SF 4417

as introduced - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 03/17/2020 02:11pm

A bill for an act
relating to motor vehicles; amending driver's license examination procedures for
individuals with seizure disorders; allowing a person without a driver's license to
operate off-road vehicles on roads; authorizing rulemaking; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2018, sections 169.223, subdivision 2; 171.13, by adding a subdivision;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 84; repealing
Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 171.02, subdivision 3.

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

Section 1.

new text begin [84.765] CROSSING ROADS; DRIVER'S LICENSE EXCEPTION.
new text end

new text begin Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a person 16 years of age or older that is
operating an off-highway vehicle, off-highway motorcycle, off-road vehicle, snowmobile,
or all-terrain vehicle is not required to have a driver's license to cross over a public road or
public road right-of-way. This section applies outside of the metropolitan area as defined
in section 473.121, subdivision 2.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.223, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

License or permit.

(a) A motorized bicycle may be operated deleted text begin under either a
driver's license or a motorized bicycle permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision 3 deleted text end new text begin
by any person 15 years of age or older and who has successfully completed an approved
safety course and passed the written portion of the examination prescribed by the
commissioner new text end .

(b) A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized bicycle deleted text begin under a motorized bicycle
permit deleted text end is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation
of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit, except that:

(1) a parent or guardian of an operator under the age of 16 may also ride on the motorized
bicycle as a passenger or operator if the motorized bicycle is equipped with a seat and
footrests for a second passenger;

(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements
of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;

(3) protective headgear includes headgear described in subdivision 1; and

(4) protective headgear is required only until the operator reaches the age of 18 years.

new text begin (c) The safety course required by paragraph (a) must consist of but is not limited to a
basic understanding of:
new text end

new text begin (1) motorized bicycles and their limitations;
new text end

new text begin (2) motorized bicycle laws and rules;
new text end

new text begin (3) safe operating practices and basic operating techniques;
new text end

new text begin (4) helmets and protective clothing;
new text end

new text begin (5) motorized bicycle traffic strategies; and
new text end

new text begin (6) effects of alcohol and drugs on motorized bicycle operators.
new text end

new text begin (d) The commissioner may adopt rules prescribing the content of the safety course and
the written examination.
new text end

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 171.13, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 3a. new text end

new text begin Seizure disorders. new text end

new text begin (a) A person with a seizure disorder is not subject to
examination as provided in subdivision 3, if the applicant:
new text end

new text begin (1) has not sustained a seizure involving a loss of consciousness in the waking state
within six months preceding the application; and
new text end

new text begin (2) can demonstrate the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle by:
new text end

new text begin (i) submitting a certification signed by a person licensed to practice medicine in this
state stating that the applicant's seizures are controlled; or
new text end

new text begin (ii) demonstrating the ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation
of a motor vehicle by completing a road test and demonstrating a safe driving history to the
satisfaction of the commissioner.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner must not require a person with a seizure disorder to take medication
as a requirement for obtaining a driver's license.
new text end

new text begin (c) A person with a seizure disorder, who is refused a driver's license or whose license
is canceled pursuant to subdivision 3, may file a petition to have the decision reviewed
pursuant to section 171.19.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin RULEMAKING.
new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of public safety may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of
this act.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner of public safety must amend Minnesota Rules, part 7410.2500,
to comply with the requirements of this act.
new text end

Sec. 5. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 171.02, subdivision 3, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: 20-8020

171.02 LICENSES; TYPES, ENDORSEMENTS, RESTRICTIONS.

Subd. 3.

Motorized bicycle.

(a) A motorized bicycle may not be operated on any public roadway by any person who does not possess a valid driver's license, unless the person has obtained a motorized bicycle operator's permit or motorized bicycle instruction permit from the commissioner of public safety. The operator's permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15 years and who has passed the examination prescribed by the commissioner. The instruction permit may be issued to any person who has attained the age of 15 years and who has successfully completed an approved safety course and passed the written portion of the examination prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) This course must consist of, but is not limited to, a basic understanding of:

(1) motorized bicycles and their limitations;

(2) motorized bicycle laws and rules;

(3) safe operating practices and basic operating techniques;

(4) helmets and protective clothing;

(5) motorized bicycle traffic strategies; and

(6) effects of alcohol and drugs on motorized bicycle operators.

(c) The commissioner may adopt rules prescribing the content of the safety course, examination, and the information to be contained on the permits. A person operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit.

(d) The fees for motorized bicycle operator's permits are as follows:

(1)	Motorized bicycle operator's permit before age 21 and valid until age 21	$	9.75
(2)	Renewal permit age 21 or older and valid for four years	$	15.75
(3)	Duplicate of any renewal permit	$	5.25
(4)	Written examination and instruction permit, valid for 30 days	$	6.75