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CHAPTER 169. TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Table of Sections
Section Headnote
169.001 MS 2006 [Renumbered 15.001]
169.01 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.011 DEFINITIONS.
APPLICABILITY; EXCEPTIONS
169.02 SCOPE.
169.022 UNIFORM APPLICATION.
169.025 APPLICATION OF MOTOR CARRIER REGULATIONS.
169.03 EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
169.035 EXEMPTIONS; APPLICATIONS.
169.04 LOCAL AUTHORITY.
TOWING
169.041 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.042 TOWING; NOTICE TO VICTIM OF VEHICLE THEFT.
APPLICABILITY; LOCAL OR PRIVATE ROAD
169.045 SPECIAL VEHICLE USE ON ROADWAY.
169.05 PRIVATE ROADWAYS.
SIGNS AND SIGNALS
169.06 SIGNS, SIGNALS, MARKINGS.
169.065 SAFE ROAD ZONES.
169.07 UNAUTHORIZED SIGN, SIGNAL, OR MARKING.
169.072 UNAUTHORIZED MAILBOX INSTALLATION.
169.073 PROHIBITED LIGHT OR SIGNAL.
169.08 UNLAWFUL TO POSSESS, ALTER, DEFACE, OR REMOVE SIGN.
TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
169.09 COLLISIONS.
169.10 STATISTICAL INFORMATION.
RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVING
169.11 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.12 [Repealed, 1957 c 297 s 2]
169.121 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.1211 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1215 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1216 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1217 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1218 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1219 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.122 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.123 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.1231 [Repealed, 1983 c 306 s 7]
169.124 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.125 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.126 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1261 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1265 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.127 [Repealed, 1978 c 727 s 11]
169.128 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.129 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.13 RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVING.
169.131 [Repealed, 1976 c 103 s 1]
169.132 [Repealed, 1977 c 347 s 29]
DRIVING RULES
169.14 SPEED LIMITS, ZONES; RADAR.
169.141 [Repealed, 1996 c 455 art 1 s 11]
169.145 [Repealed, 2008 c 350 art 1 s 97]
169.15 IMPEDING TRAFFIC; INTERSECTION GRIDLOCK.
169.16 [Repealed, 2014 c 227 art 1 s 23]
169.17 EMERGENCY VEHICLE.
169.18 DRIVING RULES.
169.19 TURNING, STARTING, AND SIGNALING.
169.20 RIGHT-OF-WAY.
169.201 YIELD SIGN.
PEDESTRIANS
169.202 BLIND PERSON CARRYING WHITE CANE.
169.21 PEDESTRIAN.
169.212 OPERATION OF ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES.
169.215 CROSSING FOR SENIORS OR DISABLED PERSONS.
169.2151 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CROSSINGS.
169.219 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS.
169.22 HITCHHIKING; SOLICITATION OF BUSINESS.
169.221 [Repealed, 1978 c 739 s 15]
BICYCLES AND MOTORIZED BICYCLES
169.222 OPERATION OF BICYCLE.
169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.
169.224 NEIGHBORHOOD AND MEDIUM-SPEED ELECTRIC VEHICLES.
MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER
169.225 MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER.
169.228 MS 2012 [Expired, 2008 c 350 art 1 s 35]
169.23 [Repealed, 1965 c 45 s 73]
169.24 [Repealed, 1961 c 561 s 17]
SAFETY ZONES
169.25 SAFETY ZONE.
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
169.26 SPECIAL STOPS AT RAILROAD CROSSING.
169.27 [Repealed, 1976 c 166 s 119]
169.28 CERTAIN VEHICLES TO STOP AT RAILROAD CROSSING.
169.29 CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS WITH CERTAIN EQUIPMENT.
CONTROLLED-ACCESS AND THROUGH HIGHWAYS
169.30 DESIGNATION OF THROUGH HIGHWAYS.
169.305 CONTROLLED-ACCESS RULES AND PENALTIES.
BUS USE OF SHOULDERS
169.306 USE OF SHOULDERS BY BUSES.
OTHER TRAFFIC RULES
169.31 STOP AT SIDEWALK.
169.315 OPENING AND CLOSING VEHICLE DOOR.
STOPPING, PARKING PROVISIONS
169.32 STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING.
169.33 POLICE MAY MOVE VEHICLE.
169.34 PROHIBITIONS; STOPPING, PARKING.
169.342 GOOD SAMARITAN; EXCEPTION TO STOPPING AND PARKING.
169.345 PARKING PRIVILEGE FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED.
169.346 DISABILITY PARKING AREAS; CRITERIA, ENFORCEMENT.
169.35 PARKING.
169.36 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
OTHER TRAFFIC RULES
169.37 OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER.
169.38 [Repealed, 2001 c 24 s 5]
169.39 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.40 FIRE TRUCK; FIRE STATION.
169.41 CROSSING FIRE HOSE.
169.42 LITTERING; DROPPING OBJECT ON VEHICLE; MISDEMEANOR.
169.421 CIVIL LIABILITY FOR LITTERING.
169.43 SWINGING GATE ON TRUCK.
SCHOOL BUS SAFETY
169.435 OFFICE OF PUPIL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY.
169.44 [Repealed, 1991 c 277 s 18]
169.441 SCHOOL BUS IDENTIFICATION.
169.442 SCHOOL BUS SIGNALS.
169.443 SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN; BUS DRIVER'S DUTIES.
169.444 SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN; DUTIES OF OTHER DRIVERS.
169.445 COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.
169.446 SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN; TRAINING AND EDUCATION RULES.
169.447 SCHOOL BUS AND HEAD START BUS SAFETY.
169.4475 SPECIAL EVENT SCHOOL BUS USE.
169.448 OTHER BUSES.
169.449 SCHOOL BUS OPERATION.
169.45 [Repealed, 1994 c 647 art 12 s 43]
169.4501 SCHOOL BUS EQUIPMENT STANDARDS.
169.4502 ADDITIONAL MINNESOTA SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS STANDARDS.
169.4503 ADDITIONAL MINNESOTA SCHOOL BUS BODY STANDARDS.
169.4504 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIALLY EQUIPPED BUS.
169.451 INSPECTING SCHOOL AND HEAD START BUSES; RULES; MISDEMEANOR.
169.4511 SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT AND SUBSEQUENT OPERATION.
169.452 [Repealed, 1998 c 398 art 6 s 38]
169.454 TYPE III VEHICLE STANDARDS.
169.4581 CRIMINAL CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUS.
169.4582 REPORTABLE OFFENSE ON SCHOOL BUS.
VEHICLE EQUIPMENT, SAFETY
169.46 HITCHING BEHIND VEHICLE.
169.467 MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS; DEFINITIONS.
169.468 VEHICLE SAFETY RULES; FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS.
169.469 INJUNCTION.
169.47 UNSAFE EQUIPMENT.
169.471 TELEVISION; HEADPHONES.
169.475 USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.
169.48 VEHICLE LIGHTING.
169.49 HEADLAMPS.
169.50 REAR LAMPS.
169.51 CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS.
169.52 PROJECTING LOAD; LIGHT OR FLAG.
169.522 SLOW-MOVING VEHICLE, SIGN REQUIRED.
169.53 LIGHTS FOR PARKED VEHICLES.
169.54 [Repealed, 1951 c 132 s 1]
169.541 LIGHTING EXEMPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT; STANDARDS.
169.55 LIGHTS ON ALL VEHICLES.
169.56 AUXILIARY LIGHTS.
169.57 VEHICLE SIGNALS.
169.58 IDENTIFICATION LAMPS.
169.59 WARNING LIGHTS.
169.60 DISTRIBUTION OF LIGHT.
169.61 COMPOSITE BEAM.
169.62 CERTAIN LIGHTS PERMITTED ON OLD MOTOR VEHICLES.
169.63 NUMBER OF LAMPS.
169.64 PROHIBITED LIGHTS; EXCEPTIONS.
169.65 SPECIFICATIONS FOR LIGHTING AND OTHER DEVICES.
169.66 HEARING ON SPECIFICATIONS.
169.67 BRAKES.
169.672 [Repealed, 1984 c 549 s 34]
169.68 HORN, SIREN.
169.684 SEAT BELT; DECLARATION OF POLICY.
169.685 SEAT BELT; PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN.
169.686 SEAT BELT USE REQUIRED; PENALTY.
169.69 MUFFLER.
169.691 [Repealed, 1974 c 500 s 2]
169.692 [Repealed, 1974 c 500 s 2]
169.693 MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE LIMITS.
169.70 REAR VIEW MIRROR.
169.71 WINDSHIELD.
169.72 TIRE SURFACE; METAL STUDS.
169.721 UNSAFE TIRES; DEFINITIONS.
169.722 RULES FOR TIRE SAFETY.
169.723 TIRES CONSIDERED UNSAFE.
169.724 PROHIBITION; OPERATING AUTOMOBILE WITH UNSAFE TIRES.
169.725 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.726 AUTOMOBILE SALE PROHIBITED UNLESS TIRES ARE SAFE.
169.727 UNSAFE TIRES; MISDEMEANOR.
169.73 BUMPERS, SAFEGUARDS.
169.733 WHEEL FLAPS ON TRUCK AND TRAILER.
169.734 AUTOMOBILE FENDERS.
169.74 SAFETY GLASS.
169.743 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.75 FLARES, FLAGS, OR REFLECTORS REQUIRED.
FIRST AID EQUIPMENT IN POLICE VEHICLES
169.751 DEFINITIONS.
169.752 PATROL MOTOR VEHICLES, FIRST AID EQUIPMENT.
169.753 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TRAINED IN FIRST AID.
169.754 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.755 [Repealed, 1984 c 549 s 34]
169.76 [Repealed, 1984 c 520 s 26]
TRANSPORTING PRESSURIZED GAS
169.762 PRESSURIZED FLAMMABLE GAS.
VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
169.77 [Repealed, 1993 c 26 s 11]
169.771 SPOT-CHECK OF MOTOR VEHICLE.
169.78 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.781 ANNUAL COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSPECTION; INSPECTORS, FEE, PENALTY.
169.782 DAILY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSPECTION; PENALTY.
169.783 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT; REINSPECTION.
169.79 VEHICLE REGISTRATION; DISPLAYING LICENSE PLATES.
VEHICLE INSURANCE
169.791 CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PRODUCE PROOF OF INSURANCE.
169.792 REVOCATION OF LICENSE FOR FAILURE TO PRODUCE PROOF OF INSURANCE.
169.793 VEHICLE INSURANCE; UNLAWFUL ACTS, PENALTIES.
169.794 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 79]
169.795 VEHICLE INSURANCE RULES.
169.796 VERIFICATION OF INSURANCE COVERAGE.
169.7961 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.797 PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE VEHICLE INSURANCE.
169.798 RULES OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
169.799 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 79]
REQUIREMENT TO SHOW RENTAL AGREEMENT
169.7995 FAILURE TO PRODUCE RENTAL OR LEASE AGREEMENT.
SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS
169.80 SIZE, WEIGHT, LOAD.
169.801 IMPLEMENT OF HUSBANDRY.
169.81 HEIGHT AND LENGTH LIMITATIONS.
169.812 ESCORT VEHICLES FOR OVERDIMENSIONAL LOADS; DEFINITIONS; REQUIREMENTS.
169.82 TRAILER EQUIPMENT.
169.822 WEIGHT LIMITATIONS; DEFINITIONS.
169.823 TIRE WEIGHT LIMITS.
169.824 GROSS WEIGHT SCHEDULE.
169.825 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.826 GROSS WEIGHT SEASONAL INCREASES.
169.8261 FOREST PRODUCTS SPECIAL PERMIT.
169.827 GROSS WEIGHT REDUCTION ON RESTRICTED ROUTE.
169.828 AXLE RESTRICTIONS.
169.829 WEIGHT LIMITS NOT APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN VEHICLES.
169.8295 WEIGHT LIMITS; VEHICLES TRANSPORTING MILK.
169.8296 WEIGHT LIMITS; TOWING AND RECOVERY VEHICLE.
169.83 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.831 [Repealed, 1976 c 343 s 6]
169.832 Subdivisions renumbered, repealed, or no longer in effect
169.833 [Repealed, 1991 c 339 s 12]
169.834 [Repealed, 1981 c 321 s 12]
169.835 [Repealed, 2014 c 227 art 1 s 23]
169.84 LOAD LIMIT ON BRIDGE.
169.85 WEIGHING; PENALTY.
169.851 WEIGHT RECORD.
169.86 SPECIAL PERMIT TO EXCEED HEIGHT, WIDTH, OR LOAD; FEES.
169.861 [Repealed, 1982 c 617 s 27]
169.862 PERMIT FOR BALED FARM PRODUCT TO EXCEED HEIGHT OR WIDTH.
169.863 SPECIAL PULPWOOD VEHICLE PERMIT.
169.864 SPECIAL PRODUCTS VEHICLE PERMITS.
169.865 SPECIAL FARM PRODUCTS PERMITS.
169.866 SPECIAL CANOLA-HAULING VEHICLE PERMIT.
169.8665 SPECIAL SOYBEAN MEAL-HAULING VEHICLE PERMIT.
169.867 [Repealed, 2014 c 227 art 1 s 23]
169.868 SPECIAL FREIGHT DISTRIBUTION PERMIT.
169.869 ROAD CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SPECIAL PERMIT.
169.87 SEASONAL LOAD RESTRICTION; ROUTE DESIGNATION.
169.871 EXCESS WEIGHT; CIVIL PENALTY.
169.872 RECEIPT OF CERTAIN OVERWEIGHT LOADS.
169.88 DAMAGES; LIABILITY.
169.881 VEHICLE PLATOONS.
OFFENSES, PENALTIES, AND JUDICIAL PROVISIONS
169.89 PENALTIES.
169.891 JURISDICTION; LIMITATION OF ACTIONS.
169.90 OFFENSES.
169.901 [Repealed, 2001 c 24 s 5]
ARREST AND APPEARANCE PROCEDURES
169.91 ARREST.
169.92 FAILURE TO APPEAR.
169.93 ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT.
RECORDS
169.94 RECORD OF CONVICTION.
169.95 COURT TO KEEP SEPARATE RECORDS OF VIOLATIONS.
UNIFORM INTERPRETATION
169.96 INTERPRETATION AND EFFECT.
UNIVERSITY TRAFFIC RULES
169.965 UNIVERSITY REGENTS TO REGULATE TRAFFIC AND PARKING.
169.966 BOARD TO REGULATE TRAFFIC ON STATE UNIVERSITIES.
CITATION
169.97 CITATION; HIGHWAY TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT.
DRIVER IMPROVEMENT CLINICS
169.971 DRIVER IMPROVEMENT CLINICS; DEFINITIONS.
169.972 ESTABLISHMENT OF DRIVER IMPROVEMENT CLINIC; FEES.
169.973 REGULATION OF CLINIC; DIRECTOR.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
169.974 OPERATION OF MOTORCYCLE; MOTOR SCOOTER; MOTOR BIKE.
169.98 POLICE, PATROL, OR SECURITY GUARD VEHICLE.
169.983 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
TRAFFIC CITATIONS
169.985 TRAFFIC CITATION QUOTA PROHIBITED.
169.99 UNIFORM TRAFFIC TICKET.
169.991 [Expired]
169.992 [Expired]
169.993 [Expired]
169.994 [Expired]
169.995 [Expired]
169.996 [Expired]
169.997 [Expired]
169.998 [Expired]
169.999 ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS FOR CERTAIN TRAFFIC OFFENSES.
169.001 MS 2006 [Renumbered 15.001]

169.01

MS 2006 Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 169.011, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 92]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 42]

Subd. 3a.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 52]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 44]

Subd. 4a.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 45]

Subd. 4b.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 27]

Subd. 4c.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 46]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 3]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 71]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 89]

Subd. 7a.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 77]

Subd. 8.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 29]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 67]

Subd. 10.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 86]

Subd. 11.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 72]

Subd. 12.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 55]

Subd. 13.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 76]

Subd. 14.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 40]

Subd. 15.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 58]

Subd. 16.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 60]

Subd. 17.

[Repealed, 1961 c 561 s 17]

Subd. 18.

[Repealed, 2001 c 24 s 5]

Subd. 19.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 28]

Subd. 20.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 30]

Subd. 21.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 17]

Subd. 22.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 23]

Subd. 23.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 54]

Subd. 24.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 53]

Subd. 24a.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 93]

Subd. 25.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 24]

Subd. 26.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 51]

Subd. 27.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 56]

Subd. 28.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 38]

Subd. 29.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 81]

Subd. 30.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 57]

Subd. 31.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 68]

Subd. 32.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 50]

Subd. 33.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 75]

Subd. 34.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 37]

Subd. 35.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 82]

Subd. 36.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 36]

Subd. 37.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 20]

Subd. 38.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 70]

Subd. 39.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 13]

Subd. 40.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 63]

Subd. 41.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 49]

Subd. 42.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 85]

Subd. 43.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 59]

Subd. 44.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 84]

Subd. 45.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 66]

Subd. 46.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 32]

Subd. 47.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 21]

Subd. 48.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 43]

Subd. 49.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 88]

Subd. 50.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 11]

Subd. 51.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 4]

Subd. 52.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 83]

Subd. 53.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 10]

Subd. 54.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 19]

Subd. 55.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 35]

Subd. 56.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 78]

Subd. 57.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 79]

Subd. 58.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 80]

Subd. 59.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 90]

Subd. 60.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 73]

Subd. 61.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 62.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 7]

Subd. 63.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 65]

Subd. 64.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 12]

Subd. 65.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 14]

Subd. 66.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 18]

Subd. 67.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 2]

Subd. 68.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 69.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 6]

Subd. 70.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 5]

Subd. 71.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 8]

Subd. 72.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 9]

Subd. 73.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 74]

Subd. 74.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 41]

Subd. 75.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 16]

Subd. 76.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 33]

Subd. 77.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 87]

Subd. 78.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 62]

Subd. 79.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 69]

Subd. 80.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 34]

Subd. 81.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 64]

Subd. 82.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 83.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 84.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 22]

Subd. 85.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 48]

Subd. 86.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 87.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 88.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 89.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 90.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 26]

Subd. 91.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 47]

Subd. 92.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 15]

Subd. 93.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 31]

Subd. 94.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 61]

Subd. 95.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 39]

Subd. 96.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 25]

Subd. 97.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 91]

Subd. 98.

[Renumbered 169.011, subd 94]

169.011 DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Terms.

For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section shall have the meanings ascribed to them.

Subd. 1a.All-electric vehicle.

(a) "All-electric vehicle" means an electric vehicle that is solely able to be powered by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other portable sources of electrical current.

(b) All-electric vehicle excludes a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Subd. 2.Alleyway.

"Alleyway" means a private or public passage or way located in a municipality and which (1) is less than the usual width of a street, (2) may be open to but is not designed primarily for general vehicular traffic, (3) intersects or opens to a street, and (4) is primarily used for the ingress and egress or other convenience of two or more owners of abutting real properties.

Subd. 3.Authorized emergency vehicle.

"Authorized emergency vehicle" means any of the following vehicles when equipped and identified according to law: (1) a vehicle of a fire department; (2) a publicly owned police vehicle or a privately owned vehicle used by a police officer for police work under agreement, express or implied, with the local authority to which the officer is responsible; (3) a vehicle of a licensed land emergency ambulance service, whether publicly or privately owned; (4) an emergency vehicle of a municipal department or a public service corporation, approved by the commissioner of public safety or the chief of police of a municipality; (5) any volunteer rescue squad operating pursuant to Laws 1959, chapter 53; (6) a vehicle designated as an authorized emergency vehicle upon a finding by the commissioner of public safety that designation of that vehicle is necessary to the preservation of life or property or to the execution of emergency governmental functions.

Subd. 3a.Autocycle.

"Autocycle" means a motorcycle that:

(1) has three wheels in contact with the ground;

(2) is designed with seating that does not require operators or any occupants to straddle or sit astride it;

(3) has a steering wheel;

(4) is equipped with antilock brakes; and

(5) is originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards for motorcycles in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571, and successor requirements.

Subd. 4.Bicycle.

(a) "Bicycle" means every device capable of being propelled solely by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two front or rear wheels. Bicycle includes an electric-assisted bicycle, as defined in subdivision 27.

(b) "Bicycle" does not include scooters, motorized foot scooters, or similar devices.

Subd. 5.Bicycle lane.

"Bicycle lane" means a portion of a roadway designed for exclusive or preferential use by persons using bicycles. Bicycle lanes are to be distinguished from the portion of the roadway used for motor vehicle traffic by physical barrier, striping, marking, or other similar device.

Subd. 6.Bicycle path.

"Bicycle path" means a bicycle facility designed for exclusive or preferential use by persons using bicycles and constructed or developed separately from the roadway or shoulder.

Subd. 7.Bicycle route.

The term "bicycle route" means a roadway or shoulder signed to encourage bicycle use.

Subd. 8.Bicycle trail.

"Bicycle trail" means a bicycle route or bicycle path developed by the commissioner of natural resources under section 85.016.

Subd. 9.Bikeway.

"Bikeway" means a bicycle lane, bicycle path, bicycle route, shared use path, or similar bicycle facility, regardless of whether it is designed for the exclusive use of bicycles or for shared use with other transportation modes.

Subd. 10.Bug deflector.

"Bug deflector" means a nonilluminated, transparent device attached to the hood of a motor vehicle so as to deflect the air stream.

Subd. 11.Bus.

"Bus" means every motor vehicle designed for carrying more than 15 passengers including the driver and used for the transportation of persons.

Subd. 12.Bus pool.

"Bus pool" means a prearranged ride-sharing arrangement in which a group of persons travel together on a regular basis in a bus, especially to and from their place of employment or to and from a transit stop authorized by a local transit authority.

Subd. 13.Business district.

"Business district" means the territory contiguous to and including a highway when 50 percent or more of the frontage thereon for a distance of 300 feet or more is occupied by buildings in use for business.

Subd. 14.Car pool.

"Car pool" means a prearranged ride-sharing arrangement in which two or more persons travel together on a regular basis in an automobile, especially to and from their place of employment or to and from a transit stop authorized by a local transit authority.

Subd. 15.Cellular phone.

"Cellular phone" means a cellular, analog, wireless, or digital telephone capable of sending or receiving telephone or text messages without an access line for service.

Subd. 15a.Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle.

"Class 1 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Subd. 15b.Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle.

"Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that is capable of propelling the bicycle without the rider pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

Subd. 15c.Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle.

"Class 3 electric-assisted bicycle" means an electric-assisted bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

Subd. 16.Commercial motor vehicle.

(a) "Commercial motor vehicle" means a motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:

(1) has a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds;

(2) has a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds and the combination of vehicles has a combined gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds;

(3) is a bus;

(4) is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials that are required to be placarded under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 100-185; or

(5) is outwardly equipped and identified as a school bus, except for type A-I and type III vehicles as defined in subdivision 71.

(b) For purposes of chapter 169A:

(1) a commercial motor vehicle does not include a farm truck, an authorized emergency vehicle, or a recreational vehicle being operated by a person within the scope of section 171.02, subdivision 2, paragraph (b); and

(2) a commercial motor vehicle includes a vehicle capable of or designed to meet the standards described in paragraph (a), clause (2), whether or not the towed unit is attached to the truck-tractor at the time of the violation or stop.

Subd. 17.Commissioner.

Unless stated otherwise, "commissioner" means the commissioner of transportation of this state. Regardless of the commissioner referred to, however, the commissioner is to be considered as acting directly or through the commissioner's duly authorized officers and agents.

Subd. 18.Commuter vanpool.

"Commuter vanpool" means a prearranged ride-sharing arrangement in which seven to 16 persons travel together on a regular basis in a commuter van, especially to and from their place of employment or to and from a transit stop authorized by a local transit authority.

Subd. 19.Controlled-access highway.

"Controlled-access highway" means, in this chapter, every highway, street, or roadway in respect to which the right of access of the owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons has been acquired and to which the owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons have no legal right of access to or from the same except at such points only and in such manner as may be determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over such highway, street or roadway.

Subd. 20.Crosswalk.

"Crosswalk" means (1) that portion of a roadway ordinarily included with the prolongation or connection of the lateral lines of sidewalks at intersections; (2) any portion of a roadway distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

Subd. 21.Custom service vehicles.

"Custom service vehicles" means all vehicles used as well-drilling machine, wood-sawing machine, cement mixer, rock crusher, road grader, ditch digger, or elevating grader, and similar service equipment.

Subd. 22.Daytime.

For purposes of regulating the operation of a motor vehicle, "daytime" means the time from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Subd. 23.Department.

Unless stated otherwise, "department" means the Department of Transportation of this state. Regardless of the department referred to, however, it is to be considered as acting directly or through its duly authorized officers and agents.

Subd. 24.Driver.

"Driver" means every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.

Subd. 25.Dynamic shoulder lane.

"Dynamic shoulder lane" has the meaning given in section 160.02, subdivision 18a.

Subd. 26.Electric personal assistive mobility device.

"Electric personal assistive mobility device" means a self-balancing device with two nontandem wheels, designed to transport not more than one person, and operated by an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour.

Subd. 26a.Electric vehicle.

(a) "Electric vehicle" means a motor vehicle that is able to be powered by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other portable sources of electrical current, and meets or exceeds applicable regulations in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571, and successor requirements.

(b) Electric vehicle includes:

(1) a neighborhood electric vehicle;

(2) a medium-speed electric vehicle; and

(3) a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Subd. 27.Electric-assisted bicycle.

"Electric-assisted bicycle" means a bicycle with two or three wheels that:

(1) has a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion;

(2) meets the requirements for bicycles under Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1512, or successor requirements;

(3) is equipped with an electric motor that has a power output of not more than 750 watts;

(4) meets the requirements of a class 1, class 2, or class 3 electric-assisted bicycle; and

(5) has a battery or electric drive system that has been tested to an applicable safety standard by a third-party testing laboratory.

Subd. 28.Explosives.

"Explosives" has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 173.50.

Subd. 29.Farm tractor.

"Farm tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry.

Subd. 30.Flammable liquid.

"Flammable liquid" has the meaning given in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 173.120.

Subd. 31.Full-size pickup truck.

"Full-size pickup truck" means any truck with a manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity of one ton or less and commonly known as or resembling a pickup truck.

Subd. 32.Gross vehicle weight.

"Gross vehicle weight" means the greater of:

(1) the unloaded weight of a vehicle or the unloaded weight of a truck-tractor and semitrailer combination, plus the weight of the load; or

(2) the value specified by the manufacturer as the maximum gross weight or gross vehicle weight rating.

Subd. 33.Hazardous materials.

"Hazardous materials" means any material that has been designated as hazardous under United States Code, title 49, section 5103, and is required to be placarded under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 172, subpart F, or any quantity of a material listed as a select agent or toxin in Code of Federal Regulations, title 42, part 73.

Subd. 34.Head Start bus.

(a) "Head Start bus" means a motor vehicle used to transport children and parents to or from a Head Start facility, or to or from Head Start-related activities, by the Head Start grantee, or by someone under an agreement with the Head Start grantee. A Head Start bus does not include a motor vehicle transporting children or parents to or from a Head Start facility for which parents or guardians receive direct compensation from a Head Start grantee, a motor coach operating under charter carrier authority, or a transit bus providing services as defined in section 174.22, subdivision 7. A Head Start bus may be a type A, B, C, or D bus.

(b) A Head Start bus manufactured after December 31, 1994, must meet the same standards as a type A, B, C, or D school bus, except that a Head Start bus is not required to be equipped with the warning signals required for a school bus under section 169.442, subdivision 1. A Head Start bus that is not equipped as a school bus must be painted colors other than national school bus yellow.

Subd. 35.Implement of husbandry.

"Implement of husbandry" means a self-propelled or towed vehicle designed or adapted to be used exclusively for timber-harvesting, agricultural, horticultural, or livestock-raising operations.

Subd. 36.Intersection.

(a) "Intersection" means the area embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines or, if none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways which join one another at, or approximately at, right angles or the area within which vehicles traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict.

(b) Where a highway includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of each roadway of such divided highway by an intersecting highway shall be regarded as a separate intersection. In the event such intersecting highway also includes two roadways 30 feet or more apart, then every crossing of two roadways of such highways shall be regarded as a separate intersection.

Subd. 37.Laned highway.

"Laned highway" means a highway the roadway of which is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic.

Subd. 38.Local authorities.

"Local authorities" means every county, municipal, and other local board or body having authority to adopt local police regulations under the constitution and laws of this state, and the Regents of the University of Minnesota, with reference to property owned, leased, or occupied by the Regents of the University of Minnesota or the University of Minnesota.

Subd. 39.Medium-speed electric vehicle.

"Medium-speed electric vehicle" means an electrically powered four-wheeled motor vehicle, equipped with a roll cage or crushproof body design, that can attain a maximum speed of 35 miles per hour on a paved level surface, is fully enclosed and has at least one door for entry, has a wheelbase of 40 inches or greater and a wheel diameter of ten inches or greater, and except with respect to maximum speed, otherwise meets or exceeds regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.500, and successor requirements.

Subd. 40.Metal tire.

"Metal tire" means every tire the surface of which in contact with the highway is wholly or partly of metal or other hard nonresilient material.

Subd. 40a.Mini truck.

(a) "Mini truck" means a motor vehicle that has four wheels; is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of 7,500 watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 660 cubic centimeters or less; has a total dry weight of 900 to 2,200 pounds; contains an enclosed cabin and a seat for the vehicle operator; commonly resembles a pickup truck or van, including a cargo area or bed located at the rear of the vehicle; and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards required of motor vehicles in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections 571.101 to 571.404, and successor requirements.

(b) A mini truck does not include:

(1) a neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle; or

(2) a motor vehicle that meets or exceeds the regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.500, and successor requirements.

Subd. 40b.Micromobility device.

(a) "Micromobility device" means a vehicle that:

(1) is capable of: (i) being propelled solely by human power; (ii) being powered solely by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable storage batteries, fuel cells, or other portable sources of electrical current; or (iii) both (i) and (ii);

(2) when solely powered by an electric motor, is not capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour on a paved level surface; and

(3) has an unloaded weight of up to 500 pounds.

(b) Micromobility device includes a bicycle, a motorized foot scooter, and an electric personal assistive mobility device. Micromobility device includes a motorized bicycle that meets the requirements under paragraph (a).

Subd. 41.Mobile crane.

"Mobile crane" means a vehicle (1) not designed or used to transport persons or property, (2) operated only incidentally on the highway and not subject to vehicle registration under chapter 168, and (3) comprising a boom and hoisting mechanism used in the construction industry. Mobile crane does not include a motor vehicle, designed to transport persons or property, to which a boom, hoist, crane, or other machinery has been attached.

Subd. 42.Motor vehicle.

(a) "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley wires.

(b) Motor vehicle does not include an electric-assisted bicycle, an electric personal assistive mobility device, or a vehicle moved solely by human power.

Subd. 43.Motor vehicle dealer.

"Motor vehicle dealer" means any person engaged in the business of manufacturing or selling new and unused motor vehicles, or used motor vehicles, or both, having an established place of business for the sale, trade, and display of such motor vehicles, and having in possession motor vehicles for the purpose of sale or trade.

Subd. 44.Motorcycle.

"Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and autocycles. Motorcycle does not include (1) motorized bicycles as defined in subdivision 45, (2) electric-assisted bicycles as defined in subdivision 27, or (3) a tractor.

Subd. 45.Motorized bicycle.

"Motorized bicycle" means a bicycle that is propelled by an electric or a liquid fuel motor of a piston displacement capacity of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a maximum of two brake horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. Motorized bicycle does not include an electric-assisted bicycle as defined in subdivision 27.

Subd. 46.Motorized foot scooter.

"Motorized foot scooter" means a device with handlebars designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion, and that has no more than two 12-inch or smaller diameter wheels and has an engine or motor that is capable of a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. An electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorized bicycle, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter.

Subd. 46a.Natural gas vehicle.

"Natural gas vehicle" or "NGV" means a motor vehicle under subdivision 42 that is capable of being propelled by natural gas, including compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas.

Subd. 46b.Narrow-width lane.

"Narrow-width lane" means a traffic lane that is too narrow to allow persons operating a bicycle and persons operating a motor vehicle within the same lane to operate side by side in compliance with the minimum safe passing clearance set forth in section 169.18.

Subd. 47.Neighborhood electric vehicle.

"Neighborhood electric vehicle" means an electrically powered motor vehicle that has three or four wheels, and has a speed attainable in one mile of at least 20 miles per hour but not more than 25 miles per hour on a paved level surface.

Subd. 48.Nighttime.

For purposes of regulating the operation of a motor vehicle, "nighttime" means the time from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

Subd. 49.Official traffic-control devices.

"Official traffic-control devices" means all signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with this chapter placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.

Subd. 50.One-way roadway.

"One-way roadway" means a street or roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic and on which all vehicles are required to move in one indicated direction.

Subd. 51.Owner.

"Owner" means a person who holds the legal title of a vehicle, or in the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee, or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner for the purpose of this chapter.

Subd. 52.Passenger vehicle.

"Passenger vehicle" means a passenger automobile defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24; a pickup truck defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26; a van defined in section 168.002, subdivision 40; and a self-propelled, recreational vehicle licensed under chapter 168 to use the public streets or highways. "Passenger vehicle" does not include a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, bus, school bus, a vehicle designed to operate exclusively on railroad tracks, a farm truck defined in section 168.002, subdivision 8, or special mobile equipment defined in section 168.002, subdivision 31.

Subd. 53.Pedestrian.

"Pedestrian" means any person afoot or in a wheelchair.

Subd. 54.Person.

"Person" means every natural person, firm, copartnership, association, or corporation.

Subd. 54a.Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

"Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle" means an electric vehicle that (1) contains an internal combustion engine and also allows power to be delivered to the drive wheels by a battery-powered electric motor; (2) when connected to the electrical grid via an electrical outlet, is able to recharge its battery; and (3) has the ability to travel at least 20 miles powered substantially by electricity.

Subd. 54b.Platooning system.

"Platooning system" means driver-assisted vehicle-to-vehicle technology that integrates electronic communications between and among multiple vehicles to synchronize speed, acceleration, and braking while leaving system monitoring and intervention in the control of each vehicle's human operator.

Subd. 55.Pneumatic tire.

"Pneumatic tire" means every tire in which compressed air is designed to support the load.

Subd. 56.Police officer.

"Police officer" means every officer authorized to direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic rules.

Subd. 57.Private road or driveway.

"Private road or driveway" means every way or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner and those having express or implied permission from the owner, but not by other persons.

Subd. 57a.Pupil transport entity.

(a) "Pupil transport entity" means (1) a school, as defined in section 120A.22, subdivision 4; (2) a charter school operated under chapter 124E; and (3) a private transportation contractor that operates under an agreement with an entity identified in clause (1) or (2).

(b) "Pupil transport entity" does not include a Head Start grantee or someone operating under an agreement with a Head Start grantee.

Subd. 58.Railroad.

"Railroad" means a carrier of persons or property upon cars, other than streetcars, operated upon stationary rails.

Subd. 59.Railroad sign or signal.

"Railroad sign or signal" means any sign, signal, or device erected by authority of a public body or official or by a railroad and intended to give notice of the presence of railroad tracks or the approach of a railroad train.

Subd. 60.Railroad train.

"Railroad train" means a steam engine, electric or other motor, with or without cars coupled thereto, operated upon rails, except streetcars.

Subd. 61.Recreational truck-tractor.

"Recreational truck-tractor" means a truck-tractor with a gross vehicle weight rating of not more than 24,000 pounds, that is designed exclusively or adapted specifically to tow a semitrailer coupled by means of a fifth-wheel plate and kingpin assembly.

Subd. 62.Recreational vehicle combination.

(a) "Recreational vehicle combination" means a combination of vehicles consisting of a full-size pickup truck or a recreational truck-tractor attached by means of a kingpin and fifth-wheel coupling to a middle vehicle which has hitched to it a trailer.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a "kingpin and fifth-wheel coupling" is a coupling between a middle vehicle and a towing full-size pickup truck or a recreational truck-tractor in which a portion of the weight of the towed middle vehicle is carried over or forward of the rear axle of the towing pickup.

