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By Sgt. Troy Christianson

Question: Last week, I noticed a truck with a snow plow blade on it, it took up the whole traffic lane. It was not a Minnesota Department of Transportation truck.  What is the legal length allowed for a snow blade?

Answer:  The maximum legal width is 8 feet, 6 inches in Minnesota. Snow plows start at widths of 6 ½ feet for smaller pickups and go up to 9 and 10 feet wide plows for dump trucks.  The most common size plow if 7 feet and 6 inches. If you are over 8 feet, 6 inches you can apply for a permit through the state.  The permit will allow you to transport the plow on the roadway.

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)