HF 1804

as introduced - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 03/03/2025 02:45pm

A bill for an act
relating to transportation; modifying various requirements governing active
transportation; modifying electric-assisted bicycle rebate eligibility and amount;
authorizing rulemaking; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 169.011,
subdivision 20; 169.14, subdivision 2; 169.21, subdivisions 2, 3; 169.222,
subdivision 4a; 169.34, subdivision 1; 289A.51, subdivisions 3, 4.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.011, subdivision 20, is amended to read:

Subd. 20.

Crosswalk.

new text begin (a) new text end "Crosswalk" means new text begin any of the following:
new text end

(1) that portion of a roadway new text begin or shoulder new text end ordinarily included with the prolongation or
connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks at intersections;

new text begin (2) that portion of a roadway or shoulder that is (i) between opposite corners where a
sidewalk is not established at either corner, (ii) adjoining the intersection, and (iii) six feet
wide;
new text end

new text begin (3) that portion of a roadway or shoulder that is not at an intersection and is designed
or used as a crossing for a (i) bikeway, or (ii) public trail or path available for use by
pedestrians or other nonmotorized users; and
new text end

deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (4) new text end any portion of a roadway new text begin or shoulder new text end distinctly indicated for deleted text begin pedestrian deleted text end crossing
by new text begin pedestrians or other nonmotorized users by new text end lines or other markings on the surface.

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "opposite corners" means two corners or similar
locations at an intersection in which the shortest path between them is generally transverse
to the flow of traffic on the intervening roadway.
new text end

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.14, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Speed limits.

(a) Where no special hazard exists the following speeds shall be
lawful, but any speeds in excess of such limits shall be prima facie evidence that the speed
is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful; except that the speed limit within any
municipality shall be a maximum limit and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful:

(1) 30 miles per hour in an urban district;

(2) 65 miles per hour on noninterstate expressways, as defined in section 160.02,
subdivision 18b, and noninterstate freeways, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 19;

(3) 55 miles per hour in locations other than those specified in this section;

(4) 70 miles per hour on interstate highways outside the limits of any urbanized area
with a population of greater than 50,000 as defined by order of the commissioner of
transportation;

(5) 65 miles per hour on interstate highways inside the limits of any urbanized area with
a population of greater than 50,000 as defined by order of the commissioner of transportation;

(6) ten miles per hour in alleys;

(7) 25 miles per hour in residential roadways if adopted by the road authority having
jurisdiction over the residential roadway; deleted text begin and
deleted text end

(8) 35 miles per hour in a rural residential district if adopted by the road authority having
jurisdiction over the rural residential district new text begin ; and
new text end

new text begin (9) 15 miles per hour in a school zone, as defined in subdivision 5a, paragraph (c) new text end .

(b) A speed limit adopted under paragraph (a), clause (7), is not effective unless the road
authority has erected signs designating the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end
of the residential roadway on which the speed limit applies.

(c) A speed limit adopted under paragraph (a), clause (8), is not effective unless the road
authority has erected signs designating the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end
of the rural residential district for the roadway on which the speed limit applies.

new text begin (d) A speed limit under paragraph (a), clause (9), is effective following erection of signs
designating the speed limit. A road authority must erect signs designating the speed limit
as provided under paragraph (a), clause (9), no later than in the normal course of speed limit
sign replacement, unless a speed limit is otherwise established under subdivision 4, 5, or
5a.
new text end

deleted text begin (d) deleted text end new text begin (e) new text end Notwithstanding section 609.0331 or 609.101 or other law to the contrary, a
person who violates a speed limit established in this subdivision, or a speed limit designated
on an appropriate sign under subdivision 4, 5, 5b, 5c, or 5e, by driving 20 miles per hour
or more in excess of the applicable speed limit, is assessed an additional surcharge equal
to the amount of the fine imposed for the speed violation, but not less than $25.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.21, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Rights in absence of signal.

(a) Where traffic-control signals are not in place
or in operation, the driver of a vehicle deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian
crossing the roadway within a deleted text begin marked deleted text end crosswalk deleted text begin or at an intersection with no marked
crosswalk deleted text end . The driver must remain stopped until the pedestrian has passed the lane in which
the vehicle is stopped. deleted text begin No deleted text end new text begin A new text end pedestrian deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must not new text end suddenly leave a curb or other place
of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle deleted text begin which deleted text end new text begin that new text end is so close that it is impossible
for the driver to yield. This provision deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin does new text end not apply under the conditions as otherwise
provided in this subdivision.

