Question: I am an Occupational Medicine physician who does DOT driver physical exams. We use a Winnebago RV converted into a medical clinic and set up our “clinic” wherever we are asked to perform these exams, mostly at truck stops, private trucking firm headquarters, shopping centers and so on. I was wondering if freeway rest stops, where there are always plenty of CDL drivers, would be a place I could legally conduct my business? Would I need a permit or other form of permission to do so? Most privately owned places, especially truck stops, always seem very cordial and allow me to put out a 2’ x 3’ sign indicating what we are offering and the cost of our service and this works well. But I have always wondered about doing the same at rest stops along the freeways around the Twin Cities.

Answer: The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) will consider permits for activities relating to the safety and convenience of motorists — for example, activities involving rest, parking and travel information. Activities can’t interfere with the normal use of the rest area, and they must be free of charge. Unless this is a “free” business, I don’t believe you would be allowed to do this.

Examples of permissible activities include: providing coffee or windshield washing at no charge, and distribution of “See Motorcycles” bumper stickers. Examples of impermissible activities include: weddings, worship services, political events, geocaching, hunting, posting of signs or posters, and distribution or exhibition of obscene materials.

You will want to contact MnDOT for more information at info.dot@state.mn.us

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).