring MREs and other food so the truckers could eat without having to leave their rigs behind. At another call, even an ambulance and a sheriff’s vehicle got stuck. “It happens to everyone, not just civilians,” Barker says.
The lesson in all this? As Barker puts it, “If the state’s telling you not to drive, don’t drive. Take what law enforcement says to heart – it’s not a suggestion.” And if for some reason you absolutely must drive, have a winter survival kit with you. Stock it with things that can help you survive in your car while you wait for rescue: food, water and blankets. Don’t forget a red ribbon or bandana to tie to your car so rescuers can find you more easily, and a cell phone charger for your car.
Print out this Winter Safety Checklist and go over it before you leave to make sure you’ve thought of everything. https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness/Documents/driving-travel-safety-checklist.pdf
Remember, winter storms don’t stop for holidays. When the storm hits, make sure you’re ready.
Dec. 19
Q: Are yellow speed signs in curves or busy locations enforceable? I’ve seen 60 mph white speed limit signs then a short distance later a yellow 50 mph sign. The yellow signs don’t say “limit” on them, so I would think going 60 mph in a yellow 50 mph zone isn’t illegal but not a good idea.
A: The white signs are regulatory signs. Yellow signs are warning and advisory signs. You could see the yellow signs in areas such as curves, winding roads and more to help inform motorists about what is safe.
Regulatory –
Red: Prohibits and commands
White: Regulates
Warning –
Yellow: Warns
Yellow-green: Warns and controls pedestrian and bicycle crossings and school areas
Orange: Warns and controls in construction zones
Informational –
Green: Guides and informs
Blue: Describes services for motorists
Brown: Indicates historic, cultural or recreational sites
Dec. 12
Q: Last week, I noticed a truck with a snow plow blade on it; it took up the whole traffic lane. It was not a Minnesota Department of Transportation truck. What is the legal length allowed for a snow blade?
A: The maximum legal width is 8 feet 6 inches in Minnesota. Snow plows start at widths of 6-½ feet for smaller pickups and go up to 9- and 10-foot wide plows for dump trucks. The most common size plow is 7 feet 6 inches. If you are over 8 feet 6 inches, you can apply for a permit through the state. The permit will allow you to transport the plow on the roadway. You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
Dec. 5
Q: I am driving a bus full of band students to an event and I want to know if I am required to pull a trailer to haul the band equipment. I am an experienced bus driver, but parking will be very tight and it will be next to impossible to back the bus with a trailer. Can we keep the band equipment on the bus with the students?
A: You are not required to pull a trailer. The aisles and access to all emergency exits need to be unobstructed. Items including band equipment would need to be contained so it doesn’t slide around the compartment.
Nov. 28
Q: In Kansas we can dial *47 to connect to the Kansas Highway Patrol to report non-emergency issues. Things like road hazards, erratic drivers, motorists on the side of the road and more. This number is *55 in Missouri and *211 in Iowa. Is there a similar number in Minnesota?
A: Minnesota does not have a standalone abbreviated number to call for non-emergencies. But for examples you cite you should call 911 if you see a road hazard that could result in a crash or harm someone, any unsafe driving conduct that could result in a crash or for someone who may need help.
If you’re calling 911, the dispatcher will ask you some routine questions, including:
- What is your emergency?
- What is your location and direction of travel?
- What is the vehicle and driver description including the license plate information, make, model and color of the vehicle?
If you are following the vehicle as part of traffic, the dispatcher might keep you on the line to provide real time location updates that will help law enforcement get the correct vehicle stopped in a timely manner.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Nov. 21
Q: I heard on TV, the State Patrol responded to more than 1,300 crashes and five fatal crashes the last several days. Do you have any tips for winter driving?
A: Snow and ice can make driving a bit more challenging, even if you grew up here. It not only involves knowing what to do while your vehicle is in motion, but preparing carefully before you leave the house and being ready in case of a crash. Based on the typical wintertime crashes they see every year, here are the Minnesota State Patrol’s top 10 winter driving tips.
