SF 702

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 01/28/2025 10:37 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to civil liability; limiting liability of motor vehicle operator for harm caused
to a pedestrian injured while illegally blocking a roadway; proposing coding for
new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 604A.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [604A.45] LIMITED LIABILITY; BLOCKING A ROADWAY.
new text end

new text begin No pedestrian who obstructs a roadway in violation of section 609.74 or any other
applicable statute shall have a cause of action against the operator of a motor vehicle for
any injury, death, loss, or damage resulting from an act or omission by the operator of the
motor vehicle if:
new text end

new text begin (1) the injury, death, loss, or damage is caused by the operator's use of force with the
motor vehicle in order to retreat or escape from the pedestrian obstructing the roadway; and
new text end

new text begin (2) the operator reasonably believes that the operator or a passenger in the motor vehicle
is in immediate danger of imminent death, bodily injury, or serious bodily harm.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to causes
of action accruing on or after that date.
new text end