Brown County Sheriff’s Office Stepping Up Speed Enforcement During Farmfest

From the Brown County Sheriff’s Office:

On behalf of the men and women that make up the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, we hope that you are enjoying the summer months and all they have to offer.

We would like to take this time to discuss the ways to avoid getting pulled over.

DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT

If the speed limit is 30 MPH, don’t drive over 30 MPH.

If the speed limit is 55 MPH, don’t drive over 55 MPH. In rural areas in Minnesota, the speed limit is 55 MPH unless otherwise specified. The areas where the speed limit is more (65 or 70) or less (30, 35, or 25) than 55 MPH there will be road signs stating what the speed limit is. If there is no speed limit sign in the rural areas, the speed limit by default and Minnesota State Statute is 55 MPH.

PATROL SATURATIONS

COUNTY ROAD 29 – FARMFEST – Tuesday, August 5, 2025 through Thursday, August 7, 2025

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Minnesota State Patrol will be participating in a traffic enforcement campaign on Brown County Road 29. Brown County Road 29 is the most heavily traveled county road and with the aid of navigation apps, the traffic has increased over the years. Our primary target is speed and to set an expectation for safe driving conduct as we start the three (3) days of Farmfest from Tuesday, August 5, 2025 through Thursday, August 7, 2025.

The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and the Brown County Highway Department want to remind motorists that ALL Brown County Roads have speed limits of 55 MPH. There are no signs stating such, but per Minnesota State Statute the speed limit is defined as 55 MPH.

DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE – HANDS FREE

It is illegal for drivers of all ages when the vehicle is in motion or part of traffic (this includes being stopped in traffic or at a stop light/sign) to hold a wireless communications device with one or both hands. You can’t initiate, compose, send, retrieve, or read an electronic message; or engage in a cellular phone call, including initiating a call, talking or listening, and participating in video calling. You also can’t access the following types of content stored on the device: video content, audio content, images, games, or software applications. This is a reminder, DON’T BE ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE DRIVING.

STOP AT STOP SIGNS AND DON’T RUN RED LIGHTS

Every driver of a vehicle must stop at a stop sign or at a clearly marked traffic-controlled signal (stop light) before entering the intersection. No rolling stops.

CHECK YOUR VEHICLES LIGHTS AND TURN SIGNALS

Please take the time to walk around your vehicle to make sure that your headlights and turn signals work correctly.

LICENSE PLATE AND TABS – DISPLAYED AND UNOBSTRUCTED

In Minnesota, license plates must be displayed on the front and rear of the vehicle. They cannot be displayed in the front windshield or rear window. The plates must be securely mounted and displayed horizontally with the identifying numbers and letters visible. The license plate and tabs cannot be obstructed by a license plate holder or a smoked license plate cover.

DRIVER’S LICENSE

One final reminder, please check your driver’s license and make sure that it is not expired. It happens more than you would think that someone goes to pull out their driver’s license and now notices that it has expired weeks earlier. If you have moved, you are required to update your driver’s license within 30 days.

BROWN COUNTY FAIR – August 6-10, 2025

Lastly, the Brown County Fair is just around the corner. This is a great way of gathering and getting to see our friends and neighbors that we may not have seen for some time. The Brown County Fair is an opportunity for the whole county to showcase their talents and accomplishments and put them on display.