Subd. 62a.Recycling vehicle.

"Recycling vehicle" means a vehicle hauling recyclable materials as authorized by section 115A.93, subdivision 1.

Subd. 63.Residence district.

"Residence district" means the territory contiguous to and including a highway not comprising a business district when the property on such highway for a distance of 300 feet or more is in the main improved with residences or residences and buildings in use for business.

Subd. 64.Residential roadway.

"Residential roadway" means a city street or town road that is either (1) less than one-half mile in total length, or (2) in an area zoned exclusively for housing that is not a collector or arterial street.

Subd. 65.Ride-sharing arrangement.

"Ride-sharing arrangement" means the transportation of persons, for a fee or otherwise, in a motor vehicle when the transportation is incidental to another purpose of the driver. The term includes the forms of shared transportation known as car pools, commuter vanpools, and bus pools, whether or not furnished by an employer. A "ride-sharing arrangement" does not include transportation of employees by an employer from one place of employment to another.

Subd. 66.Right-of-way.

"Right-of-way" means the privilege of the immediate use of highway.

Subd. 67.Road tractor.

"Road tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and used for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry any load thereon either independently or any part of the weight of a vehicle or load so drawn.

Subd. 68.Roadway.

"Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the sidewalk or shoulder. During periods when the commissioner allows the use of dynamic shoulder lanes as defined in subdivision 25, roadway includes that shoulder. In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways, the term "roadway" as used herein shall refer to any such roadway separately but not to all such roadways collectively.

Subd. 69.Rural mail carrier vehicle.

"Rural mail carrier vehicle" is a motor vehicle operated by a rural mail carrier on a rural mail route.

Subd. 69a.Rural residential district.

(a) "Rural residential district" means the territory contiguous to and including any city street or town road that is built up with visible dwelling houses situated at intervals averaging 300 feet or less for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, "interval" means the distance, measured along the centerline of the roadway, between the primary access points for adjacent dwelling houses, regardless of whether the dwelling houses are located on the same side of the road.

Subd. 70.Safety zone.

"Safety zone" means the area or space officially set apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly visible at all times set apart as a safety zone.

Subd. 71.School bus.

(a) "School bus" means a motor vehicle used to transport pupils to or from a school defined in section 120A.22, or to or from school-related activities, by the school or a school district, or by someone under an agreement with the school or a school district. A school bus does not include a motor vehicle transporting children to or from school for which parents or guardians receive direct compensation from a school district, a motor coach operating under charter carrier authority, a transit bus providing services as defined in section 174.22, subdivision 7, or a vehicle otherwise qualifying as a type III vehicle under paragraph (h), when the vehicle is properly registered and insured and being driven by an employee or agent of a school district for nonscheduled or nonregular transportation.

(b) A school bus may be type A, type B, type C, or type D, multifunction school activity bus, or type III as provided in paragraphs (c) to (h).

(c) A "type A school bus" is a van conversion or bus constructed utilizing a cutaway front section vehicle with a left-side driver's door. This definition includes two classifications: type A-I, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) less than or equal to 14,500 pounds; and type A-II, with a GVWR greater than 14,500 pounds and less than or equal to 21,500 pounds.

(d) A "type B school bus" is constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is behind the front wheels. This definition includes two classifications: type B-I, with a GVWR less than or equal to 10,000 pounds; and type B-II, with a GVWR greater than 10,000 pounds.

(e) A "type C school bus" is constructed utilizing a chassis with a hood and front fender assembly. The entrance door is behind the front wheels. A "type C school bus" also includes a cutaway truck chassis or truck chassis with cab, with or without a left side door, and with a GVWR greater than 21,500 pounds.

(f) A "type D school bus" is constructed utilizing a stripped chassis. The entrance door is ahead of the front wheels.

(g) A "multifunction school activity bus" is a school bus that meets the definition of a multifunction school activity bus in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.3. A vehicle that meets the definition of a type III vehicle is not a multifunction school activity bus.

(h) A "type III vehicle" is restricted to passenger vehicles and buses having a maximum manufacturer's rated seating capacity of ten or fewer people, including the driver, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. A "type III vehicle" must not be outwardly equipped and identified as a type A, B, C, or D school bus or type A, B, C, or D Head Start bus. A van or bus converted to a seating capacity of ten or fewer and placed in service on or after August 1, 1999, must have been originally manufactured to comply with the passenger safety standards.

(i) In this subdivision, "gross vehicle weight rating" means the value specified by the manufacturer as the loaded weight of a single vehicle.

Subd. 72.Semitrailer.

"Semitrailer" means a vehicle of the trailer type so designed and used in conjunction with a truck-tractor that a considerable part of its own weight or that of its load rests upon and is carried by the truck-tractor and includes a trailer drawn by a truck-tractor semitrailer combination.

Subd. 73.Service vehicle.

"Service vehicle" means a motor vehicle owned and operated by a person, firm or corporation engaged in a business which includes the repairing or servicing of vehicles. The term also includes snow removal and road maintenance equipment not operated by or under contract to the state or a governmental subdivision.

Subd. 73a.Shared use path.

"Shared use path" means a bicycle facility that is (1) physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier, (2) located within either the highway right-of-way or an independent right-of-way, and (3) available for use by other nonmotorized users.

Subd. 74.Shoulder.

"Shoulder" means that part of a highway which is contiguous to the regularly traveled portion of the highway and is on the same level as the highway. The shoulder may be pavement, gravel, or earth.

Subd. 75.Sidewalk.

"Sidewalk" means that portion of a street between the curb lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines intended for the use of pedestrians.

Subd. 76.Solid tire.

"Solid tire" means every tire of rubber or other resilient material which does not depend upon compressed air for the support of the load.

Subd. 76a.Solid waste vehicle.

"Solid waste vehicle" means a vehicle hauling solid waste as authorized by section 115A.93, subdivision 1.

Subd. 77.

MS 2012 [Expired, 2008 c 350 art 1 s 25; 2008 c 366 art 9 s 6]

Subd. 78.Stand or standing.

"Stand or standing" means the halting of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging passengers.

Subd. 79.Stop.

"Stop" means complete cessation from movement.

Subd. 80.Stopping.

"Stopping" means any halting even momentarily of a vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic-control sign or signal.

Subd. 81.Street or highway.

"Street or highway" means the entire width between boundary lines of any way or place when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for the purposes of vehicular traffic.

Subd. 82.Through highway.

"Through highway" means every highway or portion thereof at the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting highways is required by law to stop before entering or crossing the same and when stop signs are erected as provided in this chapter.

Subd. 83.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.011, subd 12a]

Subd. 83a.Tow truck or towing vehicle.

"Tow truck" or "towing vehicle" has the meaning given in section 168B.011, subdivision 12a.

Subd. 84.Traffic.

"Traffic" means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals, vehicles, streetcars, and other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any highway for purposes of travel.

Subd. 85.Traffic-control signal.

"Traffic-control signal" means any device, whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic is alternately directed to stop and permitted to proceed.

Subd. 86.Trailer.

"Trailer" means any vehicle designed for carrying property or passengers on its own structure and for being drawn by a motor vehicle but does not include a trailer drawn by a truck-tractor semitrailer combination or an auxiliary axle on a motor vehicle which carries a portion of the weight of the motor vehicle to which it is attached.

Subd. 87.Transit bus.

"Transit bus" means a bus engaged in regular route transit as defined in section 174.22, subdivision 8.

Subd. 88.Truck.

"Truck" means every motor vehicle designed, used or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

Subd. 89.Truck-tractor.

"Truck-tractor" means:

(1) a motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not constructed to carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load drawn; and

(2) a motor vehicle designed and used primarily for drawing other vehicles used exclusively for transporting motor vehicles or boats and capable of carrying motor vehicles or boats on its own structure.

Subd. 90.Urban district.

"Urban district" means the territory contiguous to and including any city street or town road that is built up with structures devoted to business, industry, or dwelling houses situated at intervals of less than 100 feet for a distance of a quarter of a mile or more.

Subd. 91.Valid license; valid driver's license.

"Valid license," "valid driver's license," "valid Minnesota driver's license," "valid standard driver's license," or other similar term, has the meaning given in section 171.01, subdivision 49a.

Subd. 92.Vehicle.

"Vehicle" means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

Subd. 92a.Vehicle platoon.

"Vehicle platoon" means a group of commercial vehicles traveling in a unified manner through use of a platooning system or systems. A vehicle platoon consists of a lead vehicle and following vehicles. A vehicle platoon is not a combination vehicle under this chapter.

Subd. 93.Wheelchair.

For the purposes of this chapter, "wheelchair" is defined to include any manual or motorized wheelchair, scooter, tricycle, or similar device used by a disabled person as a substitute for walking.

Subd. 94.Wireless communications device.

(a) "Wireless communications device" means (1) a cellular phone, or (2) a portable electronic device that is capable of receiving and transmitting data, including but not limited to text messages and email, without an access line for service.

(b) A wireless communications device does not include: (1) a device or feature that is permanently physically integrated into the vehicle; (2) a global positioning system or navigation system that is only capable of being used for navigation purposes; or (3) a two-way radio, citizens band radio, or amateur radio equipment used in accordance with Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations.

Subd. 95.Work zone.

"Work zone" means a segment of street or highway for which:

(1) a road authority or its agent is constructing, reconstructing, or maintaining the physical structure of the roadway, which may include, but is not limited to, shoulders, features adjacent to the roadway, and utilities and highway appurtenances, whether underground or overhead; and

(2) any of the following applies:

(i) official traffic-control devices that indicate the segment of street or highway under construction, reconstruction, or maintenance, are erected;

(ii) one or more lanes of traffic are closed;

(iii) a flagger under section 169.06, subdivision 4a, is present;

(iv) a construction zone speed limit under section 169.14, subdivision 4, is established; or

(v) a workers present speed limit under section 169.14, subdivision 5d, is in effect.

History:

(2720-151) 1937 c 464 s 1; Ex1937 c 38 s 1; 1939 c 430 s 1; 1947 c 204 s 1; 1947 c 428 s 1-4; 1949 c 90 s 1; 1949 c 247 s 1; 1951 c 114 s 1; 1951 c 331 s 1; 1953 c 289 s 1; 1953 c 303 s 1; 1955 c 536 s 1; 1959 c 521 s 1; 1961 c 42 s 1; 1963 c 357 s 1; 1971 c 164 s 1,2; 1973 c 27 s 1; 1974 c 379 s 1; 1975 c 29 s 2; 1976 c 104 s 1; 1976 c 166 s 7; 1977 c 214 s 6,7; 1978 c 494 s 1; 1978 c 613 s 4; 1978 c 727 s 1; 1978 c 739 s 1-5; 1981 c 321 s 2; 1982 c 468 s 1,2; 1983 c 198 s 4; 1983 c 311 s 3-6; 1984 c 403 s 1; 1984 c 417 s 23; 1984 c 430 s 1; 1984 c 549 s 26-28; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 310 s 1; 1986 c 398 art 13 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 255 s 7-13; 1987 c 269 s 4; 1989 c 209 art 2 s 1; 1989 c 250 s 1; 1989 c 307 s 2,3; 1990 c 497 s 9; 1990 c 529 s 1,2; 1991 c 112 s 1; 1991 c 277 s 2,17; 1991 c 333 s 10,11; 1992 c 513 art 3 s 33; 1992 c 578 s 4; 1993 c 83 s 1; 1993 c 111 s 1,3; 1993 c 117 s 5; 1993 c 187 s 2; 1994 c 478 s 1; 1994 c 603 s 1,2; 1994 c 635 art 1 s 10; 1994 c 647 art 12 s 11; 1995 c 3 s 1; 1Sp1995 c 3 art 2 s 30; 1996 c 412 art 2 s 14; 1996 c 435 s 13,14; 1996 c 442 s 3,4; 1997 c 143 s 5-8; 1997 c 159 art 2 s 17; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 21-25; 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 5; 1998 c 397 art 11 s 3; 1998 c 398 art 6 s 30; 1999 c 241 art 9 s 40; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2001 c 97 s 1,5; 2001 c 119 s 1; 2001 c 161 s 58; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 7; 2002 c 285 s 2,3; 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 64; 2004 c 294 art 2 s 17,18; 2005 c 135 s 4,5; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 36-38; 2006 c 189 s 4; 2006 c 231 s 1; 2007 c 146 art 8 s 3; 2008 c 277 art 1 s 21; 2008 c 287 art 1 s 35-41; 2008 c 306 s 3,4; 2008 c 350 art 1 s 25-29,96; 2008 c 366 art 9 s 6; 2009 c 56 s 1-3; 2009 c 96 art 8 s 2; 2009 c 134 s 2,3; 2009 c 158 s 2,10; 2010 c 382 s 39; 2012 c 287 art 3 s 23-26,56,64; 2013 c 102 s 2; 2013 c 125 art 1 s 37; 2013 c 127 s 27; 2014 c 255 s 20; 2014 c 281 s 5; 2014 c 312 art 11 s 4; 1Sp2015 c 3 art 4 s 10; 2016 c 114 s 1,2; 2016 c 142 s 3; 1Sp2017 c 3 art 3 s 45-47; 2019 c 11 s 1; 2019 c 18 s 1,2; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 3 s 31-33; 1Sp2021 c 5 art 4 s 45-52,148; 2023 c 68 art 4 s 42; art 5 s 23

APPLICABILITY; EXCEPTIONS

169.02 SCOPE.

Subdivision 1.Application to persons, places, and vehicles.

The provisions of this chapter relating to the operation of vehicles refer exclusively to the operation of vehicles upon highways, and upon highways, streets, private roads, and roadways situated on property owned, leased, or occupied by the regents of the University of Minnesota, or the University of Minnesota, except:

(1) where a different place is specifically referred to in a given section;

(2) the provisions of sections 169.09 to 169.13 apply to any person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a motor vehicle within this state or upon the ice of any boundary water of this state, and to any person who drives, operates, or is in physical control of a snowmobile on a snowmobile trail within this state.

Subd. 2.Penalty for not complying with peace officer.

It is a misdemeanor for any person to willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful order or direction of any peace officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.

169.022 UNIFORM APPLICATION.

The provisions of this chapter shall be applicable and uniform throughout this state and in all political subdivisions and municipalities therein, and no local authority shall enact or enforce any rule or regulation in conflict with the provisions of this chapter unless expressly authorized herein. Local authorities may adopt traffic regulations which are not in conflict with the provisions of this chapter; provided, that when any local ordinance regulating traffic covers the same subject for which a penalty is provided for in this chapter, then the penalty provided for violation of said local ordinance shall be identical with the penalty provided for in this chapter for the same offense.

169.025 APPLICATION OF MOTOR CARRIER REGULATIONS.

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter other than section 169.67, a vehicle, driver, or carrier that is subject to the motor carrier safety regulations incorporated in section 221.0314 or 221.605 shall comply with the more stringent or additional requirement imposed by the motor carrier safety regulation.

169.03 EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

The provisions of this chapter applicable to the drivers of vehicles upon the highways shall apply to the drivers of all vehicles owned or operated by the United States, this state, or any county, city, town, district, or any other political subdivision of the state, subject to such specific exemptions as are set forth in this chapter with reference to authorized emergency vehicles.

Subd. 2.Stops.

The driver of any authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call, upon approaching a red or stop signal or any stop sign shall slow down as necessary for safety, but may proceed cautiously past such red or stop sign or signal after sounding siren and displaying red lights, except that a law enforcement vehicle responding to an emergency call shall sound its siren or display at least one lighted red light to the front.

Subd. 3.One-way roadway.

The driver of any authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to any emergency call, may enter against the run of traffic on any one-way street, or highway where there is authorized division of traffic, to facilitate traveling to the area in which an emergency has been reported; and the provisions of this section shall not affect any cause of action arising prior to its passage.

Subd. 4.Parking at emergency scene.

An authorized emergency vehicle, when at the scene of a reported emergency, may park or stand, notwithstanding any law or ordinance to the contrary.

Subd. 5.Course of duty.

No driver of any authorized emergency vehicle shall assume any special privilege under this chapter except when such vehicle is operated in response to any emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.

Subd. 6.

MS 2006 [Renumbered 169.035, subdivision 1]

Subd. 7.

MS 2006 [Renumbered 169.035, subd 2]

Subd. 8.

MS 2006 [Renumbered 169.035, subd 3]

Subd. 9.

[Renumbered 169.022]

169.035 EXEMPTIONS; APPLICATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Working on highway.

(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to persons, motor vehicles, and other equipment while actually engaged in work upon the highway, except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c).

(b) This chapter shall apply to those persons and vehicles when traveling to or from such work, except that persons operating equipment owned, rented or hired by road authorities shall be exempt from the width, height and length provisions of sections 169.80 and 169.81 and shall be exempt from the weight limitations of this chapter while performing the following actions on behalf of the state or a local governmental unit:

(1) while loading, readying, or moving the vehicles or equipment in preparation for combating anticipated slippery road conditions or removing snow or ice;

(2) while actually engaged in snow or ice removal or combating slippery road conditions, including but not limited to pretreatment and anti-icing activities; or

(3) while engaged in flood control operations.

(c) Chapter 169A and section 169.444 apply to persons while actually engaged in work upon the highway.

Subd. 2.Streetcars.

Streetcars, except where otherwise specifically provided, shall be governed by the same rules as provided in this chapter for vehicles and motor vehicles, only insofar as such rules apply to speed, stopped at through streets and railroad tracks, and obeying signals of traffic-control devices and rights-of-way, driving under the influence of drugs or intoxicating liquor, careless driving, and the stopping at the scene of an accident and giving the information as required by this chapter, and following vehicles too closely, and shall be entitled to the same rights and benefits of this chapter, as to warning, turning and stopping signals and rights-of-way, as any vehicles or motor vehicle in the streets and highways of this state.

Subd. 3.Transportation by animal.

(a) A person riding an animal or operating an animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway 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.

(b) A person operating an animal-drawn vehicle must comply with sections 169.18, subdivision 10; 169.522; and 169.58, subdivision 6.

Subd. 4.Trains.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, "railroad operator" means a person who is a locomotive engineer, conductor, member of the crew of a railroad locomotive or train, or an operator of on-track equipment.

(b) A peace officer may not issue a citation for violation of this chapter or chapter 171 to a railroad operator involving the operation of a railroad locomotive or train, or on-track equipment while being operated upon rails.

(c) Notwithstanding section 171.08, a railroad operator is not required to display or furnish a driver's license to a peace officer in connection with the operation of a railroad locomotive or train, or on-track equipment while being operated upon rails.

169.04 LOCAL AUTHORITY.

(a) The provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to prevent local authorities, with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction, and with the consent of the commissioner, with respect to state trunk highways, within the corporate limits of a municipality, or within the limits of a town in a county in this state now having or which may hereafter have, a population of 500,000 or more, and a land area of not more than 600 square miles, and within the reasonable exercise of the police power from:

(1) regulating the standing or parking of vehicles;

(2) regulating traffic by means of police officers or traffic-control signals;

(3) regulating or prohibiting processions or assemblages on the highways;

(4) designating particular highways as one-way roadways and requiring that all vehicles, except emergency vehicles, when on an emergency run, thereon be moved in one specific direction;

(5) designating any highway as a through highway and requiring that all vehicles stop before entering or crossing the same, or designating any intersection as a stop intersection, and requiring all vehicles to stop at one or more entrances to such intersections;

(6) restricting the use of highways as authorized in sections 169.80 to 169.88.

(b) No ordinance or regulation enacted under paragraph (a), clause (4), (5), or (6), shall be effective until signs giving notice of such local traffic regulations are posted upon and kept posted upon or at the entrance to the highway or part thereof affected as may be most appropriate.

(c) No ordinance or regulation enacted under paragraph (a), clause (3), or any other provision of law shall prohibit:

(1) the use of motorcycles or vehicles utilizing flashing red lights for the purpose of escorting funeral processions, oversize buildings, heavy equipment, parades or similar processions or assemblages on the highways; or

(2) the use of motorcycles or vehicles that are owned by the funeral home and that utilize flashing red lights for the purpose of escorting funeral processions.

TOWING

169.041

Subdivision 1.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.035, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.035, subd 2]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2010 c 351 s 74]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2010 c 351 s 74]

Subd. 5.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.035, subd 3]

Subd. 5a.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.035, subd 4]

Subd. 6.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.035, subd 5]

Subd. 7.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.035, subd 6]

169.042 TOWING; NOTICE TO VICTIM OF VEHICLE THEFT.

Subdivision 1.Notification.

The law enforcement agency that originally received the report of a vehicle theft shall make a reasonable and good-faith effort to notify the victim of the reported vehicle theft within 48 hours after recovering the vehicle or receiving notification that the vehicle has been recovered. The notice must specify when the recovering law enforcement agency expects to release the vehicle to the owner and where the owner may pick up the vehicle. The law enforcement agency that recovers the vehicle must promptly inform the agency that received the theft report that the vehicle is recovered, where the vehicle is located, and when the vehicle can be released to the owner.

Subd. 2.Violation dismissal.

A traffic violation citation given to the owner of the vehicle as a result of the vehicle theft must be dismissed if the owner presents, by mail or in person, a police report or other verification that the vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation.

APPLICABILITY; LOCAL OR PRIVATE ROAD

169.045 SPECIAL VEHICLE USE ON ROADWAY.

Subdivision 1.Designation of roadway, permit.

The governing body of any county, home rule charter or statutory city, or town may by ordinance authorize the operation of motorized golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles, or mini trucks, on designated roadways or portions thereof under its jurisdiction. Authorization to operate a motorized golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, utility task vehicle, or mini truck is by permit only. For purposes of this section:

(1) an all-terrain vehicle has the meaning given in section 84.92;

(2) a mini truck has the meaning given in section 169.011, subdivision 40a; and

(3) a utility task vehicle means a side-by-side, four-wheel drive, off-road vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 1,200 cubic centimeters or less, and has a total dry weight of 1,800 but less than 2,600 pounds.

Subd. 2.Ordinance.

The ordinance shall designate the roadways, prescribe the form of the application for the permit, require evidence of insurance complying with the provisions of section 65B.48, subdivision 5 and may prescribe conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this section, under which a permit may be granted. Permits may be granted for a period not to exceed three years, and may be renewed. A permit may be revoked at any time if there is evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate the motorized golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, utility task vehicle, or mini truck on the designated roadways. The ordinance may require, as a condition to obtaining a permit, that the applicant submit a certificate signed by a physician that the applicant is able to safely operate a motorized golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, utility task vehicle, or mini truck on the roadways designated.

Subd. 3.Times of operation.

Motorized golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, and utility task vehicles may only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset, unless equipped with original equipment headlights, taillights, and rear-facing brake lights. They shall not be operated in inclement weather, except during emergency conditions as provided in the ordinance, or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient visibility to clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.

Subd. 4.Slow-moving vehicle emblem.

Motorized golf carts shall display the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in section 169.522, when operated on designated roadways.

Subd. 5.Crossing intersecting highways.

The operator, under permit, of a motorized golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, utility task vehicle, or mini truck may cross any street or highway intersecting a designated roadway.

Subd. 6.Application of traffic laws.

Every person operating a motorized golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, utility task vehicle, or mini truck under permit on designated roadways has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the provisions of this chapter, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts, all-terrain vehicles, utility task vehicles, or mini trucks and except as otherwise specifically provided in subdivision 7.

Subd. 7.Nonapplication of certain laws.

The provisions of chapter 171 are applicable to persons operating mini trucks, but are not applicable to persons operating motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles, or all-terrain vehicles under permit on designated roadways pursuant to this section. Except for the requirements of section 169.70, the provisions of this chapter relating to equipment on vehicles are not applicable to motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles, or all-terrain vehicles operating, under permit, on designated roadways.

Subd. 7a.Required equipment on mini trucks.

Notwithstanding sections 169.48 to 169.68, or any other law, a mini truck may be operated under permit on designated roadways if it is equipped with:

(1) at least two headlamps;

(2) at least two taillamps;

(3) front and rear turn-signal lamps;

(4) an exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either (i) an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or (ii) an interior mirror;

(5) a windshield;

(6) a seat belt for the driver and front passenger; and

(7) a parking brake.

Subd. 8.Insurance.

In the event persons operating a motorized golf cart, utility task vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or mini truck under this section cannot obtain liability insurance in the private market, that person may purchase automobile insurance, including no-fault coverage, from the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan under sections 65B.01 to 65B.12, at a rate to be determined by the commissioner of commerce.

169.05 PRIVATE ROADWAYS.

Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the owner of real property used by the public for purposes of vehicular travel by permission of the owner and not as a matter of right, from prohibiting such use, or from requiring other or different or additional conditions than those specified in this chapter, or otherwise regulating such use as may seem best to such owner.

SIGNS AND SIGNALS

169.06 SIGNS, SIGNALS, MARKINGS.

Subdivision 1.Uniform system.

The commissioner shall adopt a manual and specifications for a uniform system of traffic-control devices consistent with the provisions of this chapter for use upon highways within this state. Such uniform system shall correlate with and so far as possible conform to the system then current as approved by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. The manual and specifications must include the design and wording of minimum-maintenance road signs. The adoption of the manual and specifications by the commissioner as herein provided is specifically exempted from chapter 14, including section 14.386.

Subd. 2.Placement and maintenance on trunk highway.

(a) The commissioner shall place and maintain such traffic-control devices, conforming to the manual and specifications, upon all state trunk highways as the commissioner shall deem necessary to indicate and to carry out the provisions of this chapter or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. The commissioner may construct and maintain signs at the entrance of each city, which sign shall have placed thereon the name of the city and the population thereof. The commissioner may construct and maintain other directional signs upon the trunk highways and such signs shall be uniform. The commissioner may authorize variations from the manual and specifications for the purpose of investigation and research into the use and development of traffic-control devices. When such authorized variation pertains to the regulation of traffic, notice of the intended regulatory purpose shall be published in a qualified newspaper of general circulation in the area where the research is being conducted.

(b) No other authority shall place or maintain any traffic-control device upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the commissioner except by the latter's permission.

Subd. 3.Placement and maintenance by local authority.

Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions shall place and maintain such traffic-control devices upon highways under their jurisdiction as they may deem necessary to indicate and to carry out the provisions of this chapter or local traffic ordinances, or to regulate, warn, or guide traffic. All such traffic-control devices hereafter erected shall conform to the state manual and specifications.

Subd. 4.Obedience to traffic-control signal or authorized persons; presumptions.

(a) The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, unless otherwise directed by a police officer or by a flagger authorized under this subdivision, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in this chapter.

(b) No provision of this chapter for which official traffic-control devices are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that official traffic-control devices are required, such section shall be effective even though no devices are erected or in place.

(c) Whenever official traffic-control devices are placed in position approximately conforming to the requirements of this chapter, such devices shall be presumed to have been so placed by the official act or direction of lawful authority, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence.

(d) Any official traffic-control device placed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and purporting to conform to the lawful requirements pertaining to such devices shall be presumed to comply with the requirements of this chapter, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence.

(e) An overdimensional load escort driver with a certificate issued under section 299D.085, while acting as a flagger escorting a legal overdimensional load, may stop vehicles and hold vehicles in place until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed. A person operating a motor vehicle that has been stopped by an escort driver acting as a flagger may proceed only on instruction by the flagger or a police officer.

(f) A person may stop and hold vehicles in place until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed, if the person: (1) holds a motorcycle road guard certificate issued under section 171.60; (2) meets the safety and equipment standards for operating under the certificate; (3) is acting as a flagger escorting a motorcycle group ride; (4) has notified each statutory or home rule charter city through which the motorcycle group is proceeding; and (5) has obtained consent from the chief of police, or the chief's designee, of any city of the first class through which the group is proceeding. A flagger operating as provided under this paragraph may direct operators of motorcycles within a motorcycle group ride or other vehicle traffic, notwithstanding any contrary indication of a traffic-control device, including stop signs or traffic-control signals. A person operating a vehicle that has been stopped by a flagger under this paragraph may proceed only on instruction by the flagger or a police officer.

Subd. 4a.Obedience to work zone flagger; violation, penalty.

(a) A flagger in a work zone may stop vehicles, hold vehicles in place, and direct vehicles to proceed when it is safe.

(b) A person convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of a speed limit in a work zone, or any other provision of this section while in a work zone, shall be required to pay a fine of $300. This fine is in addition to the surcharge under section 357.021, subdivision 6.

(c) If a motor vehicle is operated in violation of paragraph (a), the owner of the vehicle, or for a leased motor vehicle the lessee of the vehicle, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and is subject to a fine as provided in paragraph (b). The owner or lessee may not be fined under this paragraph if (1) another person is convicted for that violation, or (2) the motor vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation. This paragraph does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee.

(d) Paragraph (c) does not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a motor vehicle operator who violates paragraph (a).

(e) A violation under paragraph (c) does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of a driver's license.

(f) A peace officer may issue a citation to the operator of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the person has operated the vehicle in violation of paragraph (a). A citation may be issued even though the violation did not occur in the officer's presence. In addition to other evidentiary elements or factors, a peace officer has probable cause under this subdivision if:

(1) a qualified work zone flagger has provided a report of a violation of paragraph (a) that includes a description and the license plate number of the vehicle used to commit the offense, and the time of the incident;

(2) the person is operating the vehicle described in the report; and

(3) it is within the four-hour period following the time of the incident, as specified in the report.

(g) A work zone flagger is qualified to provide a report under paragraph (f) if each flagger involved in the reporting has completed training that includes information on flagging operations, equipment, traffic laws, observation and accurate identification of motor vehicles, and delegation of duties involving a report under paragraph (f).

Subd. 4b.Obedience to school bus flagger.

(a) A person may stop and hold vehicles in place at a location on a street or highway having a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less until it is safe for the vehicles to proceed, if the person:

(1) is designated by the school district's transportation safety director to act as a school bus flagger;

(2) controls traffic in order to enable one or more school buses to safely leave school property and enter the adjacent street or highway, or to safely enter school property from the adjacent street or highway; and

(3) meets the safety and equipment standards for an adult crossing guard provided in the manual and specifications adopted under subdivision 1.

(b) A person operating a motor vehicle that has been stopped by a school bus flagger may proceed after stopping only on instruction by the school bus flagger or a police officer.

(c) The authority under paragraph (a) does not apply in a school zone established under section 169.14, subdivision 5a, in which the speed limit of that street or highway outside the school zone is greater than 35 miles per hour.

Subd. 5.Traffic-control signal.

(a) Whenever traffic is controlled by traffic-control signals exhibiting different colored lights, or colored lighted arrows, successively one at a time or in combination, only the colors Green, Red, and Yellow shall be used, except for special pedestrian signals carrying a word or legend. The traffic-control signal lights or colored lighted arrows indicate and apply to drivers of vehicles and pedestrians as follows:

(1) Green indication:

(i) Vehicular traffic facing a circular green signal may proceed straight through or turn right or left unless a sign prohibits either turn. But vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time this signal is exhibited. Vehicular traffic turning left or making a U-turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.

(ii) Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow signal, shown alone or in combination with another indication, may cautiously enter the intersection only to make the movement indicated by the arrow, or other movement as permitted by other indications shown at the same time. Vehicular traffic shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians lawfully within an adjacent crosswalk and to other traffic lawfully using the intersection.

(iii) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in subdivision 6, pedestrians facing any green signal, except when the sole green signal is a turn arrow, may proceed across the roadway within any marked or unmarked crosswalk. Every driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to such pedestrian, except that the pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that the green signal indication is first shown.

(2) Steady yellow indication:

(i) Vehicular traffic facing a steady circular yellow or yellow arrow signal is thereby warned that the related green movement is being terminated or that a red indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic must not enter the intersection, except for the continued movement allowed by any green arrow indication simultaneously exhibited.

(ii) Pedestrians facing a circular yellow signal, unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in subdivision 6, are thereby advised that there is insufficient time to cross the roadway before a red indication is shown and no pedestrian shall then start to cross the roadway.

(3) Steady red indication:

(i) Vehicular traffic facing a circular red signal alone must stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown, except as follows: (A) the driver of a vehicle stopped as close as practicable at the entrance to the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then at the entrance to the intersection in obedience to a red or stop signal, and with the intention of making a right turn may make the right turn, after stopping, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting such movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection; or (B) the driver of a vehicle on a one-way street intersecting another one-way street on which traffic moves to the left shall stop in obedience to a red or stop signal and may then make a left turn into the one-way street, unless an official sign has been erected prohibiting the movement, but shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection.

(ii) Unless otherwise directed by a pedestrian-control signal as provided in subdivision 6, pedestrians facing a steady red signal alone shall not enter the roadway.

(iii) Vehicular traffic facing a steady red arrow signal, with the intention of making a movement indicated by the arrow, must stop at a clearly marked stop line but, if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection or, if none, then before entering the intersection and must remain standing until a permissive signal indication permitting the movement indicated by the red arrow is displayed, except as follows: when an official sign has been erected permitting a turn on a red arrow signal, the vehicular traffic facing a red arrow signal indication is permitted to enter the intersection to turn right, or to turn left from a one-way street into a one-way street on which traffic moves to the left, after stopping, but must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic lawfully proceeding as directed by the signal at that intersection.

(b) In the event an official traffic-control signal is erected and maintained at a place other than an intersection, the provisions of this section are applicable except those which can have no application. Any stop required must be made at a sign or marking on the pavement indicating where the stop must be made, but in the absence of any such sign or marking the stop must be made at the signal.

(c) When a traffic-control signal indication or indications placed to control a certain movement or lane are so identified by placing a sign near the indication or indications, no other traffic-control signal indication or indications within the intersection controls vehicular traffic for that movement or lane.

Subd. 5a.Traffic-control signal; override system.

All electronic traffic-control signals installed by a road authority on and after January 1, 1995, must be prewired to facilitate a later addition of a system that allows the operator of an authorized emergency vehicle to activate a green traffic signal for the vehicle.

Subd. 5b.Possession of traffic signal-override device.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, "traffic signal-override device" means a device located in a motor vehicle that permits activation of a traffic signal-override system described in subdivision 5a.

(b) No person may operate a motor vehicle that contains a traffic signal-override device, other than:

(1) an authorized emergency vehicle described in section 169.011, subdivision 3, clause (1), (2), or (3);

(2) a vehicle, including a rail vehicle, engaged in providing bus rapid transit service or light rail transit service;

(3) a signal maintenance vehicle of a road authority; or

(4) a vehicle authorized to contain such a device by order of the commissioner of public safety.

(c) No person may possess a traffic signal-override device, other than:

(1) a person authorized to operate a vehicle described in paragraph (b), clauses (1) and (2), but only for use in that vehicle;

(2) a person authorized by a road authority to perform signal maintenance, while engaged in such maintenance; or

(3) a person authorized by order of the commissioner of public safety to possess a traffic signal-override device, but only to the extent authorized in the order.

(d) A violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

Subd. 6.Pedestrian control signal.

(a) Whenever special pedestrian-control signals exhibiting the words "Walk" or "Don't Walk" or symbols of a "walking person" or "upraised hand" are in place, the signals or symbols indicate as follows:

(1) A steady "Walk" signal or the symbol of a "walking person" indicates that a pedestrian facing either of these signals may proceed across the roadway in the direction of the signal, possibly in conflict with turning vehicles. Every driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to such pedestrian except that the pedestrian shall yield the right-of-way to vehicles lawfully within the intersection at the time that either signal indication is first shown.

(2) A "Don't Walk" signal or the symbol of an "upraised hand," flashing or steady, indicates that a pedestrian shall not start to cross the roadway in the direction of either signal, but any pedestrian who has partially crossed on the "Walk" or "walking person" signal indication shall proceed to a sidewalk or safety island while the signal is showing.

(b) A pedestrian crossing a roadway in conformity with this section is lawfully within the intersection and, when in a crosswalk, is lawfully within the crosswalk.

Subd. 7.Flashing signal.

When flashing red or yellow signals are used they shall require obedience by vehicular traffic as follows:

(a) When a circular red lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

(b) When a red arrow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes drivers of vehicles with the intention of making a movement indicated by the arrow shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection, and the right to proceed shall be subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign.

