HF 3914

as introduced - 90th Legislature (2017 - 2018) Posted on 03/15/2018 02:31pm

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; modifying provisions governing operation of animal-drawn
vehicles on public roadways; requiring development of a safety manual; amending
Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 169.035, subdivision 3; 169.18, subdivision 10;
169.522, subdivision 1; 169.58, by adding a subdivision.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.035, subdivision 3, is amended to read:

Subd. 3.

Transportation by animal.

Every A person riding an animal or driving any
animal drawing a operating an animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway shall be is subject to
the provisions of this chapter applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except those provisions
which by their nature can have no application. A person operating an animal-drawn vehicle
must comply with sections 169.18, subdivision 10, 169.522, and 169.58, subdivision 5.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.18, subdivision 10, is amended to read:

Subd. 10.

Slow-moving vehicle.

(a) Upon all roadways any vehicle proceeding at less
than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the existing conditions then
existing shall must be driven in the right-hand lane then available for traffic, or as close as
practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except. This subdivision does not
apply when (1) the vehicle is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction, or when (2) the vehicle is preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a
private road or driveway, or (3) when a specific lane is designated and posted for a specific
type of traffic.

(b) An animal-drawn vehicle must always operate in the manner required by this
subdivision.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, 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, and other machinery, including all road construction machinery, which are
designed for operation at a speed of 30 miles per hour or less, must 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 marked in accordance
with the Manual on 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 30 miles per hour without removing the
slow-moving vehicle emblem. The emblem must consist of a fluorescent or illuminated
red-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 is not necessary to display a similar emblem on
the secondary unit. All slow-moving vehicle emblems sold in this state must 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 headlamps 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
must be adopted by rule in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

(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.

(c) In addition to the emblem requirement under this subdivision, an animal-drawn
vehicle must comply with section 169.58, subdivision 5.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2016, section 169.58, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

Subd. 5.

Animal-drawn vehicles.

(a) An animal-drawn vehicle must be equipped with
an identification lamp or lamps that indicate the vehicle's presence and are visible from a
distance of at least 500 feet from both the front and the rear. The lighting requirement under
this subdivision may be met using a lamp powered by energy generated from the vehicle's
movement.

(b) This subdivision does not apply to an animal-drawn vehicle that (1) operates
exclusively between the hours of sunrise and sunset and never during periods of reduced
visibility, inclement weather, or insufficient light; or (2) never operates on a public roadway.

Sec. 5. ANIMAL-DRAWN VEHICLES; SAFETY MANUAL.

(a) The commissioner of public safety, in collaboration with the state patrol, traffic safety
organizations, and other interested parties, must develop and publish an animal-drawn
vehicles safety manual. When developing the manual, the commissioner must evaluate
similar manuals already published by other states, including Pennsylvania.

(b) At a minimum, the safety manual must discuss and provide specific guidance with
respect to:

(1) animal-drawn vehicle courtesy and conduct;

(2) relevant traffic regulations, including traffic signs, traffic signals, pavement markings,
driving rules, and equipment requirements;

(3) an overview of how other vehicles and motorists interact with animal-drawn vehicles
on the roadway;

(4) safety best practices;

(5) travel information; and

(6) any other information the commissioner of public safety deems necessary.

(c) The commissioner must publish the manual under this section on or before January
1, 2020.

(d) The manual under this section is not an administrative rule under Minnesota Statutes,
chapter 14. The commissioner of public safety is exempt from provisions of that chapter
with respect to any activities taken under this section.