Question:Now that spring is here and the snow has been melting, the ditches are full of water. The other day, I noticed some people driving down the road pulling a person hanging onto a rope and knee boarding in the water in the ditch. Is this legal?

Answer:This is illegal and unsafe. Here is what Minnesota State Statute 169.46 says about hitching behind vehicles – “No person shall hitch a toboggan, hand sled, bicycle, or other similar device onto any motor vehicle or streetcar while being used on a highway.” In other words, keep it behind the boat. I would encourage some common sense to go along with Spring fever!

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).