(c) When a circular yellow lens is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles may proceed through the intersection or past the signals only with caution. Vehicular traffic, including vehicles turning right or left, shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time this signal is exhibited. Vehicular traffic turning left or making a U-turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.

(d) When a yellow arrow indication is illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes, drivers of vehicles with the intention of making a movement indicated by the arrow may proceed through the intersection or past the signals only with caution, but shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles and to pedestrians lawfully within the intersection or adjacent crosswalk at the time this signal is exhibited. Vehicular traffic turning left or making a U-turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles approaching from the opposite direction so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard.

Subd. 8.Lane-direction-control signal.

When lane-direction-control signals are placed over individual lanes of a street or highway, vehicular traffic may travel in lanes as follows:

(a) Vehicular traffic facing a green arrow indication is permitted to drive in the lane over which the arrow signal is located.

(b) Vehicular traffic facing a red "X" indication shall not drive in the lane over which the signal is located.

(c) Vehicular traffic facing a steady yellow "X" indication is thereby warned that use of the lane over which the signal is located is being terminated, or that a red "X" indication will be exhibited immediately thereafter when vehicular traffic shall not drive in the lane.

(d) Vehicular traffic facing a yellow "X" indication illuminated with rapid intermittent flashes is permitted to use a lane over which the signal is located for a left turn or for a passing maneuver, using proper caution.

Subd. 9.Affirmative defense relating to unchanging traffic-control signal.

(a) A person operating a bicycle or motorcycle who violates subdivision 4 by entering or crossing an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light has an affirmative defense to that charge if the person establishes all of the following conditions:

(1) the bicycle or motorcycle has been brought to a complete stop;

(2) the traffic-control signal continues to show a red light for an unreasonable time;

(3) the traffic-control signal is apparently malfunctioning or, if programmed or engineered to change to a green light only after detecting the approach of a motor vehicle, the signal has apparently failed to detect the arrival of the bicycle or motorcycle; and

(4) no motor vehicle or person is approaching on the street or highway to be crossed or entered or is so far away from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard.

(b) The affirmative defense in this subdivision applies only to a violation for entering or crossing an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal against a red light and does not provide a defense to any other civil or criminal action.

169.065 SAFE ROAD ZONES.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For purposes of this section, "local request" means a formal request collectively submitted by the chief law enforcement officer of a political subdivision serving the proposed safe road zone, the local road authority for the proposed safe road zone, and the chief executive officer, board, or designee by resolution of the political subdivision encompassing the proposed safe road zone.

Subd. 2.Establishment.

(a) The commissioner may designate a safe road zone as provided in this section.

(b) Upon receipt of a local request, the commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of public safety, must consider designating a segment of a street or highway as a safe road zone. In determining the designation of a safe road zone, the commissioner must evaluate traffic safety concerns for the street or highway, including but not limited to: excessive speed; crash history; safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, or other vulnerable road users; intersection risks; and roadway design.

Subd. 3.Implementation.

The Advisory Council on Traffic Safety under section 4.076 must make recommendations to the commissioners of public safety and transportation on supporting the local authority with implementation of safety measures for each safe road zone through education, public awareness, behavior modification, and traffic engineering efforts. Safety measures for a safe road zone may include:

(1) providing safe road zone signs to the local authority for use in the zone;

(2) consulting with the local authority on roadway design modifications to improve safety;

(3) performing statewide safe road zone public awareness and educational outreach;

(4) providing safe road zone outreach materials to the local authority for distribution to the general public;

(5) working with the local authority to enhance safety conditions in the zone;

(6) establishing a speed limit as provided under section 169.14, subdivision 5i, with supporting speed enforcement and education measures; and

(7) evaluating the impacts of safety measures in the zone on: crashes; injuries and fatalities; property damage; transportation system disruptions; safety for vulnerable roadway users, including pedestrians and bicyclists; and other measures as identified by the commissioner.

Subd. 4.Traffic enforcement.

The commissioner of public safety must coordinate with local law enforcement agencies to determine implementation of enhanced traffic enforcement in a safe road zone designated under this section.

Subd. 5.Program information.

The commissioner of transportation must maintain information on a website that summarizes safe road zone implementation, including but not limited to identification of requests for and designations of safe road zones, an overview of safety measures and traffic enforcement activity, and a review of annual expenditures.

169.07 UNAUTHORIZED SIGN, SIGNAL, OR MARKING.

(a) No person shall place, maintain, or display upon or in view of any highway any unauthorized sign, signal, marking, or device which purports to be or is an imitation of or resembles an official traffic-control device or railroad sign or signal, or which attempts to direct the movement of traffic, or which hides from view or interferes with the effectiveness of any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal, and no person shall place or maintain, nor shall any public authority permit, upon any highway any traffic sign or signal bearing thereon any commercial advertising. This shall not be deemed to prohibit (1) the erection upon private property adjacent to highways of signs giving useful directional information and of a type that cannot be mistaken for official signs, or (2) the temporary placement by auctioneers licensed or exempt from licensing under section 330.01, for a period of not more than eight consecutive hours, on or adjacent to the right-of-way of a highway not more than four signs directing motorists to the location of an auction.

(b) Every such prohibited sign, signal, or marking is hereby declared to be a public nuisance, and the authority having jurisdiction over the highways is hereby empowered to remove the same, or cause it to be removed, without notice.

169.072 UNAUTHORIZED MAILBOX INSTALLATION.

Subdivision 1.Public hazard.

A mailbox installation or support on a public highway that does not meet the breakaway and location standards contained in rules adopted under subdivision 2 is declared to be a public nuisance, a road hazard, and a danger to the health and safety of the traveling public.

Subd. 2.Standards; rulemaking.

The commissioner shall by January 1, 1993, adopt rules that provide for standards and permissible locations of mailbox installations and supports on a street or highway. The commissioner shall base the rules substantially on federal highway administration regulations or recommendations, or other national standards or recommendations regarding the location and construction of safe, breakaway mailbox installations or supports. In adopting the rules, the commissioner shall consider the safety of the traveling public relative to the convenience and expense of owners of nonconforming mailbox installations or supports. The commissioner may provide for alternative standards to allow variances from the rules.

Subd. 3.Removal, notice.

(a) After adoption of the rules authorized under subdivision 2, the commissioner or a road authority as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, may remove and replace a mailbox installation or support that is (1) located on a street or highway under the jurisdiction of the commissioner or road authority, and (2) does not conform to the rules adopted under subdivision 2. The commissioner or road authority may remove and replace a nonconforming mailbox installation or support not less than 60 days after giving notice, by personal notice or certified mail to the owner or the resident at the address served by the mailbox, of its intent to remove and replace the installation or support. The commissioner or road authority may charge the owner or resident not more than $75 for the cost of the removal and replacement.

(b) The notice must at a minimum:

(1) inform the owner of the nonconforming installation or support;

(2) inform the owner or resident of the applicable law and rules, including the rules that contain the standards for mailbox installations and supports on public streets and highways;

(3) inform the owner or resident that the owner or resident must remove the installation or support or bring it into compliance with the rules within 60 days of the date of the notice;

(4) inform the owner or resident of the applicable laws and rules and the standards for mailbox installations and supports on public streets and highways, and provide plans or diagrams of examples of conforming installations or supports;

(5) inform the owner or resident that if the nonconforming installation or support is not removed or replaced within 60 days of the date of the notice, the commissioner or road authority may remove and replace the installation or support at a cost of up to $75 to the owner or resident; and

(6) inform the owner or resident that where the replacement is made in conjunction with certain federally aided highway construction projects the replacement may be made at partial or no cost to the owner or resident.

History:

1991 c 339 s 6

169.073 PROHIBITED LIGHT OR SIGNAL.

(a) No person or corporation shall place, maintain or display any red light or red sign, signal, or lighting device or maintain it in view of any highway or any line of railroad on or over which trains are operated in such a way as to interfere with the effectiveness or efficiency of any highway traffic-control device or signals or devices used in the operation of a railroad. Upon written notice from the commissioner of transportation, a person or corporation maintaining or owning or displaying a prohibited light shall promptly remove it, or change the color of it to some other color than red. Where a prohibited light or sign interferes with the effectiveness or efficiency of the signals or devices used in the operation of a railroad, the Department of Transportation may cause the removal of it and the department may issue notices and orders for its removal. The department shall proceed as provided in sections 216.13, 216.14, 216.15, 216.16, and 216.17, with a right of appeal to the aggrieved party in accordance with chapter 14.

(b) No person or corporation shall maintain or display any light after written notice from the commissioner of transportation that the light constitutes a traffic hazard and that the commissioner has ordered the removal thereof.

169.08 UNLAWFUL TO POSSESS, ALTER, DEFACE, OR REMOVE SIGN.

No person shall, without lawful authority, possess, or attempt to or in fact alter, deface, injure, knock down, or remove any official traffic-control device or any railroad sign or signal or any inscription, shield, or insignia thereon, or any other part thereof. A person who voluntarily notifies a law enforcement agency that the person is in possession of such an article, and who returns the article within ten days after gaining possession thereof, shall not be subject to prosecution for such possession.

History:

(2720-167) 1937 c 464 s 17; 1978 c 638 s 1; 1986 c 444

TRAFFIC COLLISIONS

169.09 COLLISIONS.

Subdivision 1.Driver to stop for collision; injury or death.

The driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the collision, or as close to the scene as possible, and reasonably investigate what was struck. If the driver knows or has reason to know the collision resulted in injury to or death of another, the driver in every event shall remain at the scene of the collision until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of this section as to the giving of information. The stop must be made without unnecessarily obstructing traffic.

Subd. 2.Driver to stop for collision; attended vehicle.

The driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision shall immediately stop the motor vehicle at the scene of the collision, or as close to the collision as possible, and reasonably investigate what was struck. If the driver knows or has reason to know the collision involves damage to a vehicle driven or attended by another, the driver in every event shall remain at the scene of the collision until the driver has fulfilled the requirements of this section as to the giving of information. The stop must be made without unnecessarily obstructing traffic.

Subd. 3.Driver to give information.

(a) The driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision the driver knows or has reason to know results in bodily injury to or death of another, or damage to any vehicle driven or attended by another, shall give the driver's name, date of birth, mailing address or email address, and the registration plate number of the vehicle being driven. The driver shall, upon request and if available, exhibit the driver's license or permit to drive to any peace officer at the scene of the collision or who is investigating the collision. The driver shall render reasonable assistance to any individual injured in the collision.

(b) If not given at the scene of the collision, the driver, within 72 hours after the accident, shall give, on request to any individual involved in the collision or to a peace officer investigating the collision, the name and address of the insurer providing vehicle liability insurance coverage, and the local insurance agent for the insurer.

Subd. 4.Driver to stop for collision; unattended vehicle.

The driver of any motor vehicle involved in a collision shall immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the collision, or as close to the scene as possible, and reasonably investigate what was struck. If the driver knows or has reason to know the collision resulted in damage to any unattended vehicle, the driver must either locate and notify the driver or owner of the vehicle of the name and address of the driver and registered owner of the vehicle striking the unattended vehicle, report this same information to a peace officer, or leave in a conspicuous place in or secured to the vehicle struck, a written notice giving the name and address of the driver and of the registered owner of the vehicle doing the striking. The stop must be made without unnecessarily obstructing traffic.

Subd. 5.Notify owner of damaged property.

If the driver of any vehicle involved in a collision knows or has reason to know the collision resulted only in damage to fixtures legally upon or adjacent to a highway, the driver shall take reasonable steps to locate and notify the owner or person in charge of the property of that fact, of the driver's name and address, and of the registration plate number of the vehicle being driven and shall, upon request and if available, exhibit the driver's license, and make an accident report in every case.

Subd. 5a.Driver deemed agent of owner.

Whenever any motor vehicle shall be operated within this state, by any person other than the owner, with the consent of the owner, express or implied, the operator thereof shall in case of accident, be deemed the agent of the owner of such motor vehicle in the operation thereof.

[See Note.]

Subd. 6.Notice of personal injury.

The driver of a vehicle involved in a collision resulting in bodily injury to or death of another shall, after compliance with this section and by the quickest means of communication, give notice of the collision to the local police department if the collision occurs within a municipality, to a State Patrol officer if the collision occurs on a trunk highway, or to the office of the sheriff of the county.

Subd. 7.

MS 2020 [Repealed, 1Sp2021 c 5 art 4 s 151]

Subd. 8.Officer to report accident to commissioner.

A peace officer who, in the regular course of duty, investigates an accident that must be reported under this section shall, within ten days after the date of the accident, forward an electronic or written report of the accident as prescribed by the commissioner of public safety. Within two business days after identification of a fatality that resulted from an accident, the reporting agency must notify the commissioner of the basic circumstances of the accident using an electronic format as prescribed by the commissioner.

Subd. 9.Accident report format.

The commissioner of public safety shall prescribe the format for the accident reports required under this section. Upon request the commissioner shall make available the format to police departments, coroners, sheriffs, garages, and other suitable agencies or individuals. The electronic or written report to be completed by individuals involved in accidents and by investigating peace officers must disclose the causes, existing conditions, and the individuals and vehicles involved.

Subd. 10.

[Repealed, 2005 c 163 s 89]

Subd. 11.Coroner to report death.

Every coroner or other official performing like functions shall report in writing to the commissioner of public safety the death of any individual within the coroner's jurisdiction as the result of an accident involving a vehicle and the circumstances of the accident. The report must be made within 15 days after the death.

In the case of drivers killed in vehicle accidents and of the death of pedestrians 16 years of age or older, who die within four hours after an accident, the coroner or other official performing like functions shall examine the body and shall make tests as are necessary to determine the presence and percentage concentration of alcohol, and drugs if feasible, in the blood of the victim. This information must be included in each report submitted pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision and shall be tabulated on a monthly basis by the commissioner of public safety. This information may be used only for statistical purposes that do not reveal the identity of the deceased.

Subd. 12.Garage to report bullet damage.

The individual in charge of any garage or repair shop to which is brought any vehicle that shows evidence of having been struck by any bullet shall immediately report to the local police or sheriff and to the commissioner of public safety within 24 hours after the vehicle is received, giving the engine number if any, registration plate number, and the name and address of the registered owner or operator of the vehicle.

Subd. 13.Reports confidential; evidence, fee, penalty, appropriation.

(a) All reports and supplemental information required under this section must be for the use of the commissioner of public safety and other appropriate state, federal, county, and municipal governmental agencies for accident analysis purposes, except:

(1) upon written request, the commissioner of public safety, a full-service provider as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 33a, or any law enforcement agency must disclose the report required under subdivision 8 to:

(i) any individual involved in the accident, the representative of the individual's estate, or the surviving spouse, or one or more surviving next of kin, or a trustee appointed under section 573.02;

(ii) any other person injured in person, property, or means of support, or who incurs other pecuniary loss by virtue of the accident;

(iii) legal counsel of a person described in item (i) or (ii);

(iv) a representative of the insurer of any person described in item (i) or (ii); or

(v) a city or county attorney or an attorney representing the state in an implied consent action who is charged with the prosecution of a traffic or criminal offense that is the result of a traffic crash investigation conducted by law enforcement;

(2) the commissioner of public safety may verify with insurance companies vehicle insurance information to enforce sections 65B.48, 169.792, 169.793, 169.796, and 169.797;

(3) the commissioner of public safety must provide the commissioner of transportation the information obtained for each traffic accident involving a commercial motor vehicle, for purposes of administering commercial vehicle safety regulations;

(4) upon specific request, the commissioner of public safety must provide the commissioner of transportation the information obtained regarding each traffic accident involving damage to identified state-owned infrastructure, for purposes of debt collection under section 161.20, subdivision 4; and

(5) the commissioner of public safety may give to the United States Department of Transportation commercial vehicle accident information in connection with federal grant programs relating to safety.

(b) Accident reports and data contained in the reports are not discoverable under any provision of law or rule of court. A report must not be used as evidence in any trial, civil or criminal, or any action for damages or criminal proceedings arising out of an accident. However, the commissioner of public safety must furnish, upon the demand of any person who has or claims to have made a report or upon demand of any court, a certificate showing that a specified accident report has or has not been made to the commissioner solely to prove compliance or failure to comply with the requirements that the report be made to the commissioner.

(c) Nothing in this subdivision prevents any individual who has made a report under this section from providing information to any individuals involved in an accident or their representatives or from testifying in any trial, civil or criminal, arising out of an accident, as to facts within the individual's knowledge. It is intended by this subdivision to render privileged the reports required, but it is not intended to prohibit proof of the facts to which the reports relate.

(d) Disclosing any information contained in any accident report, except as provided in this subdivision, section 13.82, subdivision 3 or 6, or other statutes, is a misdemeanor.

(e) The commissioner of public safety or full-service provider as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 33a, must charge authorized persons as described in paragraph (a) a $5 fee for a copy of an accident report. Of the $5 fee collected by the commissioner under this paragraph, 90 percent must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account under section 299A.705 and ten percent must be deposited in the general fund. Of the $5 fee collected by a full-service provider, the provider must transmit 50 cents to the commissioner for deposit in the general fund, and the provider must retain the remainder. The commissioner may also furnish an electronic copy of the database of accident records, which must not contain personal or private data on an individual, to private agencies as provided in paragraph (g), for not less than the cost of preparing the copies on a bulk basis as provided in section 13.03, subdivision 3.

(f) The fees specified in paragraph (e) notwithstanding, the commissioner and law enforcement agencies must charge commercial users who request access to response or incident data relating to accidents a fee not to exceed 50 cents per record. "Commercial user" is a user who in one location requests access to data in more than five accident reports per month, unless the user establishes that access is not for a commercial purpose. Of the money collected by the commissioner under this paragraph, 90 percent must be deposited in the driver and vehicle services operating account under section 299A.705 and ten percent must be deposited in the general fund.

(g) The fees in paragraphs (e) and (f) notwithstanding, the commissioner must provide an electronic copy of the accident records database to the public on a case-by-case basis using the cost-recovery charges provided for under section 13.03, subdivision 3. The database provided must not contain personal or private data on an individual. However, unless the accident records database includes the vehicle identification number, the commissioner must include the vehicle registration plate number if a private agency certifies and agrees that the agency:

(1) is in the business of collecting accident and damage information on vehicles;

(2) will use the vehicle registration plate number only for identifying vehicles that have been involved in accidents or damaged, to provide this information to persons seeking access to a vehicle's history and not for identifying individuals or for any other purpose; and

(3) will be subject to the penalties and remedies under sections 13.08 and 13.09.

Subd. 14.Penalties.

(a) The driver of any vehicle who violates subdivision 1 or 6 and who did not cause the collision is punishable as follows:

(1) if the collision results in the death of another, the driver is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than three years, or to payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both;

(2) if the collision results in great bodily harm to another, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 8, the driver is guilty of a felony and may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than two years, or to payment of a fine of not more than $4,000, or both; or

(3) if the collision results in substantial bodily harm to another, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 7a, the driver may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days, or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

(b) The driver of any vehicle involved in a collision resulting in bodily harm to another who violates subdivision 1 or 6 may be sentenced to imprisonment for not more than 364 days, or to payment of a fine of not more than $3,000, or both.

(c) Any person who violates subdivision 3, 5, 8, 11, or 12 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(d) The driver of any vehicle involved in a collision resulting in damage to an attended vehicle who violates subdivision 2 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(e) The driver of any vehicle involved in a collision resulting in damage to an unattended vehicle who violates subdivision 4 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(f) The attorney in the jurisdiction in which the violation occurred who is responsible for prosecution of misdemeanor violations of this section shall also be responsible for prosecution of gross misdemeanor violations of this section.

Subd. 14a.Suspension of license for failure to report accident.

The commissioner may suspend the license, or any nonresident's operating privilege, of any person who willfully fails, refuses, or neglects to make report of a traffic accident as required by the laws of this state. A license suspension under this section is subject to the notice requirements of section 171.18, subdivision 2.

Subd. 15.Defense.

It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under subdivisions 1, 2, and 6 that the driver left the scene of the collision to take any individual suffering immediately demonstrable bodily injury in the collision to receive emergency medical care if the driver of the involved vehicle gives notice to a law enforcement agency as required by subdivision 6 as soon as reasonably feasible after the emergency medical care has been undertaken.

Subd. 16.Commissioner as agent for service of process.

The use and operation by a resident of this state or the resident's agent, or by a nonresident or the nonresident's agent, of a motor vehicle within the state of Minnesota, is deemed an irrevocable appointment by the resident if absent from this state continuously for six months or more following an accident, or by the nonresident at any time, of the commissioner of public safety to be the resident's or nonresident's true and lawful attorney upon whom may be served all legal process in any action or proceeding against the resident or nonresident or the executor, administrator, or personal representative of the resident or nonresident growing out of the use and operation of a motor vehicle within this state, resulting in damages or loss to person or property, whether the damage or loss occurs on a highway or on abutting public or private property. This appointment is binding upon the nonresident's executor, administrator, or personal representative. The use or operation of a motor vehicle by the resident or nonresident is a signification of agreement that any process in any action against the resident or nonresident or executor, administrator, or personal representative of the resident or nonresident that is so served has the same legal force and validity as if served upon the resident or nonresident personally or on the executor, administrator, or personal representative of the resident or nonresident. Service of process must be made by serving a copy thereof upon the commissioner or by filing a copy in the commissioner's office, together with payment of a fee of $20, and is deemed sufficient service upon the absent resident or the nonresident or the executor, administrator, or personal representative of the resident or nonresident; provided that notice of service and a copy of the process are sent by mail by the plaintiff within ten days to the defendant at the defendant's last known address and that the plaintiff's affidavit of compliance with the provisions of this chapter is attached to the summons.

Subd. 17.Information access by vehicle owners.

If an accident report has been prepared by a person involved in an accident and no report has been prepared by a law enforcement officer, the owners of the vehicles involved in an accident shall have the same access to information maintained by the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division, about the vehicles, their owners, and their drivers that would have been available to a law enforcement officer reporting on the accident.

Subd. 18.Continuance of court proceeding; costs.

The court in which the action is pending may order a continuance as may be necessary to afford the defendant reasonable opportunity to defend the action, not exceeding 90 days from the date of filing of the action in that court. The fee of $20 paid by the plaintiff to the commissioner at the time of service of the proceedings must be taxed in the plaintiff's cost if the plaintiff prevails in the suit. The commissioner shall keep a record of all processes so served, which must show the day and hour of service.

Subd. 19.Terminology.

The provisions of this section apply equally whether the term "accident" or "collision" is used.

Subd. 20.Monitoring and auditing.

The commissioner must monitor and audit the furnishing of records by full-service providers under this section to ensure full-service providers are complying with this section, chapter 13, and United States Code, title 18, section 2721, et seq.

NOTE: Subdivision 5a was preempted by federal law to the extent it applies to rental or leased vehicles. Meyer v. Nwokedi, 777 N.W.2d 218 (Minn. 2010).

169.10 STATISTICAL INFORMATION.

The Department of Public Safety shall tabulate and may analyze all accident reports and shall publish annually or at more frequent intervals statistical information based thereon as to the number and circumstances of traffic accidents.

RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVING

169.11 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.12 [Repealed, 1957 c 297 s 2]

169.121

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 1a.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 1b.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 1c.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 1d.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]

Subd. 3b.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 3c.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 3d.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 3e.

[Repealed, 1999 c 194 s 11]

Subd. 3f.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 5a.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 5b.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 10.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 10a.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 12.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

169.1211 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1215 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1216 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1217 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1218 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1219 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.122 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

169.123

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 2a.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 2b.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 2c.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 5a.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 5b.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 5c.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 1984 c 622 s 26]

Subd. 10.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

169.1231 [Repealed, 1983 c 306 s 7]
169.124 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.125 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.126 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1261 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.1265 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]
169.127 [Repealed, 1978 c 727 s 11]
169.128 [Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

169.129

Subdivision 1.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1999 c 194 s 11]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2000 c 478 art 2 s 8]

169.13 RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVING.

Subdivision 1.Reckless driving.

(a) A person who drives a motor vehicle or light rail transit vehicle while aware of and consciously disregarding a substantial and unjustifiable risk that the driving may result in harm to another or another's property is guilty of reckless driving. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that disregard of it constitutes a significant deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the situation.

(b) A person shall not race any vehicle upon any street or highway of this state. Any person who willfully compares or contests relative speeds by operating one or more vehicles is guilty of racing, which constitutes reckless driving, whether or not the speed contested or compared is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law.

(c) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b) is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b) and causes great bodily harm or death to another is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

(d) For purposes of this section, "great bodily harm" has the meaning given in section 609.02, subdivision 8.

Subd. 2.Careless driving.

(a) Any person who operates or halts any vehicle upon any street or highway carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the driver or passengers of the vehicle, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) Any person who operates or halts a light rail transit vehicle carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the operator or passengers on the light rail transit vehicle, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 3.Application.

(a) The provisions of this section apply, but are not limited in application, to any person who drives any vehicle in the manner prohibited by this section:

(1) upon the ice of any lake, stream, or river, including but not limited to the ice of any boundary water; or

(2) in a parking lot ordinarily used by or available to the public though not as a matter of right, and a driveway connecting the parking lot with a street or highway.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator;

(2) the emergency operation of any vehicle when avoiding imminent danger; or

(3) any raceway, racing facility, or other public event sanctioned by the appropriate governmental authority.

(c) Nothing in this section or section 609.035 or 609.04 shall limit the power of the state to prosecute or punish a person for conduct that constitutes any other crime under any other law of this state.

169.131 [Repealed, 1976 c 103 s 1]
169.132 [Repealed, 1977 c 347 s 29]

DRIVING RULES

169.14 SPEED LIMITS, ZONES; RADAR.

Subdivision 1.Duty to drive with due care.

No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions. Every driver is responsible for becoming and remaining aware of the actual and potential hazards then existing on the highway and must use due care in operating a vehicle. In every event speed shall be so restricted as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, vehicle or other conveyance on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care.

Subd. 1a.License revocation for extreme speed.

The driver's license of a person who violates any speed limit established in this section, by driving in excess of 100 miles per hour, is revoked for six months under section 171.17, or for a longer minimum period of time applicable under section 169A.53, 169A.54, or 171.174.

Subd. 2.Speed limits.

(a) Where no special hazard exists the following speeds shall be lawful, but any speeds in excess of such limits shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful; except that the speed limit within any municipality shall be a maximum limit and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful:

(1) 30 miles per hour in an urban district;

(2) 65 miles per hour on noninterstate expressways, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 18b, and noninterstate freeways, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 19;

(3) 55 miles per hour in locations other than those specified in this section;

(4) 70 miles per hour on interstate highways outside the limits of any urbanized area with a population of greater than 50,000 as defined by order of the commissioner of transportation;

(5) 65 miles per hour on interstate highways inside the limits of any urbanized area with a population of greater than 50,000 as defined by order of the commissioner of transportation;

(6) ten miles per hour in alleys;

(7) 25 miles per hour in residential roadways if adopted by the road authority having jurisdiction over the residential roadway; and

(8) 35 miles per hour in a rural residential district if adopted by the road authority having jurisdiction over the rural residential district.

(b) A speed limit adopted under paragraph (a), clause (7), is not effective unless the road authority has erected signs designating the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end of the residential roadway on which the speed limit applies.

(c) A speed limit adopted under paragraph (a), clause (8), is not effective unless the road authority has erected signs designating the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end of the rural residential district for the roadway on which the speed limit applies.

(d) Notwithstanding section 609.0331 or 609.101 or other law to the contrary, a person who violates a speed limit established in this subdivision, or a speed limit designated on an appropriate sign under subdivision 4, 5, 5b, 5c, or 5e, by driving 20 miles per hour or more in excess of the applicable speed limit, is assessed an additional surcharge equal to the amount of the fine imposed for the speed violation, but not less than $25.

Subd. 2a.Increased speed limit when passing.

Notwithstanding subdivision 2, the speed limit is increased by ten miles per hour over the posted speed limit when the driver:

(1) is on a two-lane highway having one lane for each direction of travel;

(2) is on a highway with a posted speed limit that is equal to or higher than 55 miles per hour;

(3) is overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction of travel; and

(4) meets the requirements in section 169.18.

Subd. 3.Reduced speed required.

(a) The driver of any vehicle shall, consistent with the requirements, drive at an appropriate reduced speed when approaching or passing an authorized emergency vehicle stopped with emergency lights flashing on any street or highway, when approaching and crossing an intersection or railway grade crossing, when approaching and going around a curve, when approaching a hill crest, when traveling upon any narrow or winding roadway, and when special hazards exist with respect to pedestrians or other traffic or by reason of weather or highway conditions.

(b) A person who fails to reduce speed appropriately when approaching or passing an authorized emergency vehicle stopped with emergency lights flashing on a street or highway shall be assessed an additional surcharge equal to the amount of the fine imposed for the speed violation, but not less than $25.

Subd. 4.Establishment of zones by commissioner.

On determining upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that any speed set forth in this section is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist on any trunk highway or upon any part thereof, the commissioner may erect appropriate signs designating a reasonable and safe speed limit thereat, which speed limit shall be effective when such signs are erected. Any speeds in excess of such limits shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful; except that any speed limit within any municipality shall be a maximum limit and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful. On determining upon that basis that a part of the trunk highway system outside a municipality should be a zone of maximum speed limit, the commissioner may establish that part as such a zone by erecting appropriate signs showing the beginning and end of the zone, designating a reasonable and safe speed therefor, which may be different than the speed set forth in this section, and that it is a zone of maximum speed limit. The speed so designated by the commissioner within any such zone shall be a maximum speed limit, and speed in excess of such limit shall be unlawful. The commissioner may in the same manner from time to time alter the boundary of such a zone and the speed limit therein or eliminate such zone.

Subd. 4a.

[Repealed, 1997 c 143 s 20]

Subd. 5.Zoning within local area.

When local authorities believe that the existing speed limit upon any street or highway, or part thereof, within their respective jurisdictions and not a part of the trunk highway system is greater or less than is reasonable or safe under existing conditions, they may request the commissioner to authorize, upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation, the erection of appropriate signs designating what speed is reasonable and safe, and the commissioner may authorize the erection of appropriate signs designating a reasonable and safe speed limit thereat, which speed limit shall be effective when such signs are erected. Any speeds in excess of these speed limits shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful; except that any speed limit within any municipality shall be a maximum limit and any speed in excess thereof shall be unlawful. Alteration of speed limits on streets and highways shall be made only upon authority of the commissioner except as provided by law.

Subd. 5a.Speed zoning in school zone; surcharge.

(a) Local authorities may establish a school speed limit within a school zone of a public or nonpublic school upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation as prescribed by the commissioner of transportation. The establishment of a school speed limit on any trunk highway shall be with the consent of the commissioner of transportation. Such school speed limits shall be in effect when children are present, going to or leaving school during opening or closing hours or during school recess periods. The school speed limit shall not be lower than 15 miles per hour and shall not be more than 30 miles per hour below the established speed limit on an affected street or highway.

(b) The school speed limit shall be effective upon the erection of appropriate signs designating the speed and indicating the beginning and end of the reduced speed zone. Any speed in excess of such posted school speed limit is unlawful. All such signs shall be erected by the local authorities on those streets and highways under their respective jurisdictions and by the commissioner of transportation on trunk highways.

(c) For the purpose of this subdivision, "school zone" means that section of a street or highway which abuts the grounds of a school where children have access to the street or highway from the school property or where an established school crossing is located provided the school advance sign prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the commissioner of transportation pursuant to section 169.06 is in place. All signs erected by local authorities to designate speed limits in school zones shall conform to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

(d) Notwithstanding section 609.0331 or 609.101 or other law to the contrary, a person who violates a speed limit established under this subdivision is assessed an additional surcharge equal to the amount of the fine imposed for the violation, but not less than $25.

Subd. 5b.Segment in urban district.

When any segment of at least a quarter-mile in distance of any city street, municipal state-aid street, or town road on which a speed limit in excess of 30 miles per hour has been established pursuant to an engineering and traffic investigation by the commissioner meets the definition of "urban district" as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 90, the governing body of the city or town may by resolution declare the segment to be an urban district and may establish on the segment the speed limit for urban districts prescribed in subdivision 2. The speed limit so established shall be effective upon the erection of appropriate signs designating the speed and indicating the beginning and end of the segment on which the speed limit is established, and any speed in excess of such posted limits shall be unlawful. A copy of the resolution shall be transmitted to the commissioner at least ten days prior to the erection of the signs.

Subd. 5c.Speed zoning in alleyway.

Local authorities may regulate speed limits for alleyways as defined in section 169.011 based on their own engineering and traffic investigations. Alleyway speed limits established at other than ten miles per hour shall be effective when proper signs are posted.

Subd. 5d.Speed limit in work zone when workers present.

(a) Notwithstanding subdivision 2 and subject to subdivision 3, the speed limit on a road having an established speed limit of 50 miles per hour or greater is adjusted to 45 miles per hour in a work zone when (1) at least one lane or portion of a lane of traffic is closed in either direction, and (2) workers are present. A speed in excess of the adjusted speed limit is unlawful.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a segment of road in which:

(1) positive barriers are placed between workers and the traveled portion of the highway;

(2) the work zone is in place for less than 24 hours;

(3) a different speed limit for the work zone is determined by the road authority following an engineering and traffic investigation and based on accepted engineering practice; or

(4) a different speed limit for the work zone is established by the road authority under paragraph (c).

(c) The commissioner, on trunk highways and temporary trunk highways, and local authorities, on streets and highways under their jurisdiction, may authorize the use of reduced maximum speed limits in work zones when workers are present, without an engineering and traffic investigation required. The work zone speed limit must not reduce the speed limit on the affected street or highway by more than:

(1) 20 miles per hour on a street or highway having an established speed limit of 55 miles per hour or greater; and

(2) 15 miles per hour on a street or highway having an established speed limit of 50 miles per hour or less.

(d) A work zone speed limit under paragraph (c) is effective on erection of appropriate regulatory speed limit signs. The signs must be removed or covered when they are not required. A speed in excess of the posted work zone speed limit is unlawful.

(e) For any speed limit under this subdivision, a road authority shall erect signs identifying the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end of the speed limit zone.

Subd. 5e.Speed limit on park road.

The political subdivision with authority over a park may establish a speed limit on a road located within the park. A speed limit established under this subdivision on a trunk highway is effective only with the commissioner's approval. A speed limit established under this subdivision must be based on an engineering and traffic investigation prescribed by the commissioner of transportation and must not be lower than 20 miles per hour, and no speed limit established under this subdivision may reduce existing speed limits by more than 15 miles per hour. A speed limit established under this subdivision is effective on the erection of appropriate signs designating the speed limit and indicating the beginning and end of the reduced speed zone. Any speed in excess of the posted speed is unlawful.

Subd. 5f.Speed limits on certain rural residential districts.

(a) A rural residential district existing and lawfully signed before August 1, 2009, continues to qualify as a rural residential district.

(b) A rural residential district existing and lawfully signed before August 1, 2009, is subject to the speed limit signed before August 1, 2009.

[See Note.]

Subd. 5g.St. Louis County Road 128.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this section, the speed limit on St. Louis County Road 128 in Eagles Nest Township between marked Trunk Highway 169 and County Road 989 is 40 miles per hour. The county engineer must erect appropriate signs displaying the 40 miles per hour speed limit.

Subd. 5h.Speed limits on city streets.

A city may establish speed limits for city streets under the city's jurisdiction other than the limits provided in subdivision 2 without conducting an engineering and traffic investigation. This subdivision does not apply to town roads, county highways, or trunk highways in the city. A city that establishes speed limits pursuant to this section must implement speed limit changes in a consistent and understandable manner. The city must erect appropriate signs to display the speed limit. A city that uses the authority under this subdivision must develop procedures to set speed limits based on the city's safety, engineering, and traffic analysis. At a minimum, the safety, engineering, and traffic analysis must consider national urban speed limit guidance and studies, local traffic crashes, and methods to effectively communicate the change to the public.

Subd. 5i.Speed limits in safe road zone.

