MN DMV Winter Driving and Adverse Weather Conditions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In Minnesota, what is 'hydroplaning' and when does it typically occur?
- Skidding on ice, occurs in winter
- Loss of tire traction on water, occurs when driving too fast through standing water (Correct answer)
- Engine flooding due to driving through deep water
- Tire blowout from hitting a pothole
Correct answer: Loss of tire traction on water, occurs when driving too fast through standing water
Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose contact with the road and ride on a layer of water, typically when driving too fast through standing or pooled water.
Question 2: Minnesota's 'No Drive' snow emergency designation means:
- All non-essential driving is discouraged
- Driving is prohibited except for emergency vehicles
- Parking and driving are restricted to allow snowplows to clear roads (Correct answer)
- The road is completely closed
Correct answer: Parking and driving are restricted to allow snowplows to clear roads
Snow emergency designations in Minnesota restrict parking and sometimes driving on certain streets to allow snowplows unobstructed access to clear the roads.
Question 3: In Minnesota, if you get stuck in a blizzard and must wait in your car, you should:
- Keep the engine running continuously for warmth
- Run the engine occasionally for heat but crack a window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning (Correct answer)
- Turn off the engine completely to save fuel
- Abandon the car and seek shelter on foot
Correct answer: Run the engine occasionally for heat but crack a window to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
If stranded in a blizzard, run the engine only occasionally for warmth and always crack a window slightly to prevent deadly carbon monoxide buildup.
Question 4: In Minnesota winter driving, what is the recommended tire inflation adjustment?
- Inflate tires more to improve traction on snow
- Deflate tires for more contact area on snow
- Keep tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure year-round (Correct answer)
- Reduce pressure by 5 PSI in winter for better grip
Correct answer: Keep tires at the manufacturer's recommended pressure year-round
Tires should always be kept at the manufacturer's recommended pressure; cold temperatures naturally lower tire pressure, so check pressure frequently in winter.
Question 5: In Minnesota, when driving in fog, you should:
- Use high-beam headlights for maximum visibility
- Use low-beam headlights and fog lights if available (Correct answer)
- Turn off headlights to avoid reflecting light
- Only drive with parking lights
Correct answer: Use low-beam headlights and fog lights if available
In fog, use low-beam headlights and fog lights when available, as high beams reflect off water droplets in fog and actually reduce visibility.
Question 6: What emergency items should Minnesota drivers carry in their vehicles during winter months?
- Only a spare tire and jack
- Jumper cables, ice scraper, and first aid kit only
- Blanket, jumper cables, ice scraper/brush, sand or traction aid, and flashlight (Correct answer)
- Only a cell phone and charger
Correct answer: Blanket, jumper cables, ice scraper/brush, sand or traction aid, and flashlight
Minnesota recommends winter emergency kits including blankets, jumper cables, an ice scraper, traction aids (sand/kitty litter), flashlight, and other supplies for emergencies.
MN DMV Winter Driving and Adverse Weather Conditions 2
In Minnesota, what is 'hydroplaning' and when does it typically occur?