Vehicle Equipment and Safety Systems
Knowing What Your Car Must Have
Equipment questions test both legal requirements and how safety systems work. Minnesota requires working headlights (white, visible at least 500 feet), taillights (red, visible at least 500 feet), brake lights, turn signals, license plate light, horn, mirrors, and seat belts for all occupants. Headlights must be on from sunset to sunrise and whenever visibility is reduced - in rain, fog, or snow - and whenever wipers are in use.
Seat belts are required for the driver and all passengers; children must be in an appropriate child restraint. Minnesota's child passenger law requires a rear-facing seat for the youngest children, then a forward-facing seat, then a booster, until the child fits the adult belt properly.
Airbags supplement seat belts - they do not replace them. Sit at least 10 inches from the steering wheel, and never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) prevent wheel lockup during hard braking; in an emergency, press firmly and hold - do not pump the pedal. Traction control and electronic stability control help maintain grip but cannot overcome ice or excessive speed.
Trap: the question that asks whether you should pump the brakes with ABS. The answer is no - apply steady, firm pressure and let the system work.
Rule of thumb: lights on when wipers are on; belts on before the car moves; with ABS, stomp and steer.