(a) Upon request by the local authority, the commissioner may establish a temporary or permanent speed limit in a safe road zone designated under section 169.065, other than the limits provided in subdivision 2, based on an engineering and traffic investigation.

(b) The speed limit under this subdivision is effective upon the erection of appropriate signs designating the speed and indicating the beginning and end of the segment on which the speed limit is established. Any speed in excess of the posted limit is unlawful.

Subd. 5j.Speed limit on Trunk Highway 19 in the city of Lonsdale.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this section, the speed limit on Trunk Highway 19 in the city of Lonsdale between 5th Avenue Northwest and the northern city limits is 45 miles per hour. The commissioner must erect appropriate signs displaying the speed limit.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, Ex1971 c 27 s 49]

Subd. 6a.Work zone speed limit violations.

A person convicted of operating a motor vehicle in violation of a speed limit in a work zone, or any other provision of this section while in a work zone, shall be required to pay a fine of $300. This fine is in addition to the surcharge under section 357.021, subdivision 6.

Subd. 7.Burden of proof.

The provisions of this chapter declaring speed limitation shall not be construed to relieve the plaintiff in any civil action from the burden of proving negligence on the part of the defendant as the proximate cause of an accident.

Subd. 8.Minimum speeds.

On determining upon the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation that a speed at least as great as, or in excess of, a specified and determined minimum is necessary to the reasonable and safe use of any trunk highway or portion thereof, the commissioner may erect appropriate signs specifying the minimum speed on such highway or portion thereof. The minimum speed shall be effective when such signs are erected. Any speeds less than the posted minimum speeds shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is not reasonable or prudent and that it is unlawful.

Subd. 9.Standards of evidence.

In any prosecution in which the rate of speed of a motor vehicle is relevant, evidence of the speed of a motor vehicle as indicated on the speedometer thereof shall be admissible on a showing that a vehicle is regularly used in traffic law enforcement and that the speedometer thereon is regularly and routinely tested for accuracy and a record of the results of said tests kept on file by the agency having control of said vehicle. Evidence as to the speed indicated on said speedometer shall be prima facie evidence that the said vehicle was, at the time said reading was observed, traveling at the rate of speed so indicated; subject to correction by the amount of error, if any, shown to exist by the test made closest in time to the time of said reading.

Records of speedometer tests kept in the regular course of operations of any law enforcement agency shall be admissible without further foundation, as to the results of said tests. Such records shall be available to the defendant upon demand. Nothing herein shall be construed to preclude or interfere with the cross examination or impeachment of evidence of rate of speed as indicated by speedometer readings, pursuant to the Rules of Evidence.

Subd. 10.Radar; speed-measuring device; standards of evidence.

(a) In any prosecution in which the rate of speed of a motor vehicle is relevant, evidence of the speed as indicated on radar or other speed-measuring device is admissible in evidence, subject to the following conditions:

(1) the officer operating the device has sufficient training to properly operate the equipment;

(2) the officer testifies as to the manner in which the device was set up and operated;

(3) the device was operated with minimal distortion or interference from outside sources; and

(4) the device was tested by an accurate and reliable external mechanism, method, or system at the time it was set up.

(b) Records of tests made of such devices and kept in the regular course of operations of any law enforcement agency are admissible in evidence without further foundation as to the results of the tests. The records shall be available to a defendant upon demand. Nothing in this subdivision shall be construed to preclude or interfere with cross examination or impeachment of evidence of the rate of speed as indicated on the radar or speed-measuring device.

Subd. 11.Handheld traffic radar.

(a) Law enforcement agencies that use handheld radar units shall establish operating procedures to reduce the operator's exposure to microwave radiation.

(b) The procedures, at a minimum, must require:

(1) that the operator turn the unit off when it is not in use;

(2) if the unit has a standby mode, that the operator use this mode except when measuring a vehicle's speed;

(3) that the operator not allow the antenna to rest against the operator's body while it is in operation; and

(4) that the operator always point the antenna unit away from the operator and any other person in very close proximity to the unit.

Subd. 12.Radar jammer.

For purposes of this section, "radar jammer" means any instrument, device, or equipment designed or intended for use with a vehicle or otherwise to jam or interfere in any manner with a speed-measuring device operated by a peace officer.

No person shall sell, offer for sale, use, or possess any radar jammer in this state.

NOTE: Subdivision 5f, paragraph (b), as added by Laws 2009, chapter 56, section 5, expires when the speed limit signs erected before August 1, 2009, are replaced. Laws 2009, chapter 56, section 5, the effective date.

169.141 [Repealed, 1996 c 455 art 1 s 11]
169.145 [Repealed, 2008 c 350 art 1 s 97]

169.15 IMPEDING TRAFFIC; INTERSECTION GRIDLOCK.

Subdivision 1.Impeding traffic; slow speed.

No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law or except when the vehicle is temporarily unable to maintain a greater speed due to a combination of the weight of the vehicle and the grade of the highway.

Subd. 2.Intersection gridlock; stop or block traffic.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), a driver of a vehicle shall not enter an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal until the driver is able to move the vehicle immediately, continuously, and completely through the intersection without impeding or blocking the subsequent movement of cross traffic.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to movement of a vehicle made:

(1) at the direction of a city-authorized traffic-control agent or a peace officer;

(2) to facilitate passage of an authorized emergency vehicle with its emergency lights activated; or

(3) to make a turn, as permitted under section 169.19, that allows the vehicle to safely leave the intersection.

(c) A violation of this subdivision does not constitute grounds for suspension or revocation of the violator's driver's license.

169.16 [Repealed, 2014 c 227 art 1 s 23]

169.17 EMERGENCY VEHICLE.

The speed limitations set forth in sections 169.14 to 169.17 do not apply to an authorized emergency vehicle responding to an emergency call. Drivers of all emergency vehicles shall sound an audible signal by siren and display at least one lighted red light to the front, except that law enforcement vehicles shall sound an audible signal by siren or display at least one lighted red light to the front. This provision does not relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of persons using the street, nor does it protect the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the consequence of a reckless disregard of the safety of others.

169.18 DRIVING RULES.

Subdivision 1.Keep to the right.

Upon all roadways of sufficient width a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway, except as follows:

(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction under the rules governing such movement;

(2) when the right half of a roadway is closed to traffic while under construction or repair;

(3) upon a roadway divided into three marked lanes for traffic under the rules applicable thereon;

(4) upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic as a one-way roadway; or

(5) as necessary to comply with subdivision 11 when approaching an authorized vehicle parked or stopped on the roadway.

Subd. 2.Meeting.

Drivers of vehicles proceeding in opposite directions, shall pass each other to the right, and upon roadways having width for not more than one line of traffic in each direction each driver shall give to the other at least one-half of the main-traveled portion of the roadway, as nearly as possible.

Subd. 3.Passing.

The following rules shall govern the overtaking and passing of vehicles proceeding in the same direction, subject to the limitations, exceptions, and special rules hereinafter stated:

(1) the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle;

(2) except when overtaking and passing on the right is permitted, the driver of an overtaken vehicle shall give way to the right in favor of the overtaking vehicle on audible warning, and shall not increase the speed of the overtaken vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle; and

(3) the operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction on the roadway shall leave a safe distance, but in no case less than three feet clearance, when passing the bicycle or individual and shall maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.

Subd. 4.Passing on the right.

The driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass upon the right of another vehicle only upon the following conditions:

(1) when the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn;

(2) upon a street or highway with unobstructed pavement not occupied by parked vehicles of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles in each direction;

(3) upon a one-way street, or upon any roadway on which traffic is restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free from obstructions and of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles;

(4) when the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle upon the right only under conditions permitting such movement in safety. In no event shall such movement be made by driving in a bicycle lane or onto the shoulder, whether paved or unpaved, or off the pavement or main-traveled portion of the roadway.

Subd. 5.Driving left of roadway center; exception.

(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, 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, railroad grade crossing, intersection within a city, or intersection outside of a city if the presence of the intersection is marked by warning signs; or

(3) where official signs are in place prohibiting passing, or a distinctive centerline is marked, which distinctive line also so prohibits passing, as declared in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the commissioner.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), clause (3), a motor vehicle may be driven to the left side of the roadway to safely overtake a bicycle under the following circumstances:

(1) the bicycle is proceeding in the same direction as the motor vehicle;

(2) the driver of the motor vehicle either (i) provides a safe clearance distance, in no case less than the greater of three feet or one-half the width of the motor vehicle, or (ii) completely enters the left lane of the highway;

(3) the operator of the bicycle is not (i) making a left turn, or (ii) signaling that the bicycle operator intends to make a left turn; and

(4) the driver of the motor vehicle complies with all other applicable requirements under this section.

Subd. 6.One-way traffic.

(a) Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic as a one-way roadway, a vehicle shall be driven only in the direction designated.

(b) A vehicle passing around a rotary traffic island shall be driven only to the right of such island.

Subd. 7.Laned highway.

When any roadway has been divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for traffic, the following rules, in addition to all others consistent with this subdivision, apply:

(1) a vehicle shall be driven as nearly as practicable entirely within a single lane and shall not be moved from the lane until the driver has first ascertained that the movement can be made with safety;

(2) upon a roadway which is not a one-way roadway and which is divided into three lanes, a vehicle shall not be driven in the center lane except when overtaking and passing another vehicle where the roadway is clearly visible and the center lane is clear of traffic within a safe distance, or in preparation for a left turn or where the center lane is at the time allocated exclusively to traffic moving in the direction the vehicle is proceeding, and is signposted to give notice of the allocation. The left lane of a three-lane roadway which is not a one-way roadway shall not be used for overtaking and passing another vehicle;

(3) official signs may be erected directing slow-moving traffic to use a designated lane or allocating specified lanes to traffic moving in the same direction, and drivers of vehicles shall obey the sign;

(4) whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway, any person operating a motor vehicle on the roadway shall not drive in the bicycle lane except to perform parking maneuvers in order to park where parking is permitted, to enter or leave the highway, to prepare for a turn as provided in section 169.19, subdivision 1, or to stop a school bus for the purpose of receiving or discharging any person provided the school bus is equipped and identified as provided in sections 169.441 and 169.442, subdivision 1, and the flashing red signals are activated and stop-signal arm is extended; and

(5) notwithstanding clause (1), the operator of a vehicle with a total length in excess of 40 feet, a total width in excess of ten feet, or any combination of vehicles may, with due regard for all other traffic, deviate from the lane in which the operator is driving to the extent necessary to approach and drive through a roundabout.

Subd. 8.Following vehicle too closely.

(a) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the conditions of the highway.

(b) The driver of any motor vehicle drawing another vehicle, or the driver of any motor truck or bus, when traveling upon a roadway outside of a business or residence district, shall not follow within 500 feet of another vehicle. The provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to prevent overtaking and passing nor shall the same apply upon any lane specially designated for use by motor trucks. This paragraph does not apply to following vehicles in a vehicle platoon if the operator has an approved plan in compliance with section 169.881.

(c) The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle that is traveling in response to an emergency.

Subd. 9.Divided highway; crossovers.

Whenever any highway has been divided into two or more roadways by leaving an intervening space or by a physical barrier or clearly indicated dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, every vehicle shall be driven only upon the right-hand roadway unless directed or permitted to use another roadway by official traffic-control devices or police officers. No vehicle shall be driven over, across, or within any such dividing space, barrier section, except through an opening in such physical barrier, or dividing section or space or at a crossover or intersection established by public authority.

Subd. 10.Slower vehicles.

(a) Upon a roadway with one lane in the direction of travel, a person proceeding at a speed that is sufficiently low as to create a traffic hazard, including when operating an animal-drawn vehicle upon a roadway or shoulder of a roadway, must operate the vehicle as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

(b) Upon a roadway with more than one lane in the same direction of travel, a person must move out of the left-most lane to allow another vehicle to pass, when practicable under existing conditions. A left-most lane under this paragraph is the lane adjacent to one designated and posted for a specific type of traffic, including as provided under section 160.93. This paragraph does not apply when:

(1) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

(2) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;

(3) preparing to exit a controlled-access highway on the left side of the road;

(4) the lane is designated and posted for a specific type of traffic; or

(5) the vehicle is an authorized emergency vehicle.

Subd. 11.Passing parked authorized vehicle; citation; probable cause.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, "authorized vehicle" means an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined under section 169.011, subdivision 3; a tow truck or towing vehicle, as defined under section 168B.011, subdivision 12a; a freeway service patrol vehicle; a road maintenance vehicle; a utility company vehicle; a construction vehicle; a postal service vehicle; a solid waste vehicle; or a recycling vehicle.

(b) When approaching and before passing an authorized vehicle with its emergency, flashing, or warning lights activated that is parked or otherwise stopped on or next to a street or highway having two lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle must safely move the vehicle to the lane farthest away from the authorized vehicle, if it is possible to do so.

(c) When approaching and before passing an authorized vehicle with its emergency, flashing, or warning lights activated that is parked or otherwise stopped on or next to a street or highway having more than two lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle must safely move the vehicle so as to leave a full lane vacant between the driver and any lane in which the authorized vehicle is completely or partially parked or otherwise stopped, if it is possible to do so.

(d) If a lane change under paragraph (b) or (c) is impossible, or when approaching and before passing an authorized vehicle with its emergency, flashing, or warning lights activated that is parked or otherwise stopped on or next to a street or highway having only one lane in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle must reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions until the motor vehicle has completely passed the parked or stopped authorized vehicle, if it is possible to do so.

(e) A peace officer may issue a citation to the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of this subdivision within the four-hour period following the termination of the incident or a receipt of a report under paragraph (f). The citation may be issued even though the violation was not committed in the presence of the peace officer.

(f) Although probable cause may be otherwise satisfied by other evidentiary elements or factors, probable cause is sufficient for purposes of this subdivision when the person cited is operating the vehicle described by a member of the crew of an authorized emergency vehicle or a towing vehicle as defined in section 168B.011, subdivision 12a, responding to an incident in a timely report of the violation of this subdivision, which includes a description of the vehicle used to commit the offense and the vehicle's license plate number. For the purposes of issuance of a citation under paragraph (e), "timely" means that the report must be made within a four-hour period following the termination of the incident.

Subd. 11a.Passing stalled or disabled vehicle.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, "stalled vehicle" means any motor vehicle that is disabled, parked, inoperable, or otherwise stopped on or next to a street or highway.

(b) When approaching and before passing a stalled vehicle with either its hazard lights activated or people visibly present outside the vehicle on or next to a street or highway having two lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle must, if it is possible to do so, safely move the vehicle to the lane farthest away from the stalled vehicle.

(c) When approaching and before passing a stalled vehicle with either its hazard lights activated or people visibly present outside the vehicle on or next to a street having two or more lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle must, if it is possible to do so, safely move the vehicle so as to leave a full lane vacant between the driver and any lane in which the stalled vehicle is completely or partially parked or otherwise stopped.

(d) If a lane change under paragraph (b) or (c) is impossible when approaching and before passing a stalled vehicle with either its hazard lights activated or people visibly present outside the vehicle on or next to a street or highway having only one lane in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle must reduce the speed of the motor vehicle to a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions until the motor vehicle has completely passed the stalled vehicle, if it is possible to do so.

Subd. 12.

MS 2018 [Repealed, 2019 c 18 s 5]

169.19 TURNING, STARTING, AND SIGNALING.

Subdivision 1.Turning at intersection.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn at an intersection shall do so as follows:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, both the approach for a right turn and a right turn shall be made as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. When necessary to accommodate vehicle configuration, a driver is permitted to make a right turn into the farthest lane of a roadway with two or more lanes in the same direction in order to make a U-turn at a reduced conflict intersection, if it is safe to do so.

(b) Approach for a left turn on other than one-way roadways shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the centerline thereof, and after entering the intersection the left turn shall be made so as to leave the intersection to the right of the centerline of the roadway being entered. Whenever practicable the left turn shall be made in that portion of the intersection to the left of the center of the intersection.

(c) Approach for a left turn from a two-way roadway into a one-way roadway shall be made in that portion of the right half of the roadway nearest the centerline thereof and by passing to the right of such centerline where it enters the intersection.

(d) A left turn from a one-way roadway into a two-way roadway shall be made from the left-hand lane and by passing to the right of the centerline of the roadway being entered upon leaving the intersection.

(e) Where both streets or roadways are one way, both the approach for a left turn and a left turn shall be made as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

(f) Local authorities in their respective jurisdictions may cause markers, buttons, or signs to be placed within or adjacent to intersections and thereby require and direct that a different course from that specified in this section be traveled by vehicles turning at an intersection, and when markers, buttons, or signs are so placed no driver of a vehicle shall turn a vehicle at an intersection other than as directed and required by such markers, buttons, or signs.

(g) Whenever it is necessary for the driver of a motor vehicle to cross a bicycle lane adjacent to the driver's lane of travel to make a turn, the driver shall first signal the movement, then drive the motor vehicle into the bicycle lane prior to making the turn, but only after it is safe to do so. The driver shall then make the turn consistent with any traffic markers, buttons, or signs, yielding the right-of-way to any vehicles or bicycles approaching so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

Subd. 2.U-turn.

No vehicle shall be turned to proceed in the opposite direction upon any curve, or upon the approach to or near the crest of a grade, where the vehicle cannot be seen by the driver of any other vehicle approaching from either direction within 1,000 feet, nor shall the driver of a vehicle turn the vehicle to proceed in the opposite direction unless the movement can be made safely and without interfering with other traffic. When necessary to accommodate vehicle configuration on a roadway with two or more lanes in the same direction, a driver may turn the vehicle into the farthest lane and temporarily use the shoulder to make a U-turn.

Subd. 3.Starting parked car.

No person shall start a vehicle which is stopped, standing, or parked unless and until such movement can be made with reasonable safety.

Subd. 4.Change of course.

No person shall turn a vehicle at an intersection unless the vehicle is in proper position upon the roadway as required in this section, or turn a vehicle to enter a private road or driveway or otherwise turn a vehicle from a direct course or move right or left upon a highway unless and until the movement can be made with reasonable safety after giving an appropriate signal in the manner hereinafter provided.

Subd. 5.Signal to turn.

A signal of intention to turn right or left shall be given continuously during not less than the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. A person whose vehicle is exiting a roundabout is exempt from this subdivision.

Subd. 6.Signal to stop.

No person shall stop or suddenly decrease the speed of a vehicle without first giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided herein to the driver of any vehicle immediately to the rear unless there is a good and sufficient reason for not being able to do so.

Subd. 7.Signaling methods.

The signals herein required shall be given either by means of the hand and arm or by a signal lamp or signal device of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety, but when a vehicle is so constructed or loaded that a hand and arm signal would not be visible in normal sunlight, and at night both to the front and rear of such vehicle, then the signals must be given by such a lamp or device.

Subd. 8.Hand signals.

When the signal is given by means of the hand and arm the driver shall indicate intention to start, stop, or turn by extending the hand and arm from and beyond the left side of the vehicle in the following manner and these signals shall indicate as follows:

(1) left turn: hand and arm extended horizontally;

(2) right turn: hand and arm extended upward, except that a bicyclist or motorcyclist may extend the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle or motorcycle;

(3) stop or decrease speed: hand and arm extended downward.

169.20 RIGHT-OF-WAY.

Subdivision 1.Approaching intersection.

(a) When two vehicles enter an uncontrolled intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

(b) When two vehicles enter an intersection controlled by stop signs or by blinking red traffic signals requiring drivers or vehicles from any direction to stop before proceeding, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.

(c) At an uncontrolled approach to a T-shaped intersection, the driver required to turn shall yield to the cross traffic.

(d) The driver of any vehicle traveling at an unlawful speed shall forfeit any right-of-way which the driver might otherwise have hereunder.

(e) The foregoing rules are modified as hereinafter stated in this section.

Subd. 2.Left turn.

The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

Subd. 3.Through highway; stop sign.

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by this chapter at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the through highway or which are approaching so closely on the through highway as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver having so yielded may proceed, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection on the through highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicles so proceeding into or across the through highway.

(b) The driver of a vehicle shall likewise stop in obedience to a stop sign, as required herein, at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one or more entrances thereto although not a part of a through highway, and shall proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles not so obliged to stop which are within the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, but may then proceed.

Subd. 4.Vehicle entering roadway.

The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a roadway from any place other than a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway to be entered or crossed.

Subd. 5.Emergency vehicle; penalties.

(a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), when the driver is giving audible signal by siren, the driver of each other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in this position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. The driver of another vehicle on a one-way roadway shall drive to the closest edge or curb and stop.

(b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle escorting the movement of an oversize or overweight vehicle or load need not sound an audible signal by siren but shall exhibit the light required by paragraph (a). The driver of each other vehicle then shall yield the right-of-way, as required by paragraph (a), to the emergency vehicle escorting the oversize or overweight vehicle or load.

(c) Upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle the driver of each streetcar shall immediately stop the car clear of any intersection and keep it in this position and keep the doors and gates of the streetcar closed until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.

(d) This subdivision does not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of persons using the highways.

(e) A driver who fails to comply with paragraph (a), (b), or (c) is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and may be penalized according to section 169.89.

(f) A driver who intentionally obstructs an emergency vehicle or otherwise intentionally fails to comply with paragraph (a), (b), or (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 5a.Arrest; citation; probable cause.

(a) A peace officer may arrest the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of subdivision 5, paragraph (a), (b), or (f), within the four-hour period following the termination of the emergency incident or a receipt of a report under paragraph (c). The arrest may be made even though the violation was not committed in the presence of the peace officer.

(b) A peace officer may issue a citation in lieu of arrest to the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of subdivision 5.

(c) Although probable cause may be otherwise satisfied by other evidentiary elements or factors, probable cause is sufficient for purposes of this subdivision when a member of the crew of an authorized emergency vehicle responding to an emergency incident makes a timely report of the violation of subdivision 5 and provides a description of the vehicle used to commit the offense and the vehicle's license plate number. For the purposes of an arrest under paragraph (a), "timely" means that the report must be made within a four-hour period following the termination of the emergency incident.

Subd. 5b.Violation; penalty for owner or lessee.

(a) If a motor vehicle is operated in violation of subdivision 5, the owner of the vehicle, or for a leased motor vehicle the lessee of the vehicle, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if (1) a person other than the owner or lessee was operating the vehicle at the time the violation occurred, or (2) the owner presents written evidence that the motor vehicle had been reported to a law enforcement agency as stolen at the time of the violation.

(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee.

(d) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a motor vehicle operator who violates subdivision 5.

(e) A violation under paragraph (a) does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of the owner's or lessee's driver's license.

Subd. 6.Funeral procession.

When any funeral procession identifies itself by using regular lights on all cars and by keeping all cars in close formation, the driver of every other vehicle, except an emergency vehicle, shall yield the right-of-way.

Subd. 7.Transit bus; school bus.

(a) The driver of a vehicle traveling in the right-hand lane of traffic shall yield the right-of-way to any transit bus attempting to enter that lane from a bus stop or shoulder, as indicated by a flashing left turn signal.

(b) The driver of a vehicle traveling in the right-hand lane of traffic shall yield the right-of-way to any school bus attempting to enter that lane from a shoulder, right-turn lane, or other location where the school bus has stopped to load or unload passengers. The school bus must indicate the intent to enter the right-hand lane of traffic by activating a flashing left turn signal.

Subd. 8.Roundabouts.

If two vehicles with a total length in excess of 40 feet, a total width in excess of ten feet, or any combination of vehicles, approach or drive through a roundabout at approximately the same time or so closely as to constitute a hazard of collision, the operator of the vehicle or combination of vehicles on the right must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle or combination of vehicles on the left and, if necessary, must reduce speed or stop in order to so yield.

169.201 YIELD SIGN.

The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall slow to a speed that is reasonable for conditions of traffic and visibility, and stop if necessary, and yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian legally crossing the roadway, and to all vehicles on the intersecting street or highway which are so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.

PEDESTRIANS

169.202 BLIND PERSON CARRYING WHITE CANE.

Subdivision 1.Limitation on carrying.

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry a white painted cane unless said person is a blind person.

Subd. 2.Blind pedestrian has right-of-way.

Any person operating a motor vehicle in this state shall bring such motor vehicle to a stop and give the right-of-way at any intersection of any street, avenue, alley or other public highway to a blind pedestrian who is carrying a cane predominantly white or metallic in color, with or without red tip, or using a guide dog, when such blind person enters said intersection.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, Ex1971 c 27 s 49]

169.21 PEDESTRIAN.

Subdivision 1.Obey traffic-control signals.

Pedestrians shall be subject to traffic-control signals at intersections as heretofore declared in this chapter, but at all other places pedestrians shall be accorded the privileges and shall be subject to the restrictions stated in this section and section 169.22.

Subd. 2.Rights in absence of signal.

(a) Where traffic-control signals are not in place or in operation, the driver of a vehicle shall stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk. The driver must remain stopped until the pedestrian has passed the lane in which the vehicle is stopped. No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. This provision shall not apply under the conditions as otherwise provided in this subdivision.

(b) When any vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle.

(c) It is unlawful for any person to drive a motor vehicle through a column of school children crossing a street or highway or past a member of a school safety patrol or adult crossing guard, while the member of the school safety patrol or adult crossing guard is directing the movement of children across a street or highway and while the school safety patrol member or adult crossing guard is holding an official signal in the stop position. A peace officer may arrest the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of this paragraph within the past four hours.

(d) A person who violates this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person who violates this subdivision a second or subsequent time within one year of a previous conviction under this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Subd. 3.Crossing between intersections.

(a) Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or at an intersection with no marked crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(b) Any pedestrian crossing a roadway at a point where a pedestrian tunnel or overhead pedestrian crossing has been provided shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway.

(c) Between adjacent intersections at which traffic-control signals are in operation pedestrians shall not cross at any place except in a marked crosswalk.

(d) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section every driver of a vehicle shall (1) exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicycle or pedestrian upon any roadway and (2) give an audible signal when necessary and exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person upon a roadway.

Subd. 4.Use right half of crosswalk.

Pedestrians shall move when practicable upon the right half of crosswalks.

Subd. 5.Walk on left side of roadway.

Pedestrians when walking or moving in a wheelchair along a roadway shall, when practicable, walk or move on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder giving way to oncoming traffic. Where sidewalks are provided and are accessible and usable it shall be unlawful for any pedestrian to walk or move in a wheelchair along and upon an adjacent roadway.

Subd. 6.Driver education curriculum.

The class D curriculum, in addition to driver education classroom curriculum prescribed in rules of statutes for class D motor vehicles, must include instruction on the duties of a driver when encountering a bicycle, other nonmotorized vehicles, or a pedestrian.

169.212 OPERATION OF ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICES.

Subdivision 1.Rights and responsibilities of pedestrians.

Except as otherwise provided by law, a person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device has the rights and responsibilities of a pedestrian.

Subd. 2.Operation.

(a) An electric personal assistive mobility device may be operated on a bicycle path.

(b) No person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device on a roadway, sidewalk, or bicycle path at a rate of speed that is not reasonable and prudent under the conditions. Every person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a roadway, sidewalk, or bicycle path is responsible for becoming and remaining aware of the actual and potential hazards then existing on the roadway or sidewalk and must use due care in operating the device.

(c) An electric personal assistive mobility device may be operated on a roadway only:

(1) while making a direct crossing of a roadway in a marked or unmarked crosswalk;

(2) where no sidewalk is available;

(3) where a sidewalk is so obstructed as to prevent safe use;

(4) when so directed by a traffic-control device or by a peace officer; or

(5) temporarily in order to gain access to a motor vehicle.

(d) An electric personal assistive mobility device may not be operated at any time on a roadway with a speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour except to make a direct crossing of the roadway in a marked crosswalk.

(e) An electric personal assistive mobility device may not be operated at any time while carrying more than one person.

(f) A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a sidewalk must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times. A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a bicycle path must yield the right-of-way to bicycles at all times.

Subd. 3.Reflectors.

An electric personal assistive mobility device may not be operated unless the device bears reflectorized material on the front, back, and wheels, visible at night from 600 feet when illuminated by the lower beams of headlamps of a motor vehicle.

Subd. 4.Local regulation.

A local road authority may not further regulate the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices, except that a local road authority may allow and regulate the operation of these devices on roadways within its jurisdiction that have a speed limit of more than 35 miles per hour.

History:

2002 c 285 s 4

169.215 CROSSING FOR SENIORS OR DISABLED PERSONS.

Subdivision 1.Designation of crossings.

Local authorities may designate a crossing for senior citizens or disabled persons on any street or highway in the vicinity of a senior citizen housing project, senior citizen nursing home, or residential care facility for disabled persons on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation prescribed by the commissioner and subject to the uniform specifications adopted pursuant to subdivision 2. Designation of a crossing for senior citizens or disabled persons on a trunk highway is subject to the written consent of the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Uniform specifications.

The commissioner shall adopt uniform specifications for crossings for senior citizens or disabled persons. The specifications shall include criteria for determining the need for a crossing and the type and design of traffic-control devices or signals that may be used at the crossing. The specifications shall be incorporated as a part of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices required pursuant to section 169.06.

169.2151 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CROSSINGS.

A local road authority may provide by ordinance for the designation of pedestrian safety crossings on highways under the road authority's jurisdiction where pedestrian safety considerations require extra time for pedestrian crossing in addition to the time recommended under the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for pedestrian signals. The ordinance may provide for timing of pedestrian signals for such crossings, consistent with the recommendations of the uniform manual for pedestrian signal timing at senior citizen and disabled pedestrian crossings. Cities other than cities of the first class may designate a pedestrian safety crossing only with the approval of the road authority having jurisdiction over the crossing. The authority of local road authorities to determine pedestrian signal timing under this section is in addition to any other control exercised by local road authorities over the timing of pedestrian signals.

169.219 PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS.

The commissioner of public safety shall include in the department's series of public service announcements information that educates the public about traffic regulations that are frequently violated, including the requirement for a vehicle driver to stop to yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. The commissioner shall distribute these announcements for broadcast in this state on radio and television.

History:

1996 c 333 s 3

169.22 HITCHHIKING; SOLICITATION OF BUSINESS.

Subdivision 1.Soliciting ride.

No person shall stand in a roadway for the purpose of soliciting a ride from the driver of any private vehicle.

Subd. 2.Soliciting employment, business, or contributions.

No person shall stand on a roadway for the purpose of soliciting employment, business, or contributions from the occupant of any vehicle.

169.221 [Repealed, 1978 c 739 s 15]

BICYCLES AND MOTORIZED BICYCLES

169.222 OPERATION OF BICYCLE.

Subdivision 1.Traffic laws apply.

(a) Every person operating a bicycle has all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle by this chapter, except in respect to those provisions in this chapter relating expressly to bicycles and in respect to those provisions of this chapter which by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to bicycles. This subdivision applies to a bicycle operating on the shoulder of a roadway.

(b) A person lawfully operating a bicycle (1) on a sidewalk, or (2) across a roadway or shoulder while using a crosswalk has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.

Subd. 2.Manner and number riding.

No bicycle, including a tandem bicycle, cargo or utility bicycle, or trailer, shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped, except an adult rider may carry a child in a seat designed for carrying children that is securely attached to the bicycle.

Subd. 3.Clinging to vehicle.

Persons riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, toboggan, sled, skateboard, or toy vehicle shall not attach the same or themselves to any street car or vehicle upon a roadway.

Subd. 4.Riding rules.

(a) Every person operating a bicycle on a road must ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge of the road as the bicycle operator determines is safe. A person operating a bicycle is not required to ride as close to the right-hand curb or edge when:

(1) overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

(2) preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway;

(3) reasonably necessary to avoid conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, including fixed or moving objects, vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow-width lanes;

(4) operating on the shoulder of a roadway or in a bicycle lane; or

(5) operating in a right-hand turn lane before entering an intersection.

(b) If a bicycle is traveling on a shoulder of a roadway, the bicycle operator must travel in the same direction as adjacent vehicular traffic.

(c) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway or shoulder must not ride more than two abreast and, on a laned roadway, shall ride within a single lane.

(d) A person operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk, or across a roadway or shoulder on a crosswalk, must yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal when necessary before overtaking and passing any pedestrian. A person must not ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district unless permitted by local authorities. Local authorities may prohibit the operation of bicycles on any sidewalk or crosswalk under their jurisdiction.

(e) An individual operating a bicycle or other vehicle on a bikeway must (1) give an audible signal a safe distance prior to overtaking a bicycle or individual, (2) leave a safe clearance distance when overtaking a bicycle or individual proceeding in the same direction, and (3) maintain clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle or individual.

(f) Notwithstanding section 169.06, subdivision 4, a bicycle operator may cross an intersection proceeding from the leftmost one-third of a dedicated right-hand turn lane without turning right.

Subd. 4a.Stopping requirements.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, "in the vicinity" means located in an intersection or approaching an intersection in a manner that constitutes a hazard of collision during the time that a bicycle operator would occupy the intersection.

(b) A bicycle operator who approaches a stop sign must slow to a speed that allows for stopping before entering the intersection or the nearest crosswalk. Notwithstanding subdivision 1 and section 169.06, subdivision 4, if there is not a vehicle in the vicinity, the operator may make a turn or proceed through the intersection without stopping.

(c) Nothing in this subdivision alters the right-of-way requirements under section 169.20. The provisions under this subdivision do not apply when traffic is controlled by a peace officer or a person authorized to control traffic under section 169.06.

Subd. 5.Carrying articles.

No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle, or article which prevents the driver from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars or from properly operating the brakes of the bicycle.

Subd. 6.Bicycle equipment.

(a) No person shall operate a bicycle at nighttime unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with (1) a lamp which emits a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front; and (2) a red reflector of a type approved by the Department of Public Safety which is visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. A bicycle equipped with lamps that are visible from a distance of at least 500 feet from both the front and the rear is deemed to fully comply with this paragraph.

(b) No person may operate a bicycle at any time when there is not sufficient light to render persons and vehicles on the highway clearly discernible at a distance of 500 feet ahead unless the bicycle or its operator is equipped with reflective surfaces that shall be visible during the hours of darkness from 600 feet when viewed in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle. The reflective surfaces shall include reflective materials on each side of each pedal to indicate their presence from the front or the rear and with a minimum of 20 square inches of reflective material on each side of the bicycle or its operator. Any bicycle equipped with side reflectors as required by regulations for new bicycles prescribed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission shall be considered to meet the requirements for side reflectorization contained in this subdivision.

(c) A bicycle may be equipped with a front lamp that emits a white flashing signal, or a rear lamp that emits a red flashing signal, or both.

(d) A bicycle may be equipped with tires having studs, spikes, or other protuberances designed to increase traction.

(e) No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a rear brake or front and rear brakes which will enable the operator to make a braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. A bicycle equipped with a direct or fixed gear that can make the rear wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement shall be deemed to fully comply with this paragraph.

(f) A bicycle may be equipped with a horn or bell designed to alert motor vehicles, other bicycles, and pedestrians of the bicycle's presence.

(g) No person shall operate upon a highway any two-wheeled bicycle equipped with handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate the hands above the level of the shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.

(h) No person shall operate upon a highway any bicycle which is of such a size as to prevent the operator from stopping the bicycle, supporting it with at least one foot on the highway surface and restarting in a safe manner.

Subd. 6a.Electric-assisted bicycle; riding rules.

(a) A person may operate an electric-assisted bicycle in the same manner as provided for operation of other bicycles, including but not limited to operation on the shoulder of a roadway, a bicycle lane, and a bicycle route, and operation without the motor engaged on a bikeway or bicycle trail.

(b) A person may operate a class 1 or class 2 electric-assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared use path unless prohibited under section 85.015, subdivision 1d; 85.018, subdivision 2, paragraph (d); or 160.263, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), as applicable.

(c) A person may operate a class 3 electric-assisted bicycle with the motor engaged on a bicycle path, bicycle trail, or shared use path unless the local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over the bicycle path or trail prohibits the operation.

(d) The local authority or state agency having jurisdiction over a trail that is designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface tread made by clearing and grading the native soil with no added surfacing materials may regulate the operation of an electric-assisted bicycle.

(e) No person under the age of 15 shall operate an electric-assisted bicycle.

Subd. 6b.Electric-assisted bicycle; equipment.

