Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question:  How fast can I drive before getting stopped? Is there a tolerance?

 

Answer: The short answer is the speed limit and there is no tolerance. The reality is that there is no set allowance for speed by officers except the speed limit or to the conditions. This is a common question.  State Patrol policy does not allow for any speeds in excess of the posted limit.

Officers have to go by their departmental policy, the totality of circumstances, all other conditions (road, weather, lighting and traffic)  and common sense. Speeding and driving too fast for the conditions is discouraged by law enforcement everywhere.

Each year, illegal or unsafe speed is a leading contributing factor in Minnesota’s fatal crashes accounting for at least 130 deaths annually, of which 70 percent occur on rural, two-lane roads in Minnesota. Young adult motorists are the most common offenders and those at greatest risk.

Speeding is not an innocent crime — it puts every motorist at risk on the road:

• Greater potential for loss of vehicle control.

• Increased stopping distance.

• Less time available for driver response for crash avoidance.

• Increased crash severity — the faster the speed, the more violent the crash.

Remember too, that fines double when going 20 or more over the limit and if you are going over 100 mph, you can lose your license for up to six months.

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.