Minnesota Session Laws - 2018, Regular Session

CHAPTER 122--S.F.No. 3466

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; new text begin or new text end

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

deleted text begin (4) deleted text end new text begin (3) new text end 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.

Presented to the governor May 4, 2018

Signed by the governor May 8, 2018, 12:37 p.m.