(a) The manufacturer or distributor of an electric-assisted bicycle must apply a label to the bicycle that is permanently affixed in a prominent location. The label must contain the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electric-assisted bicycle, and must be printed in a legible font with at least 9-point type.

(b) A person must not modify an electric-assisted bicycle to change the motor-powered speed capability or motor engagement unless the person replaces the label required in paragraph (a) with revised information.

(c) An electric-assisted bicycle must operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the rider stops pedaling or when the brakes are applied.

(d) A class 3 electric-assisted bicycle must be equipped with a speedometer that displays the speed at which the bicycle is traveling in miles per hour.

Subd. 7.Sale with reflectors and other equipment.

(a) No person shall sell or offer for sale any new bicycle unless it is equipped with reflectors and other equipment as required by subdivision 6, paragraphs (b) and (e) and by applicable regulations for new bicycles prescribed by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a new bicycle may be sold or offered for sale without pedals if the bicycle otherwise meets the requirements of paragraph (a).

Subd. 8.Turning, lane change.

An arm signal to turn right or left shall be given continuously during the last 100 feet traveled by the bicycle before turning, unless the arm is needed to control the bicycle, and shall be given while the bicycle is stopped waiting to turn.

Subd. 9.Bicycle parking.

(a) A person may park a bicycle on a sidewalk unless prohibited or restricted by local authorities. A bicycle parked on a sidewalk shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of pedestrian or other traffic.

(b) A bicycle may be parked on a roadway at any location where parking is allowed if it is parked in such a manner that it does not obstruct the movement of a legally parked motor vehicle.

Subd. 10.Bicycle events.

(a) Bicycle events, parades, contests, or racing on a highway shall not be unlawful when approved by state or local authorities having jurisdiction over that highway. Approval shall be granted only under conditions which assure reasonable safety for all participants, spectators and other highway users, and which prevent unreasonable interference with traffic flow which would seriously inconvenience other highway users.

(b) By agreement with the approving authority, participants in an approved bicycle highway event may be exempted from compliance with any traffic laws otherwise applicable thereto, provided that traffic control is adequate to assure the safety of all highway users.

Subd. 11.Peace officer operating bicycle.

The provisions of this section governing operation of bicycles do not apply to bicycles operated by peace officers while performing their duties.

169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.

Subdivision 1.Safety equipment; parking.

Section 169.974 relating to motorcycles is applicable to motorized bicycles, except as otherwise provided in this section and except that:

(1) protective headgear includes headgear that meets the standards under Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1203, or successor requirements;

(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;

(3) protective headgear is not required for operators 18 years of age or older; and

(4) the provisions of section 169.222, subdivision 9, governing the parking of bicycles apply to motorized bicycles.

Subd. 2.License or permit.

(a) A motorized bicycle may be operated under either a driver's license or a motorized bicycle permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision 3.

(b) A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2, on operation of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit, except that:

(1) a parent or guardian of an operator under the age of 16 may also ride on the motorized bicycle as a passenger or operator if the motorized bicycle is equipped with a seat and footrests for a second passenger;

(2) a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;

(3) protective headgear includes headgear described in subdivision 1; and

(4) protective headgear is required only until the operator reaches the age of 18 years.

Subd. 3.Sidewalk and passenger prohibitions.

No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a sidewalk at any time, except when such operation is necessary for the most direct access to a roadway from a driveway, alley or building. No person shall operate a motorized bicycle that is carrying any person other than the operator, except as allowed under subdivision 2.

Subd. 4.Headlight requirement.

The provisions of section 169.974, subdivision 5, paragraph (i), apply to motorized bicycles that are equipped with headlights. A new motorized bicycle sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must be equipped with a headlight.

Subd. 5.Other operation requirements and prohibitions.

(a) A person operating a motorized bicycle on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except in one of the following situations:

(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

(2) when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or

(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects, vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.

(b) Persons operating motorized bicycles on a roadway may not ride more than two abreast and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. On a laned roadway, a person operating a motorized bicycle shall ride within a single lane.

(c) This section does not permit the operation of a motorized bicycle on a bicycle path or bicycle lane that is reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized traffic.

169.224 NEIGHBORHOOD AND MEDIUM-SPEED ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

Subdivision 1.Definition.

For purposes of this section, "road authority" means the commissioner, as to trunk highways; the county board, as to county state-aid highways and county highways; the town board, as to town roads; and the governing body of a city, as to city streets.

Subd. 2.Required equipment.

Notwithstanding any other law, a neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle may be operated on public streets and highways if it meets all equipment and vehicle safety requirements in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.500, and successor requirements.

Subd. 3.Operation.

(a) A neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle may not be operated on a street or highway with a speed limit greater than 35 miles per hour, except to make a direct crossing of that street or highway.

(b) A person may operate a three-wheeled neighborhood electric vehicle without a two-wheeled vehicle endorsement, provided the person has a valid driver's license issued under chapter 171.

Subd. 4.Restrictions and prohibitions.

(a) A road authority, including the commissioner of transportation by order, may prohibit or further restrict the operation of neighborhood electric vehicles and medium-speed electric vehicles on any street or highway under the road authority's jurisdiction.

(b) Neither a neighborhood electric vehicle nor a medium-speed electric vehicle may be used to take any examination to demonstrate ability to exercise control in the operation of a motor vehicle as required under section 171.13.

MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER

169.225 MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER.

Subdivision 1.Application of traffic laws.

Every person operating a motorized foot scooter shall have all rights and duties applicable to the operator of a bicycle, except in respect to those provisions relating expressly to motorized foot scooters and in respect to those provisions of law that by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to motorized foot scooters.

Subd. 2.Sidewalk and passenger prohibition.

No person may operate a motorized foot scooter upon a sidewalk, except when necessary to enter or leave adjacent property. No person may operate a motorized foot scooter that is carrying any person other than the operator.

Subd. 3.Minimum age for operator.

No person under the age of 12 years may operate a motorized foot scooter.

Subd. 4.Protective headgear.

No person under the age of 18 years may operate a motorized foot scooter without wearing properly fitted and fastened protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of public safety.

Subd. 5.Required lighting equipment.

A motorized foot scooter must be equipped with a headlight and a taillight that comply with standards established by the commissioner of public safety if the vehicle is operated under conditions when vehicle lights are required by law.

Subd. 6.Operation requirements and prohibitions.

(a) A person operating a motorized foot scooter on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except in the following situations:

(1) when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;

(2) when preparing for a left turn, in which case the operator shall stop and dismount at the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway, and shall complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to restrictions placed by law on pedestrians; or

(3) when reasonably necessary to avoid impediments or conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes.

(b) A person may operate a motorized foot scooter on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, bicycle trail, or bikeway that is not reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized traffic, unless the local authority or governing body having jurisdiction over that path, lane, trail, or bikeway prohibits operation by law.

History:

2005 c 135 s 6

169.228 MS 2012 [Expired, 2008 c 350 art 1 s 35]
169.23 [Repealed, 1965 c 45 s 73]
169.24 [Repealed, 1961 c 561 s 17]

SAFETY ZONES

169.25 SAFETY ZONE.

No vehicle shall at any time be driven through a safety zone.

RAILROAD CROSSINGS

169.26 SPECIAL STOPS AT RAILROAD CROSSING.

Subdivision 1.Requirements.

(a) Except as provided in section 169.28, subdivision 1, when any person driving a vehicle approaches a railroad grade crossing under any of the circumstances stated in this paragraph, the driver shall stop the vehicle not less than ten feet from the nearest railroad track and shall not proceed until safe to do so and until the roadway is clear of traffic so that the vehicle can proceed without stopping until the rear of the vehicle is at least ten feet past the farthest railroad track. These requirements apply when:

(1) a clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device warns of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment; or

(2) an approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment is plainly visible and is in hazardous proximity.

(b) The fact that a moving railroad train or other on-track equipment approaching a railroad grade crossing is visible from the crossing is prima facie evidence that it is not safe to proceed.

(c) The driver of a vehicle shall stop and remain stopped and not traverse the grade crossing when (1) a human flagger signals the approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, or (2) a crossing gate is lowered warning of the immediate approach or passage of a railroad train or other on-track equipment. No person may drive a vehicle past a flagger at a railroad crossing until the flagger signals that the way is clear to proceed or drive a vehicle past a lowered crossing gate.

Subd. 1a.Violation.

A police officer may arrest the driver of a motor vehicle if the police officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of subdivision 1 within the past four hours.

Subd. 2.Misdemeanor.

(a) A driver who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(b) The owner or, in the case of a leased vehicle, the lessee of a motor vehicle is guilty of a petty misdemeanor if a motor vehicle owned or leased by that person is operated in violation of subdivision 1. This paragraph does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee. This paragraph does not apply if the motor vehicle operator is prosecuted for violating subdivision 1. A violation of this paragraph does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of the owner's or lessee's driver's license.

Subd. 3.Driver training.

All driver education courses approved by the commissioner of public safety must include instruction on railroad-highway grade crossing safety. The commissioner of public safety shall by rule establish minimum standards of course content relating to operation of vehicles at railroad-highway grade crossings.

Subd. 4.Pedestrians; penalty.

(a) A pedestrian shall not pass through, around, over, or under any crossing gate or barrier at a railroad grade crossing while the gate or barrier is closed or is being opened or closed.

(b) A pedestrian shall not enter, remain upon, or traverse over a railroad track, grade crossing, or pedestrian walkway crossing a railroad track when an audible bell or clearly visible electric or mechanical signal device is operational and warning of the presence, approach, passage, or departure of a railroad train or other on-track equipment.

(c) A person who violates this subdivision is subject to a fine of up to $100.

169.27 [Repealed, 1976 c 166 s 119]

169.28 CERTAIN VEHICLES TO STOP AT RAILROAD CROSSING.

Subdivision 1.Requirements.

(a) The driver of any motor vehicle carrying passengers for hire, or of any school bus whether carrying passengers or not, or of any Head Start bus whether carrying passengers or not, or of any vehicle that is required to stop at railroad grade crossings under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 392.10, before crossing at grade any track or tracks of a railroad, shall stop the vehicle not less than 15 feet nor more than 50 feet from the nearest rail of the railroad and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment, and for signals indicating the approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, except as otherwise provided in this section. The driver must not proceed until safe to do so and until the roadway is clear of traffic so that the vehicle can proceed without stopping until the rear of the vehicle is at least ten feet past the farthest railroad track. The driver must not shift gears while crossing the railroad tracks.

(b) A school bus or Head Start bus shall not be flagged across railroad grade crossings except at those railroad grade crossings that the local school administrative officer may designate.

(c) A type III vehicle, as defined in section 169.011, is exempt from the requirement of school buses to stop at railroad grade crossings.

(d) The requirements of this subdivision do not apply to the crossing of light rail vehicle track or tracks that are located in a public street when:

(1) the crossing occurs within the intersection of two or more public streets;

(2) the intersection is controlled by a traffic-control signal; and

(3) the intersection is marked with signs indicating to drivers that the requirements of this subdivision do not apply. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the owner or operator of the track or tracks is authorized to place, maintain, and display the signs upon and in the view of the public street or streets.

Subd. 2.Exempt crossing.

(a) The commissioner may designate a crossing as an exempt crossing:

(1) if the crossing is on a rail line on which service has been abandoned;

(2) if the crossing is on a rail line that carries fewer than five railroad trains each year, traveling at speeds of ten miles per hour or less; or

(3) as agreed to by the operating railroad and the Department of Transportation, following a diagnostic review of the crossing.

(b) The commissioner shall direct the railroad to erect at the crossing signs bearing the word "Exempt" that conform to section 169.06. The installation or presence of an exempt sign does not relieve a driver of the duty to use due care.

(c) A railroad train or other on-track equipment must not proceed across an exempt crossing unless a police officer is present to direct traffic or a railroad employee is on the ground to warn traffic until the railroad train enters the crossing.

(d) A vehicle that must stop at grade crossings under subdivision 1 is not required to stop at a marked exempt crossing unless directed otherwise by a police officer or a railroad employee.

169.29 CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS WITH CERTAIN EQUIPMENT.

(a) No person shall operate or move any caterpillar tractor, steam shovel, derrick, roller, or any equipment or structure having a normal operating speed of six or less miles per hour or a vertical body or load clearance of less than nine inches above the level surface of a roadway upon or across any tracks at a railroad grade crossing without first complying with this section.

(b) Before making any crossing, the person operating or moving any vehicle or equipment set forth in this section shall first stop the same not less than ten, nor more than 50, feet from the nearest rail of the railway, and while so stopped shall listen and look in both directions along the track for any approaching railroad train or other on-track equipment and for signals indicating the approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment, and shall not proceed until the crossing can be made safely.

(c) No crossing shall be made when warning is given by automatic signal or crossing gates or a flagger or otherwise of the immediate approach of a railroad train or other on-track equipment or car.

(d) A stop is not required at a crossing on a rail line on which service has been abandoned and where a sign erected in conformance with section 169.06 and bearing the word "Exempt" has been installed, unless directed otherwise by a flagger. The installation or presence of an exempt sign shall not relieve any driver of the duty to use due care.

CONTROLLED-ACCESS AND THROUGH HIGHWAYS

169.30 DESIGNATION OF THROUGH HIGHWAYS.

(a) The commissioner, with reference to state trunk highways, and local authorities, with reference to other highways under their jurisdiction, may designate through highways by erecting stop signs or yield signs at entrances thereto or may designate any intersection as a stop or yield intersection by erecting like signs at one or more entrances to such intersection; provided, that local authorities, with the consent of the commissioner, may designate through highway or stop or yield intersections on state trunk highways.

(b) Every driver of a vehicle shall stop at a stop sign or at a clearly marked stop line before entering the intersection, except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal.

169.305 CONTROLLED-ACCESS RULES AND PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Entrance and exit; crossover; use regulations; signs; rules.

(a) No person shall drive a vehicle onto or from any controlled-access highway except at such entrances and exits as are established by public authority.

(b) When special crossovers between the main roadways of a controlled-access highway are provided for emergency vehicles or maintenance equipment and such crossovers are signed to prohibit "U" turns, it shall be unlawful for any vehicle, except an emergency vehicle, maintenance equipment, construction equipment including contractor's and state-owned equipment when operating within a marked construction zone, or a vehicle operated by a commercial vehicle inspector of the Department of Public Safety, to use such crossover. Vehicles owned and operated by elderly and needy persons under contract with the commissioner of transportation pursuant to section 160.282 for maintenance services on highway rest stop and tourist centers outside the seven-county metropolitan area as defined in section 473.121, may also use these crossovers while those persons are proceeding to or from work in the rest area or tourist center if authorized by the commissioner, and the vehicle carries on its roof a distinctive flag designed and issued by the commissioner. For the purposes of this clause "emergency vehicle" includes a tow truck or towing vehicle if it is on the way to the location of an accident or a disabled vehicle.

(c) The commissioner of transportation may by order, and any public authority may by ordinance, with respect to any controlled-access highway under their jurisdictions prohibit or regulate the use of any such highway by pedestrians, bicycles, or other nonmotorized traffic, or by motorized bicycles, or by any class or kind of traffic which is found to be incompatible with the normal and safe flow of traffic.

(d) The commissioner of transportation or the public authority adopting any such prohibitory rules shall erect and maintain official signs on the controlled-access highway on which such rules are applicable and when so erected no person shall disobey the restrictions stated on such signs.

Subd. 2.Backing.

Except for a driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in the course of performing duties, no driver of a vehicle shall back the same upon the roadway or shoulder of any controlled-access highway.

Subd. 3.Petty misdemeanor.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section or any order or ordinance promulgated or enacted by the commissioner of transportation or a public authority pursuant thereto is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

BUS USE OF SHOULDERS

169.306 USE OF SHOULDERS BY BUSES.

(a) A road authority, as defined in section 160.02, subdivision 25, is authorized to permit transit buses and Metro Mobility buses use of a shoulder, as designated by the road authority, of a freeway or expressway, as defined in section 160.02, in Minnesota.

(b) If a road authority permits the use of a freeway or expressway shoulder by transit buses, the road authority shall permit the use on that shoulder of a bus (1) with a seating capacity of 40 passengers or more operated by a motor carrier of passengers, as defined in section 221.012, subdivision 26, while operating in intrastate commerce or (2) providing regular route transit service, as defined in section 174.22, subdivision 8, or Metro Mobility services, and operated by or under contract with the Metropolitan Council, a local transit authority, or a transit authority created by the legislature. Drivers of these buses must have adequate training in the requirements of paragraph (c), as determined by the commissioner.

(c) Buses authorized to use the shoulder under this section may be operated on the shoulder only when main-line traffic speeds are less than 35 miles per hour, except as provided for in paragraph (f). Drivers of buses being operated on the shoulder may not exceed the speed of main-line traffic by more than 15 miles per hour and may never exceed 35 miles per hour, except as provided for in paragraph (f). Drivers of buses being operated on the shoulder must yield to merging, entering, and exiting traffic and must yield to other vehicles on the shoulder. Buses operated on the shoulder must be registered with the Department of Transportation.

(d) For the purposes of this section, the term "Metro Mobility bus" means a motor vehicle of not less than 20 feet in length engaged in providing special transportation services under section 473.386 that is:

(1) operated by or under contract with a public or private entity receiving financial assistance to provide transit services from the Metropolitan Council or the commissioner of transportation; and

(2) authorized by a road authority to use freeway or expressway shoulders.

(e) This section does not apply to the operation of buses on dynamic shoulder lanes.

(f) The commissioner may authorize different operating conditions and maximum speeds, not to exceed the posted speed limit, based upon an engineering study and recommendation by the road authority. The engineering study must be conducted by the road authority and must conform with the manual and specifications adopted under section 169.06, subdivision 1, and applicable state and federal standards. The road authority shall consult the public transit operator before recommending operating conditions different from those authorized by law.

OTHER TRAFFIC RULES

169.31 STOP AT SIDEWALK.

The driver of a vehicle within a business or residence district emerging from an alley, driveway, or building shall stop such vehicle immediately prior to driving onto a sidewalk or into the sidewalk area and shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and all other traffic on the sidewalk.

169.315 OPENING AND CLOSING VEHICLE DOOR.

No person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic. No person shall allow any door on the side of a vehicle adjacent to moving traffic to remain open for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

History:

1978 c 739 s 14

STOPPING, PARKING PROVISIONS

169.32 STOPPING, STANDING, AND PARKING.

(a) Upon any highway outside of a business or residence district no person shall stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle, whether attended or unattended, upon the paved or improved or main-traveled part of the highway when it is practical to stop, park, or so leave such vehicle off such part of said highway, but in every event a clear and unobstructed width of at least 20 feet of such part of the highway opposite such standing vehicle shall be left for the free passage of other vehicles and a clear view of such stopped vehicle be available from a distance of 200 feet in each direction upon such highway.

(b) This section shall not apply to the driver of any vehicle which is disabled while on the paved or improved or main-traveled portion of a highway in such a manner and to such extent that it is impossible to avoid stopping and temporarily leaving such disabled vehicle in such position.

(c) This section shall not apply to the driver of a school bus stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school child or school children provided the school bus is equipped and identified as provided in sections 169.441 and 169.442, subdivision 1, and is displaying the flashing red lamps and stop arm required therein.

169.33 POLICE MAY MOVE VEHICLE.

(a) When any police officer finds a vehicle standing upon a highway in violation of any of the provisions of section 169.32, such officer is hereby authorized to move such vehicle, or require the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle to move the same, to a position off the paved or improved or main-traveled part of such highway.

(b) When any police officer finds a vehicle unattended upon any street or highway or upon any bridge or causeway or in any tunnel where such vehicle constitutes an obstruction to traffic, such officer is hereby authorized to provide for the removal of such vehicle and remove the same to the nearest convenient garage or other place of safety.

169.34 PROHIBITIONS; STOPPING, PARKING.

Subdivision 1.Prohibitions.

(a) No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a police officer or traffic-control device, in any of the following places:

(1) on a sidewalk;

(2) in front of a public or private driveway;

(3) within an intersection;

(4) within ten feet of a fire hydrant;

(5) on a crosswalk;

(6) within 20 feet of a crosswalk at an intersection;

(7) within 30 feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a roadway;

(8) between a safety zone and the adjacent curb or within 30 feet of points on the curb immediately opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless a different length is indicated by signs or markings;

(9) within 50 feet of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;

(10) within 20 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within 75 feet of said entrance when properly signposted;

(11) alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when such stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;

(12) on the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;

(13) upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel, except as otherwise provided by ordinance;

(14) within a bicycle lane, except when posted signs permit parking; or

(15) at any place where official signs prohibit stopping.

(b) No person shall move a vehicle not owned by such person into any prohibited area or away from a curb such distance as is unlawful.

(c) No person shall, for camping purposes, leave or park a travel trailer on or within the limits of any highway or on any highway right-of-way, except where signs are erected designating the place as a campsite.

(d) No person shall stop or park a vehicle on a street or highway when directed or ordered to proceed by any peace officer invested by law with authority to direct, control, or regulate traffic.

Subd. 2.Violation; penalty for owner or lessee.

(a) If a motor vehicle is stopped, standing, or parked in violation of subdivision 1, the owner of the vehicle, or for a leased motor vehicle the lessee of the vehicle, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

(b) The owner or lessee may not be fined under paragraph (a) if (1) another person is convicted for, or pleads guilty to, that violation, or (2) the motor vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation.

(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee.

(d) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a motor vehicle operator who violates subdivision 1.

(e) A violation under paragraph (a) does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of the owner's or lessee's driver's license.

169.342 GOOD SAMARITAN; EXCEPTION TO STOPPING AND PARKING.

(a) A person who stops or parks that person's motor vehicle on any highway or street for the sole purpose of aiding another motorist who signals for assistance by raising the hood of the vehicle or displaying a flag, flare or similar signal is not in violation of any law, ordinance, or rule prohibiting the stopping or parking of a motor vehicle, and no peace officer shall issue a traffic ticket therefor if:

(1) the motorist in distress is not already being given aid or assistance;

(2) the person takes reasonable safety precautions in stopping and parking the vehicle, and conforms with other laws regulating the stopping and parking of vehicles;

(3) the person is not in violation of traffic laws or rules other than the prohibition against stopping and parking; and

(4) the person promptly leaves the scene if directed to leave by a peace officer.

(b) This section does not apply to any person who stops or parks a vehicle next to an unattended vehicle.

History:

1977 c 167 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1986 c 444

169.345 PARKING PRIVILEGE FOR PHYSICALLY DISABLED.

Subdivision 1.Scope of privilege.

(a) A vehicle described in section 168.021, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), that prominently displays the certificate authorized by this section or that bears the disability plate or plates issued under section 168.021 may be parked by or solely for the benefit of a physically disabled person:

(1) in a designated parking space for disabled persons, as provided in section 169.346;

(2) in a metered parking space without obligation to pay the meter fee and without time restrictions unless time restrictions are separately posted on official signs; and

(3) without time restrictions in a nonmetered space where parking is otherwise allowed for passenger vehicles but restricted to a maximum period of time and that does not specifically prohibit the exercise of disabled parking privileges in that space.

A person may park the vehicle for a physically disabled person in a parking space described in clause (1) or (2) only when actually transporting the physically disabled person for the sole benefit of that person and when the parking space is within a reasonable distance from the drop-off point.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a certificate is prominently displayed if it is displayed so that it may be viewed from the front and rear of the motor vehicle by hanging it from the rearview mirror attached to the front windshield of the motor vehicle or, in the case of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle, is secured to the vehicle. If there is no rearview mirror or if the certificate holder's disability precludes placing the certificate on the mirror, the certificate must be displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle. No part of the certificate may be obscured.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), clauses (1), (2), and (3), this section does not permit parking in areas prohibited by sections 169.32 and 169.34, in designated no parking spaces, or in parking spaces reserved for specified purposes or vehicles. A local governmental unit may, by ordinance, prohibit parking on any street or highway to create a fire lane, or to accommodate heavy traffic during morning and afternoon rush hours and these ordinances also apply to physically disabled persons.

Subd. 2.Definitions.

(a) For the purpose of section 168.021 and this section, the following terms have the meanings given them in this subdivision.

(b) "Health professional" means a licensed physician, licensed physician assistant, advanced practice registered nurse, licensed physical therapist, or licensed chiropractor.

(c) "Long-term certificate" means a certificate issued for a period greater than 12 months but not greater than 71 months.

(d) "Organization certificate" means a certificate issued to an entity other than a natural person for a period of three years.

(e) "Permit" refers to a permit that is issued for a period of 30 days, in lieu of the certificate referred to in subdivision 3, while the application is being processed.

(f) "Physically disabled person" means a person who:

(1) because of disability cannot walk without significant risk of falling;

(2) because of disability cannot walk 200 feet without stopping to rest;

(3) because of disability cannot walk without the aid of another person, a walker, a cane, crutches, braces, a prosthetic device, or a wheelchair;

(4) is restricted by a respiratory disease to such an extent that the person's forced (respiratory) expiratory volume for one second, when measured by spirometry, is less than one liter;

(5) has an arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) of less than 60 mm/Hg on room air at rest;

(6) uses portable oxygen;

(7) has a cardiac condition to the extent that the person's functional limitations are classified in severity as class III or class IV according to standards set by the American Heart Association;

(8) has lost an arm or a leg and does not have or cannot use an artificial limb;

(9) has a disability that would be aggravated by walking 200 feet under normal environmental conditions to an extent that would be life threatening; or

(10) is legally blind.

(g) A pregnant person experiencing any of the conditions described in paragraph (f) is eligible for parking privileges pursuant to this section.

(h) "Short-term certificate" means a certificate issued for a period greater than six months but not greater than 12 months.

(i) "Six-year certificate" means a certificate issued for a period of six years.

(j) "Temporary certificate" means a certificate issued for a period not greater than six months.

Subd. 2a.Health professional's medical statement.

(a) The commissioner shall develop a format for the medical statement. The medical statement must be signed by a health professional who certifies that the applicant is a physically disabled person as defined in subdivision 2. The commissioner may request additional information from the health professional if needed to verify the applicant's eligibility. The medical statement that the applicant is a physically disabled person must specify whether the disability is permanent or temporary and, if temporary, the opinion of the health professional as to the duration of the disability. A health professional who fraudulently certifies to the commissioner that a person is a physically disabled person as defined in subdivision 2, and that the person is entitled to the disability plates authorized by section 168.021 or to the certificate authorized by this section, is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of $500.

(b) The commissioner may waive the requirement of providing a statement of a health professional if the applicant has previously filed with the commissioner a statement of a health professional certifying that the applicant has a permanent physical disability.

Subd. 3.Identifying certificate.

(a) The commissioner shall issue (1) immediately, a permit valid for 30 days if the person is eligible for the certificate issued under this section and (2) an identifying certificate for a vehicle described in section 168.021, subdivision 1, paragraph (a), when a physically disabled applicant submits proof of physical disability under subdivision 2a. The commissioner shall design separate certificates for persons with permanent and temporary disabilities that can be readily distinguished from each other from outside a vehicle at a distance of 25 feet or, in the case of a motorcycle or a motorized bicycle, can be readily secured to the motorcycle or motorized bicycle. An applicant may be issued up to two certificates if the applicant has not been issued disability plates under section 168.021.

(b) The operator of a vehicle displaying a certificate has the parking privileges provided in subdivision 1 only while the vehicle is actually parked while transporting a physically disabled person.

(c) The commissioner shall cancel all certificates issued to an applicant who fails to comply with the requirements of this subdivision.

Subd. 3a.Organization certificates.

(a) An organization providing transportation to one or more physically disabled persons may apply to the commissioner for one or more organization certificates for motor vehicles owned or operated on behalf of the organization.

(b) The organization shall submit a written statement of intent to the commissioner signed by an officer of the organization. The statement must:

(1) indicate the number of certificates requested;

(2) state that all issued certificates must be used solely for the benefit of physically disabled persons;

(3) state that the organization shall report lost or stolen certificates to the commissioner within 24 hours of first discovery; and

(4) state that the organization shall immediately notify the commissioner of any misuse or suspected misuse of any certificate issued to the organization.

(c) An organization shall include with the application a description of the internal controls to be used to ensure the proper use of certificates and to account for all issued certificates. The controls must include:

(1) maintenance of a current list of the make, model, and plate number of all motor vehicles in which a certificate issued to the organization will be used; and

(2) maintenance of a current list of the name and driver's license number of all individuals authorized to operate the motor vehicle in which certificates issued to the organization will be used.

(d) When the commissioner is satisfied that an organization will use a certificate to transport physically disabled persons, the commissioner shall issue without charge (1) immediately, a permit valid for 30 days if the organization is eligible for a certificate and (2) an organization certificate for the motor vehicle.

(e) The certificate issued to an organization transporting physically disabled persons must be renewed every third year. On original application and renewal, the organization must present evidence that each certificate issued continues to be used exclusively to transport physically disabled persons.

(f) The commissioner shall cancel all certificates issued to an applicant who fails to comply with the requirements of this subdivision.

Subd. 3b.Certificate design, format, information.

A certificate must be made of plastic or similar durable material and must bear its expiration date prominently on both sides. A certificate issued to a temporarily disabled person must display the date of expiration of the duration of the disability, as determined under subdivision 3 or 3a. Each applicant must be provided a summary of the parking privileges and restrictions that apply to each motor vehicle for which the certificate is used.

Subd. 3c.Fees; organization, temporary, and short-term certificates.

The commissioner may charge a fee of $5 for issuance of each organization certificate, each temporary certificate, and each short-term certificate and a fee of $5 for a duplicate to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged organization, temporary, or short-term certificate. The commissioner shall not issue more than three duplicate certificates for lost, stolen, or canceled certificates within any six-year period without the approval of the Minnesota State Council on Disability.

Subd. 4.Unauthorized use or noncompliance; cancellation; misdemeanor.

(a) If a peace officer, authorized parking enforcement employee or agent of a statutory or home rule charter city or town, representative of the Minnesota State Council on Disability, or an authorized agent of a citizen enforcement program under section 169.346, subdivision 4, finds that a certificate, permit, or disability plate is being improperly used, or the applicant is no longer eligible, the officer, municipal employee, representative, or agent shall report the violation or situation to the commissioner. The commissioner may cancel the certificate, permit, or disability plates issued under section 168.021 on determining that:

(1) the certificate, permit, or plates were used improperly;

(2) the certificate, permit, or plates were fraudulently obtained;

(3) the certificate, permit, or plates were issued in error;

(4) the person who was issued the certificate, permit, or plates is deceased;

(5) the person who was issued the certificate, permit, or plates no longer maintains a Minnesota address; or

(6) the person or organization has failed to comply with the requirements of this section.

(b) A person who uses a certificate, permit, or disability plates in violation of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to a fine of $500.

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 1967 c 389 s 2]

169.346 DISABILITY PARKING AREAS; CRITERIA, ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Disability parking space prohibitions.

A person shall not:

(1) park a motor vehicle in or obstruct access to a parking space or associated access aisle designated and reserved for the physically disabled, on either private or public property;

(2) park a motor vehicle in or obstruct access to an area designated by a local governmental unit as a transfer zone for disabled persons;

(3) alter a certificate;

(4) exercise the parking privilege provided in section 169.345, unless:

(i) that person is a physically disabled person as defined in section 169.345, subdivision 2, or the person is transporting or parking a motor vehicle for a physically disabled person; and

(ii) the motor vehicle visibly displays one of the following: a disability plate issued under section 168.021, a certificate issued under section 169.345, a permit valid for 30 days issued under section 168.021 or 169.345, or an equivalent certificate, insignia, or plate issued by another state, a foreign country, or one of its political subdivisions; or

(5) park a motor vehicle in an area used as a regular route transit stopping point where a transit vehicle that is accessible to the physically disabled regularly stops and a sign that bears the international symbol of access in white on blue is posted. A sign posted under this clause may display other information relating to the regular route transit service. For purposes of this clause, an area used as a regular route transit stopping point consists of the 80 feet immediately preceding the sign described in this clause.

Subd. 1a.Disability parking when designated spaces occupied or unavailable.

In the event the designated disability parking spaces are either occupied or unavailable, a vehicle bearing a valid disability parking certificate issued under section 169.345 or license plates for physically disabled persons under section 168.021 may park at an angle and occupy two standard parking spaces.

Subd. 2.Disability parking space signs.

(a) Parking spaces reserved for physically disabled persons must be designated and identified by the posting of signs incorporating the international symbol of access in white on blue and indicating that violators are subject to a fine of up to $200. These parking spaces are reserved for disabled persons with motor vehicles displaying the required certificate, plates, permit valid for 30 days, or insignia.

(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a parking space that is clearly identified as reserved for physically disabled persons by a permanently posted sign that does not meet all design standards, is considered designated and reserved for physically disabled persons. A sign posted for the purpose of this section must be visible from inside a motor vehicle parked in the space, be kept clear of snow or other obstructions which block its visibility, and be nonmovable.

Subd. 2a.Parking space free of obstruction; penalty.

The owner or manager of the property on which the designated parking space is located must ensure that the parking space and associated access aisle are kept free of obstruction. If the owner or manager does not have the parking space properly posted or knowingly allows the parking space or access aisle to be blocked by plowed snow, merchandise, or similar obstructions, the owner or manager is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $500.

Subd. 3.Misdemeanor; enforcement.

A person who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not less than $100 and not more than $200. This subdivision must be enforced in the same manner as parking ordinances or regulations in the governmental subdivision in which the violation occurs. Law enforcement officers may tag motor vehicles parked on either private or public property in violation of subdivision 1. Parking enforcement employees or agents of statutory or home rule charter cities or towns may tag or otherwise issue citations for motor vehicles parked on public property in violation of subdivision 1. If a holder of a disability certificate or disability plates allows a person who is not otherwise eligible to use the certificate or plates, then the holder is not eligible to be issued or to use a disability certificate or plates for 12 months after the date of violation. Except when the permit or certificate is expired by, or is otherwise invalid for, more than 90 days, a physically disabled person, or a person parking a motor vehicle for a disabled person, who is charged with violating subdivision 1 because the person parked in a parking space for physically disabled persons without the required certificate, license plates, or permit must not be convicted if the person (1) produces in court or before the court appearance the required certificate, permit, or evidence that the person has been issued plates under section 168.021, (2) surrenders the expired permit or certificate, and (3) demonstrates entitlement to the certificate, plates, or permit at the time of arrest or tagging. To be valid, the certificate or permit must show that it is owned by the same person that owned the expired certificate or permit displayed at the time the tag was issued. The registered vehicle owner is subject to the provisions of this subdivision.

Subd. 4.Local ordinance; citizen enforcement program.

A statutory or home rule charter city may, by ordinance, establish a program to enforce the parking restrictions of this section or any similar local ordinance, relating to parking spaces for the physically disabled, by using citizen volunteers to issue citations to violators. The ordinance shall contain a process for training program participants in the requirements of the law, the method of issuing citations, and other related matters. Program participants who satisfy the training requirements of the ordinance are authorized to issue citations for violations of this section and are exempt from any other training or licensure requirements imposed on law enforcement officers by chapter 626.

Subd. 5.Local ordinance; long-term parking.

A statutory or home rule charter city may enact an ordinance establishing a permit program for long-term disability parking. If a city enacts the ordinance, a permit program for long-term disability parking must establish as a minimum:

(1) a limitation on disability parking of a maximum of four hours during the hours of enforcement, on one-hour, 90-minute, and two-hour parking meters;

(2) a requirement for city parking lots and ramps to provide a 50 percent discount on monthly fees for contracted parkers with disabilities or a 50 percent reduction in the hourly rate for parkers with disabilities, with appropriate vehicle identification, who park in designated disability parking spaces; and

(3) issuance of a special needs permit to an employed person with severe disability for an all-day, on-street parking permit that will accommodate the person's access needs.

169.35 PARKING.

Subdivision 1.Parallel to curb.

Except where angle parking is permitted by local ordinance, each vehicle stopped or parked upon a two-way roadway where there is an adjacent curb shall be so stopped or parked with the right-hand wheels of the vehicle parallel with and within 12 inches of the right-hand curb, provided, that such exception shall only apply to a state trunk highway after approval by the commissioner.

