HF 1178

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to traffic regulations; requiring driver's license endorsement to operate
three-wheeled motorcycle; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.974,
subdivision 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 169.974, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

License endorsement and permit requirements.

(a) No person shall
operate a new text begin two-wheeled new text end motorcycle on any street or highway without having a valid
standard driver's license with a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement as provided by law. The
commissioner of public safety shall issue a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement only if the
applicant (1) has in possession a valid two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit as provided
in paragraph deleted text begin (b) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end , (2) has passed a written examination and road test administered by
the Department of Public Safety for the endorsement, and (3) in the case of applicants
under 18 years of age, presents a certificate or other evidence of having successfully
completed an approved two-wheeled vehicle driver's safety course in this or another state,
in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner of public safety for courses offered
by a public, private, or commercial school or institute. The commissioner of public safety
may waive the road test for any applicant on determining that the applicant possesses a
valid license to operate a two-wheeled vehicle issued by a jurisdiction that requires a
comparable road test for license issuance.

(b) new text begin No person shall operate a three-wheeled motorcycle on any street or highway
without having a valid standard driver's license with a three-wheeled vehicle restriction
or two-wheeled vehicle endorsement. The commissioner of public safety shall issue
a three-wheeled vehicle restriction only if the applicant (1) has in possession a valid
two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit as provided in paragraph (c), (2) has passed a
written examination and road test administered by the Department of Public Safety
for the restriction, and (3) in the case of applicants under 18 years of age, presents a
certificate or other evidence of having successfully completed an approved two-wheeled
or three-wheeled vehicle driver's safety course in this or another state, in accordance
with rules adopted by the commissioner of public safety for courses offered by a public,
private, or commercial school or institute. The commissioner of public safety may waive
the road test for any applicant on determining that the applicant possesses a valid license
to operate a three-wheeled vehicle issued by a jurisdiction that requires a comparable road
test for license issuance.
new text end

new text begin (c) new text end The commissioner of public safety shall issue a two-wheeled vehicle instruction
permit to any person over 16 years of age who (1) is in possession of a valid driver's
license, (2) is enrolled in an approved two-wheeled vehicle driver's safety course, and
(3) has passed a written examination for the permit and paid a fee prescribed by the
commissioner of public safety. A two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit is effective for
one year and may be renewed under rules prescribed by the commissioner of public safety.

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end No person who is operating by virtue of a two-wheeled vehicle instruction
permit shall:

(1) carry any passengers on the streets and highways of this state on the motorcycle
while the person is operating the motorcycle;

(2) drive the motorcycle at night;

(3) drive the motorcycle on any highway marked as an interstate highway pursuant
to title 23 of the United States Code; or

(4) drive the motorcycle without wearing protective headgear that complies with
standards established by the commissioner of public safety.

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end Notwithstanding paragraph (a), (b), deleted text begin or deleted text end (c), new text begin or (d), new text end the commissioner of public
safety may issue a special motorcycle permit, restricted or qualified as the commissioner
of public safety deems proper, to any person demonstrating a need for the permit and
unable to qualify for a standard driver's license.