Question 1

How far from a school bus with flashing red lights must a Minnesota driver stop, and what's the minimum fine for a violation?

Accepted Answer

At least 20 feet, with a minimum fine of $500 upon conviction — A Minnesota driver approaching a school bus with flashing red lights must stop at least 20 feet from the bus and stay stopped until the lights stop flashing, regardless of which direction they're facing; a conviction carries a minimum $500 fine and loss of driving privileges.

Question 2

Under what speed conditions does Minnesota law allow a motorcyclist to split lanes in moving traffic?

Accepted Answer

No more than 25 mph, and no more than 15 mph over the speed of surrounding traffic — Minnesota legally allows lane splitting in moving traffic at no more than 25 mph and no more than 15 mph over the speed of surrounding traffic; lane filtering through stopped traffic is capped at 15 mph over the traffic speed.

Question 3

How much clearance must a Minnesota driver keep when passing a bicyclist, and can they cross the center line to do it?

Accepted Answer

At least 3 feet, and yes -- crossing the center line is allowed, even in a no-passing zone, when it's safe — Minnesota requires at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicyclist, and allows crossing the center line to do so -- even in a no-passing zone -- when it's safe.

Question 4

Where may a Minnesota Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) legally be driven?

Accepted Answer

On streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, by any Class D license holder — A Minnesota NEV may be driven by any Class D license holder, but only on streets with a posted speed limit of 35 mph or less, and it may not be used during a road test.

Question 5

How close to the rails may a Minnesota driver stop when a railroad crossing's lights or gates activate?

Accepted Answer

At least 10 feet from the nearest rail or gate, and not proceed until clear of a point 10 feet past the rails — At an activated Minnesota railroad crossing, a driver must stop at least 10 feet from the nearest rail or gate and may not proceed until they can cross without stopping within 10 feet past the rails. It's also illegal to pass any vehicle within 100 feet of a crossing.

Question 6

Which Minnesota vehicles must stop at every railroad crossing regardless of whether a train is present?

Accepted Answer

Passenger vans, buses, and larger trucks — Minnesota requires passenger vans, buses, and larger trucks to stop at every railroad crossing whether or not a train is present, and other drivers may not pass them while they're stopped there.

Question 7

How much following distance must a Minnesota driver towing a camper or trailer maintain from other vehicles?

Accepted Answer

At least 500 feet, well beyond the general three-second following rule — Minnesota requires drivers towing a camper or trailer to maintain at least 500 feet of following distance from other vehicles, far beyond the general three-second following rule recommended for standard-length vehicles.

Minnesota: Sharing the Road Questions

1. How far from a school bus with flashing red lights must a Minnesota driver stop, and what's the minimum fine for a violation?

2. Under what speed conditions does Minnesota law allow a motorcyclist to split lanes in moving traffic?

3. How much clearance must a Minnesota driver keep when passing a bicyclist, and can they cross the center line to do it?

4. Where may a Minnesota Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV) legally be driven?

5. How close to the rails may a Minnesota driver stop when a railroad crossing's lights or gates activate?

6. Which Minnesota vehicles must stop at every railroad crossing regardless of whether a train is present?

7. How much following distance must a Minnesota driver towing a camper or trailer maintain from other vehicles?

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