Ask the Trooper: Are the 'rules of the road' different for mail carriers?

Question: Is a rural mail carrier required to wear a seat belt when delivering the mail? Infrequently, I act as a substitute mail carrier. The vehicle I drive is not a right-hand-drive vehicle. The route consists of 170 miles of mostly rural driving and it is almost impossible to connect and reconnect the seat belt when there are more than 100 mail boxes along the route.

Answer: An exemption, according to Minnesota State Statute 169.686 Subd.2 would be “a rural mail carrier of the United State Postal Service or a newspaper delivery person while in the performance of duties.” So as long as you are actively delivering the mail, you do not legally have to wear your seat belt.

Question: I would like to know what the speed limit is on gravel roads. I know it can’t be over 35mph, right?

Answer: If the gravel road speed limit is not posted, it would be 55mph. Some rural residential districts may have 35mph zones posted on their gravel roads, which would obviously be that speed limit. Rural two-lane roads mean greater risk for head-on collisions and unsafe passing, narrow shoulders, and poor lighting at night. So remember, always drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and provide for plenty of travel time.

If you have any questions concerning traffic-related laws in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Jesse Grabow, Minnesota State Patrol, 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes MN 56501-2205. Or reach me at jesse.grabow@state.mn.us.

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