Minnesota: Cheat Sheet

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Road signs

A blue square with a yellow border and a yellow top band is the route sign for a Minnesota highway.
A Do Not Enter sign means you must not enter that lane or road if the sign is facing you.
A Crossroad sign means an intersection is ahead and you should prepare to yield.
Crossing signs warn you to watch for animals, humans and vehicles crossing the road.
The diamond symbol indicates that the traffic lane is reserved for specific use or certain types of vehicles.
A Two-way Traffic Ahead sign means you are leaving a one-way road and entering a two-way road, so stay to the right.
A One Way sign means traffic in the specified lane flows only in the direction of the arrow.

Sign shapes and colors

Pedestrian or bicycle crossing signs and school zone signs may be yellow or fluorescent yellow-green.
Brown signs indicate historic, cultural or recreational sites.
School zone warning signs are pentagon-shaped.
Green signs indicate exits, distance to cities, interstate interchanges, street or route names and bicycle routes.
Brown signs point out historic sites, parks and other points of interest.

Traffic signals

When an officer is present, you must obey the officer’s hand signals rather than traffic signals, signs or pavement markings.
At a red light you wait until the light turns green and your path is clear before proceeding.
You must also follow all other traffic signs and signals that apply when lane use control signals are displayed.
The gridlock rule does not apply when you are making a turn that allows the vehicle to safely leave the intersection.
A steady yellow light or arrow means caution, because the signal is about to turn red.
A green arrow means you can safely turn in the direction of the arrow, because your turn should be protected from oncoming or crossing traffic.

Right-of-way and turning

Ensure there is enough space from oncoming traffic so you do not impede them as you get up to speed after completing your turn.
One condition for a left turn on red is to ensure traffic is permitted to travel only in the direction you are turning.
Vehicles traveling in either direction can use a center turn lane to make left turns onto another roadway or a driveway.
U-turns are not allowed on interstate freeways.
Oncoming traffic will sometimes have a green arrow before your light turns green, so watch for oncoming cars making left turns in front of you.
A bridge raised to let boats through requires a complete stop.
On a green left-turn arrow you must yield to vehicles or pedestrians already in the intersection, then continue.

Alcohol and drugs

You may keep these products in the trunk of a vehicle, but not in the utility compartment or glove compartment.
For a first offense, enrollment in the Ignition Interlock Device Program is optional.
Alcohol slows reaction time, so impaired drivers cannot respond quickly to traffic signals, other drivers and pedestrians.
The criminal penalties for felony DWI can include up to seven years in prison with a five-year conditional release and a $14,000 fine.
The manual says not to use any drug to hide fatigue, because the only cure for fatigue is rest.
The safest policy is: if you are going to drink, don’t drive; and if you are going to drive, don’t drink.

Speed and following distance

You must slow down for flag persons, pedestrians, barricades, flares or reflectors on the road.
The manual says to get the feel of the road by trying your brakes while driving slowly to test the road surface.
The manual names the five steps of SIPDE as Scan, Identify, Predict, Decide and Execute.
On a one-way street you may only pass on the right if there are no obstructions and the road is wide enough for two or more lanes of moving vehicles.
In thunderstorms or fog you should reduce speed, use extra caution, be prepared to stop and increase your following distance.
The manual says not to use cruise control when the road surface is slippery.
Stopping distance depends on factors including weather conditions, the condition of tire treads, and the type and condition of the brakes.

Licensing basics

You must have held the instruction permit for six months with no convictions for moving or alcohol/controlled-substance violations.
A true and accurate translation means all words on the presented document have been correctly translated.
Required restriction equipment must work unless you are trying to remove the restrictions.
A Minnesota license typically expires on your birthday and must be renewed every four years after you reach 21.

Vehicle equipment and controls

The flag attached to the end of such a load must be red, yellow or orange.
You can use your horn to warn other drivers or pedestrians that you are on the road.
Use headlights in bad weather or any time you cannot see the road ahead for at least 500 feet.
To signal a stop, hold your left arm out and bend it at the elbow so your forearm points toward the ground.

Pavement markings

Do not pass where there is a solid yellow line on your side of the center line.
Yellow lines separate traffic moving in opposite directions.
White arrows, sometimes with the word “only,” show that drivers must stay within the lane while turning, and if your vehicle is in this type of lane, you must turn.
White lines separate lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction.

Freeway driving

Carpool lanes are usually located on the far-left side of a freeway.
In a diverging diamond interchange the traffic lanes cross over at each end of the bridge, eliminating left-hand turns across opposing traffic.

Parking rules

When parked facing downhill, wheels should be turned toward the curb or shoulder of the road.
If your vehicle cannot be moved, use visible markers or signals to prevent damage and harm to other drivers.
Parking on the traffic side of any vehicle parked at a curb or at the edge of a highway is known as double parking, and it is not allowed.
Spaces with blue handicapped parking signs are reserved for vehicles with disability license plates or a disability parking permit.

Railroad crossings

A Railroad Crossings Ahead sign means you should slow down, look carefully in both directions and be prepared to stop.
Signs near the track show how many tracks are present.
If your vehicle stalls on railroad tracks and a train is approaching, leave the vehicle immediately.

Pedestrians

When a steady “Don’t Walk” signal is visible, pedestrians already in the intersection should walk to the nearest safe location as quickly and safely as possible.
You must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing at intersections and crosswalks.
Unmarked crosswalks are areas where a road intersects a sidewalk without solid lines painted on the road.

Sharing the road

When a commercial vehicle passes you, keep to the far side of your lane and slightly reduce your speed, and do not speed up.
Drivers should watch for bicyclists in intersections, on sidewalks, and when entering or leaving alleys and driveways.
In a speed zone of 35 mph or less, the flashing yellow lights come on at least 100 feet before the bus stops.
You position your vehicle on the left side of your lane so the driver can see you in the side mirror.

Seat belts and child safety

A shoulder belt should fit snugly across the chest and the middle of the shoulder.
The airbag safety suggestions say to try to keep at least 10 inches between yourself and the steering wheel.

Distracted driving

The manual lists using a cell phone, using a GPS, reaching for items, eating and drinking, adjusting the radio, talking to passengers and reading maps as distractions inside the vehicle.
Using the device in voice-activated or hands-free mode is an exception, as is getting emergency assistance or reporting a crash or crime.
Using such a device for text messaging, emailing or internet access is illegal while driving, including while stopped in traffic.

Emergencies and winter driving

If hooking your toe under the pedal does not work, apply the brakes and shift into neutral to disengage the engine, then steer to the shoulder.
If a vehicle is traveling toward you in your lane, move to the right; the driver may return to the correct lane and be in your path if you use the left lane.
You are required by law to provide reasonable assistance to crash victims.

Emergency vehicles and work zones

Fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle is illegal, dangerous, and a felony.
The manual says to look for other emergency vehicles that may be following before pulling out.
Keep your hands on the steering wheel so they are easily visible.

Insurance

If your driving privileges are revoked for lack of insurance, you must submit an insurance certificate from your insurance company, among other requirements.

Losing your license

A conviction for manslaughter or any other criminal action while driving is listed as grounds for revocation.
Failing to stop for a school bus with red lights flashing within five years of a conviction for the same offense is grounds for suspension.