Question: Since I've moved to Minnesota, I've seen many drivers use right turn lanes as a bypass lane.  Is this legal or does the sign reading "lane must turn" mean exactly what it says?

Answer: White signs are regulatory and failing to comply can result in a citation for “fail to obey traffic control sign/signal.” “Right Turn Lanes” are what they are posted for, not passing or bypassing. The “Bypass Lane” is for bypassing (on the right.) Some areas where signs are posted, both of those would be permitted. A word of caution in those areas where both are allowed, remember who has the right of way and to use due care. 

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 Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).