Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Troy Christianson is a sergeant with the Minnesota State Patrol.

Question: We came upon a line of three cars all going 50 mph. There was a long stretch of open road for several miles, so I passed all three without returning to my lane. My friend questioned the legality. It is legal to pass more than one vehicle at a time?

Answer: You can pass more than one vehicle on the left as long as it is done in a safe manner. Even though there is no law against passing more than one vehicle at a time, it is not recommended.

If it is safe to pass, make sure the pass is completed in a legal passing zone and that you are able to see and judge the speed of approaching vehicles and vehicles you are passing.

The law says the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle shall pass to the left at a safe distance and not return to the right side until safely clear of the other vehicle.

In 2009, the Minnesota Legislature created a passing exemption providing for an increased speed limit when passing another vehicle. The Legislature increased the speed limit by 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit when the driver:

• Is on a two-lane highway with one lane for each direction of travel.

• Is on a highway with a posted speed limit equal to or greater than 55 miles per hour.

• Is overtaking and passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction.

Once you have safely passed, you are required to reduce your speed below or at the posted speed limit as soon as possible.

Please use good judgement and ask yourself if passing a vehicle or vehicles is really worth the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash. How much time are you really saving getting to your final destination?

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and of course, 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 Trooper Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848; or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.