I was stopped recently for passing five vehicles at the same time on a regular two lane highway. The middle vehicle happened to be a squad car. I believed that all the traffic was going 53mph on a 55mph road when I went to pass them. After I passed the fifth vehicle, I was stopped by the police officer and given a warning. My question is, how many vehicles can a person pass?” If the officer is wrong, who do I talk to?

Answer: To answer your question, Minnesota does not list a certain number of vehicles. If the passing can be done safely, then it may be legal to pass more than one vehicle at a time. Since I was not there and don’t know every detail involved from both sides, there may be more to the reason of passing five vehicles. According to law it is allowed to increase the speed limit by ten miles per hour over the posted speed limit when the driver:

(1) is on a two-lane highway having one lane for each direction of travel;

(2) is on a highway with a posted speed limit that is equal to or higher than 55 miles per hour;

(3) is overtaking and passing another vehicle
proceeding in the same direction of travel; and

(4) meets the requirements in section 169.18.

The requirements of 169.18 are:

(1) when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver’s view along the highway is obstructed within a distance of 700 feet;

(2) when approaching within 100 feet of any underpass or tunnel, railroad grade crossing, intersection within a city, or intersection outside of a city if the presence of the intersection is marked by warning signs; or

(3) where official signs are in place prohibiting passing, or a distinctive centerline is marked, which distinctive line also so prohibits passing, as declared in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the commissioner.

I’d like to add some other factors in here. A vehicle traveling at 53mph is covering approximately 77.73 feet per second. A vehicle traveling 65mph is covering 95.3 feet per second. Take into consideration to allow for the car lengths you should have following, the car lengths ahead when you finish, and passing five vehicles at the same time and the distance each one of those are from each other, could take almost one minute in the opposite lane. Even with no oncoming traffic, no hills, curves or other obstructions, I can easily understand where an officer having witnessed this would want to have a chat. It may not be a direct violation, but it could constitute a “reasonable suspicion” to stop a vehicle and make sure all is well with the driver. So I’d say consider yourself fortunate you received a warning. If you’re not happy with the quality of service you received, talk to the officer’s supervisor. I’m sure it can be worked out there.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota, please send your questions to: Trooper Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501. Or reach me at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us