“ASK A TROOPER” by Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: I have a slow moving emblem for my vehicle. Can I use that when I am driving at normal speed limits or must I take that off?

Answer: Vehicles designed to operate at 35 miles per hour or less must display a slow-moving vehicle emblem. The use of this emblem is restricted to the slow-moving vehicles specified in state statute and its use on any other type of vehicle or stationary object on the highway is prohibited.

Vehicles That Need the Emblem

•              Animal-drawn vehicles

•              Motorized golf carts on designated roads

•              Farm equipment (implements of husbandry)

•              Road construction machinery and other slow machinery

Rules and Exceptions

•              Prohibition: You cannot use this sign on normal fast cars or stationary roadside objects.

•              Fast towing exception: Empty towed farm equipment can move faster than 35 mph without taking the sign off.

•              Construction exception: Vehicles actively working inside a marked construction zone do not need to display it.

Requirements for the Emblem

•              Design: It must be a fluorescent or illuminated red-orange triangle with a dark red reflective border.

•              Visibility: It must be mounted so it can be seen from at least 600 feet to the rear, including when hit by headlights on low beam.

•              Placement: It goes on the rear of the vehicle. If a primary vehicle tows another unit and shows the sign, the towed unit does not need a second sign.

A portion of state statutes were used with permission from the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on “X” @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).