Before you leave
- Check weather and road conditions. Whether you look online or call 511, make sure the roads between you and your destination are safe enough to travel. And we cannot stress this enough: If a travel advisory says it’s not safe to drive, don’t drive.
- Grab your emergency kit and charge your phone. If you get in a crash, you’ll need a fully charged phone to call for help and the items in your emergency kit to stay comfortable until help comes.
- Tell someone where you’re going. Let them know when you expect to arrive at your destination and the route you’re taking to get there. That way, if you don’t show up, they’ll know you need help.
- Top off your tank and clean off the snow and ice. Travel in poor conditions can take a lot longer than normal, so make sure you have plenty of gas. And when we recommend cleaning the snow off your windows, we mean all of them, not just an eye-level swath of the windshield. While you’re at it, get the snow off your hood, roof and trunk so that it doesn’t fly off and blind you or the vehicle behind you, and clear off your headlights and taillights as well.
While you’re driving
- Buckle up and put distractions away. This is good advice no matter the weather, but before those wheels roll, put on your seat belt (same for your passengers). Limit distractions by setting your music and GPS before you go, or just put your phone away altogether. Remember Minnesota is a hands-free cell phone state.
- Slow down. When you’re driving in snow and ice, don’t drive to the speed limit; drive to conditions. It may take you longer to get to your destination, but you’ll arrive alive. Also, increase your following distance from the vehicle ahead of you so you can stop more easily if you need to.
- Turn your lights on. In the wintertime, headlights are as much for being seen as they are for seeing. Don’t depend on the auto headlight feature; make sure other vehicles know you’re there by manually turning on your lights.
If you crash
- Steer where you want the car to go. If you hit a patch of ice, stay calm and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go.
- Get off the road. If you do crash, try to get off the road to a safe location, such as a parking lot. This will help keep other motorists from crashing into you.
- Stay inside. Once you’re off the road, don’t leave your car. You’ll want to conserve as much heat as possible without running the engine so you can stay warm until help comes.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Nov. 14
Snow and ice are a fact of life for us Minnesotans. Generally, harsh winter weather results in more overall traffic crashes than the warmer months because of “fender benders.” The months of December, January and February can see more crashes than other months. Our Homeland Security and Emergency Management division and Office of Traffic Safety are here for drivers who might need a little help navigating through the elements this winter.
Safe winter driving begins before winter even gets here. It’s important to give your vehicle a thorough check to avoid breakdowns. Have a mechanic check the battery, antifreeze, thermostat, tires and brakes before you travel this winter.
Before you go anywhere, check current road conditions at MN511.org and tell someone where you’re traveling and what route you’re taking. It’s good to have a full tank of gas in case of an emergency, and always clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals before you leave. Headlights must be turned on when there is precipitation present; it’s the law.
Once you get on the road, stay on designated roads and avoid shortcuts that might not be plowed or patrolled. Watch for snowplows and give any you see extra room.
Remember:
- Be patient. Drive at safe speeds and give yourself plenty of time.
- If driving on snow or ice, brake slowly and gently. Brake early when approaching an intersection.
- If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Then straighten your vehicle. If you have antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
- In fog, drive with headlights set on dim or use fog lights.
- Never try to pass in blowing snow, as there may be vehicles ahead you cannot see.
- Always buckle your seat belt and be prepared to turn back or pull over if conditions become threatening.
Keep essential items in the car in a winter survival kit. Your kit should include:
- Boots, jackets, gloves.
- Blankets.
- Cell phone charger.
- Flashlight and spare batteries.
- Bottled water and snacks.
- Booster cables.
- Basic tools.
- Sand or cat litter for tire traction.
- Red bandana to use as a distress signal.
- Pencil and paper to leave a note or keep a diary.
