1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to traffic regulations; authorizing Department of Transportation to tow 
1.3 	vehicles within metropolitan district;amending Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 
1.4 	169.041, by adding a subdivision.
1.5 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.6 	Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2008, section 169.041, is amended by adding a 
1.7 	subdivision to read:
1.8 		Subd. 8.Quick clearance. (a) Within the Department of Transportation's 
1.9 	eight-county metropolitan district, the Department of Transportation, in cooperation with 
1.10 	the State Patrol and private towing or recovery companies authorized by the state, may 
1.11 	move, remove, or cause to remove vehicles, debris, personal property, and cargo that 
1.12 	block or aggravate an emergency on the roadway, interstate highway, parkway, on-ramp, 
1.13 	or off-ramp following a collision, accident, or spilled load.
1.14 	(b) Notwithstanding subdivision 7, any state or local law enforcement officer, 
1.15 	Department of Transportation employee, or person or firm acting as directed by the State 
1.16 	Patrol who contracts or assists in removing or disposing the vehicle, cargo, or other 
1.17 	personal property is not liable for any damage or economic loss related to carrying out or 
1.18 	enforcing this section unless the damage or economic loss is caused by willful misconduct 
1.19 	on the part of that officer, employee, person, or firm.
1.20 	(c) The State Patrol shall make a reasonable effort to contact the carrier before 
1.21 	undertaking action under this subdivision.
1.22 	(d) The department shall make a reasonable effort to allow the owner of the vehicle 
1.23 	to arrange for its removal and shall give due consideration to having the vehicle towed by 
1.24 	a licensed towing service capable of safely moving the vehicle in question.