Minnesota State Law Says You Must Come to A Complete Stop at These Places

Running stop signs or red lights is one of the most common traffic violations in the state of Minnesota. Fines vary by county but the ticket for getting caught doing it will cost you approximately $130.

Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol explained that Minnesota State Statute 169.30 states: “Every driver of a vehicle shall stop at a stop sign or at a clearly marked stop line before entering the intersection, except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal.”

 Christianson explained where to stop at a sign and other places that require you to make a complete stop, "At a stop sign with a marked stop line, you must stop before the line. If there is a pedestrian crosswalk you must stop before entering the crosswalk. All stop signs require that you come to a complete stop; you must also come to a complete stop in the following situations:

 • Before entering a road from an alley, a private driveway, a parking lot, or a parking ramp.

• Before crossing an adjoining sidewalk or crosswalk.

• At an intersection or crosswalk with a traffic signal displaying a red light you must stop until the signal changes to green and your path is clear before proceeding.

• Treat a flashing red traffic light as you would a stop sign.

• At a freeway ramp meter you must stop when the light is red.

• At a railroad crossing with a stop sign you must come to a complete stop. At railroad crossings without a stop sign, proceed with caution before crossing, making sure there is not a train approaching.

• When a flag person or traffic device directs you to stop.

• At a bridge that has been raised to open a path for boats to pass beneath it.

 After you have come to a complete stop, you must yield to the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic before proceeding. If your view of the intersection is obstructed, be alert and prepare to stop again for traffic or pedestrians that may be in your path."

Christianson added, "Pedestrians and motorists are equally responsible for pedestrian safety. We all must follow the law, pay attention and share the road. Together we can drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths."