Minnesota Administrative Rules

8880.0900 VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS.

Subpart 1.

Operation.

A limousine operator may not cause or permit a limousine to be driven, and a driver may not drive a limousine on the public highway, when its mechanical condition is so imminently hazardous that it is likely to contribute to a loss of control of the vehicle or cause an accident or breakdown. The "North American Uniform Vehicle Out-of-Service Criteria," adopted in Minnesota Statutes, section 221.031, subdivision 9, must be followed in determining whether a limousine's mechanical condition is so imminently hazardous that it is likely to contribute to a loss of control of the limousine or cause an accident or breakdown. A limousine providing limousine service must be operated in compliance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169, governing the operation of motor vehicles and with the rules or ordinances of a political subdivision relating to routing, parking, speed, or the safety of operation of a motor vehicle.

Subp. 2.

Equipment standards.

Limousines must comply with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169, that apply to passenger automobiles.

Subp. 3.

Safety equipment.

A limousine providing limousine service must carry the following safety equipment:

A.

a fire extinguisher that conforms to Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 393.95, paragraph (a), which is incorporated by reference;

B.

a working cellular telephone or other means of two-way communication; and

C.

three bidirectional, emergency, reflective triangles that conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 125, found in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.125, which is incorporated by reference.

Subp. 4.

Maintenance.

The mechanical components of a limousine must be maintained according to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule. A limousine's windows, lights, mirrors, and interior must be kept clean and in good repair.

Subp. 5.

Inspections.

A limousine operator shall conduct, or cause to be conducted, the following safety inspections:

A.

for each day a limousine operator uses a limousine, an inspection of the vehicle's:

(1)

coolant level;

(2)

lights, turn signals, and hazard flashers;

(3)

tires;

(4)

windshield wipers and washer fluid;

(5)

inside and outside mirrors;

(6)

fuel level;

(7)

horn; and

(8)

safety equipment; and

B.

an annual inspection of a limousine's:

(1)

brake system, including master cylinder, shoes, linings, pads, drums or rotors, hoses, tubing, warning devices, and the parking brake mechanism;

(2)

exhaust system, including exhaust manifolds, muffler, pipes, and catalytic converter;

(3)

fuel system, including fuel pump or injector, tank, hoses, and tubing;

(4)

steering mechanism, including steering wheel movement, steering column, front axle beam, gear box, power assist cylinder, ball and socket joints, tie rods, and steering arm;

(5)

suspension, including springs, shock absorbers, and torsion bars; and

(6)

frame members.

Subp. 6.

Inspection records.

A limousine operator is not required to maintain a record of daily inspections but must maintain a record of annual inspections. The record must be kept on a form prescribed by the commissioner or on a form substantially the same as the commissioner's prescribed form and must meet the requirements of part 8880.1000, subpart 4.

Statutory Authority:

MS s 221.84

History:

18 SR 2220

Published Electronically:

February 1, 2005