The Minnesota State Patrol has several unmarked cars patrolling area roads and highways. Sgt. Troy Christianson from the Minnesota State Patrol was recently asked if they can legally pull you over.

He said there are 15 unmarked squad cars and their primary job function is road patrol. Key words in the statute are “primary function.” Per state statue, these unmarked patrol cars are required to have a door shield (MSP decal). There are additional unmarked patrol units that are not required to have a decal; they include district investigators, vehicle crime unit, State Capitol area troopers and administration supervisors. Their primary job function is not road patrol. These troopers can make traffic stops and respond to emergencies as needed. These cars are all equipped with emergency lights and sirens.All of the unmarked squads are legal as authorized by statute and the Commissioner of Public Safety.

Christianson operated an unmarked squad car a few years ago, and knows that they are an effective tool for keeping Minnesota roads safe. He said, "We are putting more unmarked patrol cars on the road each year to help us identify violations such as texting and driving, no seat-belt use and other unsafe operation. With distracted driving as one of the leading contributing factors in crashes on our roads, we are determined and committed to educating the public on the dangers of distraction."

You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober.  Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848.  (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)

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