HF 2861

as introduced - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to drivers' licenses; prohibiting Department of Public Safety from
giving written examination for a driver's license in any language but English;
making clarifying changes; amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 171.13,
subdivision 1; repealing Minnesota Rules, part 7410.4740, item A.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 171.13, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Examination subjects and locations; new text begin English requirement;
new text end provisions for color blindness, disabled veterans.

new text begin (a) new text end Except as otherwise provided in
this section, the commissioner shall examine each applicant for a driver's license by such
agency as the commissioner directs. new text begin The commissioner may not give the examination in
any language other than English.
new text end

new text begin (b) new text end This examination must include a test of new text begin the new text end applicant's eyesight; ability to read
and understand highway signs regulating, warning, and directing traffic; knowledge of
traffic laws; knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drugs on a driver's ability to operate a
motor vehicle safely and legally, and of the legal penalties and financial consequences
resulting from violations of laws prohibiting the operation of a motor vehicle while under
the influence of alcohol or drugs; knowledge of railroad grade crossing safety; knowledge
of slow-moving vehicle safety; knowledge of traffic laws related to bicycles; deleted text begin an deleted text end new text begin and new text end actual
deleted text begin demonstration of deleted text end ability to new text begin demonstrate the new text end exercise new text begin of new text end ordinary and reasonable control in
the operation of a motor vehicle deleted text begin ; and deleted text end new text begin . This examination must include new text end other physical and
mental examinations as the commissioner finds necessary to determine the applicant's
fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways deleted text begin , provided, further deleted text end new text begin . new text end

new text begin (c) new text end However, deleted text begin no driver's license deleted text end new text begin the commissioner new text end shall deleted text begin be denied deleted text end new text begin not deny new text end an
applicant new text begin a driver's license new text end on the exclusive grounds that the applicant's eyesight is
deficient in color perception. deleted text begin Provided, however, that
deleted text end

new text begin (d) new text end War veterans operating motor vehicles especially equipped for handicapped
persons, deleted text begin shall, deleted text end if otherwise entitled to a new text begin driver's new text end license, new text begin must new text end be granted deleted text begin such deleted text end new text begin the new text end license.

new text begin (e) new text end The commissioner shall make provision for giving these examinations either in
the county where the applicant resides or at a place adjacent thereto reasonably convenient
to the applicant.

Sec. 2. new text begin REVISOR'S INSTRUCTION.
new text end

new text begin The revisor of statutes shall delete part 7410.4740, item A, from Minnesota Rules
and make other style and form changes necessitated by the deletion, including correcting
or deleting any relevant cross-references.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Rules, part 7410.4740, item A, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end