Subd. 2.Where no curb.

Upon streets and highways not having a curb each vehicle stopped or parked shall be stopped or parked parallel with and to the right of the paved or improved or main-traveled part of the street or highway.

Subd. 3.One-way roadway.

Local authorities with respect to streets and highways under their jurisdiction and with the consent of the commissioner with respect to state trunk highways may by ordinance permit parking of vehicles with the left hand wheels adjacent to and within 12 inches of the left hand curb of a one-way roadway.

169.36 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]

OTHER TRAFFIC RULES

169.37 OBSTRUCTING VIEW OF DRIVER.

No person shall drive a vehicle when it is so loaded, or when there are in the front seat such number of persons, exceeding three, as to obstruct the view of the driver to the front or sides of the vehicle or as to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle.

No passenger in a vehicle or streetcar shall ride in such position as to interfere with the driver's view ahead or to the sides, or to interfere with the driver's control over the driving mechanism of the vehicle or streetcar.

History:

(2720-222) 1937 c 464 s 72; 1986 c 444

169.38 [Repealed, 2001 c 24 s 5]
169.39 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]

169.40 FIRE TRUCK; FIRE STATION.

Subdivision 1.Following fire truck; parking at fire scene.

The driver of any vehicle other than one on official business shall not follow any fire apparatus traveling in response to a fire alarm closer than 500 feet, or drive into or park such vehicle within the block where a fire apparatus has stopped in answer to a fire alarm.

Subd. 2.Fire station entrance.

No person shall drive a vehicle within 50 feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station while a fire apparatus is being driven into the fire station unless on official business.

History:

(2720-225) 1937 c 464 s 75; 1967 c 281 s 1; 1986 c 444

169.41 CROSSING FIRE HOSE.

No streetcar or vehicle shall be driven over any unprotected hose of a fire department when laid down on any street, private driveway, or streetcar track, to be used at any fire or alarm of fire, without the consent of the fire department official in command.

169.42 LITTERING; DROPPING OBJECT ON VEHICLE; MISDEMEANOR.

Subdivision 1.Objects on highway.

No person shall throw, deposit, place, or dump, or cause to be thrown, deposited, placed, or dumped upon any street or highway or upon any public or privately owned land adjacent thereto without the owner's consent any snow, ice, glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, garbage, swill, papers, ashes, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, refuse, carcass of any dead animal, offal, trash or rubbish or any other form of offensive matter, or any other substance likely to injure any person, animal, or vehicle upon any such street or highway.

Subd. 2.

MS 1969 [Repealed, Ex1971 c 27 s 49]

Subd. 2.Dropping dangerous object on highway.

Any person who drops, or permits to be dropped or thrown, upon any highway any of the material specified in subdivision 1, shall immediately remove the same or cause it to be removed.

Subd. 3.Removing object; responsibility.

Any person removing a wrecked or damaged vehicle from a highway shall remove any glass or other injurious substance dropped upon the highway from such vehicle.

Subd. 4.Dropping object on vehicle.

No person shall drop or hurl any destructive or injurious material or object at or upon any motor vehicle upon any highway or the occupants thereof.

Subd. 5.Misdemeanor.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. The record of any conviction of or plea of guilty under this section of a person operating a motor vehicle shall be immediately forwarded to the Department of Public Safety for inclusion upon that offender's driving record. Any second or subsequent offense under this section shall require a minimum fine in the amount of $400. Any judge may, for any violation of this section, order the offender to pick up litter along any public highway or road for four to eight hours under the direction of the Department of Transportation, with the option of a jail sentence being imposed.

169.421 CIVIL LIABILITY FOR LITTERING.

Subdivision 1.Finding.

The legislature finds that the cost of removal and disposal of solid waste, including litter, from vehicles is an onerous burden upon the public, and that the criminal law is not always adequate in dealing with the problem. This requires the imposition of civil liability as provided in this section.

Subd. 2.Definition.

For purposes of this section, "owner" as to a vehicle means the owner of the vehicle, but in the case of a leased vehicle means the lessee.

Subd. 3.Civil liability imposed.

If any solid waste, including litter, glass, nails, tacks, wire, cans, bottles, garbage, papers, refuse, trash, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, or any form of offensive matter is thrown, deposited, placed, or dumped from a vehicle upon any street or highway, public land, or upon private land without the consent of the owner of the land, a violation of this subdivision occurs and civil liability is imposed upon the owner of the vehicle. The driver and passengers riding in a vehicle are constituted as the agents of the owner of the vehicle for purposes of this subdivision. It is a defense to any action brought pursuant to this section that the vehicle was stolen. This section is not applicable to the owner of a vehicle transporting persons for hire or transporting school children.

Subd. 4.Civil penalty; damages.

A person who violates this section is subject to the civil penalties for littering and an action for damages as specified in section 115A.99.

Subd. 5.Procedures.

A civil action may be commenced as is any civil action or by the issuance of a citation to the owner of the vehicle by any law enforcement officer who has reason to believe that a violation has occurred. Actions commenced by the issuance of a citation by a law enforcement officer shall be tried by the prosecuting authority responsible for misdemeanor prosecutions in the jurisdiction where a violation occurs. Any damages recovered in an action brought by a public agency shall be deposited in the treasury of the jurisdiction trying the action and distributed as provided in section 484.90. Any district court may establish a separate civil calendar for cases brought under this section.

Subd. 6.Relationship to criminal law; election of remedy.

If an act is a violation of this section and of a statute or ordinance providing a criminal penalty, a public agency elects its remedy by commencing either an action under this section or a criminal prosecution, and the commencement of one type of action by a public agency is a bar to its bringing of the other.

Subd. 7.Payment.

Any district court may establish a schedule of costs and civil damages, and procedures for payment, in cases brought by a public agency under which the defendant may consent to default judgment and make payment according to the schedule without making a personal appearance in court.

Subd. 8.Citation.

This section may be cited as the "Civil Litter Act."

169.43 SWINGING GATE ON TRUCK.

(a) No truck shall be operated on any highway with gate, loading rack, or partition carried in any manner on any part of the exterior of the truck, unless the top and bottom of such gate, loading rack or partition is securely attached to the truck, so as to prevent swinging or becoming loose.

(b) No truck shall be driven or parked on any highway with tailgate or tailboard hanging down or projecting from the vehicle except while such vehicle is being loaded or unloaded, and except when a load on the tailboard renders impossible the closing of the tailboard.

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

169.435 OFFICE OF PUPIL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY.

Subdivision 1.Responsibility; Department of Public Safety.

The Department of Public Safety has the primary responsibility for school transportation safety. The Office of Pupil Transportation Safety is created as a section under the Division of State Patrol. The commissioner shall designate a director of pupil transportation.

Subd. 2.

[Expired]

Subd. 3.Pupil transportation safety director.

The duties of the pupil transportation safety director include:

(1) overseeing all department activities related to school bus safety;

(2) assisting in the development, interpretation, and implementation of laws and policies relating to school bus safety, in consultation with a stakeholder group consisting of, but not limited to, representatives of the school board association, school superintendents, private bus contractors, directors of transportation, school bus employees or their exclusive bargaining representatives, and parent organizations;

(3) supervising preparation of the School Bus Inspection Manual;

(4) in conjunction with the Department of Education and the stakeholder group described in clause (2), assisting school districts in developing and implementing comprehensive transportation policies and establishing best practices for private contracts;

(5) developing and maintaining a consistent record-keeping system to document school bus inspections, out-of-service school transportation vehicles, driver turnover rate, and driver files; and

(6) conducting periodic audits of selected school districts to determine compliance with federal law and state statute concerning (i) school bus driver requirements and driver employee background and license checks, including controlled substance and alcohol testing requirements; and (ii) duty to report violations to the commissioner of public safety. Audit results must be documented and retained by the Office of Pupil Transportation Safety, and any statutory violations documented in the audit must be reported to the commissioners of public safety and education.

Subd. 4.Staff.

In addition to the pupil transportation safety director, who must be a state trooper, the Office of Pupil Transportation Safety must be staffed by a minimum of:

(1) three state troopers, each of whom must be assigned to the metropolitan area, northern Minnesota, or southern Minnesota; and

(2) 15 school bus vehicle inspectors, one of whom must be designated chief inspector. The school bus vehicle inspectors shall perform annual and spot inspections of school buses and Head Start buses as required by law.

169.44 [Repealed, 1991 c 277 s 18]

169.441 SCHOOL BUS IDENTIFICATION.

Subdivision 1.Identification and signal requirements, generally.

For purposes of sections 169.441 to 169.448, school bus means a motor vehicle that is outwardly equipped and identified as a school bus. A motor vehicle that satisfies the identification requirements of this section and the signal equipment requirements of section 169.442 is considered outwardly equipped and identified as a school bus.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1994 c 647 art 12 s 43]

Subd. 2a.Head Start bus; color; identification.

(a) A Head Start bus is exempt from the color requirements of this chapter.

(b) A type A, B, C, or D Head Start bus must bear on its front and rear a plainly visible sign containing the words "Head Start bus" in letters at least eight inches in height.

Subd. 3.Sign on bus; application of other law.

(a) Sections 169.443, subdivision 2; and 169.444, subdivisions 1, 4, and 5, apply only if the school bus bears on its front and rear a plainly visible sign containing the words "school bus" in letters at least eight inches in height.

(b) Except as provided in section 169.443, subdivision 8, a school bus sign must be removed or covered when the vehicle is being used as other than a school bus.

Subd. 4.

[Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 9 art 10 s 14]

Subd. 5.

[Repealed, 2012 c 137 s 9]

169.442 SCHOOL BUS SIGNALS.

Subdivision 1.Signals required.

A type A, B, C, or D school bus must be equipped with at least one stop-signal arm, prewarning flashing amber signals, and flashing red signals.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1994 c 647 art 12 s 43]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1994 c 647 art 12 s 43]

Subd. 4.Optional warning system.

In addition to equipment required under subdivision 1, and notwithstanding section 169.64, a school bus may be equipped with a driver-activated, exterior student-control, warning system. The driver shall activate this system when the use of the stop-signal arm and flashing red signals is required under section 169.443, subdivision 1.

Subd. 5.White strobe lamps on certain buses transporting children.

A school bus or a Head Start bus may be equipped with a flashing strobe lamp under section 169.64, subdivision 8.

Subd. 6.Supplemental warning system.

In addition to the signals required under subdivision 1, a type A, B, C, or D school bus may be equipped with a supplemental warning system under section 169.4503, subdivision 31.

169.443 SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN; BUS DRIVER'S DUTIES.

Subdivision 1.Using bus signals.

A driver of a school bus shall activate the prewarning flashing amber signals of the bus before stopping to load or unload school children. The driver shall activate and continuously operate the amber signals for a distance of at least 100 feet before stopping in a speed zone of 35 miles per hour or less and at least 300 feet before stopping in a speed zone of more than 35 miles per hour. On stopping for this purpose, the driver shall extend the stop-signal arm system and activate the flashing red signals. The driver shall not retract the stop-signal arm system nor extinguish the flashing red signals until loading or unloading is completed, students are seated, and children who must cross the roadway are safely across.

Subd. 2.Use of stop-signal arm.

(a) The stop-signal arm system of a school bus must be used in conjunction with the flashing red signals only when the school bus is stopped on a street or highway to load or unload school children.

(b) A local authority, including the governing body of an Indian tribe, may by ordinance require that a school bus activate the stop-signal arm system and flashing red signals while stopped to unload school children at a location other than a location on a street or highway. The ordinance must designate each location where the requirement is imposed. The requirement is effective only if the local authority has erected signs at or near the location to provide adequate notice that other vehicles are required to obey section 169.444, subdivision 1, when those signals are activated.

(c) A school bus driver is prohibited from loading or unloading passengers in a designated right-turn lane or in a lane immediately adjacent to a designated right-turn lane unless:

(1) a school bus stop designated by the district transportation safety director is located in the right-turn lane;

(2) the driver stops the bus at the extreme right side of the right-turn lane; and

(3) the driver activates the prewarning flashing amber signals, flashing red signals, and stop-signal arm, unless the school board or its designee, based on safety considerations, provides written direction to the driver not to do so.

After loading or unloading passengers, the school bus driver may re-enter the right-hand lane of traffic without turning right. The school bus must indicate the intent to enter the right-hand lane of traffic by activating a flashing left turn signal.

Subd. 3.When signals not used.

School bus drivers shall not activate the prewarning flashing amber signals or flashing red signals and shall not use the stop arm signal:

(1) in special school bus loading areas where the bus is entirely off the traveled portion of the roadway and where no other motor vehicle traffic is moving or is likely to be moving within 20 feet of the bus;

(2) when directed not to do so, in writing, by the local school board;

(3) when a school bus is being used on a street or highway for purposes other than the actual transportation of school children to or from school or a school-approved activity, except as provided in subdivision 8;

(4) at railroad grade crossings;

(5) when operating the bus under section 169.4475; and

(6) when loading and unloading people at designated school bus stops where people are not required to cross the street or highway, while the bus is completely off the traveled portion of a roadway that has adequate shoulders. The driver shall drive the bus completely off the traveled portion of this roadway before loading or unloading people. A school bus stop is designated under this clause if the transportation director of the school district in which the bus stop is located, in consultation with the road authority, certifies the integrity of the shoulder and the safety of the location for loading and unloading people. Each designated school bus stop must be documented and approved by the school board.

Subd. 4.Street crossings.

Where school children must cross a roadway before getting on or after getting off the school bus, the driver of the school bus or a school bus patrol may supervise the crossing, using the standard school patrol flag or signal as approved and prescribed by the commissioner of public safety. Before moving the school bus, the driver of the bus shall visually determine that all children have crossed the roadway and that those who are to do so have boarded the school bus.

Subd. 5.Moving bus after children unloaded.

When children are getting off a school bus or Head Start bus, the driver shall visually determine that they are a safe distance from the bus before moving the bus.

Subd. 6.Type III vehicles.

The driver of a type III vehicle shall load or unload school children or Head Start passengers only from the right-hand side of the vehicle, provided that on a one-way street the driver shall load or unload school children or Head Start passengers only from the curb side of the vehicle. When loading or unloading school children or Head Start passengers, the driver shall activate the vehicle's four-way hazard lights described in section 169.59, subdivision 4.

Subd. 7.Misdemeanor.

A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 8.Use for recreational or educational activity.

A school bus that transports over regular routes and on regular schedules persons age 18 or under to and from a regularly scheduled recreational or educational activity must comply with subdivisions 1 and 7. Notwithstanding section 169.441, subdivision 3, a school bus may provide such transportation only if (1) the "school bus" sign is plainly visible; (2) the school bus has a valid certificate of inspection under section 169.451; (3) the driver of the school bus possesses a driver's license with a valid school bus endorsement under section 171.10; and (4) the entity that organizes the recreational or educational activity, or the contractor who provides the school buses to the entity, consults with the superintendent of the school district in which the activity is located or the superintendent's designee on the safety of the regular routes used.

Subd. 9.Personal cellular phone call prohibition.

(a) As used in this subdivision, "school bus" has the meaning given in section 169.011, subdivision 71. In addition, the term includes type III vehicles as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 71, when driven by employees or agents of school districts.

(b) A school bus driver may not operate a school bus while communicating over, or otherwise operating, a cellular phone for personal reasons, whether handheld or hands free, when the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic.

169.444 SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN; DUTIES OF OTHER DRIVERS.

Subdivision 1.Children getting on or off school bus.

When a school bus is stopped on a street or highway, or other location where signs have been erected under section 169.443, subdivision 2, paragraph (b), and is displaying an extended stop-signal arm and flashing red lights, the driver of a vehicle approaching the bus shall stop the vehicle at least 20 feet away from the bus. The vehicle driver shall not allow the vehicle to move until the school bus stop-signal arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing.

Subd. 1a.Passing on right.

No person may pass or attempt to pass a school bus in a motor vehicle on the right-hand, passenger-door side of the bus when the school bus is displaying the prewarning flashing amber signals as required in section 169.443, subdivision 1.

Subd. 2.Violations by drivers; penalties.

(a) A person who fails to stop a vehicle or to keep it stopped, as required in subdivision 1, or who violates subdivision 1a, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $500.

(b) A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor if the person fails to stop a motor vehicle or to keep it stopped, as required in subdivision 1, or who violates subdivision 1a, and commits either or both of the following acts:

(1) passes or attempts to pass the school bus in a motor vehicle on the right-hand, passenger-door side of the bus; or

(2) passes or attempts to pass the school bus in a motor vehicle when a school child is outside of and on the street or highway used by the school bus or on the adjacent sidewalk.

Subd. 3.Prosecutor.

(a) The attorney in the jurisdiction in which the violation occurred who is responsible for prosecution of misdemeanor violations of this section shall also be responsible for prosecution of gross misdemeanor violations of this section.

(b) When an attorney responsible for prosecuting gross misdemeanors under this section requests criminal history information relating to prior convictions under this section from a court, the court must furnish the information without charge.

Subd. 4.Exception for separated roadway.

(a) A person driving a vehicle on a street or highway with separated roadways is not required to stop the vehicle when approaching or meeting a school bus that is on a different roadway.

(b) "Separated roadway" means a road that is separated from a parallel road by a safety isle or safety zone.

Subd. 5.Cause for arrest.

A peace officer may arrest the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of subdivision 1 or 1a within the past four hours.

Subd. 6.Violation; penalty for owner or lessee.

(a) If a motor vehicle is operated in violation of subdivision 1 or 1a, the owner of the vehicle, or for a leased motor vehicle the lessee of the vehicle, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

(b) The owner or lessee may not be fined under paragraph (a) if (1) another person is convicted for that violation, or (2) the motor vehicle was stolen at the time of the violation.

(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee.

(d) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a motor vehicle operator for violating subdivision 1 or 1a.

(e) A violation under paragraph (a) does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of the owner's or lessee's driver's license.

Subd. 7.Evidentiary presumption.

(a) There is a rebuttable presumption that signals described in section 169.442 were in working order and operable when a violation of subdivision 1, 1a, 2, or 5 was allegedly committed, if the signals of the applicable school bus were inspected and visually found to be in working order and operable within 12 hours preceding the incident giving rise to the violation.

(b) There is a rebuttable presumption that a motor vehicle outwardly equipped and identified as a school bus satisfies all of the identification and equipment requirements of section 169.441 when a violation of subdivision 1, 1a, 2, or 5 was allegedly committed, if the applicable school bus bears a current inspection certificate issued under section 169.451.

Subd. 8.Scheduling cases.

When necessary or desirable to ensure that a school bus driver who witnessed or otherwise can provide relevant information concerning a violation of this section is available to be present at a court proceeding held to determine an alleged violation of this section, the court administrator shall schedule the proceeding to be held between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

169.445 COOPERATION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Cooperation of school authorities.

The commissioner of public safety shall ensure that local authorities having jurisdiction over school buses shall cooperate with law enforcement and judicial authorities in reporting and prosecuting violators of sections 169.443 and 169.444.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 2012 c 137 s 9]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1994 c 647 art 12 s 43]

169.446 SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN; TRAINING AND EDUCATION RULES.

Subdivision 1.Peace officer training.

The Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training shall include sections 169.441 to 169.448 and the enforcement of sections 169.443, 169.444, 169.447, and 169.448 in the instruction for the professional peace officer education program. The board shall notify the chief law enforcement officer of each law enforcement agency in the state of these sections.

Subd. 2.Driver training programs.

The commissioner of public safety shall adopt rules requiring a minimum of 30 minutes of thorough instruction concerning section 169.444 for persons enrolled in driver training programs offered at public, private and parochial schools, and commercial driver training schools. The instruction must encompass at least the responsibilities of drivers, the content and requirements of section 169.444, and the penalties for violating that section.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2008 c 350 art 1 s 97]

169.447 SCHOOL BUS AND HEAD START BUS SAFETY.

Subdivision 1.Passenger seating.

(a) The number of pupils or other authorized passengers transported in a school bus or Head Start bus must not be more than the number of pupils or passengers that can be fully seated. Seating capacity must be adjusted according to each passenger's individual physical size, but not more than the manufacturers' rated seating capacity.

(b) No person shall stand in the school bus or Head Start bus when the bus is in motion.

Subd. 2.Driver seat belt.

School buses and Head Start buses must be equipped with driver seat belts and seat belt assemblies of the type described in section 169.685, subdivision 3. A properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped, shall be worn by the driver.

Subd. 2a.Passenger lap and shoulder belts.

(a) In addition to the requirements in section 169.4501, subdivision 1, a school bus may be equipped with an approved lap belt or an approved lap and shoulder belt installed for each passenger seating position on the bus. The design and installation of lap belts and lap and shoulder belts required under this paragraph must meet the standards of the commissioner established under paragraph (b).

(b) The commissioner shall consider all concerns necessary to properly integrate lap belts or lap and shoulder belts into the current compartmentalization safety system and prescribe standards for the design and installation of lap and shoulder belts required under paragraph (a). The standards are not subject to chapter 14 and are specifically not subject to section 14.386.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to specially equipped school buses under section 169.4504.

(d) A passenger on a school bus equipped with lap belts or lap and shoulder belts must use these lap belts or lap and shoulder belts unless the passenger, or if the passenger is a minor, the passenger's parent or guardian, has notified the school district in writing that the passenger does not intend to wear the lap belt or lap and shoulder belt.

(e) In an action for personal injury or wrongful death against a school district, a school bus operator under contract with a school district, or any agent or employee of a school district or operator, or against a volunteer, no such person or entity shall be held liable solely because the injured party was not wearing a safety belt; provided, however, that nothing contained herein shall be construed to grant immunity from liability for failure to:

(1) maintain in operating order any equipment required by statute, rule, or school district policy; or

(2) comply with an applicable statute, rule, or school district policy.

(f) In an action for personal injury or wrongful death, a school district, a school bus contract operator, any agent or employee of a school district or operator, or a volunteer is not liable for failing to assist any child with the adjustment, fastening, unfastening, or other use of the lap belt or lap and shoulder belt.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1994 c 647 art 12 s 43]

Subd. 4.Aisle and exit.

The driver of a school bus or Head Start bus shall keep the aisle and emergency exit of a school bus or Head Start bus unobstructed at all times when children are being transported.

Subd. 5.Trailer behind school bus.

A school bus may pull a trailer, as defined by section 169.011, subdivision 86, only when traveling to or from cocurricular or extracurricular activities, as defined in section 123B.49.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

169.4475 SPECIAL EVENT SCHOOL BUS USE.

Subdivision 1.Temporary use authority.

A pupil transport entity that meets the requirements of this section may operate a school bus for which the entity has paid registration tax under section 168.013, subdivision 18, to provide transportation that is not pupil transportation without reregistration of the bus, issuance of new plates, or payment of additional taxes and fees under chapter 168.

Subd. 2.Requirements.

A pupil transport entity may operate a school bus under this section if:

(1) the transportation is performed under an agreement with a tax exempt entity under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, as defined in section 289A.02, subdivision 7, solely to transport participants in conjunction with a special event of up to two days organized or substantially sponsored by the tax exempt entity; and

(2) the pupil transportation entity meets the requirements of a motor carrier of passengers under chapter 221, including but not limited to use of a temporary vehicle identification card under section 221.132 for the school bus.

Subd. 3.School bus equipment.

Notwithstanding section 169.448, subdivision 1, a school bus operated under this section may:

(1) be painted national school bus glossy yellow; and

(2) be equipped with a stop-signal arm, prewarning flashing amber signals, and flashing red signals.

History:

2013 c 102 s 5

169.448 OTHER BUSES.

Subdivision 1.Restrictions on appearance; misdemeanor.

(a) A bus that is not used as a school bus must not be operated on a street or highway unless it is painted a color significantly different than national school bus glossy yellow.

(b) A bus that is not used as a school bus or Head Start bus may not be operated if it is equipped with school bus or Head Start bus-related equipment and printing.

(c) A violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

(d) This subdivision does not apply to a school bus owned by or under contract to a school district operated as a charter or leased bus.

(e) This subdivision does not apply to a school bus operated by a licensed child care provider if:

(1) the stop-signal arm is removed;

(2) the lighting systems for prewarning flashing amber signals, flashing red signals, and supplemental warnings under section 169.4503, subdivision 31, are deactivated;

(3) the school bus is identified as a "child care bus" in letters at least eight inches high on the front and rear top of the bus;

(4) the name, address, and telephone number of the owner or operator of the bus is identified on each front door of the bus in letters not less than three inches high; and

(5) the conditions under section 171.02, subdivision 2a, paragraphs (a) to (j) and (l), have been met.

Subd. 2.School motor coach.

(a) A school district may not acquire a motor coach for transportation purposes.

(b) A motor coach acquired by a school district before March 26, 1986, may be used by it only to transport students participating in school activities, their instructors, and supporting personnel to and from school activities. A motor coach may not be outwardly equipped and identified as a school bus. A motor coach operated under this subdivision is not a school bus for purposes of section 123B.92. The commissioner of education shall implement rules governing the equipment, identification, operation, inspection, and certification of motor coaches operated under this subdivision.

(c) After January 1, 1998, a school district may not own or operate a motor coach for any purpose.

Subd. 3.Head Start vehicle.

Notwithstanding subdivision 1, a vehicle used to transport students under Public Law 99-425, the Head Start Act, may be equipped as a school bus or Head Start bus.

Subd. 4.Day activity center buses.

Notwithstanding subdivision 1, a vehicle used to transport adults to and from a day activity center may be equipped with prewarning flashing amber signals and a stop-signal arm, and the operator of the vehicle may activate this equipment, under the following circumstances:

(1) the operator possesses a commercial driver's license with a school bus endorsement;

(2) the vehicle is engaged in picking up or dropping off adults at locations predesignated by the day activity center that owns or leases the bus;

(3) the vehicle is identified as a "day activity center bus" in letters at least eight inches high on the front and rear top of the bus; and

(4) the name, address, and telephone number of the owner and operator of the bus is identified on each front door of the bus in letters not less than three inches high.

The provisions of section 169.444 relating to duties of care of a motorist to a school bus, and violations thereof, apply to a vehicle described in this section when the vehicle is operated in conformity with this subdivision. The provisions of section 169.443 relating to bus driver's duties apply to a vehicle described in this section except those that by their nature have no application.

169.449 SCHOOL BUS OPERATION.

Subdivision 1.Rules.

The commissioner of public safety shall adopt rules governing the operation of school buses used for transportation of school children, when owned or operated by a school or privately owned and operated under a contract with a school. Each school, its officers and employees, and each person employed under the contract is subject to these rules.

Subd. 2.Enforcement.

The operation of a school bus on the public streets or highways in violation of rules concerning the operation of school buses adopted by the commissioner under subdivision 1 is a misdemeanor. The State Patrol shall enforce rules adopted under subdivision 1 when a school bus is operated on a public street or highway.

169.45 [Repealed, 1994 c 647 art 12 s 43]

169.4501 SCHOOL BUS EQUIPMENT STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.National standards adopted.

Except as provided in sections 169.4502 and 169.4503, the construction, design, equipment, and color of types A, B, C, D school buses and multifunction school activity buses used for the transportation of school children shall meet the requirements of the "bus body and chassis specifications" in the most recent edition of the "National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures" adopted by the National Congress on School Transportation. Except as provided in section 169.4504, the construction, design, and equipment of types A, B, C, D school buses and multifunction school activity buses used for the transportation of students with disabilities also shall meet the requirements of the "specially equipped school bus specifications" in the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures. The "bus body and chassis specifications" and "specially equipped school bus specifications" sections of the most recent edition of the "National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures," adopted by the National Congress on School Transportation, are incorporated by reference in this chapter.

Subd. 2.Applicability.

(a) The standards adopted in this section and sections 169.4502 and 169.4503, govern the construction, design, equipment, and color of school buses used for the transportation of school children, when owned or leased and operated by a school or privately owned or leased and operated under a contract with a school. Each school, its officers and employees, and each person employed under the contract is subject to these standards.

(b) The standards apply to school buses manufactured after August 1 of the year following a year in which a revised edition of the National School Transportation Specifications and Procedures is adopted. Buses complying with the standards when manufactured need not comply with standards established later except as specifically provided for by law.

(c) A school bus manufactured on or before the date provided by paragraph (b) must conform to the Minnesota standards in effect on the date the vehicle was manufactured except as specifically provided for in law.

(d) A new bus body may be remounted on a used chassis provided that the remounted vehicle meets state and federal standards for new buses which are current at the time of the remounting. Permission must be obtained from the commissioner of public safety before the remounting is done. A used bus body may not be remounted on a new or used chassis.

Subd. 3.Inspection manual.

The Department of Public Safety shall develop a School Bus Inspection Manual based on the national standards adopted in subdivision 1 and Minnesota standards adopted in sections 169.4502 to 169.4504. The Minnesota State Patrol shall use the manual as the basis for inspecting buses as provided in section 169.451. The Department of Public Safety has no rulemaking authority to alter the standards upon which school buses are inspected.

Subd. 4.Variance.

The commissioner of public safety may grant a variance to any of the school bus standards to accommodate testing of new equipment related to school buses. A variance from the standards must be for the sole purpose of testing and evaluating new equipment for increased safety, efficiency, and economy of pupil transportation. The variance expires 18 months from the date on which it is granted unless the commissioner specifies an earlier expiration date.

169.4502 ADDITIONAL MINNESOTA SCHOOL BUS CHASSIS STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.Relation to national standards.

The bus chassis standards contained in this section are required in addition to those required by section 169.4501. When a Minnesota standard contained in this section conflicts with a national standard adopted in section 169.4501, the Minnesota standard contained in this section is controlling.

Subd. 2.Brakes.

The braking system must meet federal motor vehicle safety standards in effect at the time of manufacture.

Subd. 3.Certification.

A chassis manufacturer shall certify that the product meets Minnesota standards. All buses with a certified manufacturing date prior to April 1, 1977, shall not be recertified as a school bus after January 1, 1996.

Subd. 4.Color of fenders, hood, and grill.

Fenders may be painted black. The hood may be painted nonreflective black or nonreflective yellow. The grill may be manufacturer's standard color or chrome.

Subd. 5.

MS 2016 [Repealed, 1Sp2017 c 3 art 3 s 144]

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 8.Trailer hitch.

Installation of a trailer hitch is permitted. A hitch shall be flush mounted.

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 10.Horn.

A bus shall be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet.

Subd. 11.Tire and rim.

The use of multipiece rims or tube-type tires is not permitted on school buses manufactured after October 31, 2004. Radial and bias-ply tires shall not be used on the same axle. Front tire tread depth shall not be less than 4/32 inch in any major tire tread groove. Rear tire tread shall not be less than 2/32 inch. Tires must be measured in three locations around the tire, in two adjoining grooves. No recapped tires shall be used on the front wheels. Recapped tires are permitted on the rear wheels.

Subd. 12.Transmission gear shift display.

The transmission shifting pattern must be permanently displayed in the driver's full view.

Subd. 13.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 14.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 15.

[Repealed, 2007 c 146 art 8 s 15]

169.4503 ADDITIONAL MINNESOTA SCHOOL BUS BODY STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.Relation to national standards.

The bus body standards contained in this section are required in addition to those required by sections 169.4501 and 169.4502. When a Minnesota standard contained in this section conflicts with a national standard adopted in section 169.4501, the Minnesota standard contained in this section is controlling.

Subd. 2.Back-up warning alarm.

An automatic audible back-up alarm may be installed. A spring-loaded button in the driver's compartment that will temporarily disable the back-up alarm is allowed for usage in school bus overnight parking lots and repair facilities.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 4.Certification.

Upon request, a body manufacturer or school bus dealer must provide preliminary certification to the Department of Public Safety that the product meets Minnesota standards.

Subd. 5.Colors.

Fenderettes may be black. The beltline may be painted yellow over black or black over yellow. The rub rails adjacent to the beltline may be black or yellow. All other rub rails must be black. The area around the lenses of alternately flashing signal lamps extending outward from the edge of the lamp three inches, plus or minus one-quarter inch, to the sides and top and at least one inch to the bottom, must be black. Visors or hoods, black in color, with a minimum of four inches may be provided.

Subd. 6.Communications.

All buses manufactured after January 1, 1995, shall have a two-way voice communications system.

Subd. 7.Floor construction.

The metal floor must be covered with plywood. The plywood must be five-ply nominal five-eighths inches thick, and must equal or exceed properties of exterior-type softwood plywood, grade C-D, as specified in the standard issued by the United States Department of Commerce. All of the plywood's exposed edges must be sealed. Type A-I buses must be equipped with nominal one-half inch thick plywood or an equivalent material that meets the requirements of this subdivision. Equivalent material may be used to replace plywood, provided it has insulation R-value, deterioration, sound abatement, and moisture resistance properties that are equal to or exceed the properties of the plywood it is replacing. The floor must be level from front to back, and side to side, except in wheel housing, toe board, and driver's seat platform areas.

Subd. 8.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 10.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 10a.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 12.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 13.Identification.

(a) Each bus must, in the beltline, identify the school district serviced, or company name, or owner of the bus. Numbers necessary for identification must appear on the sides and rear of the bus. Symbols or letters may be used on the outside of the bus near the entrance door for student identification. A manufacturer's nameplate or logo may be placed on the bus.

(b) All type A, B, C, and D buses sold must display lettering "Unlawful to pass when red lights are flashing" on the rear of the bus. The lettering must be in two-inch black letters on school bus yellow background. This message must be displayed directly below the upper window of the rear door. On rear engine buses, it must be centered at approximately the same location. Only signs and lettering approved or required by state law are permitted to be displayed.

(c) The requirements of paragraph (b) do not apply to a type A, B, C, or D school bus that is equipped with a changeable electronic message sign on the rear of the bus that:

(1) displays one or more of the messages: "Caution / stopping," "Unlawful to pass," "Stop / do not pass," or similar messages approved by the commissioner;

(2) displays messages in conjunction with bus operation and activation of prewarning flashing amber signals, flashing red signals, or stop-signal arm, as appropriate; and

(3) is a supplemental warning system under subdivision 31.

Subd. 14.Insulation.

Thermal insulation is required. It shall be fire-resistant, UL approved, with minimum R-value of 5.5. Insulation shall be installed so as to prevent sagging.

Subd. 15.Interior speakers.

Interior speakers, except in the driver's compartment, must not protrude more than one-half inch from the mounting surface.

Subd. 16.Lamps and signals.

(a) If installed, a white flashing strobe shall be of a double flash type. No roof hatch can be mounted behind the strobe light.

(b) All lamps on the exterior of the vehicle must conform with and be installed as required by federal motor vehicle safety standard number 108, Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571.

(c) A type A, B, C, or D school bus manufactured for use in Minnesota after December 31, 1994, may not be equipped with red turn-signal lenses on the rear of the bus.

Subd. 17.

[Repealed, 2007 c 146 art 8 s 15]

Subd. 18.

[Repealed, 2007 c 146 art 8 s 15]

Subd. 19.Rub rail.

There shall be one rub rail at the base of the skirt of the bus on all type A, excluding van conversions, B, C, and D buses.

Subd. 20.Seat and crash barriers.

All restraining barriers and passenger seats shall be covered with a material that has fire retardant or fire block characteristics.

Subd. 21.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 22.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 23.Windows.

(a) Windshield, entrance, and rear emergency exit doors must be of approved safety glass. Laminated or tempered glass (AS-2 or AS-3) is permitted in all other windows. All glass shall be federally approved and marked as provided in section 169.74. The windshield may be of uniform tint throughout or may have a horizontal gradient band starting slightly above the line of vision and gradually decreasing in light transmission to 20 percent or less at the top of the windshield.

(b) The use of tinted glass, as approved by section 169.71, is permitted on side windows and rear windows except for the entrance door and the window to the left of the driver. The window to the left of the driver and the upper service door windows must be thermal glass. Regardless of a bus's date of manufacture, the window immediately behind the entrance door does not need to be made of thermal glass. The window to the left of the driver for type A buses need not be thermal glass.

Subd. 24.Wiring.

If a master cutoff switch is used, it shall not be wired as to kill power to the electric brake system.

Subd. 25.

[Repealed, 2004 c 294 art 2 s 34]

Subd. 26.

[Repealed, 2007 c 146 art 8 s 15]

Subd. 27.