(b) When any vehicle is stopped at a deleted text begin marked deleted text end crosswalk deleted text begin or at an intersection with no
marked crosswalk deleted text end to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle
approaching from the rear deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle through a column of school
children crossing a street or highway or past a member of a school safety patrol or adult
crossing guard, while the member of the school safety patrol or adult crossing guard is
directing the movement of children across a street or highway and while the school safety
patrol member or adult crossing guard is holding an official signal in the stop position. A
peace officer may arrest the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause
to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of this paragraph within the
past four hours.

(d) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who
violates this subdivision a second or subsequent time within one year of a previous conviction
under this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to crimes
committed on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.21, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Crossing between intersections.

(a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at
any point other than within a deleted text begin marked deleted text end crosswalk deleted text begin or at an intersection with no marked
crosswalk shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead
pedestrian crossing has been provided deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin must new text end yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon
the roadway.

(c) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation
deleted text begin pedestrians shall deleted text end new text begin , a pedestrian must new text end not cross at any place except in a deleted text begin marked deleted text end crosswalk.

(d) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section every driver of a vehicle deleted text begin shall deleted text end new text begin
must new text end (1) exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicycle or pedestrian upon any roadway
and (2) give an audible signal when necessary and exercise proper precaution upon observing
any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective August 1, 2025, and applies to violations
committed on or after that date.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.222, subdivision 4a, is amended to read:

Subd. 4a.

Stopping requirements.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, "in the vicinity"
means located in an intersection or approaching an intersection in a manner that constitutes
a hazard of collision during the time that a bicycle operator would occupy the intersection.

(b) A bicycle operator who approaches a stop sign must slow to a speed that allows for
stopping before entering the intersection or the nearest crosswalk. Notwithstanding
subdivision 1 and section 169.06, subdivision 4, if there is not a vehicle in the vicinity, the
operator may make a turn or proceed through the intersection new text begin or crossing new text end without stopping.

new text begin (c) A bicycle operator who approaches a traffic-control signal with a steady red indication,
including a circular red signal or red arrow signal, must slow to a speed that allows for
stopping before entering the intersection or the nearest crosswalk. Notwithstanding
subdivision 1 and section 169.06, subdivision 5, if there is not a vehicle in the vicinity, the
operator:
new text end

new text begin (1) may make a right-hand turn, or a left-hand turn onto a one-way roadway, without
stopping; and
new text end

new text begin (2) must otherwise perform a complete stop and then may make a turn or proceed through
the intersection or crossing before the traffic-control signal indication changes to green.
new text end

deleted text begin (c) deleted text end new text begin (d) new text end Nothing in this subdivision alters the right-of-way requirements under section
169.20. The provisions under this subdivision do not apply when traffic is controlled by a
peace officer or a person authorized to control traffic under section 169.06.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 169.34, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Prohibitions.

(a) A person must not stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except
when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of
a police officer or traffic-control device, in any of the following places:

(1) on a sidewalk;

(2) in front of a public or private driveway;

(3) within an intersection;

(4) within ten feet of a fire hydrant;

(5) on a crosswalk;

(6) within 20 feet of a crosswalk deleted text begin at an intersection deleted text end ;

(7) within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic-control
signal located at the side of a roadway;

(8) within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;

(9) within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street
opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of said entrance when properly
signposted;

(10) alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when such stopping,
standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;

(11) on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;

(12) upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway
tunnel, except as otherwise provided by ordinance;

(13) within a bicycle lane, except when posted signs permit parking; or

(14) at any place where official signs prohibit stopping.

(b) A person must not move a vehicle not owned by the person into any prohibited area
or away from a curb such distance as is unlawful.

(c) A person must not, for camping purposes, leave or park a travel trailer on or within
the limits of any highway or on any highway right-of-way, except where signs are erected
designating the place as a campsite.

