SF 620

1st Engrossment - 91st Legislature (2019 - 2020) Posted on 08/29/2019 11:31am

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; allowing an increase in speed for passing on multilane
roads; prohibiting vehicles from driving in the left-most lane on multilane roads;
providing a penalty; requiring a public awareness campaign; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2018, sections 169.14, subdivision 2a; 169.18, subdivision 1; repealing
Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.18, subdivision 10.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.14, subdivision 2a, is amended to read:

Subd. 2a.

Increased speed limit when passing.

new text begin (a) new text end Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the
speed limit is increased by ten miles per hour over the posted speed limit when the driver:

(1) is on a two-lane highway having one lane for each direction of travel;

(2) is on a highway with a posted speed limit that is equal to or higher than 55 miles per
hour;

(3) is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction of travel;
and

(4) meets the requirements in section 169.18.

new text begin (b) Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the speed limit is increased by five miles per hour
over the posted speed limit when the driver:
new text end

new text begin (1) is on a highway having two or more lanes for each direction of travel;
new text end

new text begin (2) is on a highway with a posted speed limit that is equal to or higher than 55 miles per
hour;
new text end

new text begin (3) is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction of travel;
and
new text end

new text begin (4) meets the requirements in section 169.18.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.18, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Keep to the right.

new text begin (a) new text end Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle
shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under
the rules governing such movement;

(2) when the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or
repair;

(3) upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable
thereon;

(4) upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic as a one-way roadway;

(5) as necessary to comply with subdivision 11 when approaching an authorized
emergency vehicle parked or stopped on the roadway; or

(6) as necessary to comply with subdivision 12 when approaching a road maintenance
or construction vehicle parked or stopped on the roadway.

new text begin (b) Upon a roadway with two or more lanes in the same direction, a person must not
drive a vehicle in the left-most lane if another vehicle is immediately behind the first vehicle,
except if:
new text end

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

new text begin (2) the vehicle is preparing to turn left at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;
new text end

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

new text begin (4) the vehicle is preparing to exit a controlled-access highway by using an exit on the
left side of the road or the vehicle is entering a controlled-access highway by using an
on-ramp that enters on the left side of the road;
new text end

new text begin (5) when traffic conditions, congestion, inclement weather, or hazards make it impractical;
new text end

new text begin (6) the vehicle is a law enforcement vehicle, ambulance, or other emergency vehicle
engaged in official duties; or
new text end

new text begin (7) the vehicle is engaged in highway maintenance or construction operations.
new text end

new text begin If a person is driving a vehicle in the left-most lane to overtake or pass a vehicle as provided
in clause (1) and another vehicle approaches the first vehicle in the same lane from behind,
the first vehicle must exit the left-most lane as soon as possible.
new text end

new text begin (c) A person who violates this subdivision must pay a fine of not less than $100.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of public safety must conduct a public awareness campaign to inform
the public about the prohibition on driving in the left-most lane, as provided in Minnesota
Statutes, section 169.18, subdivision 1.
new text end

Sec. 4. new text begin REPEALER.
new text end

new text begin Minnesota Statutes 2018, section 169.18, subdivision 10, new text end new text begin is repealed.
new text end

APPENDIX

Repealed Minnesota Statutes: S0620-1

169.18 DRIVING RULES.

Subd. 10.

Slow-moving vehicle.

Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall 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, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction, or when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, or when a specific lane is designated and posted for a specific type of traffic.