SF 3013

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/28/2025 09:42 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; specifying safety message criteria on changeable message
signs for the Department of Transportation.

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

Section 1. new text begin TRAFFIC SAFETY CAMPAIGN MESSAGES.
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new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given:
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new text begin (1) "changeable message sign" means a traffic control device that is capable of displaying
one or more alternative messages on or alongside a roadway;
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new text begin (2) "commissioner" means the commissioner of transportation; and
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new text begin (3) "traffic safety campaign message" or "traffic safety campaign language" means the
display of a message or alert on a changeable message sign to provide road users information
about traffic operation, regulations, warnings, guidance, or communications about a currently
present and known threat or danger to public safety or the motoring public.
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new text begin (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices established by the commissioner of transportation under Minnesota Statutes,
section 169.06, subdivision 2, by July 1, 2025, the commissioner must incorporate and
implement the standards and guidance of section 2L.07 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices for Streets and Highways, 11th Edition, as incorporated by the United
States Department of Transportation, pertaining to traffic safety campaign messages on
changeable message signs.
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new text begin (c) Traffic safety campaign language on a changeable message sign must only:
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new text begin (1) provide relevant information to road users and minimize confusion and visual and
cognitive distraction; and
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new text begin (2) convey a clear and simple message without witticisms, colloquialisms, neologisms,
portmanteaus, hashtags, electronic or Internet shorthand or slang, popular culture references
that target or are comprehended by a limited segment of the driving population, or any other
message relying on hidden meanings, targeted cultural knowledge, or unconventional syntax
to understand the message.
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new text begin (d) Where practicable, the commissioner must ensure that a traffic safety campaign
message displayed on a changeable message board is part of a broader traffic safety effort
that uses other media forms as its primary means of outreach. The commissioner is prohibited
from soliciting public suggestions for the content of changeable message boards.
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new text begin (e) Paragraph (b) expires upon adoption of relevant revisions to the Minnesota Manual
on Uniform Traffic Control Devices that pertain to traffic safety campaign messages on
changeable message signs. The commissioner must notify the revisor of statutes, whether
electronically or in writing, of the expiration.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
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