Practical Facts from Today’s Driving School
When it comes to driving, misinformation can be everywhere. Whether it’s something a friend told you or a myth passed down from a parent, many common beliefs about the road simply aren’t true—and in some cases, they can lead to unsafe habits or trouble. At Today’s Driving School, we want to help drivers separate fact from fiction. Below, we’re breaking down some of the most persistent driving myths—and the real rules behind them.
1. Myth: You only need to stop for 3 seconds at a stop sign.
1. Myth: You only need to stop for 3 seconds at a stop sign.
Reality:
What matters is that you come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. You must remain stopped until it is safe and legal to proceed. If your wheels are still moving, it’s considered a rolling stop, which can result in a ticket or possibly points being knocked off during a driving test.
2. Myth: Driving 5 mph over the speed limit is always okay.
What matters is that you come to a complete stop at the stop line, crosswalk, or before entering the intersection. You must remain stopped until it is safe and legal to proceed. If your wheels are still moving, it’s considered a rolling stop, which can result in a ticket or possibly points being knocked off during a driving test.
2. Myth: Driving 5 mph over the speed limit is always okay.
Reality:
In Minnesota, the posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed—not a suggestion. While some officers may allow a small margin, any speed above the limit is illegal and can result in a citation. Worse, it increases your stopping distance and risk of collisions. Always follow posted limits and make adjustments for things like weather, traffic, and road conditions.
3. Myth: It’s okay to go through a yellow light if you’re already close.
In Minnesota, the posted speed limit is the maximum legal speed—not a suggestion. While some officers may allow a small margin, any speed above the limit is illegal and can result in a citation. Worse, it increases your stopping distance and risk of collisions. Always follow posted limits and make adjustments for things like weather, traffic, and road conditions.
3. Myth: It’s okay to go through a yellow light if you’re already close.
Reality:
Yellow lights are a warning to stop, not a signal to speed up. Minnesota law requires you to stop safely when the light turns yellow—unless you’re so close that stopping would be unsafe. Running a red light after a misjudged yellow can lead to citations and dangerous crashes.
4. Myth: You don’t need to signal if no one is around.
Yellow lights are a warning to stop, not a signal to speed up. Minnesota law requires you to stop safely when the light turns yellow—unless you’re so close that stopping would be unsafe. Running a red light after a misjudged yellow can lead to citations and dangerous crashes.
4. Myth: You don’t need to signal if no one is around.
Reality:
Turn signals are always required—even if it appears no one is nearby. Signaling is about developing safe, consistent habits, and you may not always be aware of who’s watching (such as a law enforcement officer or pedestrian). Minnesota Law requires signaling at least 100 feet before turning and before every lane change.
5. Myth: You can’t get a DUI unless your BAC is 0.08 or higher.
Reality:
While 0.08% is the legal limit for most drivers, you can still be charged with DWI if a law enforcement officer can prove that alcohol caused the driver to commit driving errors, then the driver can be arrested for DWI with an alcohol concentration as low as 0.04. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol is illegal (Not-a-Drop Law). This also applies to drug impairment, whether from prescriptions or other substances.
6. Myth: Red cars get pulled over more often.
Reality:
There’s no data proving red cars are targeted by law enforcement more than any other color. Tickets are generally issued based on behavior—not vehicle color. However, brighter or more noticeable vehicles might stand out if they’re violating traffic laws, which is where this myth likely began.
7. Myth: Hands-free means distraction-free.
Reality:
Even when using hands-free devices, cognitive distraction remains a major concern. Minnesota’s hands-free law prohibits holding a phone while driving. It’s important to minimize any activity that takes your attention off the road—including conversations, navigation input, and voice-to-text messaging.
For anyone under 18 they may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free device.
8. Myth: You should warm up your car for 10+ minutes before driving in winter.
Reality:
Modern engines do not require long warm-up periods. In fact, idling your vehicle for more than a few minutes wastes fuel. In cold weather, 30–60 seconds is typically enough to circulate oil—then it's best to drive gently to allow everything to warm up.
9. Myth: It’s safer to put your license and registration in the sun visor for quick access.
Reality:
Minnesota law doesn’t specify where you must keep these documents, but storing items in your sun visor could be unsafe if they fall or distract you. It’s safer to keep your license on your person and your registration and insurance card in the glove compartment or a center console where they are secure and accessible.
10. Myth: You can't be pulled over for texting while stopped at a red light.
Reality:
Wrong. Under Minnesota’s hands-free law, it is illegal to hold or use your phone while behind the wheel, even if you are stopped at a light or in traffic. The only exceptions are voice-activated commands or making emergency calls.
However, for anyone under 18 they may not use or talk on a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free device.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the truth about these driving myths isn’t just about passing your road test—it’s about driving smarter and safer every day. At Today’s Driving School, we aim to help our students understand not only the rules of the road, but also the real-life responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel.
Have questions about Minnesota driving laws or want to schedule a lesson? Visit us at todaysdrivingschool.com or call us at (844) 374-8315.
Jacob Ahner
Driving Instructor with Today’s Driving School
No comments:
Post a Comment