Dear Trooper Kathy: I have some pick-up questions.
Question 1. Is there a law about how many people can be in the front seat cab of a pick up?
Trooper Kathy says: Yes. No more than three.
169.37 OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER. No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such number of persons, exceeding three, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle. No passenger in a vehicle shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver's view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle or streetcar.
Question 2. Can people ride in the back of a pick that doesn't have a topper on it.
Trooper Kathy says: Yes, as long as the driver uses due care. If the passengers are sitting on the box, (instead of inside it), it could be considered unsafe, therefore illegal. Subdivision 1.Reckless driving.
(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving and such reckless driving is a misdemeanor.
Subd. 2. Careless driving.
Any person who operates or halts any vehicle upon any street or highway carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the driver or passengers of the vehicle, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Question 3. Is it legal to put a keg in the back of a pick-up and drink?
Trooper Kathy says: No. Nice try, though.
Subd. 2. Drinking and consumption; crime described.
It is a crime for a person to drink or consume an alcoholic beverage, distilled spirit, or 3.2 percent malt liquor in a motor vehicle when the vehicle is upon a street or highway.
If you have any questions regarding traffic safety and/or traffic laws, email her at kathy.pederson@state.mn.us. Sgt. Pederson will not offer advice on specific situations or real events, which involve law enforcement.