Ask A Trooper

Sgt. Jesse Grabow

Question: What is the deal with the Minnesota State Patrol and the maroon colored squad cars? I’ve traveled all over the United States and don’t know if I’ve ever seen this color used before. Is there a reason for this?

Answer: Good observation and yes, there is a reason deep within the history of the Minnesota State Patrol. The Minnesota State Patrol was created in 1929. The original trooper uniform — long gray coat, riding boots, gray knee-high pants and eight-corner hat — was replaced by maroon and gold uniforms. The change was made in 1934 to honor the University of Minnesota national championship football team. The Golden Gophers went on to win National Football Championships in 1935, 1936, 1940, 1941 and 1960. 

In 1958 the State Patrol adopted maroon as the standard car color for their squad cars. Our cars have went through some graphic changes throughout that time but the maroon and gold has remained steady as a part of our organization. 

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 Trp. Jesse Grabow – Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205.  (You can follow him on Twitter @MSPPIO_NW or reach him at, jesse.grabow@state.mn.us).