MS 2012 [Expired, 2009 c 96 art 8 s 6]

Subd. 28.Crossing control arm.

All buses manufactured for use in Minnesota after January 1, 2013, shall be equipped with a crossing control arm mounted at the right front corner of the front bumper. The crossing control arm shall be automatically activated whenever the bus is stopped with the flashing red signals in use.

Subd. 29.Auxiliary fans.

Additional auxiliary fans are required for school buses manufactured on or after December 31, 2012, and shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Fans for the left and right sides of the windshield shall be placed in a location where they can be adjusted for maximum effectiveness and where they do not obstruct vision to any mirror. Type A buses may be equipped with one fan.

(b) Fans shall be a minimum of six inches in diameter.

(c) Fan blades shall be covered with a protective cage. Each fan shall be controlled by a separate switch.

Subd. 30.Video or mobile surveillance systems.

Camera heads for video or mobile surveillance may be mounted in the driver compartment area, midbus, or on a rear interior bulkhead in the student passenger area. For buses manufactured or retrofitted with a surveillance system after December 31, 2012, cameras mounted midbus must be parallel to a seat back, must not have any sharp edges, must not extend outward more than 3-1/2 inches, and must be located within 24 inches of the top of the side window of the bus.

Subd. 31.Supplemental warning system; temporary authority.

(a) Prior to August 1, 2022, the commissioner may approve a type A, B, C, or D school bus to be equipped with a supplemental warning system. On and after that date, a school bus may continue to be equipped with a previously approved supplemental warning system.

(b) To determine approval of a supplemental warning system, the commissioner must consider:

(1) signal colors, which are limited to one or more of the colors white, amber, and red;

(2) flashing patterns;

(3) vehicle mounting and placement;

(4) supplemental warning system activation in conjunction with activation of prewarning flashing amber signals, stop-signal arm, and flashing red signals;

(5) light intensity; and

(6) permissible text, signage, and graphics, if any.

(c) The commissioner must review relevant research findings and experience in other jurisdictions, and must consult with interested stakeholders, including but not limited to representatives from school district pupil transportation directors, private school bus operators, and pupil transportation and traffic safety associations.

169.4504 ADDITIONAL STANDARDS FOR SPECIALLY EQUIPPED BUS.

Subdivision 1.Relation to national standards.

The specially equipped school bus standards contained in this section are required in addition to those required by section 169.4501. When a Minnesota standard contained in this section conflicts with a national standard adopted in section 169.4501, the Minnesota standard contained in this section is controlling.

Subd. 2.Communications.

All vehicles used to transport disabled students shall be equipped with a two-way communication system.

Subd. 3.Restraining devices.

Special restraining devices such as shoulder harnesses, lap belts, and chest restraint systems may be installed to the seats if the devices do not require the alteration in any form of the seat, seat cushion, framework, or related seat components. The restraints must be for the sole purpose of restraining students with disabilities.

Subd. 4.Securement system for mobile seating.

Wheelchair securement devices must comply with all requirements for wheelchair securement systems contained in federal regulation in effect on the later of the date the bus was manufactured or the date that a wheelchair securement system was added to the bus.

Subd. 5.Aisle width.

All school buses equipped with a power lift shall provide at least a 12-inch aisle leading from wheelchair position to at least one emergency door and the lift area.

Subd. 6.Securement and restraint system.

The securement and restraint system must be located and installed so that when an occupied wheelchair or other mobility aid is secured, the installation meets the requirements of the applicable federal motor vehicle safety standard.

169.451 INSPECTING SCHOOL AND HEAD START BUSES; RULES; MISDEMEANOR.

Subdivision 1.Annual requirement.

The Minnesota State Patrol shall inspect every school bus and every Head Start bus annually to ascertain whether its construction, design, equipment, and color comply with all provisions of law.

Subd. 2.Inspection certificate.

Except as provided in subdivision 2a, no person shall drive, or no owner shall knowingly permit or cause to be driven, any school bus or Head Start bus unless there is displayed thereon a certificate issued by the commissioner of public safety stating that, in the month specified on the certificate, a member of the Minnesota State Patrol inspected the bus and found that on the date of inspection the bus complied with the applicable provisions of state law relating to construction, design, equipment, and color. The certificate is valid for 12 months after the month specified on the certificate.

Subd. 2a.Interim inspection; certificate.

In lieu of the certificate required in subdivision 2, a new or used school bus being sold by a dealer in this state may display an interim inspection certificate. The school bus dealer completing the preregistration certificate required in section 168.102 may inspect the bus to determine if the bus complies with the applicable provisions of state law relating to construction, design, equipment, and color. If the bus complies with the applicable provisions of state law, the dealer may affix the interim inspection certificate to the school bus, indicating that on the date of the inspection, the bus complied with the applicable provisions of state law relating to construction, design, equipment, and color. The interim certificate must include the date of the inspection and must be valid until the owner's next scheduled annual inspection, but must not be valid for more than 12 months following the month of the initial inspection. The commissioner must provide the prescribed interim inspection certificates at no cost to the dealer.

Subd. 3.Inspection criteria.

(a) The commissioner of public safety must inspect school buses in accordance with the School Bus Inspection Manual as prescribed in section 169.4501, subdivision 3. Upon completion of an inspection, the commissioner must provide a printed or electronic vehicle examination report to the carrier or school district.

(b) A school bus displaying a defect as defined in the "School Bus Recommended Out-of-Service Criteria" in the most recent edition of the "National School Transportation Specification and Procedures" adopted by the National Congress on School Transportation is deemed unsafe for student transportation. A member of the State Patrol must affix a rejection sticker to the lower left corner of the windshield. A person may remove the rejection sticker only upon authorization from a member of the State Patrol who has determined that all defects have been corrected. Pending reinspection and certification of the vehicle by a member of the State Patrol, a bus bearing a rejection sticker may be used to transport students for up to 30 days provided the defects have been corrected and the vehicle examination report is signed by the owner or a designee certifying that all defects have been corrected. The signed report must be carried in the first aid kit on the bus.

(c) A school bus that has had an inspection completed in which no out-of-service defects were identified has passed the inspection and a member of the State Patrol must affix an inspection certificate to the lower left corner of the windshield. All defects identified must be repaired within 14 days of the inspection. The person completing the repairs must sign and date the inspection report indicating the repairs were made. The inspection report must be retained at the principal place of business of the carrier or school district for 12 months following the inspection and must be available for review by a representative of the commissioner of public safety.

(d) A defect discovered during an inspection that was identified by a member of the State Patrol during a previous inspection but has not been corrected results in a failed inspection. A member of the State Patrol must affix a rejection sticker to the lower left corner of the windshield.

Subd. 4.Violations; penalties.

(a) The State Patrol must enforce subdivisions 2 to 3.

(b) A person who operates a school bus without a valid inspection certificate issued pursuant to subdivision 2 or an interim inspection certificate issued pursuant to subdivision 2a is guilty of a misdemeanor.

(c) A person who operates, or an owner who knowingly permits the operation of, a school bus displaying a rejection sticker issued in accordance with subdivision 3, paragraph (b), and has not fulfilled all the requirements specified in subdivision 3, paragraph (b), is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Subd. 5.Random spot inspection.

In addition to the annual inspection, the Minnesota State Patrol has authority to conduct random, unannounced spot inspections of any school bus or Head Start bus being operated within the state to ascertain whether it is in compliance with provisions of law, including the Minnesota school bus equipment standards in sections 169.4501 to 169.4504, subject to the procedures approved by the commissioner.

Subd. 6.Member of the State Patrol.

For purposes of this section, a member of the State Patrol includes an employee of the Department of Public Safety described in section 299D.06.

169.4511 SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT AND SUBSEQUENT OPERATION.

Subdivision 1.Postcrash inspection.

(a) A peace officer responding to an accident involving a school bus or Head Start bus must immediately notify the State Patrol if the accident results in:

(1) a fatality;

(2) bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or

(3) one or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the accident, requiring a motor vehicle to be transported away from the scene by tow truck or other motor vehicle.

(b) No person shall drive or knowingly permit or cause to be driven, for the purpose of transporting students, any school bus or Head Start bus after such an accident unless:

(1) the vehicle has been inspected by the Minnesota State Patrol and the State Patrol has determined that the vehicle may safely be operated; or

(2) a waiver has been granted under subdivision 2.

(c) A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

Subd. 2.Waiver.

A state trooper or designee of the Minnesota State Patrol called to the scene of an accident by a responding peace officer under subdivision 1 may waive the inspection requirement of subdivision 1 if the trooper or State Patrol designee determines that a postcrash inspection is not needed or cannot be accomplished without unreasonable delay. The trooper or State Patrol designee granting a waiver must provide to the driver of the school bus for which the waiver is granted a written statement that the inspection has been waived. The written statement must include the incident report number assigned to the accident by the State Patrol.

169.452 [Repealed, 1998 c 398 art 6 s 38]

169.454 TYPE III VEHICLE STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.Standards.

This section applies to type III vehicles used for the transportation of school children when owned and operated by a school district or privately owned and operated. All related equipment provided on the vehicle must comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards where applicable. If no federal standard applies, equipment must be manufacture's standard.

Subd. 2.Age of vehicle.

Vehicles model year 2007 or older must not be used as type III vehicles to transport school children, except those vehicles that are manufactured to meet the structural requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard 222, Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571.

Subd. 3.Color.

Vehicles must be painted a color other than national school bus yellow.

Subd. 4.Fire extinguisher.

A minimum of one 10BC rated dry chemical type fire extinguisher is required. The extinguisher must be mounted in a bracket, and must be located in the driver's compartment and be readily accessible to the driver and passengers. A pressure indicator is required and must be easily read without removing the extinguisher from its mounted position.

Subd. 5.First aid kit and body fluids cleanup kit.

A minimum of a ten-unit first aid kit, and a body fluids cleanup kit is required. They must be contained in removable, moisture- and dust-proof containers mounted in an accessible place within the driver's compartment and must be marked to indicate their identity and location.

Subd. 6.Identification.

The vehicle must not have the words "school bus" in any location on the exterior of the vehicle, or in any interior location visible to a motorist.

Subd. 7.Lamps and signals.

Installation and use of the eight-lamp warning system is prohibited.

All lamps on the exterior of the vehicle must conform with and be installed as required by federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108, Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, part 571.

Subd. 8.Stop-signal arm.

Installation and use of a stop-signal arm is prohibited.

Subd. 9.Mirrors.

The interior clear rearview mirror must afford a good view of pupils and roadway to the rear. Two exterior clear rearview mirrors must be provided, one to the left and one to the right of the driver. Each mirror must be firmly supported and adjustable to give the driver clear view past the left rear and the right rear of the bus.

Subd. 10.

[Repealed, 2012 c 137 s 9]

Subd. 11.

[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 4 art 12 s 34]

Subd. 12.Option.

Type III vehicles may carry fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and warning triangles in the trunk or trunk area of the vehicle, if a label in the driver and front passenger area clearly indicates the location of these items.

Subd. 13.Exemption.

When a vehicle otherwise qualifying as a type III vehicle under section 169.011, subdivision 71, whether owned and operated by a school district or privately owned and operated, is used to transport school children in a nonscheduled situation, it shall be exempt from the vehicle requirements of this section and the licensing requirements of section 171.321, if the vehicle is properly registered and insured and operated by an employee or agent of a school district with a valid driver's license.

169.4581 CRIMINAL CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUS.

Each local law enforcement agency shall adopt a written policy regarding procedures for responding to criminal incidents on school buses. In adopting a policy, each law enforcement agency shall consult with local school officials, with representatives of private companies that contract with school districts to provide transportation, and with parents of students. The policy must recognize that responding to reports of criminal conduct on school buses is the responsibility of law enforcement officials.

169.4582 REPORTABLE OFFENSE ON SCHOOL BUS.

Subdivision 1.Reportable offense; definition.

"Reportable offense" means misbehavior causing an immediate and substantial danger to self or surrounding persons or property under section 121A.45.

Subd. 2.Duty to report; school official.

Consistent with the school bus safety policy under section 123B.91, subdivision 1, the school principal, the school transportation safety director, or other designated school official shall immediately report to the local law enforcement agency having jurisdiction where the misbehavior occurred and to the school superintendent if the reporting school official knows or has reason to believe that a student has committed a reportable offense on a school bus or in a bus loading or unloading area. The reporting school official shall issue a report to the commissioner of public safety concerning the incident upon request of the commissioner.

VEHICLE EQUIPMENT, SAFETY

169.46 HITCHING BEHIND VEHICLE.

No person shall hitch a toboggan, hand sled, bicycle, or other similar device onto any motor vehicle or streetcar while being used on a highway.

169.467 MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS; DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

As used in sections 169.467 to 169.469, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Motor vehicle.

"Motor vehicle" means any vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power manufactured primarily for use on the public streets, roads and highways, except any vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails.

Subd. 3.New motor vehicle; new vehicle.

"New motor vehicle" or "new vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined herein heretofore unregistered.

Subd. 4.New item of motor vehicle equipment.

"New item of motor vehicle equipment" or "new equipment" means any option, device, accessory or other equipment in the possession of a retail merchant including an automobile dealer prior to its initial retail sale designed to be attached to a motor vehicle as a part thereof or to be used in conjunction therewith.

Subd. 5.Motor vehicle safety standard.

"Motor vehicle safety standard" means a minimum standard for motor vehicle performance, or motor vehicle equipment performance which is practicable, which meets the need for motor vehicle safety and which provides objective criteria.

History:

1974 c 21 s 1

169.468 VEHICLE SAFETY RULES; FEDERAL SAFETY STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.Federal motor vehicle safety standards.

The commissioner of public safety, pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act, may adopt and enforce rules in substantial conformity with federal motor vehicle safety standards established by the United States Secretary of Transportation pursuant to the national Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-563) with respect to any new motor vehicle or new item of motor vehicle equipment applicable to the same aspect of performance of such new vehicle or new equipment.

Subd. 2.Other safety standards; fee for testing and approval.

In the absence of a motor vehicle safety standard adopted pursuant to the national Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 or if any such standard is not applicable to new vehicles or new equipment manufactured and first sold in the state of Minnesota, the commissioner of public safety may require new vehicles and specific types of new equipment to be tested and approved for compliance with the requirements of this chapter, or any rule adopted pursuant to this chapter. The commissioner shall approve or disapprove of the vehicle or equipment within a reasonable time after it is submitted. Approval may be based upon a certificate of approval or test report furnished to the commissioner by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. If such new vehicle or new equipment does not conform to the provisions of this chapter, or to such rules adopted by the commissioner of public safety, no person shall sell, offer for sale, or use any such new vehicle or new equipment. The commissioner of public safety is authorized to set and collect a reasonable fee from the manufacturer or distributor for the testing and approval of all new vehicles and specific types of new equipment upon which approval is required under this section. Such fee may be sufficient in amount to reimburse the Department of Public Safety for all costs connected with such test and approval. The commissioner shall waive the fee for any approval based on a certificate of approval or test report furnished by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.

Subd. 3.Conflicts of laws.

A federal motor vehicle safety standard adopted by the commissioner of public safety which conflicts with an equipment provision of this chapter, applicable to the same aspect of performance, shall supersede, on its effective date, the conflicting equipment provision of this chapter, with respect to new motor vehicles.

Subd. 4.Misdemeanor.

Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

169.469 INJUNCTION.

Subdivision 1.Authority of district court.

The district courts of this state have the authority to restrain or enjoin a violation or threatened violation of section 169.468.

Subd. 2.Injunctive power of attorney general.

Whenever it appears to the satisfaction of the attorney general that any party has sold or offered for sale or is selling or offering for sale any such new motor vehicle or new item of motor vehicle equipment in violation of this section, the attorney general may, in the name of the state, seek injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction against any such violation or threatened violation.

History:

1974 c 21 s 3; 1986 c 444

169.47 UNSAFE EQUIPMENT.

Subdivision 1.Misdemeanor; exceptions.

(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 do not apply to implements of husbandry, road machinery, or road rollers except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(c) For purposes of this section, a specialized vehicle resembling a low-slung 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.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1978 c 494 s 6]

169.471 TELEVISION; HEADPHONES.

Subdivision 1.Television screen in vehicle.

No television screen shall be installed or used in any motor vehicle where images from the screen are visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle except:

(1) video screens installed in law enforcement vehicles;

(2) closed-circuit video systems used exclusively to aid the driver's visibility to the front, rear, or sides of the vehicle; and

(3) video screens installed as part of a vehicle control system or used in intelligent vehicle highway applications.

Subd. 2.Use of headphones in vehicle.

(a) No person, while operating a motor vehicle, shall wear headphones or earphones that are used in both ears simultaneously for purposes of receiving or listening to broadcasts or reproductions from radios, tape decks, or other sound-producing or transmitting devices.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit:

(1) the use of a hearing aid device by a person who needs the device;

(2) the use of a communication headset by a firefighter while operating a fire department emergency vehicle in response to an emergency; or

(3) the use of a communication headset by an emergency medical services person while operating an ambulance subject to section 144E.101.

169.475 USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between physical devices. An electronic message includes, but is not limited to: email; a text message; an instant message; a command or request to access a web page; a voice mail message; a transmitted image; transmitted video content, including through video calling; transmitted gaming data; and other data transmitted using a commonly recognized electronic communications protocol. An electronic message does not include: voice or audio data transmitted as a result of making a phone call; data transmitted between a motor vehicle and a wireless communications device located in the vehicle; data transmitted by a two-way radio, citizens band radio, or amateur radio used in accordance with Federal Communications Commission rules and regulations; or data transmitted automatically without direct initiation by a person.

(c) "Voice-activated or hands-free mode" means an attachment, accessory, wirelessly paired or tethered capability, application, wireless connection, or built-in feature of a wireless communications device or a motor vehicle that allows the person to use verbal or single touch commands to:

(1) activate or deactivate the device; and

(2) activate or deactivate a function or software application of the device.

Voice-activated or hands-free mode does not include typing or scrolling on a device.

(d) For purposes of this section, a motor vehicle is not in motion or a part of traffic if the vehicle is lawfully stopped, is in a location that is not designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, and is not obstructing traffic.

Subd. 2.Prohibition on use; penalty.

(a) Except as provided in subdivision 3, when a motor vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, the person operating the vehicle upon a street or highway is prohibited from:

(1) holding a wireless communications device with one or both hands; or

(2) using a wireless communications device to:

(i) initiate, compose, send, retrieve, or read an electronic message;

(ii) engage in a cellular phone call, including initiating a call, talking or listening, and participating in video calling; and

(iii) access the following types of content stored on the device: video content, audio content, images, games, or software applications.

(b) A person who violates paragraph (a) a second or subsequent time must pay a fine of $275.

Subd. 3.Exceptions.

(a) The prohibitions in subdivision 2 do not apply if a person uses a wireless communications device:

(1) solely in a voice-activated or hands-free mode to (i) initiate or participate in a cellular phone call, provided that the person does not hold the device with one or both hands; or (ii) initiate, compose, send, or listen to an electronic message;

(2) to view or operate a global positioning system or navigation system in a manner that does not require the driver to type while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, provided that the person does not hold the device with one or both hands;

(3) to listen to audio-based content in a manner that does not require the driver to scroll or type while the vehicle is in motion or a part of traffic, provided that the person does not hold the device with one or both hands;

(4) to obtain emergency assistance to (i) report a traffic accident, medical emergency, or serious traffic hazard, or (ii) prevent a crime about to be committed;

(5) in the reasonable belief that a person's life or safety is in immediate danger; or

(6) in an authorized emergency vehicle while in the performance of official duties.

(b) The exception in paragraph (a), clause (1), does not apply to accessing nonnavigation video content, engaging in video calling, engaging in live-streaming, accessing gaming data, or reading electronic messages.

169.48 VEHICLE LIGHTING.

Subdivision 1.Lights to be displayed.

(a) Every vehicle upon a highway within this state:

(1) at any time from sunset to sunrise;

(2) at any time when it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing; and

(3) at any other time when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions or there is not sufficient light to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the highway at a distance of 500 feet ahead;

shall display lighted headlamps, lighted tail lamps, and illuminating devices, as hereinafter, respectively, required for different classes of vehicles, subject to exceptions with respect to parked vehicles and law enforcement vehicles, as hereinafter stated. In addition to the other requirements of this paragraph, every school bus transporting children upon a highway within this state, at any time from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset, shall display lighted headlamps, lighted tail lamps, and illuminating devices as required by this paragraph, except that the operator shall use the lowermost distribution of light specified in section 169.60 unless conditions warrant otherwise.

(b) When requirement is hereinafter declared as to the distance from which certain lamps and devices shall render objects visible or within which such lamps or devices shall be visible, these provisions shall apply during the time stated in this section upon a straight level unlighted highway under normal atmospheric conditions unless a different time or condition is expressly stated and unless otherwise specified the location of lamps and devices shall refer to the center of such lamps or devices. Parking lamps shall not be used in lieu of headlamps to satisfy the requirements of this section.

Subd. 2.Certain violations; negligence.

Notwithstanding section 169.96, a violation of subdivision 1, paragraph (a), clause (2), is not negligence per se or prima facie evidence of negligence.

169.49 HEADLAMPS.

(a) Every motor vehicle other than a motorcycle must be equipped with at least two headlamps, including at least one on each side of the front of the motor vehicle. Headlamps must comply with the requirements and limitations set forth in sections 169.47 to 169.66.

(b) Every motorcycle must be equipped with at least one and not more than four headlamps, which must comply with the requirements and limitations of sections 169.47 to 169.66.

169.50 REAR LAMPS.

Subdivision 1.Requirements; exception.

(a) Every motor vehicle and every vehicle that is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles must be equipped with at least one tail lamp, exhibiting a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear.

(b) Every motor vehicle, other than a truck-tractor, and every vehicle that is being drawn at the end of a train of vehicles, registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1960, must be equipped with at least two tail lamps mounted on the rear and on the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable. When lighted, the tail lamps must comply with the provisions of this section.

(c) An implement of husbandry being towed by a motor vehicle at a speed of not more than 30 miles per hour, displaying a slow-moving vehicle emblem, and complying with section 169.55, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), clause (4), is not subject to the requirements of this section.

Subd. 2.License plates.

Either such rear lamp or separate lamp shall be so constructed and placed as to illuminate with a white light the rear registration plate and render it legible from a distance of 50 feet to the rear. Any rear lamp or rear lamps, together with any separate lamp for illuminating the rear registration plate, shall be so wired as to be lighted whenever the headlamps or auxiliary driving lamps are lighted.

Subd. 3.Reflectors.

On and after January 1, 1960, each new motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, hereafter sold and each such vehicle hereafter operated on a highway, shall carry at the rear either as a part of the rear lamp, or separately, at least two reflectors. The reflectors shall be of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety and shall be mounted as close as is practicable to the extreme edges of the vehicle at a height not more than 60, nor less than 20 inches above the surface upon which the vehicle stands. Each such reflector shall be so designed and maintained as to be visible at night from all distances within 300 to 50 feet from the vehicle, except that on a commercial vehicle the reflectors shall be visible from all distances within 500 to 50 feet from the vehicle, when directly in front of a motor vehicle displaying lawfully lighted headlamps.

169.51 CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS.

(a) Every motor vehicle or motor-drawn vehicle designed or used for the transportation of property, or for the transportation of passengers for compensation, shall display lighted lamps, as required in this section.

(b) Every such vehicle having a width, including load thereon, at any part in excess of 80 inches shall be equipped with four clearance lamps, two located on the front at opposite sides and not more than six inches from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle or load, displaying a white or amber light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, and two located on the rear on opposite sides not more than six inches from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle or load, displaying a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The front clearance lamps shall be located at a height of not less than 24 inches above the headlamp centers. The rear clearance lamps shall be in addition to the red rear lamp hereinbefore required.

(c) Every such vehicle or combination of such vehicles which exceeds 30 feet in overall length shall be equipped with at least four side marker lamps, one on each side near the front and one on each side near the rear. Such lamps shall be at a height of not less than 24 inches above the surface upon which the vehicle stands. The lamps near the front shall display a white or amber light and lamps near the rear shall display a red light, each visible from a distance of 500 feet to the side of the vehicle on which it is located. If the clearance lamps on the right and left sides of the vehicle, as hereinbefore required, display lights visible from a distance of 500 feet at right angles to the right and left side, respectively, of the vehicle, they shall be deemed to meet the requirements as to marker lamps, provided an additional marker lamp, white or amber, is displayed approximately midway between the above specified marker lamps.

169.52 PROJECTING LOAD; LIGHT OR FLAG.

When the load upon any vehicle extends to the rear four feet or more beyond the bed or body of such vehicle there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of the load, at the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required in this chapter, a red light or lantern plainly visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the sides and rear. The light or lantern required under this section shall be in addition to the rear light required upon every vehicle. At any time when no lights are required there shall be displayed at the extreme rear end of such load a red, yellow or orange flag or cloth not less than 16 inches square.

169.522 SLOW-MOVING VEHICLE, SIGN REQUIRED.

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 6.

Subd. 2.Prohibition on use.

The use of this emblem is restricted to the slow-moving vehicles specified in subdivision 1 and its use on any other type of vehicle or stationary object on the highway is prohibited.

Subd. 3.Display required.

No person shall sell, lease, rent, or operate any slow-moving vehicle, as defined in subdivision 1, except motorized golf carts and except those units designed to be completely mounted on a primary power unit, which is manufactured or assembled on or after July 1, 1967, unless the vehicle is equipped with a slow-moving vehicle emblem-mounting device as specified in subdivision 1. Provided however, a slow-moving vehicle must not be operated without such slow-moving vehicle emblem.

169.53 LIGHTS FOR PARKED VEHICLES.

When a vehicle is parked or stopped upon a highway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required, it shall be equipped with one or more lamps which shall exhibit a white or amber light on the roadway side visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear, except that local authorities may provide by ordinance that no lights need be displayed upon a vehicle when stopped or parked in accordance with local parking regulations upon a highway where there is sufficient light to clearly reveal any person or object within a distance of 500 feet upon the highway. Any lighted headlamps upon a parked vehicle shall be depressed or dimmed.

169.54 [Repealed, 1951 c 132 s 1]

169.541 LIGHTING EXEMPTION FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT; STANDARDS.

Subdivision 1.Exemption.

Sections 84.87, 84.928, 86B.511, and 169.48 to 169.65, relating to lighting of vehicles and watercraft, do not apply to a licensed peace officer, as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), while operating a motor vehicle or watercraft owned, leased, or otherwise the property of the state or a political subdivision, in the performance of the officer's law enforcement duties if the officer's conduct is reasonable and is consistent with the standards adopted under subdivision 2, and if the officer reasonably believes that operating the vehicle without lights is necessary under the circumstances to investigate a criminal violation or suspected criminal violation of state laws, rules, or orders or local laws, ordinances, or regulations.

Subd. 2.POST Board standards.

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Board shall adopt standards governing situations in which licensed peace officers as defined in section 626.84, subdivision 1, paragraph (c), may operate a vehicle or watercraft without lights as provided in subdivision 1.

169.55 LIGHTS ON ALL VEHICLES.

Subdivision 1.Lights or reflectors required.

At the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required each vehicle including an animal-drawn vehicle and any vehicle specifically excepted in sections 169.47 to 169.79, with respect to equipment and not previously required to be equipped with lamps, must be equipped with one or more lighted lamps or lanterns projecting a white light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and with a lamp or lantern exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear, except that reflectors meeting the maximum requirements of this chapter may be used in lieu of the lights required in this subdivision.

Subd. 2.Implement of husbandry.

(a) At the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required:

(1) every self-propelled implement of husbandry must be equipped with at least one lamp displaying a white light to the front, and at least one lamp displaying a red light to the rear;

(2) every self-propelled implement of husbandry must also display two red reflectors visible to the rear;

(3) every combination of a self-propelled and towed 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 implements of husbandry must display two red reflectors visible to the rear.

(b) The reflectors must be of the type approved for use upon commercial vehicles. The reflectors must be mounted as close as practicable to the extreme edges of the implement of husbandry. The reflectors must be reflex reflectors that are visible at night from all distances within 600 feet to 100 feet when directly in front of lawful lower beams of headlamps.

Subd. 3.Implement 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.

169.56 AUXILIARY LIGHTS.

Subdivision 1.Spotlight.

Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two spot lamps and every lighted spot lamp shall be so aimed and used upon approaching another vehicle that no part of the high-intensity portion of the beam will be directed on the road surface to the left of the center of the vehicle, nor more than 100 feet ahead of the vehicle upon which such lamps are mounted.

Subd. 2.Fog light.

Any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two fog lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 12 inches nor more than 30 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands and so aimed that when the vehicle is not loaded none of the high-intensity portion of the light to the left of the center of the vehicle shall at a distance of 25 feet ahead project higher than a level of four inches below the level of the center of the lamp from which it comes. Lighted fog lamps meeting the above requirements may be used with lower headlamp beams as specified in section 169.60.

Subd. 3.Auxiliary low-beam light.

Except as provided in subdivision 5, any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary low-beam lamps mounted on the front at a height of not less than 24 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of section 169.60 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary low-beam lamps.

Subd. 4.Auxiliary driving light.

Except as provided in subdivision 5, any motor vehicle may be equipped with not to exceed two auxiliary driving lamps mounted on the front at a height not less than 16 inches nor more than 42 inches above the level surface upon which the vehicle stands. The provisions of section 169.60 shall apply to any combination of headlamps and auxiliary driving lamps.

Subd. 5.Exception for light obstructed by snowplow blade.

(a) The auxiliary lamps permitted in subdivision 3 may be mounted more than 42 inches high on any truck equipped with a snowplow blade that obstructs the required headlights. The lights may not be illuminated when a snowplow blade is not mounted on the vehicle.

(b) No other vehicle may be operated on a public highway unless the auxiliary lamps permitted in subdivisions 3 and 4 comply with the height requirements or are completely covered with an opaque material.

169.57 VEHICLE SIGNALS.

Subdivision 1.Stoplights.

(a) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter, shall be equipped with at least two stop lamps on the rear which shall emit a red or yellow light and which shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake and which may, but need not be, incorporated with the tail lamps and which shall be plainly visible and understandable from a distance of 100 feet to the rear during normal sunlight and at night.

(b) No person shall sell or offer for sale or operate on the highways any motor vehicle registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1960, unless it is equipped with at least two stop lamps meeting the requirements of this subdivision, except that a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or truck-tractor manufactured or assembled after said date shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp meeting the requirements of this subdivision.

Subd. 2.Turn signal.

(a) Any vehicle may be equipped, and when required under this chapter shall be equipped, with a lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device of such color as may be approved by the commissioner of public safety and capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn either to the right or to the left and shall be visible and understandable during both daytime and nighttime from a distance of 100 feet both to the front and rear.

(b) It is unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale any new motor vehicle, excepting motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles with motor attached, unless it is equipped with turn signals meeting the requirements of this chapter.

Subd. 3.Maintenance.

(a) When a vehicle is equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps, the lamps must at all times be maintained in good working condition.

(b) All mechanical signal devices must be self-illumined when in use at the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required.

Subd. 4.Alteration of stop lamp prohibited.

On a vehicle that must be equipped with a single center high-mounted stop lamp under federal motor vehicle safety standards, and on any other vehicle equipped with a similar stop lamp, a person may not alter the stop lamp by the addition of an overlay or other device, or install a replacement lens, if the alteration or installation alters or obscures any portion of the lamp or affects the intensity of light emitted.

169.58 IDENTIFICATION LAMPS.

Subdivision 1.Wide or long vehicle.

Any vehicle or combination of vehicles having a width including load thereon at any part in excess of 80 inches or which exceeds 30 feet in overall length may be equipped with identification lamps on the front displaying three amber or white lights and identification lamps on the rear displaying three red lights, and when so equipped the lights in each such group shall be evenly spaced not less than 6 nor more than 12 inches apart, along a horizontal line as near to the top of the vehicle as practicable, and these lights shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front and rear, respectively, of the vehicle.

Subd. 2.Red lamp; permit for volunteer emergency responders.

Upon obtaining a permit from the commissioner of public safety, any motor vehicles operated by an active member of a volunteer fire department authorized by or contracting with any city, town, or township in this state, an emergency medical first responder, or an ambulance crew member may be equipped with a lamp emitting a red light to the front of such vehicle. The lens of such lamp shall be not more than three inches in diameter. Such lamp shall be lighted only when the member of the volunteer fire department, ambulance crew member, or emergency medical first responder is responding to an emergency call in connection with duties as a volunteer firefighter, ambulance crew member, or responder. The commissioner of public safety is hereby authorized to issue permits on applications of a member of a volunteer fire department properly certified to by the chief of said volunteer fire department, and on applications for emergency medical first responders or ambulance crew members. The commissioner of public safety must be notified immediately upon the termination of membership in a volunteer fire department or when an ambulance or permitted emergency medical first responder ceases operations.

Subd. 3.Volunteer ambulance driver.

The commissioner of public safety, upon application therefor, may issue a permit to any certificated volunteer ambulance driver authorizing the driver to equip any privately owned motor vehicle operated by the driver with a lamp emitting a red light to the front of the vehicle. The lamps shall conform to specifications adopted by the commissioner. The lamp shall be lighted only when the driver is proceeding to the location of an ambulance in response to an emergency call. The application shall be in the form prescribed by the commissioner and shall contain verification satisfactory to the commissioner of the applicant's status as a certificated volunteer ambulance driver. Any permit issued shall expire immediately upon termination of the permittee's employment as a volunteer ambulance driver.

Subd. 4.Lighted sign on vehicle.

A vehicle engaged in deliveries to residences may display a lighting device mounted on the vehicle, which may project a red light to the front if the sign projects one or more additional colors to the front.

Subd. 5.Transportation network company vehicle.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, the definitions in section 65B.472, subdivision 1, apply except that "transportation network company vehicle" has the meaning given to "personal vehicle" in section 65B.472, subdivision 1, paragraph (c).

(b) A transportation network company vehicle may be equipped with no more than two removable, interior-mounted, trade dress identifying devices as provided by the transportation network company that are designed to assist riders in identifying and communicating with drivers. The identifying device may be illuminated and emit a steady beam of solid colored light in any direction when the driver is logged into the digital network. The identifying device must not: (1) display the colors red, amber, or blue; (2) project a flashing, oscillating, alternating, or rotating light; or (3) project a glaring or dazzling light.

Subd. 6.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.

169.59 WARNING LIGHTS.

Subdivision 1.Fender lights.

Any vehicle may be equipped with not more than two side cowl or fender lamps, one on each side which shall emit a white light without glare.

Subd. 2.Running board light.

Any vehicle may be equipped with not more than one running board courtesy lamp on each side thereof, which shall emit a white or yellow light without glare.

Subd. 3.Backup light.

Any vehicle may be equipped with not more than two backup lamps, either separately or in combination with another lamp, and not more than two rear cornering lamps, except that the lamps must not be continuously lighted when the vehicle is in forward motion, nor shall it project a glaring light.

Subd. 4.Flashing warning light.

Any vehicle may be equipped with lamps which may be used for the purpose of warning the operators of other vehicles of the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring the exercise of unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing, and when so equipped may display such warning in addition to any other warning signals required by this section or section 169.50, subdivision 1 or 3; 169.56, subdivision 1, 2, 3, or 4; 169.57, subdivision 1; or 169.64, subdivision 3. The lamps used to display such warnings to the front shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall display simultaneous flashing white or amber lights, or any shade of color between white and amber. The lamps used to display such warnings to the rear shall be mounted at the same level and as widely spaced laterally as practicable, and shall show simultaneously flashing amber or red lights, or any shade of color between amber and red. Instead of a pair of lamps that flash simultaneously, either one or two strobe lights or rotating beacon lights with an amber or yellow lens may be used both to the front and rear of the vehicle. These warning lights shall be visible from a distance of not less than 500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions at night.

169.60 DISTRIBUTION OF LIGHT.

Except as hereinafter provided, the headlamps, the auxiliary low-beam lamps, or the auxiliary driving lamps, or combinations thereof, on motor vehicles shall be so arranged that the driver may select at will between distributions of light projected to different elevations, subject to the following requirements and limitations:

(a) There shall be an uppermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of such intensity as to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 350 feet ahead for all conditions of loading.

