Ask a Trooper by Troy Christianson

Question: Can a person legally drive with a neck brace on in Minnesota? It would limit the ability to turn your head side to side or up or down. I’m trying to get facts before I let my family member drive.

Answer: Permanent lack of neck mobility would require a restriction placed on the license that states they can legally drive if there is an “outside rearview mirror.” A person temporarily wearing a neck brace would not be legal to drive.

For more information on restrictions that may be placed on various types of licenses, please visit dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspx

Below is a complete list of the restrictions that may be placed on various types of licenses.

A: Any use of alcohol or drugs invalidates license

B: Hand-operated brakes

C: Complete hand controls

D: Prosthetic aid

E: Automatic Trans CMV

F: Outside mirrors

G: Daylight driving only

H: Automatic trans

I: Also valid for three-wheel motorcycle

J: Farm work and driver education instruction permit

K: Intrastate only

L: Not valid for CMVS with air brakes

M: No Class A passenger bus

N: No Class A and B passenger bus

O: No tractor-trailer CMV

P: No passengers in CMV bus

Q: Hand-operated light beam control

R: Elevated driver seat

U: No freeway driving

V: FMCSA medical waiver

W: Bus < 24 capacity

X: No cargo in CMV tank vehicle

Y: Ignition interlock required

Z: Air over hydraulic brake system

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.