What Is The Significance Of A Closed Road?

Living in the Northland, you've no doubt experienced a winter storm or two. Additionally, you've probably heard about the State Patrol closing particular roadways or advising no travel. But what do those directives really mean?

It's an important reminder - especially during the winter months: If the State Patrol tells you to stay off of a road during inclement weather - you had better heed their direction. Drivers that are found on so-called Closed Roads are subject to fines and jail time and motorists who need to be rescued from these roads will face additional fines.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol:

Motorists can be fined up to $1,000 and/or sentenced to 90 days in jail for traveling on Closed Roads. If travelers need to be rescued from a closed road, other expenses and penalties will apply.

Law enforcement officials don't routinely close roads for no reason. The next time that you've been advised not to travel or that a road has been closed, heed the direction. It could be the difference between life and death (and - it could save you money and jail time, too!)