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Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: Hello, we took a trip to the Cities this summer. While down there we came across these freeway ramp meters. I know we don’t have those in out-state Minnesota but I thought you might be able to write about it in one of your articles for anyone that travels. Thank you for all you do and be safe!

Answer: Thank you. I don’t believe this is a topic I’ve wrote about before, but I’d be happy to do so.

Ramp meters are signal lights on freeway entrance ramps that help control the flow of merging traffic. Like traffic signals at intersections, red, yellow and green lights indicate when drivers can proceed. Only one car may proceed each time the light is green.

One Car Per Green Light: Used with freeway ramp meters at on-ramps to indicate that one car may proceed each time the light turns green.

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.