SF 6

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

A bill for an act
relating to traffic regulations; requiring vehicles to
be driven in right-hand lane with exceptions; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 169.18, subdivisions
7, 10; 171.13, by adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.18,
subdivision 7, is amended to read:

Subd. 7.

Laned highway.

When any roadway has been
divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the
following rules, in addition to all others consistent herewith,
shall apply:

(a) A vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable
entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from such
lane until the driver has first ascertained that such movement
can be made with safety.

(b) Upon a roadway which is not a one-way roadway and which
is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in
the center lane except when overtaking and passing another
vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and such center
lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in
preparation for a left turn or where such center lane is at the
time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction
the vehicle is proceeding, and is signposted to give notice of
such allocation. The left lane of a three-lane roadway which is
not a one-way roadway shall not be used for overtaking and
passing another vehicle.

(c) Official signs may be erected directing slow-moving
traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes
to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles
shall obey the directions of every such sign.

(d) Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a
roadway, any person operating a motor vehicle on such roadway
shall not drive in the bicycle lane except to park where parking
is permitted, to enter or leave the highway, or to prepare for a
turn as provided in section 169.19, subdivision 1.

new text begin (e) A vehicle must be driven in the right-hand lane
according to subdivision 10.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 169.18,
subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

deleted text begin slow-moving vehicle deleted text end new text begin vehicles driven in
right-hand lane new text end .

new text begin (a) new text end Upon all roadways deleted text begin any deleted text end new text begin , including freeways
and expressways as defined in section 160.02, a new text end vehicle
deleted text begin proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time
and place and under the conditions then existing shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end be
driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as
close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the
roadway, new text begin if safe and practicable to do so, new text end except new text begin :
new text end

new text begin (1) new text end when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding
in the same direction deleted text begin , or deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (2) new text end when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or
into a private road or driveway deleted text begin , or deleted text end new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (3) new text end when a specific lane is designated and posted for a
specific type of traffic new text begin ;
new text end

new text begin (4) when necessary to enter or exit an expressway, freeway,
interstate highway, or other controlled-access highway;
new text end

new text begin (5) when otherwise directed in a highway work zone, as
defined in section 169.14, subdivision 5d;
new text end

new text begin (6) when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer;
or
new text end

new text begin (7) when expressly allowed or required by other law new text end .

new text begin (b) The commissioner of transportation shall erect
appropriate signs on interstate highways and freeways to
instruct motorists concerning paragraph (a).
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2004, section 171.13, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 1i. new text end

new text begin Driver's manual; restricted driving in left
lane. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall include in each edition of the
driver's manual published by the department after August 1,
2005, instructions relating to the requirement to drive a motor
vehicle in the right-hand lane and the circumstances when a
driver is allowed to drive in the left-most lane of a multilane
highway under section 169.18, subdivision 10.
new text end