If you do run into problems and get stranded, turn on your hazards and call 911 for help. Stick your red bandana out the window or tie it to your car’s antenna to indicate you need help. Clear snow from your car’s exhaust pipe and open a window for ventilation to avoid the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Other than that, stay in the car, running the engine occasionally to keep warm and charge your cell phone. Keep your phone on so you can keep in touch with emergency responders. If it is dark, turn on your vehicle’s interior light to make it easier for rescuers to find you.
For more information on how to deal with winter hazards, follow DPS on social media starting Monday for Winter Hazard Awareness Week.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Nov. 7
Q: When I come across a cattle crossing sign in the road, does that mean I yield to the farmer crossing his cattle similar to a pedestrian crossing sign?
A: If you come across anyone crossing the road you would need to yield. It’s always important to scan the road ahead for pedestrians and hazards. Drive attentively and at safe speeds. Remember, people and other objects can be difficult to see, especially in bad weather or at night.
By paying attention and traveling at safe speeds you can help prevent a crash and save lives.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Oct. 31
Q: I see school busses that do not use their flashing lights or extend the stop arm as they’re picking up kids. Cars are passing them from behind and from the front. What are the requirements for bus drivers to use their safety lights? Thank you for your time.
A: Minnesota law allows for certain exceptions for school buses not to use the flashing lights and stop-arm system. These situations require approval from the school board in writing. If the flashing red lights and stop arm are not being used, other vehicles are not required to stop. However, I would recommend using caution and common sense.
Some other examples of when school bus drivers shall not activate the pre-warning flashing amber signals or flashing red signals and shall not use the stop-arm signal:
(1) in special school bus loading areas where the bus is entirely off the traveled portion of the roadway and where no other motor vehicle traffic is moving or is likely to be moving within 20 feet of the bus;
(2) when directed not to do so, in writing, by the local school board;
(3) when a school bus is being used on a street or highway for purposes other than the actual transportation of school children to or from school or a school-approved activity, except as provided in subdivision 8;
(4) at railroad grade crossings;
(5) when operating the bus under special-event school bus use
(6) when loading and unloading people at designated school-bus stops where people are not required to cross the street or highway, while the bus is completely off the traveled portion of a roadway that has adequate shoulders. The driver shall drive the bus completely off the traveled portion of this roadway before loading or unloading people. A school bus stop is designated under this clause if the transportation director of the school district in which the bus stop is located, in consultation with the road authority, certifies the integrity of the shoulder and the safety of the location for loading and unloading people. Each designated school-bus stop must be documented and approved by the school board.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Sept. 26
Q: I have recently noticed several semi-trucks with lug nuts on their front tires that are pointed and stick out beyond the edge of the cab. I’m concerned they could cause damage to other vehicles. Is there a law about this?
A: I believe you are referring to the lug-nut covers. They are only a decoration and have no function of holding the rim onto the front assembly of the semi. There are no state or federal laws that prevent anyone from putting these over their lug nuts. The only law that may pertain to the pointed lug nuts would be in regards to the overall width of the vehicle. No vehicle or commercial vehicle can exceed 8 feet 6 inches wide on the roadway.
Commercial vehicle drivers are required to check the tightness of the lug nuts and other equipment when they perform their daily walk-around check on the semi. If a semi is missing a certain amount of lug nuts this would put their vehicle out of service until they were replaced.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Sept. 19
Q: I have noticed cars that have a high-mounted center brake light that flashes about four times before becoming steadily lit (like other brake lights). I’m seeing car dealers are installing them on some cars. Are these flashing lights legal?
A: These types of devices and alterations to the brake lights are not legal according to state and federal law. An auto dealer would also be in violation if they installed that type of light on a motor vehicle.
