Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

 

Question: I know on the handicap placards, it is stated they must be removed from hanging while driving, but yet I see many hanging from mirrors every day.

I know you can’t hang fuzzy dice or other things from the mirror, so I was just wondering about the handicap placards, since I see so many people driving with them hanging.

Is there a fine if somebody gets pulled over for not removing them from the mirror, or is it just that — a warning?

 

Answer: Minnesota law prohibits any objects suspended between the driver and the windshield other than sun visors, rearview mirrors, global positioning systems or navigation systems when mounted or located near the bottommost portion of the windshield, and electronic toll collection devices. This law does not apply to law enforcement vehicles and other authorized emergency vehicles.

If you have a disability parking certificate, it must be taken down while the vehicle is in motion. The certificate can only be suspended when the vehicle is parked.

Having an object attached to the windshield or hanging from the rearview mirror can obstruct the driver’s view and result in a dangerous situation. The driver might not be able to see a vehicle, animal, pedestrian or bicyclist.

Hanging other items such as air fresheners and fuzzy dice from the mirror is against the law.

Law enforcement can and will conduct traffic stops when an object is blocking the driver’s view. A citation or warning may be issued.

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.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848; or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.