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Question: 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?

Answer: The maximum legal width is 8 feet 6 inches in Minnesota. Snow plows start at widths of 6 1/2 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 and 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.

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.