SF 3466

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 05/11/2018 08:51am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; modifying motorcycle operating requirements for
individuals possessing a two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.974, subdivision 2.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.974, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

License endorsement and permit requirements.

(a) No person shall operate
a motorcycle on any street or highway without having a valid driver's license with a
two-wheeled vehicle endorsement as provided by law. A person may operate an autocycle
without a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement, provided the person has a valid driver's license
issued under section 171.02.

(b) The commissioner of public safety shall issue a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement
only if the applicant (1) has in possession a valid two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit
as provided in paragraph (c), (2) has passed a written examination and road test administered
by the Department of Public Safety for the endorsement, and (3) in the case of applicants
under 18 years of age, presents a certificate or other evidence of having successfully
completed an approved two-wheeled vehicle driver's safety course in this or another state,
in accordance with rules adopted by the commissioner of public safety for courses offered
by a public, private, or commercial school or institute. The commissioner of public safety
may waive the road test for any applicant on determining that the applicant possesses a valid
license to operate a two-wheeled vehicle issued by a jurisdiction that requires a comparable
road test for license issuance.

(c) The commissioner of public safety shall issue a two-wheeled vehicle instruction
permit to any person over 16 years of age who (1) is in possession of a valid driver's license,
(2) is enrolled in an approved two-wheeled vehicle driver's safety course, and (3) has passed
a written examination for the permit and paid a fee prescribed by the commissioner of public
safety. A two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit is effective for one year and may be
renewed under rules prescribed by the commissioner of public safety.

(d) No person who is operating by virtue of a two-wheeled vehicle instruction permit
shall:

(1) carry any passengers on the streets and highways of this state on the motorcycle
while the person is operating the motorcycle;

(2) drive the motorcycle at night; or

(3) drive the motorcycle on any highway marked as an interstate highway pursuant to
title 23 of the United States Code; or

(4) (3) drive the motorcycle without wearing protective headgear that complies with
standards established by the commissioner of public safety.

(e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) to (d), the commissioner of public safety may issue
a special motorcycle permit, restricted or qualified as the commissioner of public safety
deems proper, to any person demonstrating a need for the permit and unable to qualify for
a driver's license.