HF 1796

as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 04/22/2013 11:58am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; traffic regulations; modifying speed limits in work
zones; amending Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.14, subdivision 5d.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 169.14, subdivision 5d, is amended to read:

Subd. 5d.

Speed zoning in work zone; surcharge.

(a) The commissioner, on trunk
highways and temporary trunk highways, and local authorities, on streets and highways
under their jurisdiction, deleted text begin may authorize the use of reduced deleted text end new text begin shall reduce the new text end maximum speed
limits in highway work zones. The commissioner or local authority is not required to
conduct an engineering and traffic investigation before authorizing a reduced speed limit
in a highway work zone.

(b) deleted text begin The minimum highway work zone speed limit is 20 miles per hour. deleted text end The work
zone speed limit must deleted text begin not reduce deleted text end new text begin be 15 miles per hour less than new text end the established speed limit
on the affected street or highway deleted text begin by more than 15 miles per hour, except that the highway
work zone speed limit must not exceed 40 miles per hour deleted text end new text begin , except that the minimum
highway work zone speed limit is 20 miles per hour new text end . The commissioner or local authority
shall post the limits of the work zone. Highway work zone speed limits are effective
on erection of appropriate regulatory speed limit signs. The signs must be removed or
covered when they are not required. A speed greater than the posted highway work zone
speed limit is unlawful.

deleted text begin (c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), on divided highways the commissioner or local
authority may establish a highway work zone speed limit that does not exceed 55 miles
per hour.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), on two-lane highways having one lane for
each direction of travel with a posted speed limit of 60 miles per hour or greater, the
commissioner or local authority may establish a highway work zone speed limit that
does not exceed 40 miles per hour.
deleted text end

deleted text begin (e) deleted text end new text begin (c) new text end For purposes of this subdivision, "highway work zone" means a segment of
highway or street where a road authority or its agent is constructing, reconstructing, or
maintaining the physical structure of the roadway, its shoulders, or features adjacent to
the roadway, including underground and overhead utilities and highway appurtenances,
when workers are present.

deleted text begin (f) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Notwithstanding section 609.0331 or 609.101 or other law to the contrary, a
person who violates a speed limit established under this subdivision, or who violates any
other provision of this section while in a highway work zone, is assessed an additional
surcharge equal to the amount of the fine imposed for the speed violation, but not less
than $25.