Question: Hello, we took a trip to the cities this summer. While down there we came across these freeway ramp meters. I know we don’t have those in out-state Minnesota but I thought you might be able to write about it in one of your articles for anyone that travels. Thank you for all you do and be safe!

Answer: Thank you. I don’t believe this is a topic I’ve wrote about before but I’d be happy to do so.

Ramp meters are signal lights on freeway entrance ramps that help control the flow of merging traffic. Like traffic signals at intersections, red, yellow, and green lights indicate when drivers can proceed. Only one car may proceed each time the light is green.

One Car Per Green Light: Used with freeway ramp meters at on-ramps to indicate that one car may proceed each time the light turns green.

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).