Office of the Revisor of Statutes
Minnesota Session Laws - 1993, Regular Session
Key: (1) language to be deleted (2) new language
Laws of Minnesota 1993
CHAPTER 187-H.F.No. 735
An act relating to highway traffic regulations;
implements of husbandry; defining implements of
husbandry; exempting trailers that carry dry
fertilizer from vehicle registration tax; reducing the
maximum speed limit for implements of husbandry to 25
miles per hour; clarifying the use of slow-moving
vehicle emblem for implements of husbandry; requiring
hazard warning lights on implements of husbandry;
regulating brakes on implements of husbandry; imposing
certain size and weight restrictions; requiring
slow-moving vehicle safety to be included in driver
examinations and driver education courses; amending
Minnesota Statutes 1992, sections 168.012, subdivision
2b; 169.01, subdivision 55; 169.145; 169.18,
subdivision 5; 169.47; 169.522, subdivision 1; 169.55,
subdivision 2, and by adding a subdivision; 169.64,
subdivision 6; 169.67, subdivisions 3, 4, and by
adding a subdivision; 169.72, subdivision 1; 169.781,
subdivision 3; 169.80, subdivisions 1 and 2; 169.82;
169.86, subdivision 5; and 171.13, subdivision 1, and
by adding a subdivision; proposing coding for new law
in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 168.012,
subdivision 2b, is amended to read:
Subd. 2b. A trailer used exclusively to carry liquid or
dry fertilizer for use on a farm shall not be taxed as a motor
vehicle using the public streets and highways and shall be
exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.01,
subdivision 55, is amended to read:
Subd. 55. [IMPLEMENT OF HUSBANDRY.] (a) "Implement of
husbandry" means every vehicle, including a farm tractor and
farm wagon, designed and or adapted exclusively for
agricultural, horticultural, or livestock-raising operations or
for lifting or carrying an implement of husbandry and in either
case not subject to registration if used upon the highways.
(b) A towed vehicle meeting the description in paragraph
(a) that is not required to be registered is an implement of
husbandry without regard to whether the vehicle is towed by an
implement of husbandry or by a registered motor vehicle.
Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.145, is
amended to read:
169.145 [IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY; SPEED; PENALTY.]
No person shall may:
(1) drive a self-propelled or tow an implement of
husbandry, nor shall any person tow a self-propelled implement
of husbandry, nor shall any person that exceeds 6,000 pounds
registered gross weight or gross vehicle weight and is not
equipped with brakes; or
(2) tow a vehicle registered as a farm trailer that exceeds
6,000 pounds registered gross weight or gross vehicle weight and
is not equipped with brakes and exceeding 6,000 pounds, at a
speed in excess of 30 25 miles per hour. Violation of this
section is a misdemeanor.
Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.18,
subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. [DRIVING LEFT OF ROADWAY CENTER.] (a) No vehicle
shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in
overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free
of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit
such overtaking and passing to be completely made without
interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching
from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every
event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side
of the roadway before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle
approaching from the opposite direction;
(b) Except on a one-way roadway or as provided in paragraph
(c), no vehicle shall, in overtaking and passing another vehicle
or at any other time, be driven to the left half of the roadway
under the following conditions:
(1) When approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve
in the highway where the driver's view along the highway is
obstructed within a distance of 700 feet;
(2) When approaching within 100 feet of any underpass or
tunnel, or railroad grade crossing, or when approaching within
100 feet of or traversing any intersection within a city or
without if so posted;
(3) Where official signs are in place prohibiting passing,
or a distinctive center line is marked, which distinctive line
also so prohibits passing, as declared in the manual of
traffic-control devices adopted by the commissioner.
(c) Paragraph (b) does not apply to a self-propelled or
towed implement of husbandry that (1) is escorted at the front
by a registered motor vehicle that is displaying vehicular
hazard warning lights visible to the front and rear in normal
sunlight, and (2) does not extend into the left half of the
roadway to any greater extent than made necessary by the total
width of the right half of the roadway together with any
adjacent shoulder that is suitable for travel.
Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.47, is
amended to read:
169.47 [UNSAFE EQUIPMENT.]
Subdivision 1. [MISDEMEANOR.] (a) It is unlawful and
punishable as hereinafter provided for any person to drive or
for the owner to cause or knowingly permit to be driven on any
highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles which is in such
unsafe condition as to endanger any person, or which does not
contain those parts or is not at all times equipped with such
lamps and other equipment in proper condition and adjustment as
required in this chapter, or which is equipped in any manner in
violation of this chapter, or for any person to do any act
forbidden or fail to perform any act required under this chapter.
