Ask a Trooper by Sgt. Troy Christianson

Question: I’ve noticed that the Minnesota State Patrol squad cars have a white front car doors. I recall some years back that they did not. But I also recall from my childhood that they had white doors then also. Could you help me remember when these changes occurred? Thanks!

Answer: The Minnesota State Patrol has been in existence since 1929. Our maroon squad cars featured a white door paint scheme from 1960-1991. Changes in in body styles, a need for greater visibility and advances in vinyl graphics led to improvements being made on State Patrol squads. The goal was to develop a graphics package that would not only continue a strong link between tradition and the future, but also provide the Trooper safety through rapid identification and the introduction to side reflectivity. The design had to be an aesthetically strong complement to the shape and design anticipated for vehicles over the course of the next decade, cost effective and in compliance with Minnesota Statutes regarding color and markings of police vehicles.

In 2008, the Minnesota State Patrol unveiled its retro graphics design. The throwback design recalled the white door paint scheme of years gone by.

For more information, please go to dps.mn.gov/divisions/msp/about/Pages/State-Patrol-Squad-Cars.aspx.

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 Sgt. Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, at 2900 48th St. NW, Rochester, MN 55901-5848; or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.