Last week my Michigan driver’s license expired, so I had to renew my license here in Minnesota. Thankfully before going to the DPS a friend warned me that I’d have to take the “knowledge test” and that it was a tricky test requiring studying. Luckily, the Minnesota Driver’s Manual was only about 100 pages long :(
While reading this manual and prepping for the test, I captured the number-related rules, and I’ll share those here for Heather or for you, my friends and family, for when you come into town for a visit.
So, here’s the Minnesota Driver’s Manual, by the numbers.
1/16 – a tire is illegal if the tread is less than 1/16 of an inch deep
3/4 – the length of time from perception of danger to using the brakes happens in 3/4 seconds
3 – applying the “3-Second Rule” is a way to help keep a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you
3 – a load must not stick out more than 3 feet in front of the front wheels or bumper of any motor vehicle
4 – if a load extends 4 feet or more from the rear of any vehicle, a red, yellow, or orange flag at least 16 inches square must be attached to the end of the load
6 – remember, 6 inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling
8.5 – the maximum width of a trailer is 8.5 feet
10 – do not park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant
10 – 10 mph speed limits applies in alleys under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise
12 – when a vehicle is properly parallel parked, its wheels on the curb side will be positioned no more than 12 inches from the curb
13.5 – the maximum height of a trailer is 13.5 feet
20 – when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop your vehicle at least 20 feet from the bus
20 – do not park within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection
25 – driver distraction or inattention is a leading factor in crashes in Minnesota, accounting for at least 25 percent of all crashes annually
30 – do not park within 30 feet of any flashing light, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a public road
30 – 30 mph speed limits applies on urban or town roads under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise
35 – in heavy rain, standard cars may begin to hydroplane at 35 mph
40 – the “Zipper Merge” benefits drivers reducing the overall length of traffic backup by as much as 40 percent
45 – the maximum length of a trailer is 45 feet
50 – do not park within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing
55 – 55 mph speed limits apples in all other locations that are not specified in this list under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise
72 – insurance information must be given to the law enforcement officer investigating the crash within 72 hours
100 – do not pass within 100 feet of an intersection, underpass, tunnel, or railroad crossing
100 – signals are to be activated at least 100 feet before you make the turn
100 – when passing another vehicle, you must return to the right side of the road before coming within 100 feet of an oncoming vehicle
130 – an average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can stop within 130 to 140 feet
400 – a fully loaded tractor-trailer may require more than 400 feet to come to a complete stop from 55 mph
500 – only vehicles traveling on official emergency business are allowed to follow within 500 feet of any firefighting vehicle making an emergency run
500 – headlights should be used when conditions limit visibility to less than 500 feet
700 – do not pass on a curve or hill where you cannot clearly see the road ahead for at least 700 feet
26,000 – vehicle weighing more than 26,000 pounds are classified as commercial
Interesting, huh?
