Minnesota Law Enforcement: Follow Ted Foss Law or Face Fines

Summer is right around the corner and Triple A says ‘road trips’ will be the hottest travel trend this year.

Here in Minnesota, that might mean visiting Valleyfair, catching a Twins’ game at Target Field, or heading up north. At the bottom of this story, you'll find 50 fun things to do in Minnesota to help plan your next road trip. No matter where you go you can bet on busy roads and highways.

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Local law enforcement agencies and the Minnesota State Patrol will be working extra hard to keep motorists safe so watch your speed, buckle up, don't drink and drive, and obey the Ted Foss law.

The Austin Minnesota Police Department shared the image below along with a reminder about the Ted Foss law.

Austin Police say this photo "was taken by one of our officers this evening as they were assisting a stranded motorist on 14th St Nw/US 218 North" and shows multiple people violating the Ted Foss Law.

What Is Minnesota's Ted Foss Law

Sgt. Troy Christianson from the Minnesota State Patrol says, Minnesota's Ted Foss Law was named after a tragic incident involving Trooper Ted Foss.

On August 30, 2000, Foss was conducting a traffic stop on the shoulder of Interstate 90 when he was struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

He left behind his wife, Andrea, and two children.

According to Sgt. Troy Christianson, the law requires drivers to move over one full lane when passing an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing, such as ambulances, fire trucks, police, maintenance, construction, and tow trucks.

If moving over isn't possible, drivers are required to slow down.

The purpose of this law is to protect the lives of emergency workers and other road users.