Not only are flashing red lights illegal but so are modifications to the rear taillights and brake lights. I’ve come across several taillights and brake lights that have been covered or tinted. Altering or obscuring any portion of the lamp affects the intensity of light emitted. This could be an issue in a motor-vehicle crash both criminally and civilly.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Sept. 12
Q: Why are so many vehicles allowed to be on Minnesota roads with only a rear license plate? This seems to be especially true of late-model expensive makes (Tesla, Audi, Mercedes, BMW and others). Isn’t the lack of a front plate a primary offense and the vehicle therefor subject to a traffic stop? I see more and more of this every day and it seems like an entitled group of drivers feel they are above the law.
A: Minnesota law requires two license plates on a vehicle. There are some vehicles that are allowed to display only one license plate: motorcycles; a dealer’s vehicle or vehicle in-transit; a collector’s vehicle with a pioneer, classic car, collector or street-rod license; a vehicle that is of model year 1972 or earlier (not registered as a collector vehicle), and is used for general transportation purposes.
License plates cannot be displayed in the front windshield or the rear window; they must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. All plates must be securely fastened so as to prevent them from swinging, displayed horizontally with the identifying numbers and letters facing outward from the vehicle and mounted in the upright position. The person driving the motor vehicle shall keep the plate legible and unobstructed and free from grease, dust or other blurring material (dirt, mud, snow and other) so the lettering is plainly visible at all times. It is unlawful to cover any assigned letters and numbers or the name of the state of origin of a license plate with any material whatever, including any clear or colorless material that affects the plate’s visibility or reflectivity. This also includes obstructing license-plate brackets that block the state of issuance, and tabs.
License plates issued to vehicles must display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of each plate.
Why do we have two license plates? From a law enforcement perspective it is safer to have two plates. Witnesses and victims have helped solve crimes and saved lives because they were able to get information from the front license plate. Some examples and situations have included:
– If an officer needs to run vehicle information they can get the plate information from the front or rear of the vehicle.
– It makes a suspect vehicle easier to identify if it is encountered from the front or the rear.
– If a suspect vehicle is backed into a parking spot it is more easily identified.
– Identifying a suspect in a crime (from surveillance images) is easier with front and back plates.
- A robbery or burglary
- Kidnapping or sexual assault
- Homicide
- A gas drive off
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Sept. 5
Q: A friend recently told me it’s illegal to honk your car horn in Minnesota (he showed me an internet article). I find this hard to believe. So many friends and family members drive by our house, giving their horn a little honk and waving; is this illegal? What if you’re behind someone at a stoplight who hasn’t noticed the light turned green – is it illegal to tap your horn to alert them? And what about those car alarms that start honking if they sense an intruder? Please explain. Thank you.
A: Minnesota state law says, “Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway must be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet. However, the horn or other warning device must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation, give audible warning with the horn, but shall not otherwise use the horn when upon a highway.”
As stated, a motor vehicle’s horn is to be used when to “insure safe operation.” I believe it’s worded as this to help prevent and reduce the unnecessary honking to help avoid annoyance and harassment. By using the horn for potential safety issues, it can help keep people alert and safe, like as you mentioned being behind someone at a stoplight and they don’t notice the light turning green. Does sounding the horn help with safety? Another thing to be aware of from my experience, I’ve seen a number of “road rage” incidents start from the honking of a horn.
Car alarms are legal. A person may want to check with their local laws and ordinances to see if there are any additional requirements and responsibilities.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Aug. 29
Q: Is it legal for farmers to load hay on a state highway? Our neighbor bales several miles of state highway ditches. To load the round bales he drives down the highway with a pickup and bale wagon. His son is in the ditch with a tractor and loader. The son gets a bale on the loader and driving perpendicular to the road drives up the ditch and puts the bale on the bale wagon. The son with the loader stops with his front wheels on the shoulder of the road and puts the bale on the trailer. The bale wagon is stopped on the state highway in the lane of traffic so the bale can be loaded. Is this legal?
A: This would not be safe or legal. The loading would need to take place off the highway. With harvest season upon us, this is a great reminder that we all need to share the road.
What drivers should know about farm vehicles on the road:
- Farm equipment is large and heavy, making it hard for operators to accelerate, slow down and stop.
- The equipment makes wide turns and sometimes crosses over the center line.
- Farm vehicles can create large blind spots, making it difficult for operators to see approaching vehicles.
Safety guidance for motorists:
- Pay attention at all times when driving.
- Watch for debris dropped by trucks. It is safer to brake or slowly drive through debris than to veer into oncoming cars or off the road.
- When approaching farm equipment, slow down and use caution. Put additional space between your vehicle and the farm equipment ahead. Don’t assume the equipment operator can see you.
- Be patient and wait for a safe place to pass.
- Wear seatbelts.
- Drive with headlights on.
Safety guidance for farm equipment operators:
- Use lights and flashers to make equipment more visible.
- Use slow-moving vehicle emblems on equipment traveling less than 30 mph.
- Drive slow-moving vehicles in the right-hand lane as close to the edge of the roadway as possible.
- Consider using an escort vehicle when moving equipment, especially at night and if the equipment is large enough that it may extend across the center line.
- Avoid encouraging or signaling motorists to pass. Pull over when safe, and let traffic pass.
- Pick up any debris left on the highway by the equipment or contact MnDOT to remove it.
- Plan your routes so wide equipment will not hit or damage signs, guardrails, light poles and other roadway structures.
Aug. 22
Q: What are the laws or rules when it comes to drivers who tailgate? What can a person do to keep them from putting lives in danger? I haven’t heard or read anything for a long time about the three-second rule, is that still a recommendation?
A: Great questions. I believe following too closely is an under-reported factor in many preventable crashes. The law states vehicles pulling trailers must maintain a minimum following distance of 500 feet. This includes trucks as well as semi-truck tractors with trailers. The law also states you shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway.
While the law does not state a specific distance for vehicles not pulling trailers, the Minnesota Driver’s License Manual and Minnesota Safety Council talk about the “three-second rule.”
Applying the “Three-second Rule” is a way to help keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. This rule pertains to standard-length vehicles driving in ideal conditions. Choose a fixed reference point on the side of the road ahead, such as a telephone pole, signpost, tree or bridge. When the vehicle ahead of you passes the reference point, begin counting: “One-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousand-three.” If you pass the reference point before you are through counting, you are following too closely. Gradually slow down until you have reached a safe following distance and speed. When road conditions are poor, or if you are driving a vehicle that is longer than the standard length, increase your following distance to a four- or five-second count.
If the vehicle behind you is following too closely, slow down slightly and allow it to pass. It’s best to treat someone following too closely similar to an aggressive driver.
- Get out of their way; disengage.
- Stay calm — reaching your destination safely is your goal.
- Do not challenge them.
- Avoid eye contact.
- Ignore gestures and don’t return them.
- Report aggressive and dangerous driving (vehicle description, license number, location).
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Aug. 15
Q: I really enjoy seeing these on Facebook and I am hoping you can shed some light on bike laws. I work and live around Glendalough State Park where there are quite a few walking/biking paths. I have seen and been verbally accosted by those who do not seem to “see” the stop and yield signs on such paths. Riders have blown through them and not given the right of way to the vehicle already in motion. Can you please explain the bike path signs to those who may not understand? Thank you for your time and continued service to our communities.
A: Thank you for the question. Sharing the road is always an important topic.
Does a bicyclist have to obey the same traffic laws as a motorist? Yes, Minnesota Statute 169.222 states: “Every person operating a bicycle shall have all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in respect to those provisions in this chapter relating expressly to bicycles and in respect to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to bicycles.” This includes stop signs, stop lights, yield signs and more.
Does a bicyclist have to dismount and walk their bike through a crosswalk? No, a bicyclist using a crosswalk does not have to dismount to cross the intersection, but in some cases this may be the safest option.
A person lawfully operating a bicycle on a sidewalk, across a roadway or shoulder while using a crosswalk, has all of the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances. That includes not entering a crosswalk if a vehicle is approaching and it is impossible for the vehicle to stop.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Aug. 8
Q: I have a child that will be turning 15 years old pretty soon. We farm for a living, what are some of the rules and requirements for a farm permit to drive?
