Ask a Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I was driving through town the other day and a driver opened their car door as I passed by. I had to swerve to avoid hitting their car door. Obviously it was a safety issue but isn’t there a law about this? I’d appreciate any info you can share. Thank you.

Answer: Correct, there is a Minnesota state law about this issue. When you are stopped or parked on the side of a road, do not open any doors until you have checked to make sure it is safe and will not interfere with other traffic. Look for vehicles, motorcycles, bicyclists, and pedestrians that may be approaching your vehicle. Do not leave any door on the side closest to moving traffic open longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).