Ask a Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I do a lot of over-the-road traveling for work. Can I stop and stretch my legs along the freeway?

Answer: Do not stop on the interstate or along the roadway. The only time you can stop on the freeway is for emergencies. Use the freeway exits/off-ramps and pull off onto the shoulder and park. If you are in need, Minnesota offers several rest areas throughout our great state.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation Minnesota has:
• 36 Class I safety rest areas
• 8 Class II rest areas
• 2 Class III rest areas
• 112 Class IV rest areas
• 9 Travel information centers
• 3 Regional welcome center partnerships
• 3 Visitor centers
https://www.dot.state.mn.us/restareas/
There are always other options, just make sure what you are doing is safe.
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).