A: For those who qualify, there is a restricted farm license. A person who meets the requirements of this restricted license may operate a motor vehicle only during daylight hours and only within a radius of 40 miles of the parent’s or guardian’s farmhouse. There are no exceptions for driving to/from school or any other non-farm use.
Traffic crashes are a leading cause of death in Minnesota teens. Due to inexperience, distractions and risk-taking, teen drivers increasingly jeopardize their lives on the road compared with other drivers. In 2020, teens (15-19) made up just 6 percent of all licensed drivers. Yet, they made up 16 percent of all drivers involved in traffic crashes.
Teens also have the lowest seat-belt-use rate of all age groups. In 2020, only 54 percent of killed motor vehicle occupant teens (13-19) were known to be buckled up.
Parents, please be sure your child is ready to drive and help them gain experience before sending them alone.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
Aug. 1
Q: Hello, maybe you can clear this up for me, what is the definition of stop? I think a slight pause is good enough. I look at it as I am stopping, but everything is clear so I can proceed.
A: To answer your question, it is called a “stop sign” not a “stopping sign.”
According to Minnesota State Statute, the definition of “stop” means complete cessation from movement.
“Stopping” means any halting even momentarily of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic-control sign or signal.
Look twice at intersections when turning and changing lanes. Drive smart and pay attention.
A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes.
July 25
Q: I see so many vehicles driving too fast on the highways. Are you guys doing anything about it?
A: You are correct and yes we are. As we’ve reached the halfway point of July – and summer – it’s important to remember extra speed enforcement is ongoing across the state with help from the Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.
Extra speed enforcement began statewide July 1 and runs through July 31 as part of a campaign coordinated by DPS-OTS. Minnesota State Troopers, deputies and police officers are spending additional time stopping speeders to make sure everyone gets home safely.
July 17 marked the halfway point of the 100 deadliest days to be on the roads. Speed was the largest contributing factor in fatal traffic crashes during the 100 deadliest days last summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day).
During the 100 deadliest days in the past five years (2017-2021), preliminary numbers show that 196 people lost their lives in speed-related crashes.
“We see it every day on just about every road, drivers going too fast,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “The warm weather and snow-free roads make it easy to want to drive faster, but it’s a dangerous decision. When speeds go up, so does the likelihood of fatal crashes and serious injuries. Going the speed limit and slowing down in construction zones are critical to us all coming home to our loved ones at the end of the day.”
While many Minnesotans are driving smart, others are still driving too fast. In 2021, the Minnesota State Patrol issued 1,249 speeding tickets for speeds of 100 mph or more, compared with 1,080 in 2020 and 533 tickets for those excessive speeds in 2019.
Those speeds are deadly. Preliminary numbers show there were 488 traffic fatalities in 2021 – the most since 2007 when 510 people died. Preliminary numbers show the 100-day stretch last year accounted for 167 of the 488 traffic fatalities.
Minnesota is joining law enforcement officers from six states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin) on July 27 for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Region 5 high visibility Speed Awareness Day enforcement campaign. In 2020, there were 5,413 fatal injuries in the six-state region with 1,688 (30.8 percent) being speed-related fatalities. This was an 11.5 percent increase from 2019.
Whether it’s the interstate, highway, your neighborhood or the communities you travel through, speeding risks the lives of others. Reducing your speed gives you more vehicle control, more time to respond to any road situations and decreases the severity of impact during a crash. All those add up to making the road safer for everyone.
Speeding is a costly choice, as well. The cost of a speeding citation will vary by county, but traveling 10 mph over the limit typically costs a driver more than $110 with court fees and double that for going over 20 mph. Those who get cited for going 100 mph or more can lose their license for six months.
Look out for everyone’s safety – and your bank account – by slowing down.