(b) The provisions of this chapter with respect to
equipment on vehicles shall do not apply to implements of
husbandry, road machinery, or road rollers, or farm tractors,
except as herein made applicable otherwise provided in this
chapter.
(c) For purposes of this section, a specialized vehicle
resembling a low-slung two-wheel trailer having a short bed or
platform shall be deemed to be an implement of husbandry when
such vehicle is used exclusively to transport implements of
husbandry, provided, however, that no such vehicle shall operate
on the highway before sunrise or after sunset unless proper
lighting is affixed to the implement being drawn.
Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.522,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. [DISPLAYING EMBLEM; RULES.] (a) All
animal-drawn vehicles, motorized golf carts when operated on
designated roadways pursuant to section 169.045, implements of
husbandry with load, and other machinery, including all road
construction machinery, which are designed for operation at a
speed of 25 miles per hour or less shall display a triangular
slow-moving vehicle emblem, except (1) when being used in actual
construction and maintenance work and traveling within the
limits of a construction area which is marked in accordance with
requirements of the manual of uniform traffic control devices,
as set forth in section 169.06, or (2) for a towed implement of
husbandry that is empty and that is not self-propelled, in which
case it may be towed at lawful speeds greater than 25 miles per
hour without removing the slow-moving vehicle emblem. The
emblem shall consist of a fluorescent yellow-orange triangle
with a dark red reflective border and be mounted so as to be
visible from a distance of not less than 600 feet to the rear.
When a primary power unit towing an implement of husbandry or
other machinery displays a slow-moving vehicle emblem visible
from a distance of 600 feet to the rear, it shall not be
necessary to display a similar emblem on the secondary unit.
After January 1, 1975, all slow-moving vehicle emblems sold in
this state shall be so designed that when properly mounted they
are visible from a distance of not less than 600 feet to the
rear when directly in front of lawful lower beam of head lamps
on a motor vehicle. The commissioner of public safety shall
adopt standards and specifications for the design and position
of mounting the slow-moving vehicle emblem. Such standards and
specifications shall be adopted by rule in accordance with the
administrative procedure act. A violation of this section shall
not be admissible evidence in any civil cause of action arising
prior to January 1, 1970.
(b) An alternate slow-moving vehicle emblem consisting of a
dull black triangle with a white reflective border may be used
after obtaining a permit from the commissioner under rules of
the commissioner. A person with a permit to use an alternate
slow-moving vehicle emblem must:
(1) carry in the vehicle a regular slow-moving vehicle
emblem and display the emblem when operating a vehicle between
sunset and sunrise, and at any other time when visibility is
impaired by weather, smoke, fog, or other conditions; and
(2) permanently affix to the rear of the slow-moving
vehicle at least 72 square inches of reflective tape that
reflects the color red.
Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.55,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. [FARM VEHICLES IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY.] At the
times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required,:
(1) every farm tractor and self-propelled unit of farm
equipment shall implement of husbandry must be equipped with at
least one lamp displaying a white or amber light to the front,
and at least one lamp displaying a red light to the rear;
(2) every self-propelled unit of farm equipment
shall implement of husbandry must also display two red
reflectors visible to the rear;
(3) every combination of a self-propelled and towed unit of
farm equipment shall implement of husbandry must be equipped
with at least one lamp mounted to indicate as nearly as
practicable the extreme left projection of the combination and
displaying a white or amber light to the front and a red or
amber light to the rear of the self-propelled implement of
husbandry; and
(4) the last unit of every combination of farm equipment
shall implements of husbandry must display two red reflectors
visible to the rear.
The reflectors shall must be of the type approved for use
upon commercial vehicles. The reflectors shall must be mounted
as close as practicable to the extreme edges of the unit of farm
equipment and implement of husbandry. The reflectors shall must
be reflex reflectors that shall be are visible at night from all
distances within 600 feet to 100 feet when directly in front of
lawful lower beams of headlamps.
Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.55, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 3. [IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY; HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS.]
No person may operate a self-propelled implement of husbandry
manufactured after January 1, 1970, on a highway unless the
implement of husbandry displays vehicular hazard warning lights
visible to the front and rear in normal sunlight.
Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.64,
subdivision 6, is amended to read:
Subd. 6. [FLASHING AMBER LIGHT ON SERVICE VEHICLE, SNOW
REMOVAL EQUIPMENT, IMPLEMENT OF HUSBANDRY.] (a) Any service
vehicle or self-propelled unit of farm equipment except a farm
tractor may be equipped with a flashing amber lamp of a type
approved by the commissioner of public safety.
(1) (b) A service vehicle shall not display the lighted
lamp authorized under paragraph (a) when traveling upon the
highway or at any other time except at the scene of a disabled
vehicle or while engaged in snow removal or road maintenance.
(2) (c) A self-propelled unit of farm equipment implement
of husbandry may display the lighted lamp authorized under
paragraph (a) at any time.
Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.67,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. [TRAILERS, SEMITRAILERS, TANK TRAILERS.] Every
trailer, semitrailer, or other vehicle with a gross weight that
is 3,000 pounds or more or exceeds the empty weight of the
towing vehicle, when drawn or pulled upon a highway, shall be
equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to
stop and to hold such vehicle, and so designed as to be applied
by the driver of a towing motor vehicle from its cab, except (a)
trailers owned by farmers when transporting agricultural
products produced on the owner's farm or supplies back to the
farm of the owner of the trailer, (b) custom service vehicles
drawn by motor vehicles equipped with brakes capable of stopping
both vehicles within the distance required by law for vehicles
with four-wheel brakes and contractors' custom service vehicles
not exceeding 30,000 pounds gross weight and 45 miles per hour
when drawn by a motor vehicle capable of stopping the
combination within the performance standards of subdivision 5,
(c) trailers or semitrailers when used by retail dealers
delivering implements of husbandry, (d) motor vehicles drawn by
motor vehicles equipped with brakes capable of stopping the
combination of vehicles within the performance requirements of
this section, (e) tank trailers not exceeding 8,500 pounds gross
weight used solely for transporting liquid fertilizer or gaseous
fertilizer under pressure, or distributor trailers not exceeding
8,500 pounds gross weight used solely for transporting and
distributing dry fertilizer, when hauled by a truck capable of
stopping with loaded trailer attached in the distance specified
by subdivision 5 for vehicles equipped with four-wheel brakes,
providing the gross weight of such trailer or semitrailer other
than those described in this clause when drawn by a pleasure
vehicle shall not exceed 3,000 pounds, or when drawn by a truck
or tractor shall not exceed 6,000 pounds, or may exceed 6,000
pounds but not exceed 15,000 pounds for a trailer described in
clause (a) when drawn by a truck or tractor at a speed not
exceeding 30 miles per hour, and except disabled vehicles towed
to a place of repair. (a) No trailer or semitrailer with a
gross weight of 3,000 or more pounds, or a gross weight that
exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle, may be drawn on
a highway unless it is equipped with brakes that are adequate to
control the movement of and to stop and hold the trailer or
semitrailer.
(b) No trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of more
than 6,000 pounds may be drawn on a highway unless it is
equipped with brakes that are so constructed that they are
adequate to stop and hold the trailer or semitrailer whenever it
becomes detached from the towing vehicle.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d), paragraph (a) does
not apply to:
(1) a trailer used by a farmer while transporting farm
products produced on the user's farm, or supplies back to the
farm of the trailer's user;
(2) a towed custom service vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle
that is equipped with brakes that meet the standards of
subdivision 5, provided that such a towed custom service vehicle
that exceeds 30,000 pounds gross weight may not be drawn at a
speed of more than 45 miles per hour;
(3) a trailer or semitrailer operated or used by retail
dealers of implements of husbandry while engaged exclusively in
the delivery of implements of husbandry;
(4) a motor vehicle drawn by another motor vehicle that is
equipped with brakes that meet the standards of subdivision 5;
(5) a tank trailer of not more than 12,000 pounds gross
weight owned by a distributor of liquid fertilizer while engaged
exclusively in transporting liquid fertilizer, or gaseous
fertilizer under pressure;
(6) a trailer of not more than 12,000 pounds gross weight
owned by a distributor of dry fertilizer while engaged
exclusively in the transportation of dry fertilizer; and
(7) a disabled vehicle while being towed to a place of
repair.
(d) Vehicles described in paragraph (c), clauses (1), (3),
and (4), may be operated without complying with paragraph (a)
only if the trailer or semitrailer does not exceed the following
gross weights:
(1) 3,000 pounds while being drawn by a vehicle registered
as a passenger automobile, other than a pickup truck as defined
in section 168.011, subdivision 29;
(2) 12,000 pounds while being drawn by any other motor
vehicle except a self-propelled implement of husbandry.
Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.67,
subdivision 4, is amended to read:
Subd. 4. [SERVICE BRAKES ON WHEELS; EXCEPTIONS.] Every
motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, manufactured after June
30, 1988, and operated upon the highways shall be equipped with
service brakes upon all wheels of every such vehicle, except
mobile cranes not exceeding 45 miles per hour and capable of
stopping within the performance standards of subdivision 5, and
except that any motorcycle, any trailer or semitrailer of less
than 3,000 pounds gross weight, a third wheel, of a swivel type,
on a travel trailer, a temporary auxiliary axle attached to a
motor vehicle during the period of road restrictions for the
purpose of relieving weight of another axle, when the temporary
auxiliary axle and the axle to be relieved do not exceed the
combined gross weight of 18,000 pounds, and the vehicle to which
such temporary axle is attached meets the brake requirements of
this section, need not be equipped with brakes; and except,
further, that brakes are not required on the front wheels of
vehicles manufactured before July 1, 1988, having three or more
axles or upon more than one wheel of a motorcycle provided the
brakes on the other wheels are adequate to stop the vehicle in
accordance with the braking performance requirements of
subdivision 5. (a) All motor vehicles, trailers, and
semitrailers manufactured after June 30, 1988, must be equipped
with foot brakes on all wheels.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:
(1) a mobile crane that is not operated at a speed of more
than 45 miles per hour and is capable of stopping within the
performance standards of subdivision 5;
(2) a motorcycle;
(3) a trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of less
than 3,000 pounds;
(4) a swivel-type third wheel on a travel trailer; and
(5) a temporary auxiliary axle attached to a motor vehicle
during a period of vehicle weight restrictions for the purpose
of relieving the weight on another axle, if the combined gross
weight on the temporary axle and the axle being relieved does
not exceed 18,000 pounds and the motor vehicle meets all brake
requirements under this section.
(c) Paragraph (a) does not require brakes on the front
wheels of a vehicle having three or more axles and manufactured
before July 1, 1988, if the brakes on the other wheels of the
vehicle meet the standards of subdivision 5.
Sec. 12. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.67, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 6. [IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY.] An implement of
husbandry that (1) is not self-propelled, (2) has a
manufacturer's recommended capacity of more than 24,000 pounds,
and (3) is manufactured and sold after January 1, 1994, must be
equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to
stop and hold the towed vehicle.
Sec. 13. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.72,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. [SOLID RUBBER, METAL, AND STUDDED TIRES;
EXCEPTIONS; PERMITS.] Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle shall
have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch
thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery.
No person shall operate or move on any highway any motor
vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, having any metal tire in
contact with the roadway, except in case of emergency.
Except as provided in this section, no tire on a vehicle
moved on a highway shall have on its periphery any block, stud,
flange, cleat, or spike or any other protuberances of any
material other than rubber which projects beyond the tread of
the traction surface of the tire. It shall be permissible to
use any of the following on highways: Farm machinery implements
of husbandry with tires having protuberances which will not
injure the highway, and tire chains of reasonable proportions
upon any vehicle when required for safety because of snow, ice,
or other conditions tending to cause a vehicle to skid.
The commissioner and local authorities in their respective
jurisdictions may, in their discretion, issue special permits
authorizing the operation upon a highway of traction engines or
tractors having movable tracks with transverse corrugations upon
the periphery of such movable tracks or farm tractors or other
farm machinery, the operation of which upon a highway would
otherwise be prohibited under this chapter.
Sec. 14. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.781,
subdivision 3, is amended to read:
Subd. 3. [WHO MAY INSPECT.] (a) An inspection required by
this section may be performed only by:
(1) an employee of the department of public safety or
transportation who has been certified by the commissioner after
having received training provided by the state patrol; or
(2) another person who has been certified by the
commissioner after having received training provided by the
state patrol or other training approved by the commissioner.
(b) A person who is not an employee of the department of
public safety or transportation may be certified by the
commissioner if the person is: (1) an owner, or employee of the
owner, of one or more commercial motor vehicles that are power
units; (2) a dealer licensed under section 168.27 and engaged in
the business of buying and selling commercial motor vehicles, or
an employee of the dealer; or (3) engaged primarily in the
business of repairing and servicing commercial motor vehicles.
Certification of persons described in clauses (1) to (3) is
effective for two years from the date of certification. The
commissioner may require biennial retraining of persons holding
a certificate under this paragraph as a condition of renewal of
the certificate. The commissioner may charge a fee of not more
than $10 for each certificate issued and renewed. A certified
person described in clauses (1) to (3) may charge a fee of not
more than $50 for each inspection of a vehicle not owned by the
person or the person's employer.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision 5, the
standards adopted by the commissioner for commercial motor
vehicle inspections under sections 169.781 to 169.783 shall be
the standards prescribed in Code of Federal Regulations, title
49, section 396.17, and in chapter III, subchapter B, appendix G.
The commissioner may classify types of vehicles for inspection
purposes and may issue separate classes of inspector
certificates for each class.
The commissioner shall issue separate categories of
inspector certificates based on the following classifications:
(1) a class of certificate that authorizes the certificate
holder to inspect commercial motor vehicles without regard to
ownership or lease; and
(2) a class of certificate that authorizes the certificate
holder to inspect only commercial motor vehicles the certificate
holder owns or leases.
The commissioner shall issue a certificate described in
clause (1) only to a person described in paragraph (b), clause
(2) or (3).
(d) The commissioner, after notice and an opportunity for a
hearing, may suspend a certificate issued under paragraph (b)
for failure to meet annual certification requirements prescribed
by the commissioner or failure to inspect commercial motor
vehicles in accordance with inspection procedures established by
the state patrol. The commissioner shall revoke a certificate
issued under paragraph (b) if the commissioner determines after
notice and an opportunity for a hearing that the certified
person issued an inspection decal for a commercial motor vehicle
when the person knew or reasonably should have known that the
vehicle was in such a state of repair that it would have been
declared out of service if inspected by an employee of the state
patrol. Suspension and revocation of certificates under this
subdivision are not subject to sections 14.57 to 14.69.
Sec. 15. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.80,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. [LIMITATIONS.] It is a misdemeanor for a
person to drive or move, or for the owner to cause or knowingly
permit to be driven or moved, on a highway a vehicle or vehicles
of a size or weight exceeding the limitations stated in sections
169.80 to 169.88, or otherwise in violation of sections 169.80
to 169.88, other than section 169.81, subdivision 5a, and the
maximum size and weight of vehicles as prescribed in sections
169.80 to 169.88 shall be lawful throughout this state, and
local authorities shall have no power or authority to alter
these limitations except as express authority may be granted in
sections 169.80 to 169.88.
When all the axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles
are weighed separately the sum of the weights of the axles so
weighed shall be evidence of the total gross weight of the
vehicle or combination of vehicles so weighed.
When each of the axles of any group that contains two or
more consecutive axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles
have been weighed separately the sum of the weights of the axles
so weighed shall be evidence of the total gross weight on the
group of axles so weighed.
When, in any group of three or more consecutive axles of a
vehicle or combination of vehicles any axles have been weighed
separately and two or more axles consecutive to each other in
the group have been weighed together, the sum of the weights of
the axles weighed separately and the axles weighed together
shall be evidence of the total gross weight of the group of
axles so weighed.
The provisions of sections 169.80 to 169.88 governing size,
weight, and load shall not apply to fire apparatus, or to
implements of husbandry temporarily moved upon a highway, or to
loads of loose hay or corn stalks if transported by a
horse-drawn vehicle or drawn by a farm tractor, or to a vehicle
operated under the terms of a special permit issued as provided
by law. For purposes of sections 169.80 to 169.88, a
specialized vehicle resembling a low-slung two-wheel trailer
having a short bed or platform shall be deemed to be an
implement of husbandry when the vehicle is used exclusively to
transport implements of husbandry; and the term "temporarily
moved upon a highway" shall mean a movement not to exceed 50
miles.
In addition to any other special permits authorized, an
annual permit may be issued authorizing movements on interstate
highways and movements exceeding 50 miles on noninterstate
highways of oversize vehicles and loads when the vehicles or
combination of vehicles are used exclusively to transport
implements of husbandry. Annual permits are issued in
accordance with the applicable provisions of section 169.86,
except that the transporting vehicle or combination of vehicles
may be moved at the discretion of the permittee without prior
route approval from the permit issuing office of the department
of transportation if:
(a) The overall width of the transporting vehicle,
including load, does not exceed 14 feet;
(b) The transporting vehicle otherwise complies with
equipment requirements and length, height and weight limitations
prescribed by this chapter;
(c) The movement is made after the hour of sunrise and not
later than 30 minutes after sunset;
(d) The movement is not made when visibility is impaired by
weather, fog or other conditions rendering persons and vehicles
not clearly visible at a distance of 500 feet, or on Sundays
after 12 o'clock noon, and holidays;
(e) The transporting vehicle shall display at the front and
rear end of the load or vehicle a pair of flashing amber lights,
as provided in section 169.59, subdivision 4, whenever the
overall width of the vehicle exceeds ten feet, six inches; and
(f) The movement, if made on a trunk highway, is made on a
trunk highway with a surfaced roadway width of not less than 24
feet.
The fee for an annual permit is $24.
Sec. 16. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.80,
subdivision 2, is amended to read:
Subd. 2. [OUTSIDE WIDTH.] The total outside width of a
vehicle exclusive of rear view mirrors or load securement
devices which are not an integral part of the vehicle and not
exceeding three inches on each side, or the load may not exceed
102 inches except that the outside width of a farm tractor, or a
vehicle owned by a political subdivision and used exclusively
for the purpose of handling sewage sludge from sewage treatment
facilities to farm fields or disposal sites, may not exceed 12
feet, and except as otherwise provided in this section.
A vehicle exceeding 102 inches in total outside width,
owned by a political subdivision and used for the purpose of
transporting or applying sewage sludge to farm fields or
disposal sites may not transport sludge for distances greater
than 15 miles, nor may it be used for transportation of sewage
sludge or return travel between the hours of sunset and sunrise,
or at any other time when visibility is impaired by weather,
smoke, fog, or other conditions rendering persons and vehicles
not clearly discernible on the highway at a distance of 500 feet.
The total outside width of a low bed trailer or equipment
dolly, and the load, used exclusively for transporting farm
machinery and construction equipment may not exceed nine feet in
width except that a low bed trailer or equipment dolly with a
total outside width, including the load, in excess of 102 inches
may not be operated on any interstate highway without first
having obtained a permit for the operation under section
169.86. The vehicle must display 12-inch square red flags as
markers at the front and rear of the left side of the vehicle.
The total outside width of a trackless trolley car or
passenger motor bus, operated exclusively in a city or
contiguous cities in this state, may not exceed nine feet.
Sec. 17. [169.801] [IMPLEMENTS OF HUSBANDRY.]
Subdivision 1. [EXEMPTION FROM SIZE, WEIGHT, LOAD
PROVISIONS.] Except as provided in this section and section
169.82, the provisions of sections 169.80 to 169.88 that govern
size, weight, and load do not apply to:
(1) a horse-drawn wagon while carrying a load of loose
straw or hay;
(2) a specialized vehicle resembling a low-slung trailer
having a short bed or platform, while transporting one or more
implements of husbandry; or
(3) an implement of husbandry while being driven or towed
at a speed of not more than 25 miles per hour; provided that
this exemption applies to an implement of husbandry owned,
leased, or under the control of a farmer only while the
implement of husbandry is being operated on noninterstate roads
or highways within 75 miles of any farmland: (i) owned, leased,
or operated by the farmer and (ii) on which the farmer regularly
uses the implement of husbandry.
Subd. 2. [WEIGHT PER INCH OF TIRE WIDTH.] An implement of
husbandry that is not self-propelled and is equipped with
pneumatic tires may not be operated on a public highway with a
maximum wheel load that exceeds 600 pounds per inch of tire
width before August 1, 1996, and 500 pounds per inch of tire
width on and after August 1, 1996.
Subd. 3. [HITCHES.] A towed implement of husbandry must be
equipped with (1) safety chains that meet the requirements of
section 169.82, subdivision 3, paragraph (b); (2) a regulation
fifth wheel and kingpin assembly approved by the commissioner of
public safety; or (3) a hitch pin or other hitching device with
a retainer that prevents accidental unhitching.
Sec. 18. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.82, is
amended to read:
169.82 [TRAILER EQUIPMENT.]
Except as provided in section 169.67, any trailer exceeding
a gross weight of 6,000 pounds shall be equipped with brakes
adequate to stop and hold such trailer, and which are so
constructed that they will so operate whenever such trailer
becomes detached from the towing vehicle.
Subdivision 1. [CONNECTION TO TOWING VEHICLE.] (a) When
one vehicle is towing another the drawbar or other
connection shall must be of sufficient strength to pull all the
weight being towed thereby, and said.
(b) The drawbar or other connection shall may not exceed 15
feet from one vehicle to the other except. This paragraph does
not apply to the connection between any two vehicles
transporting poles, pipe, machinery or other objects of
structural nature which cannot readily be dismembered.
Subd. 2. [MARKING.] When one vehicle is towing another and
the connection consists of a chain, rope, or cable, there shall
be displayed upon such the connection must display a white, red,
yellow, or orange flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.
Subd. 3. [HITCHES; CHAINS.] (a) Every trailer or
semitrailer shall must be hitched to the towing motor vehicles
furnishing the tractive power for it vehicle by a device
approved by the commissioner of public safety as safe and in
addition shall.
(b) Every trailer and semitrailer must be equipped with
safety chains permanently attached to the trailer except that in
cases where the coupling device is a regulation fifth wheel and
kingpin assembly approved by the commissioner of public
safety such safety chains shall not be required. In
towing, such the chains shall must be carried through a ring on
the towbar and attached to the towing vehicle, and shall must be
of sufficient strength to control the trailer in the event of
failure of the towing device.
(c) This subdivision does not apply to towed implements of
husbandry.
No person may be charged with a violation of this section
solely by reason of violating a maximum speed prescribed in
section 169.145 or 169.67.
Sec. 19. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 169.86,
subdivision 5, is amended to read:
Subd. 5. [FEES.] The commissioner, with respect to
highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, may charge a fee
for each permit issued. All such fees for permits issued by the
commissioner of transportation shall be deposited in the state
treasury and credited to the trunk highway fund. Except for
those annual permits for which the permit fees are specified
elsewhere in this chapter, the fees shall be:
(a) $15 for each single trip permit.
(b) $36 for each job permit. A job permit may be issued
for like loads carried on a specific route for a period not to
exceed two months. "Like loads" means loads of the same
product, weight, and dimension.
(c) $60 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not
to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may be issued
for:
(1) motor vehicles used to alleviate a temporary crisis
adversely affecting the safety or well-being of the public;
(2) motor vehicles which travel on interstate highways and
carry loads authorized under subdivision 1a;
(3) motor vehicles operating with gross weights authorized
under section 169.825, subdivision 11, paragraph (a), clause
(3); and
(4) special pulpwood vehicles described in section 169.863.
(d) $120 for an oversize annual permit to be issued for a
period not to exceed 12 consecutive months. Annual permits may
be issued for:
(1) mobile cranes;
(2) construction equipment, machinery, and supplies;
(3) manufactured homes;
(4) farm equipment implements of husbandry when the
movement is not made according to the provisions of section
169.80, subdivision 1, paragraphs (a) to (f) paragraph (i);
(5) double-deck buses;
(6) commercial boat hauling.
(e) For vehicles which have axle weights exceeding the
weight limitations of section 169.825, an additional cost added
to the fees listed above. The additional cost is equal to the
product of the distance traveled times the sum of the overweight
axle group cost factors shown in the following chart:
Overweight Axle Group Cost Factors
Weight (pounds) Cost Per Mile For Each Group Of:
exceeding Two consec- Three consec- Four consec-
weight limi- utive axles utive axles utive axles
tations on spaced within spaced within spaced with-
axles 8 feet or 9 feet or in 14 feet
less less or less
0-2,000 .100 .040 .036
2,001-4,000 .124 .050 .044
4,001-6,000 .150 .062 .050
6,001-8,000 Not permitted .078 .056
8,001-10,000 Not permitted .094 .070
10,001-12,000 Not permitted .116 .078
12,001-14,000 Not permitted .140 .094
14,001-16,000 Not permitted .168 .106
16,001-18,000 Not permitted .200 .128
18,001-20,000 Not permitted Not permitted .140
20,001-22,000 Not permitted Not permitted .168
The amounts added are rounded to the nearest cent for each
axle or axle group. The additional cost does not apply to
paragraph (c), clauses (1) and (3).
For a vehicle found to exceed the appropriate maximum
permitted weight, a cost-per-mile fee of 22 cents per ton, or
fraction of a ton, over the permitted maximum weight is imposed
in addition to the normal permit fee. Miles must be calculated
based on the distance already traveled in the state plus the
distance from the point of detection to a transportation loading
site or unloading site within the state or to the point of exit
from the state.
