MPMary Phipps

1. Article · Sep 11, 2026 · Mary Phipps

   ASK A TROOPER: Stopping for a bus reply (opens the original)

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   Question: I saw in one of your recent articles talking about stopping for a school bus. In the article you stated, “Motorists are not required to stop for a bus if the bus is on the opposite side of a separated roadway (median, etc.) — but they should remain alert for children.” Can you explain the “etc.” as I still have questions. Answer: Excellent question and yes, I can. Minnesota state statute says: Exception for separated roadway: A person driving a vehicle on a street or highway

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2. Article · Sep 8, 2026 · Mary Phipps

   ASK A TROOPER: Proper seat belt safety (opens the original)

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   Question: I see a lot of people not wearing their seat belt correctly. Several of them, have the shoulder belt worn underneath the shoulder/arm. Can you provide some education on this? Answer: Seat belt use is required with a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped. You are more likely to survive a car crash if you use both the lap and shoulder belts together. Lap belt: Adjust the lap belt to fit snugly across your hipbon

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3. Article · Aug 22, 2026 · Mary Phipps

   ASK A TROOPER: Proper and safe turning (opens the original)

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   Question: Can you talk about how people need to make proper turns? I see a lot of unsafe maneuvers when it comes to turning. Answer: Drivers who turn improperly cause many traffic crashes. Move safely into the correct lane well ahead of the place where you will make the actual turn. Slow down before turning. Signal your intent at least 100 feet before the turn. Signals let pedestrians and drivers know what you plan to do. While waiting to turn, keep your wheels straight and your foot on the brak

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4. Article · Jul 25, 2026 · Mary Phipps

   ASK A TROOPER: Proof of insurance (opens the original)

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   Question: I read in the newspaper about a person receiving tickets for no proof of insurance and no driver’s license in possession, what are the laws on these violations? Answer: Every driver is required to carry proof of insurance while driving. They must also produce proof of insurance when requested by an officer during a traffic stop or an incident such as a crash. You can be cited for no proof on insurance and the same rules apply as no driver’s license in possession penalties. The cita

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5. Article · Jul 11, 2026 · Mary Phipps

   ASK A TROOPER: Limitations on passengers with new drivers (opens the original)

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   Question: My kid just received their driver’s license. It was during this time that I found out they are limited on their passengers. They want to give their friends a ride, but I think more people should know about this limitation. Answer: Teen drivers are only allowed to have one passenger under the age of 20 for the first six months they have their provisional license, unless there is also a parent or guardian in the vehicle. For the second six months they have their license, teen drivers a

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