SF 246

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 01/20/2017 08:54am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; prohibiting school bus stops in right-turn lanes except
under specified conditions; requiring use of prewarning amber signals, flashing
red signals, and stop-signal arms when stopping in right-turn lanes; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.443, subdivision 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.443, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Use of stop-signal arm.

(a) The stop-signal arm system of a school bus must
be used in conjunction with the flashing red signals only when the school bus is stopped on
a street or highway to load or unload school children.

(b) A local authority, including the governing body of an Indian tribe, may by ordinance
require that a school bus activate the stop-signal arm system and flashing red signals while
stopped to unload school children at a location other than a location on a street or highway.
The ordinance must designate each location where the requirement is imposed. The
requirement is effective only if the local authority has erected signs at or near the location
to provide adequate notice that other vehicles are required to obey section 169.444,
subdivision 1, when those signals are activated.

new text begin (c) A school bus driver is prohibited from loading or unloading passengers in a designated
right-turn lane or in a lane immediately adjacent to a designated right-turn lane unless:
new text end

new text begin (1) a school bus stop designated by the district transportation safety director is located
in the right-turn lane;
new text end

new text begin (2) the driver stops the bus at the extreme right side of the lane; and
new text end

new text begin (3) the driver activates the prewarning flashing amber signals, flashing red signals, and
stop-arm signal, unless the school board or its designee, based on safety considerations, has
directed the driver not to do so in writing.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2017.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin RULE CHANGE.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of public safety must amend Minnesota Rules, part 7470.1000, subpart
2, so that it is consistent with section 1, using the good cause procedure under Minnesota
Statutes, section 14.388.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day following final enactment.
new text end