(f) As an alternative to paragraph (e), an annual permit
may be issued for overweight, or oversize and overweight,
construction equipment, machinery, and supplies. The fees for
the permit are as follows:
Gross Weight (pounds) of Vehicle Annual Permit Fee
90,000 or less $200
90,001 - 100,000 $300
100,001 - 110,000 $400
110,001 - 120,000 $500
120,001 - 130,000 $600
130,001 - 140,000 $700
140,001 - 145,000 $800
If the gross weight of the vehicle is more than 145,000
pounds the permit fee is determined under paragraph (e).
(g) For vehicles which exceed the width limitations set
forth in section 169.80 by more than 72 inches, an additional
cost equal to $120 added to the amount in paragraph (a) when the
permit is issued while seasonal load restrictions pursuant to
section 169.87 are in effect.
(h) $85 for an annual permit to be issued for a period not
to exceed 12 months, for refuse compactor vehicles that carry a
gross weight of not more than: 22,000 pounds on a single rear
axle; 38,000 pounds on a tandem rear axle; or, subject to
section 169.825, subdivision 14, 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear
axle. A permit issued for up to 46,000 pounds on a tridem rear
axle must limit the gross vehicle weight to not more than 62,000
pounds.
(i) For vehicles exclusively transporting implements of
husbandry, an annual permit fee of $24. A vehicle operated
under a permit authorized by this paragraph may be moved at the
discretion of the permit holder without prior route approval by
the commissioner if:
(1) the total width of the transporting vehicle, including
load, does not exceed 14 feet;
(2) the vehicle is operated only between sunrise and 30
minutes after sunset, and is not operated at any time after
12:00 noon on Sundays or holidays;
(3) the vehicle is not operated when visibility is impaired
by weather, fog, or other conditions that render persons and
other vehicles not clearly visible at 500 feet;
(4) the vehicle displays at the front and rear of the load
or vehicle a pair of flashing amber lights, as provided in
section 169.59, subdivision 4, whenever the overall width of the
vehicle exceeds 126 inches; and
(5) the vehicle is not operated on a trunk highway with a
surfaced roadway width of less than 24 feet unless such
operation is authorized by the permit.
A permit under this paragraph authorizes movements of the
permitted vehicle on an interstate highway, and movements of 75
miles or more on other highways.
Sec. 20. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 171.13,
subdivision 1, is amended to read:
Subdivision 1. [APPLICANTS.] Except as otherwise provided
in this section, the commissioner shall examine each applicant
for a driver's license by such agency as the commissioner
directs. This examination must include a test of applicant's
eyesight; ability to read and understand highway signs
regulating, warning, and directing traffic; knowledge of traffic
laws; knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drugs on a
driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and legally;
knowledge of railroad grade crossing safety; knowledge of
slow-moving vehicle safety; an actual demonstration of ability
to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in the operation of
a motor vehicle; and other physical and mental examinations as
the commissioner finds necessary to determine the applicant's
fitness to operate a motor vehicle safely upon the highways,
provided, further however, no driver's license shall be denied
an applicant on the exclusive grounds that the applicant's
eyesight is deficient in color perception. Provided, however,
that war veterans operating motor vehicles especially equipped
for handicapped persons, shall, if otherwise entitled to a
license, be granted such license. The commissioner shall make
provision for giving these examinations either in the county
where the applicant resides or at a place adjacent thereto
reasonably convenient to the applicant.
Sec. 21. Minnesota Statutes 1992, section 171.13, is
amended by adding a subdivision to read:
Subd. 1e. [SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES.] The commissioner shall
include in each examination under subdivision 1 an examination
of the applicant's knowledge of highway safety with respect to
approaching, following, and passing slow-moving vehicles and the
significance of the slow-moving vehicle emblem.
Sec. 22. [PUBLICATION.]
The commissioner of public safety shall at the earliest
practicable date prepare and publish a compilation of all laws
that govern the operation of implements of husbandry on public
highways. The commissioner shall, within the department budget,
make the publication available to agricultural and other
organizations for the purpose of achieving the widest feasible
distribution of the publication among farmers, farm implement
dealers, and other persons directly affected by these laws.
Sec. 23. [DRIVER EDUCATION.]
The commissioner of public safety and the commissioner of
education shall take such actions as are necessary to increase
significantly the amount of instruction provided in driver
education courses in public schools and private driver education
schools in highway safety with regard to approaching, following,
and passing slow-moving vehicles and the significance of the
slow-moving vehicle emblem.
Presented to the governor May 12, 1993
Signed by the governor May 14, 1993, 3:40 p.m.
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes