Minnesota Trick or Treating “Laws” to Follow

Who knew a night full of kids running door to door asking for candy would come with so many rules.

The Minnesota Safety Council has created a list of rules to follow, and they aren't so much rules as they are suggestions for a safe night out.

Be Visible:

• Make kids visible to drivers by attaching retro-reflective tape, fabric, or decorative patches to costumes and treat bags.
• Equip the kiddos with flashlights so they are even more visible to those behind the wheel.

Traffic Reminders for the Kids:

• ALWAYS look both ways before crossing the street, and only cross using the crosswalks.
• Walk, don't run while trick or treating. Especially crossing the road.

Traffic Reminders for Adults:

• Slow down in residential areas.
• Minnesota law requires drivers to come to a complete stop for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk, or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. The driver must remain stopped until the pedestrian has completely passed the lane.
• Watch for kids walking on the streets or curbs Halloween evening. They are excited and can move in unpredictable ways.

Costume Safety:

• Use face paint instead of vision obstructing masks if possible.
• Make costumes short enough to avoid trips and falls.
• Look for "flame resistant" labels on costumes, masks, beards and wigs.

General Trick or Treating Safety:

• Adults should accompany kids under the age of 12, older children should bring a cell phone along in case of emergency.
• Only go to homes that are well lit or you know the owner.
• Set boundaries for kids out on there own, and set a time for them to return home.
• Throw away any unwrapped or torn wrapper candies.

And a bonus rule: always say thank you. It's the Minnesota Nice thing to do!

Happy Halloween from 98.1 Minnesota's New Country!