HF 2501

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/23/2017 01:35pm

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; modifying traffic regulations governing overtaking and
passing bicycles; amending Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.18, subdivision
5.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.18, subdivision 5, is amended to read:

Subd. 5.

Driving left of roadway center; exception.

(a) No vehicle shall be driven to
the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding
in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic
for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made
without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite
direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the
right-hand side of the roadway before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching
from the opposite direction.

(b) Except on a one-way roadway, no vehicle shall, in overtaking and passing another
vehicle or at any other time, be driven to the left half of the roadway under the following
conditions:

(1) when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the
driver's view along the highway is obstructed within a distance of 700 feet;

(2) when approaching within 100 feet of any underpass or tunnel, railroad grade crossing,
intersection within a city, or intersection outside of a city if the presence of the intersection
is marked by warning signs; or

(3) where official signs are in place prohibiting passing, or a distinctive centerline is
marked, which distinctive line also so prohibits passing, as declared in the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the commissioner.

new text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), clause (3), a motor vehicle may be driven to the left
side of the roadway to safely overtake a bicycle under the following circumstances:
new text end

new text begin (1) the bicycle is proceeding in the same direction as the motor vehicle;
new text end

new text begin (2) the driver of the motor vehicle either (i) provides a safe clearance distance, in no
case less than the greater of four feet or one-half the width of the motor vehicle, or (ii)
completely enters the left lane of the highway;
new text end

new text begin (3) the operator of the bicycle is not (i) making a left turn, or (ii) signaling that the bicycle
operator intends to make a left turn; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the driver of the motor vehicle complies with all other applicable requirements under
this section.
new text end