(d) A person must not stop or park a vehicle on a street or highway when directed or
ordered to proceed by any peace officer invested by law with authority to direct, control,
or regulate traffic.

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 289A.51, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Amount of rebate.

(a) The amount of a rebate under this section equals the
lesser of:

(1) deleted text begin the applicable percentage, multiplied by the amount deleted text end new text begin 75 percent new text end of eligible expenses
paid by an eligible individual; or

(2) deleted text begin $1,500 deleted text end new text begin $750 new text end .

deleted text begin (b) The applicable percentage equals 75 percent, but is reduced by one percentage point
until the percentage equals 50 percent, for each $4,000 of the eligible individual's adjusted
gross income in excess of:
deleted text end

deleted text begin (1) $50,000 for a married taxpayer filing a joint return; and
deleted text end

deleted text begin (2) $25,000 for all other filers.
deleted text end

new text begin (b) Eligibility for a rebate under this section is limited to eligible individuals with adjusted
gross incomes that were not more than:
new text end

new text begin (1) $78,000 in the case of a married eligible individual who filed a joint return; or
new text end

new text begin (2) $41,000 for all other individuals.
new text end

(c) For the purposes of determining the deleted text begin applicable percentage deleted text end new text begin income limit new text end under
paragraph (b) deleted text begin and subdivision 4, paragraph (a) deleted text end , the commissioner must use the eligible
individual's adjusted gross income for the taxable year ending in the calendar year prior to
the year in which the individual applied for a rebate certificate.

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for rebates after December 31, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 289A.51, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Commissioner to issue rebate certificates.

(a) To qualify for a rebate under
this section, an eligible individual must apply to the commissioner for a rebate certificate
in the manner specified by the commissioner prior to purchasing an electric-assisted bicycle.
As part of the application, the eligible individual must include proof of the individual's
adjusted gross income for the taxable year specified in subdivision 3, paragraph (c). The
commissioner must issue a rebate certificate to an eligible individual stating the issuance
date, the applicable percentage, and the maximum rebate for which the taxpayer is eligible.
For a married taxpayer filing a joint return, each spouse may apply to the commissioner
separately, and the commissioner must issue each spouse a separate rebate certificate.

(b) The commissioner of revenue may determine the date on which to open applications
for a rebate certificate, and applications must not be submitted before the date determined
by the commissioner. Beginning July 1, 2024, and July 1 of each subsequent calendar year
for which there is an allocation of rebate certificates, the commissioner must allocate rebate
certificates deleted text begin on a first-come, first-served basis. The commissioner must reserve 40 percent
of the certificates for a married taxpayer filing a joint return with an adjusted gross income
of less than $78,000 or any other filer with an adjusted gross income of less than $41,000.
Any portion of the reserved amount under this paragraph that is not allocated by September
30 is available for allocation to other rebate certificate applications beginning on October
1. deleted text end new text begin to eligible applicants. If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available allocation
of rebate certificates, the commissioner must allocate certificates through a random lottery.
new text end

(c) The commissioner must not issue rebate certificates totaling more than $2,000,000
in each of calendar years 2024 and 2025, except any amount authorized but not allocated
in any calendar year does not cancel and is added to the allocation for the next calendar
year. When calculating the amount of remaining allocations, the commissioner must assume
that each allocated but unclaimed certificate reduces the available allocations by $1,500.

(d) A rebate certificate that is not assigned to a retailer expires two months after the date
the certificate was issued and may not be assigned to a retailer after expiration. The amount
of any expired rebate certificates is added to the available allocation under paragraph (c).

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for rebates after December 31, 2024.
new text end

Sec. 9. new text begin RULEMAKING; LANE WIDTH DESIGN STANDARDS.
new text end

new text begin (a) By February 15, 2027, the commissioner of transportation must amend Minnesota
Rules, part 8820.9936, for new or reconstruction projects for urban roadways without a
designated on-road bicycle facility, to establish a minimum lane width of nine to ten feet
on any road with a design speed of less than 35 miles per hour, regardless of projected traffic
volume.
new text end

new text begin (b) The commissioner may use the good-cause exemption under Minnesota Statutes,
section 14.388, subdivision 1, clause (3), to adopt rules under this section, and Minnesota
Statutes, section 14.386, does not apply except as provided 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