SF 492

1st Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to traffic regulations; prohibiting vehicles
from driving in the left-hand lane with exceptions;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2004, sections 169.18, by
adding a subdivision; 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, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 12. new text end

new text begin Restricted driving in the left lane. new text end

new text begin (a) Upon
all freeways, expressways, and controlled-access highways, as
defined in section 160.02, a vehicle is prohibited from driving
in the left-hand lane when available for traffic except:
new text end

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

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

new text begin (3) when a specific lane is designated and posted for a
specific type of traffic;
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 necessary to avoid traffic merging onto an
expressway, freeway, interstate highway, or other
controlled-access highway;
new text end

new text begin (6) when otherwise directed in a highway work zone, as
defined in section 169.14, subdivision 5d;
new text end

new text begin (7) when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer;
or
new text end

new text begin (8) 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. 2.

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 12.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of public safety shall encourage and
solicit public service announcements to educate the motoring
public about the requirements of section 1.
new text end