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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