by Sgt. Jesse Grabow
Columnist

Question: How fast can I drive before getting stopped? Is there a tolerance?

Answer: The short answer is no. The reality is that there is no set allowance for speed by officers except the speed limit or to the conditions. I have been asked that question more than most other questions. Simply, State Patrol policy does not allow for any speeds in excess of the posted limit.

Officers have to go by their departmental policy, the totality of circumstances and all other conditions (road, weather, lighting and traffic) and common sense. Speeding and driving too fast for the conditions is discouraged by law enforcement everywhere.

People have to understand that speeding kills, and more speed kills more. For every 10 miles per hour you drive over the speed limit, your chances of getting seriously injured or killed if you are in a crash are doubled. So, just by driving 70 mph, your chances of getting seriously injured or killed are four times greater than when you are driving 50 mph! Remember too that fines double when going 20 or more over the limit and if you are going over 100 mph, you can lose your license for up to six months.

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)