(b) There shall be a lowermost distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead; and on a straight level road under any condition of loading none of the high-intensity portion of the beam shall be directed to strike the eyes of an approaching driver.

(c) All road-lighting equipment manufactured and installed on and after January 1, 1938, shall be so arranged that when any beam is used which is not in conformity with paragraph (b), means shall be provided for indicating to the driver when such beams are being used.

169.61 COMPOSITE BEAM.

(a) When a motor vehicle is being operated on a highway or shoulder adjacent thereto during the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required in this chapter, the driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, directed high enough and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a safe distance in advance of the vehicle, subject to the following requirements and limitations.

(b) When the driver of a vehicle approaches a vehicle within 1,000 feet, such driver shall use a distribution of light, or composite beam, so aimed that the glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of the oncoming driver.

(c) When the driver of a vehicle follows another vehicle within 200 feet to the rear, except when engaged in the act of overtaking and passing, such driver shall use a distribution of light permissible under this chapter other than the uppermost distribution of light specified in section 169.60.

169.62 CERTAIN LIGHTS PERMITTED ON OLD MOTOR VEHICLES.

Headlamps arranged to provide a single distribution of light not supplemented by auxiliary driving lamps shall be permitted on motor vehicles manufactured and sold prior to January 1, 1938, in lieu of multiple-beam road-lighting equipment herein specified if the single distribution of light complies with the following requirements and limitations:

(a) The headlamps shall be so aimed that when the vehicle is fully loaded none of the high-intensity portion of the lamp beam rises above a horizontal plane passing through the headlamp centers parallel to the level surface upon which the vehicle stands, and in no case higher than 42 inches above the level on which the vehicle stands at a distance of 75 and more feet ahead.

(b) The intensity shall be sufficient to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 200 feet.

169.63 NUMBER OF LAMPS.

(a) At all times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required in this chapter, at least two lighted headlamps shall be displayed, one on each side at the front of every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle; provided, that under adverse weather conditions two lighted auxiliary lamps, one on each side at the front of the vehicle, may be used in lieu of two lighted headlamps, except when such vehicle is parked subject to the rules governing lights on parked vehicles.

(b) When a motor vehicle equipped with headlamps, as herein required, is also equipped with any auxiliary lamps, spot lamps or any other lamps on the front thereof projecting a beam of intensity greater than 300-candle power, not more than a total of four of any such lamps on the front of a vehicle shall be lighted at any one time when upon a highway.

(c) The maximum beam candle power from any combination of lamps used at any time for road lighting shall not exceed that authorized by the commissioner of public safety.

169.64 PROHIBITED LIGHTS; EXCEPTIONS.

Subdivision 1.Bright light.

Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than a headlamp, a spot lamp, or an auxiliary driving lamp, which projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than 300-candle power, shall be so directed that no part of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle.

Subd. 2.Colored light.

(a) Unless otherwise authorized by the commissioner of public safety, no vehicle shall be equipped, nor shall any person drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device displaying a red light or any colored light other than those required or permitted in this chapter.

(b) A vehicle manufactured for use as an emergency vehicle may display and use colored lights that are not otherwise required or permitted in this chapter, provided that the vehicle is owned and operated according to section 168.10, is owned and operated solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes, and is registered under section 168.10, subdivision 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1g, or 1h. A person may not activate the colored lights authorized under this paragraph on streets or highways except as part of a parade or other special event.

Subd. 3.Flashing lights; glaring lights.

(a) Flashing lights are prohibited, except:

(1) on an authorized emergency vehicle, school bus, bicycle as provided in section 169.222, subdivision 6, road maintenance equipment, tow truck or towing vehicle as provided in section 168B.16, service vehicle, farm tractor, self-propelled farm equipment, rural mail carrier vehicle, or funeral home vehicle;

(2) on any vehicle as a means of indicating a right or left turn, or the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing; or

(3) as otherwise provided in this section.

(b) All flashing warning lights must be of the type authorized by section 169.59, subdivision 4, unless otherwise permitted or required in this chapter.

(c) A stop lamp or signal lamp is prohibited from projecting a glaring or dazzling light, except for:

(1) strobe lamps as provided under subdivision 8 or section 169.59, subdivision 4; or

(2) a school bus equipped with a supplemental warning system under section 169.4503, subdivision 31.

Subd. 4.Blue light.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) to (d), blue lights are prohibited on all vehicles except road maintenance equipment and snow removal equipment operated by or under contract to the state or a political subdivision thereof.

(b) Authorized emergency vehicles may display flashing blue lights to the rear of the vehicle as a warning signal in combination with other lights permitted or required by this chapter. In addition, authorized emergency vehicles may display, mounted on the passenger side only, flashing blue lights to the front of the vehicle as a warning signal in combination with other lights permitted or required by this chapter.

(c) A motorcycle may display a blue light of up to one-inch diameter as part of the motorcycle's rear brake light.

(d) A motor vehicle may display a blue light of up to one-inch diameter as part of the vehicle's rear brake light if:

(1) the vehicle is a collector vehicle, as described in section 168.10; or

(2) the vehicle is eligible to display a collector plate under section 168.10.

Subd. 4a.White light.

(a) It is unlawful to project a white light at the rear of a vehicle while traveling on any street or highway, except:

(1) for a vehicle moving in reverse;

(2) for a school bus equipped with a supplemental warning system under section 169.4503, subdivision 31;

(3) for a strobe lamp as provided under subdivision 8;

(4) as required for license plate illumination under section 169.50, subdivision 2;

(5) as provided in section 169.59, subdivision 4; and

(6) as otherwise provided in this subdivision.

(b) A lighting device mounted on top of a vehicle engaged in deliveries to residences may project a white light to the rear if the sign projects one or more additional colors to the rear.

(c) An authorized emergency vehicle may display an oscillating, alternating, or rotating white light used in connection with an oscillating, alternating, or rotating red light when responding to emergency calls.

Subd. 5.

MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.16]

Subd. 6.Flashing amber light.

(a) Any service vehicle may be equipped with a flashing amber lamp of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety.

(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.

(c) A self-propelled implement of husbandry may display the lighted lamp authorized under paragraph (a) at any time.

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 1991 c 277 s 18]

Subd. 8.Strobe lamp.

(a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a vehicle may be equipped with a 360-degree flashing strobe lamp that emits a white light with a flash rate of 60 to 120 flashes a minute, and the lamp may be used as provided in this subdivision, if the vehicle is:

(1) a school bus that is subject to and complies with the equipment requirements of section 169.442, subdivision 1, or a Head Start bus. The lamp must operate from a separate switch containing an indicator lamp to show when the strobe lamp is in use; or

(2) a road maintenance vehicle owned or under contract to the Department of Transportation or a road authority of a county, home rule or statutory city, or town, but the strobe lamp may only be operated while the vehicle is actually engaged in snow removal during daylight hours.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a vehicle may be equipped with a 360-degree flashing strobe lamp that emits an amber light with a flash rate of 60 to 120 flashes a minute, and the lamp may be used as provided in this subdivision, if the vehicle is a rural mail carrier vehicle, provided that the strobe lamp is mounted at the highest practicable point on the vehicle. The strobe lamp may only be operated while the vehicle is actually engaged during daylight hours in the delivery of mail to residents on a rural mail route.

(c) A strobe lamp authorized by this subdivision must be of a double flash type certified to the commissioner of public safety by the manufacturer as being weatherproof and having an effective light output that meets or exceeds the most recent version of SAE International standard J845, Class 2, or a subsequent standard.

Subd. 9.Warning lamp on vehicles collecting solid waste or recycling.

A solid waste vehicle or recycling vehicle may be equipped with a single amber warning lamp that meets the most current SAE International standard for authorized maintenance and service vehicles, Class 2. The lamp may be operated only when the collection vehicle is in the process of collecting solid waste or recycling and is either:

(1) stopped at an establishment where solid waste or recycling is to be collected; or

(2) traveling at a speed that is at least ten miles per hour below the posted speed limit and moving between establishments where solid waste or recycling is to be collected.

Subd. 10.Cover for lamp or reflector.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), it is prohibited for any person to:

(1) equip a motor vehicle with any equipment or material that covers a headlamp, tail lamp, or reflector; or

(2) operate a motor vehicle fitted with or otherwise having equipment or material that covers a headlamp, tail lamp, or reflector.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:

(1) any manufacturer's original equipment or material;

(2) any equipment or material that is clear and colorless; or

(3) the covering for auxiliary lights required under section 169.56.

169.65 SPECIFICATIONS FOR LIGHTING AND OTHER DEVICES.

(a) The commissioner of public safety is hereby authorized and required to adopt and enforce standard specifications as to the amount, color and direction of light to be emitted or reflected by lighting devices and as to the general construction and mounting on the vehicle for compliance with the requirements and limitations of this chapter.

(b) No person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, or use upon any such vehicle, any headlamp, auxiliary driving lamp, rear lamp, signal lamp, spot lamp, clearance lamp, marker lamp or reflector, or parts of any of the foregoing, unless of a type which has been submitted to and approved by the commissioner of public safety.

(c) No person shall have for sale, sell, or offer for sale for use upon or as a part of the equipment of a vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, or bicycle, or use upon any such vehicle, any lamp or device mentioned in this section, which has been approved by the commissioner of public safety unless such lamp or device bears thereon the trademark or name and model designation all permanently marked under which it is approved so as to be legible when installed.

(d) No person shall use upon any vehicle, trailer or semitrailer or bicycle any lamps mentioned in this section unless such lamps are equipped with bulbs of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety, having a rated candle power, and are mounted and adjusted as to focus and aim in accordance with instructions of the commissioner of public safety.

(e) The commissioner of public safety is hereby authorized to approve or disapprove lighting devices.

(f) The commissioner of public safety is hereby required to approve or disapprove any lighting device, of a type on which approval is specifically required in this chapter, within a reasonable time after such device has been submitted.

(g) The commissioner of public safety is further authorized to set up a procedure which shall be followed when any device is submitted for approval.

(h) The commissioner of public safety is authorized to set and collect a reasonable fee for the testing and approval of all types of devices upon which approval is required in this chapter. Such fee may be sufficient in amount to reimburse the Department of Public Safety for all costs connected with such test and approval.

(i) The commissioner of public safety, upon approving any such lamp or device, shall issue to the applicant a certificate of approval, together with any instructions determined by the commissioner of public safety.

(j) The commissioner of public safety shall publish lists of all lamps and devices by name and type which have been approved by the commissioner of public safety, together with instructions as to the permissible candlepower rating of the bulbs which the commissioner of public safety has determined for use therein and such other instructions as to adjustment as the commissioner of public safety may deem necessary. No person shall sell for use or use on any vehicle any reconverted lamp or any device redesigned for a use other than for which it was originally approved unless authorized by the commissioner of public safety.

169.66 HEARING ON SPECIFICATIONS.

(a) With reason to believe that an approved device which is being sold commercially does not comply with the requirements of this chapter, the commissioner of public safety may, after giving 30 days' previous notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for such device in this state, conduct a hearing upon the question of compliance of the approved device. After the hearing the commissioner of public safety shall determine whether the approved device meets the requirements of this chapter. If it does not meet the requirements of this chapter, the commissioner of public safety shall give notice to the person holding the certificate of approval for such device in this state.

(b) If, at the expiration of 90 days after such notice, the person holding the certificate of approval for such device has failed to satisfy the commissioner of public safety that the approved device as thereafter to be sold meets the requirements of this chapter, the commissioner of public safety shall suspend or revoke the approval issued therefor until or unless such device is resubmitted to and retested by an authorized testing agency and is found to meet the requirements of this chapter, and may require that all such devices sold since the notification following the hearing be replaced with devices that do comply with the requirements of this chapter. The commissioner of public safety may at the time of the retest purchase in the open market and submit to the testing agency one or more sets of such approved devices, and if such device upon such retest fails to meet the requirements of this chapter, the commissioner of public safety may refuse to renew the certificate of approval of such device.

History:

(2720-254) 1937 c 464 s 104; 1971 c 491 s 22; 1986 c 444

169.67 BRAKES.

Subdivision 1.Motor vehicle.

Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle, including two separate means of applying the brakes, each of which means shall be effective to apply the brakes to at least two wheels. If these two separate means of applying the brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part of the operating mechanism shall not leave the motor vehicle without brakes on at least two wheels.

Subd. 2.Motorcycle and bicycle.

Every motorcycle, and bicycle with motor attached, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with at least one brake, which may be operated by hand or foot.

Subd. 3.Trailer, semitrailer.

(a) No trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle 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. A surge brake on a trailer or semitrailer meets the requirement of this paragraph for brakes adequate to stop and hold the trailer or semitrailer.

(b) No trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,000 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 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;

(2) a motor vehicle drawn by another motor vehicle that is equipped with brakes that meet the standards of subdivision 5; and

(3) a disabled vehicle while being towed to a place of repair.

(d) Vehicles described in paragraph (c), clause (2), 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 168.002, subdivision 26;

(2) 12,000 pounds while being drawn by any other motor vehicle.

Subd. 4.Service brakes on wheels; exceptions.

(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.

Subd. 5.Performance standards.

Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service (foot) brake, shall be capable of (1) developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification, (2) decelerating in a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than the feet per second per second tabulated herein for its classification, and (3) stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins. Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one percent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.

Deceleration Table
1 2 3 4
Classification of Vehicles
and Combinations
Braking Force as a Percentage of Gross Vehicle or Combination Weight Deceleration in Feet Per Second Per Second Brake System Application and Braking Distance in Feet
Passenger vehicles, not including buses 52.8 percent 17 25
Single-unit vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of less than 10,000 pounds 43.5 percent 14 30
Single-unit, 2-axle vehicles with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 or more pounds, and buses not having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating 43.5 percent 14 40
All other vehicles and combinations with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 or more pounds 43.5 percent 14 50

All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 2009 c 64 s 57]

169.672 [Repealed, 1984 c 549 s 34]

169.68 HORN, SIREN.

(a) Every motor vehicle when operated upon a highway must be equipped with a horn in good working order and capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 200 feet. However, the horn or other warning device must not emit an unreasonably loud or harsh sound or a whistle. The driver of a motor vehicle shall, when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation, give audible warning with the horn, but shall not otherwise use the horn when upon a highway.

(b) A vehicle must not be equipped with, and a person shall not use upon a vehicle, any siren, whistle, or bell, except as otherwise permitted in this section.

(c) It is permissible, but not required, for any commercial vehicle to be equipped with a theft alarm signal device, so arranged that it cannot be used by the driver as an ordinary warning signal.

(d) All authorized emergency vehicles must be equipped with a siren capable of emitting sound audible under normal conditions from a distance of not less than 500 feet and of a type conforming to the federal certification standards for sirens, as determined by the General Services Administration. However, the siren must not be used except when the vehicle is operated in response to an emergency call or in the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law, in which latter events the driver of the vehicle shall sound the siren when necessary to warn pedestrians and other drivers of the vehicle's approach.

(e) It is permissible, but not required, for a bicycle to be equipped with a horn or bell designed to alert motor vehicles, other bicycles, and pedestrians of the bicycle's presence.

169.684 SEAT BELT; DECLARATION OF POLICY.

It is the policy of this state that enactment of a mandatory automobile seat belt usage law is intended to be compatible with support for federal safety standards requiring automatic crash protection and should not be used in any manner to rescind federal automatic crash protection system requirements for new vehicles.

History:

1986 c 310 s 2

169.685 SEAT BELT; PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN.

Subdivision 1.Requirement; exemptions.

After January 1, 1964, all new motor vehicles, not exempt from Minnesota license fees, other than a bus, school bus, motorcycle, motorized bicycle, farm tractor, road tractor, and truck, sold or offered for sale or registered in Minnesota shall be equipped to permit the installation of seat belts in the front seat thereof.

Subd. 2.Required after registration.

Within 30 days after the registration of such motor vehicle, it shall be equipped with seat belts installed for use in the left front and right front seats thereof.

Subd. 3.Standards.

The specifications and requirements for seat belts or seat belt assemblies shall conform with the minimum standards for seat belts or seat belt assemblies heretofore adopted by the Society of Automotive Engineers and in effect on January 1, 1963.

Subd. 4.Admissibility into evidence.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), proof of the use or failure to use seat belts or a child passenger restraint system as described in subdivision 5, or proof of the installation or failure of installation of seat belts or a child passenger restraint system as described in subdivision 5 shall not be admissible in evidence in any litigation involving personal injuries or property damage resulting from the use or operation of any motor vehicle.

(b) Paragraph (a) does not affect the right of a person to bring an action for damages arising out of an incident that involves a defectively designed, manufactured, installed, or operating seat belt or child passenger restraint system. Paragraph (a) does not prohibit the introduction of evidence pertaining to the use of a seat belt or child passenger restraint system in an action described in this paragraph.

Subd. 5.Violation; petty misdemeanor.

(a) Every motor vehicle operator, when transporting a child who is both under the age of eight and shorter than four feet nine inches on the streets and highways of this state in a motor vehicle equipped with factory-installed seat belts, shall equip and install for use in the motor vehicle, according to the manufacturer's instructions, a child passenger restraint system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards.

(b) No motor vehicle operator who is operating a motor vehicle on the streets and highways of this state may transport a child who is both under the age of eight and shorter than four feet nine inches in a seat of a motor vehicle equipped with a factory-installed seat belt, unless the child is properly fastened in the child passenger restraint system. Any motor vehicle operator who violates this subdivision is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and may be sentenced to pay a fine of not more than $50. The fine may be waived or the amount reduced if the motor vehicle operator produces evidence that within 14 days after the date of the violation a child passenger restraint system meeting federal motor vehicle safety standards was purchased or obtained for the exclusive use of the operator.

(c) At the time of issuance of a citation under this subdivision, a peace officer may provide to the violator information on obtaining a free or low-cost child passenger restraint system.

(d) The fines collected for violations of this subdivision must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a special account to be known as the Minnesota child passenger restraint and education account.

(e) For the purposes of this section, "child passenger restraint system" means any device that meets the standards of the United States Department of Transportation; is designed to restrain, seat, or position children; and includes a booster seat.

Subd. 6.Exceptions.

(a) This section does not apply to:

(1) a person transporting a child in an emergency medical vehicle while in the performance of official duties and when the physical or medical needs of the child make the use of a child passenger restraint system unreasonable or when a child passenger restraint system is not available;

(2) a peace officer transporting a child while in the performance of official duties and when a child passenger restraint system is not available, provided that a seat belt must be substituted;

(3) a person while operating a motor vehicle for hire, including a taxi, airport limousine, and bus, but excluding a rented, leased, or borrowed motor vehicle; and

(4) a person while operating a school bus that has a gross vehicle weight rating of greater than 10,000 pounds.

(b) A child passenger restraint system is not required for a child who cannot, in the judgment of a licensed physician, be safely transported in a child passenger restraint system because of a medical condition, body size, or physical disability. A motor vehicle operator claiming exemption for a child under this paragraph must possess a typewritten statement from the physician stating that the child cannot be safely transported in a child passenger restraint system. The statement must give the name and birth date of the child, be dated within the previous six months, and be made on the physician's letterhead or contain the physician's name, address, and telephone number. A person charged with violating subdivision 5 may not be convicted if the person produces the physician's statement in court or in the office of the arresting officer.

(c) A person offering a motor vehicle for rent or lease shall provide a child passenger restraint device to a customer renting or leasing the motor vehicle who requests the device. A reasonable rent or fee may be charged for use of the child passenger restraint device.

Subd. 7.Appropriation; special account.

The Minnesota child passenger restraint and education account is created in the state treasury, consisting of fines collected under subdivision 5 and other money appropriated or donated. The money in the account is annually appropriated to the commissioner of public safety to be used to provide child passenger restraint systems to families in financial need, school districts and child care providers that provide for the transportation of pupils to and from school using type III vehicles or school buses with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less, and to provide an educational program on the need for and proper use of child passenger restraint systems. Information on the commissioner's activities and expenditure of funds under this section must be available upon request.

169.686 SEAT BELT USE REQUIRED; PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.Seat belt requirement.

(a) Except as provided in section 169.685, a properly adjusted and fastened seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt when the vehicle is so equipped, shall be worn by the driver and passengers of a passenger vehicle, commercial motor vehicle, type III vehicle, and type III Head Start vehicle. Notwithstanding the equipment exemption in section 169.685, subdivision 1, this paragraph applies to the driver and passengers of an autocycle equipped with seat belts.

(b) A person who is 15 years of age or older and who violates paragraph (a) is subject to a fine of $25. The driver of the vehicle in which a violation occurs is subject to a $25 fine for each violation of paragraph (a) by the driver or by a passenger under the age of 15, but the court may not impose more than one surcharge under section 357.021, subdivision 6, on the driver. The Department of Public Safety shall not record a violation of this subdivision on a person's driving record.

(c) The driver of a bus is not subject to the fine under paragraph (b) for a violation of paragraph (a) by a passenger under the age of 15. This paragraph does not apply to (1) a school bus, including a type III vehicle; and (2) a Head Start bus, including a type III Head Start vehicle.

Subd. 1a.Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Passenger vehicle" means:

(1) a passenger automobile defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24;

(2) a pickup truck;

(3) a van;

(4) a commuter van, as defined in section 168.126; and

(5) a recreational vehicle, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27.

(c) "Passenger vehicle" does not include a motorcycle, motorized bicycle, bus, school bus, a vehicle designed to operate exclusively on railroad tracks, a farm truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 8, or special mobile equipment as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 31.

(d) "Pickup truck" means a truck, regardless of manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity, that is commonly known as a pickup truck.

(e) "Van" means a vehicle, regardless of the manufacturer's nominal rated carrying capacity, of a box-like design that (1) has no barrier or separation between the operator's area and the remainder of the cargo-carrying area, or (2) is designed to carry 15 or fewer passengers, including the driver.

Subd. 2.Seat belt exemptions.

This section shall not apply to:

(1) a person driving a passenger vehicle in reverse;

(2) a person riding in a vehicle in which all the seating positions equipped with safety belts are occupied by other persons in safety belts;

(3) a person who is in possession of a written certificate from a licensed physician verifying that because of medical unfitness or physical disability the person is unable to wear a seat belt;

(4) a person who is actually engaged in work that requires the person to alight from and reenter a motor vehicle at frequent intervals and who, while engaged in that work, does not drive or travel in that vehicle at a speed exceeding 25 miles per hour;

(5) a rural mail carrier of the United States Postal Service or a newspaper delivery person while in the performance of duties;

(6) a person driving or riding in a passenger vehicle manufactured before January 1, 1965; and

(7) a person driving or riding in a pickup truck while engaged in normal farming work or activity.

Subd. 3.Appropriation; special account.

The fines collected for a violation of subdivision 1 must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a special account to be known as the emergency medical services relief account. Ninety percent of the money in the account shall be distributed to the eight regional emergency medical services systems designated by the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board under section 144E.50, for personnel education and training, equipment and vehicle purchases, and operational expenses of emergency life support transportation services. The board of directors of each emergency medical services region shall establish criteria for funding. Ten percent of the money in the account shall be distributed to the commissioner of public safety for the expenses of traffic safety educational programs conducted by State Patrol troopers.

169.69 MUFFLER.

Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with a muffler in good working order which blends the exhaust noise into the overall vehicle noise and is in constant operation to prevent excessive or unusual noise, and no person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, or similar device upon a motor vehicle on a street or highway. The exhaust system shall not emit or produce a sharp popping or crackling sound. Every motor vehicle shall at all times be equipped with such parts and equipment so arranged and kept in such state of repair as to prevent carbon monoxide gas from entering the interior of the vehicle.

No person shall have for sale, sell or offer for sale or use on any motor vehicle any muffler that fails to comply with the specifications as required by the commissioner of public safety.

169.691 [Repealed, 1974 c 500 s 2]
169.692 [Repealed, 1974 c 500 s 2]

169.693 MOTOR VEHICLE NOISE LIMITS.

It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle in violation of motor vehicle noise rules adopted by the Pollution Control Agency.

169.70 REAR VIEW MIRROR.

Every motor vehicle constructed, loaded, or connected with another vehicle that obstructs the driver's view to the rear from the driver's position must be equipped with a mirror or other technology that reflects or displays to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

169.71 WINDSHIELD.

Subdivision 1.Prohibitions generally; exceptions.

(a) A person shall not drive or operate any motor vehicle with:

(1) a windshield cracked or discolored to an extent to limit or obstruct proper vision;

(2) any objects suspended between the driver and the windshield, other than:

(i) sun visors;

(ii) rearview mirrors;

(iii) driver feedback and safety monitoring equipment when mounted immediately behind, slightly above, or slightly below the rearview mirror;

(iv) global positioning systems or navigation systems when mounted or located near the bottommost portion of the windshield;

(v) electronic toll collection devices; and

(vi) an identifying device as provided in section 169.58, subdivision 5, when the device is mounted or located near the bottommost portion of the windshield; or

(3) any sign, poster, or other nontransparent material upon the front windshield, sidewings, or side or rear windows of the vehicle, other than a certificate or other paper required to be so displayed by law or authorized by the state director of the Division of Emergency Management or the commissioner of public safety.

(b) Paragraph (a), clauses (2) and (3), do not apply to law enforcement vehicles.

(c) Paragraph (a), clause (2), does not apply to authorized emergency vehicles.

Subd. 2.Windshield wiper.

The windshield on every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a device for cleaning rain, snow or other moisture from the windshield, which device shall be so constructed as to be controlled or operated by the driver of the vehicle.

Subd. 3.Defrosting requirement.

No person shall drive any motor vehicle with the windshield or front side windows covered with steam or frost to such an extent as to prevent proper vision.

Subd. 4.Glazing material; prohibitions.

A person must not drive or operate any motor vehicle required to be registered in the state of Minnesota upon any street or highway under the following conditions:

(1) when the windshield is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material which has the effect of making the windshield more reflective or in any other way reducing light transmittance through the windshield;

(2) when any window on the vehicle is composed of, covered by, or treated with any material that has a highly reflective or mirrored appearance;

(3) when any side window or rear window is composed of or treated with any material so as to obstruct or substantially reduce the driver's clear view through the window or has a light transmittance of less than 50 percent plus or minus three percent in the visible light range or a luminous reflectance of more than 20 percent plus or minus three percent; or

(4) when any material has been applied after August 1, 1985, to any motor vehicle window without an accompanying permanent marking which indicates the percent of transmittance and the percent of reflectance afforded by the material. The marking must be in a manner so as not to obscure vision and be readable when installed on the vehicle.

Subd. 4a.Glazing material; exceptions.

(a) Subdivision 4 does not apply to glazing materials that:

(1) have not been modified since the original installation, nor to original replacement windows and windshields, that were originally installed or replaced in conformity with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205;

(2) are required to satisfy prescription or medical needs, provided:

(i) the vehicle's driver or a passenger possesses a prescription or a physician's statement of medical need;

(ii) the prescription or statement specifically states the minimum percentage that light transmittance may be reduced to satisfy the prescription or medical needs of the patient; and

(iii) the prescription or statement contains an expiration date, which must be no more than two years after the date the prescription or statement was issued; or

(3) are applied to:

(i) the rear windows of a pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26;

(ii) the rear windows or the side windows on either side behind the driver's seat of a van as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 40;

(iii) the side and rear windows of a vehicle used to transport human remains by a funeral establishment holding a license under section 149A.50;

(iv) the side and rear windows of a limousine as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 15; or

(v) the rear and side windows of a police vehicle.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a), clause (2), a driver of a vehicle may rely on a prescription or physician's statement of medical need issued to a person not present in the vehicle if:

(1) the prescription or physician's statement of medical need is issued to (i) the driver's parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, or spouse, or (ii) a person for whom the driver is a personal care attendant;

(2) the prescription or physician's statement of medical need specifies the make, model, and license plate of one or two vehicles that will have tinted windows; and

(3) the driver is in possession of the prescription or physician's statement of medical need.

Subd. 5.Glazing material; prohibitions on sale.

(a) No person shall sell or offer for sale or use on any motor vehicle, windows or windshields that are composed of, covered by, or treated with material that fails to comply with the provisions of subdivision 4. No person shall apply or offer to apply, as part of a business transaction, material to motor vehicle windows or windshields that fails to comply with the provisions of subdivision 4.

(b) Violation of this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to sale or offers for sale of a motor vehicle containing windows or windshields composed of, covered by, or treated with material that fails to comply with the provisions of subdivision 4.

169.72 TIRE SURFACE; METAL STUDS.

Subdivision 1.Solid rubber, metal, and studded tires; exceptions; permits.

(a) Every solid rubber tire on a vehicle must have rubber on its entire traction surface at least one inch thick above the edge of the flange of the entire periphery.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) It is permissible to use any of the following on highways:

(1) implements of husbandry with tires having protuberances which will not injure the highway;

(2) 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; and

(3) tires on a bicycle as provided in section 169.222, subdivision 6.

(e) 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.

Subd. 2.

[Repealed, 1973 c 378 s 3]

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 1996 c 310 s 1]

Subd. 4.Occasional use of studded tires by nonresidents.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivision 1, a person, operating a motor vehicle properly licensed and registered in another state or province of a foreign country which authorizes the use of tires with metal studs or wire embedded tires on its highways, may operate the motor vehicle with tires having metal type studs or with tires having wire embedded therein on the highways of this state while occasionally within the state, and such use while occasionally within the state is not unlawful; provided that, the metal type studs shall not exceed 5/16 of an inch in diameter inclusive of the stud casing with an average protrusion beyond the tread surface of not more than 7/64 of an inch, and the number of studs in a tire shall not exceed two percent of the total net contact area. Use of a vehicle in this state on more than 30 days in any consecutive six-month period is not occasionally. Except, a person whose regular place of employment is within the state or who is a student at an educational institution located within the state, shall not operate a vehicle, regardless of its place of registration, upon any highway within the state if such vehicle is equipped with tires which would be unauthorized were the vehicle registered in this state.

Subd. 5.Rural postal carrier.

(a) A rural mail carrier of the United States Postal Service may apply to the commissioner for a permit to operate a rural mail delivery vehicle with tires having metal studs. An applicant must submit with the application for the permit (1) verification that the applicant is employed as a United States postal carrier, (2) a map showing the applicant's mail delivery route, and (3) identification of the vehicle the applicant uses on that mail delivery route.

(b) If the commissioner determines that (1) the applicant is employed as a United States postal carrier, and (2) less than 25 percent of the total mileage on the applicant's mail delivery route is paved, the commissioner may issue the permit. A permit under this subdivision is valid beginning November 1 of a calendar year and expires on April 15 of the following calendar year.

(c) A permit under this subdivision authorizes the permit holder to operate a motor vehicle equipped with tires having metal studs that meet the limitations in subdivision 4, while (1) traveling between the permit holder's residence and a mail pickup station, and (2) delivering United States mail on the permit holder's delivery route as shown in the map accompanying the permit application. The permit is valid only for the vehicle identified in the permit.

(d) The commissioner may amend a permit under this subdivision when (1) the permit holder submits evidence of a change in the permit holder's mail delivery route, or (2) the permit holder changes vehicles used in the route.

(e) The commissioner may revoke a permit when the commissioner determines that (1) the vehicle named in the permit is or has been operated in violation of this subdivision or the terms of the permit, or (2) the commissioner determines that more than 25 percent of the total mileage of the permit holder's mail delivery route is paved.

(f) Operation of a motor vehicle identified in a permit in violation of this subdivision or the terms of a permit issued under this subdivision is a misdemeanor.

(g) A permit holder under this subdivision must remove tires having metal studs from the vehicle identified in the permit (1) by 12:01 a.m. on April 16 of each year, and (2) whenever the permit holder transfers ownership of the vehicle or ceases employment as a United States postal carrier.

169.721 UNSAFE TIRES; DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

As used in sections 169.721 to 169.727, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Passenger automobile.

"Passenger automobile" means any motor vehicle designed and used for the carrying of not more than nine persons, excluding motorcycles and motor scooters, but including within its meaning station wagons or other highway use motor vehicles using passenger automobile type tires.

Subd. 3.Commissioner.

"Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety.

History:

1976 c 35 s 1

169.722 RULES FOR TIRE SAFETY.

The commissioner shall promulgate rules pursuant to chapter 14 providing for the safe operating conditions of tires for use on passenger automobiles. The rules shall be so promulgated that a law enforcement officer may determine whether or not a tire is in compliance by visual inspection or by the use of simple measuring gauges. The rules shall be based on and include effects of tread wear and depth of tread, and shall incorporate all of the provisions of section 169.723.

169.723 TIRES CONSIDERED UNSAFE.

A tire shall be considered unsafe if it has:

(1) any part of the ply or cord exposed; or

(2) any bump, bulge or separation; or

(3) a tread design depth of less than 2/32 (1/16) of an inch measured in the tread groove nearest the center of the tire at three locations equally spaced around the circumference of the tire, exclusive of tie bars or for those tires with tread wear indicators; or

(4) been worn to the level of the tread wear indicators in any two tread grooves at three locations; or

(5) a marking "not for highway use," or "for racing purposes only," or "unsafe for highway use;" or

(6) tread or sidewall cracks, cuts or snags deep enough to expose the body cords; or

(7) been regrooved or recut below the original tread design depth, except special taxicab tires which have extra undertread rubber and are identified as such.

History:

1976 c 35 s 3

169.724 PROHIBITION; OPERATING AUTOMOBILE WITH UNSAFE TIRES.

No person shall drive, move or cause to be driven or moved any passenger automobile upon the highways of this state, unless such passenger automobile is equipped with tires in safe operating condition in accordance with rules promulgated by the commissioner.

History:

1976 c 35 s 4

169.725 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]

169.726 AUTOMOBILE SALE PROHIBITED UNLESS TIRES ARE SAFE.

No person or organization shall sell or offer for sale, other than to a motor vehicle dealer, any passenger automobile for use on the public highways of this state, unless the passenger automobile is equipped with tires that are in compliance with the rules promulgated by the commissioner under authority of section 169.722. If the tires are not in compliance with the rules, the person or organization selling or offering to sell the passenger automobile shall cause, prior to sale, the tires to be removed from the vehicle and shall equip the vehicle with tires that are in compliance with the rules; unless the vehicle is towed or hauled away. No person, firm, corporation or organization shall sell or offer for sale, other than to a tire dealer, tires for highway use not in compliance with these rules.

History:

1976 c 35 s 6

169.727 UNSAFE TIRES; MISDEMEANOR.

Any person who violates the provisions of sections 169.721 to 169.727 or any rule promulgated pursuant thereto is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

History:

1976 c 35 s 7

169.73 BUMPERS, SAFEGUARDS.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) As used in this section, "private passenger vehicle" means a four-wheeled passenger automobile as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 24; a van as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 40; a pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26; and a jeep-type automobile or other multipurpose vehicle. "Private passenger vehicle" does not include a collector vehicle or collector military vehicle as defined in section 168.10.

(b) "Suspension system" includes both the front and rear wheels and tires of a vehicle as specified in subdivision 3.

Subd. 2.Bumper requirement.

All private passenger vehicles shall be equipped with front and rear bumpers, except that pickup trucks and vans shall be equipped with front bumpers and with either rear bumpers or reflectors.

Subd. 3.

MS 1978 [Repealed, 1980 c 498 s 7]

Subd. 3.Bumper restrictions.

No person shall operate a private passenger vehicle that: (a) was originally equipped with bumpers as standard equipment, unless the vehicle is equipped with bumpers equal to the original equipment; or (b) has a suspension system or body so modified that the height of the vehicle or any bumpers varies more than six inches from the original manufactured height for the vehicle.

Subd. 4.

MS 1978 [Repealed, 1980 c 498 s 7]

Subd. 4.Maximum bumper height.

(a) Notwithstanding the restrictions contained in subdivision 3, bumpers required under this section shall not exceed a height of (1) 20 inches on any passenger automobile or station wagon or (2) 25 inches on any four-wheel drive multipurpose type vehicle, van as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 40, or pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26, when the vehicle is being operated on a public highway. The height of the bumper shall be determined by measuring from the bottom of the bumper, excluding any vertical bumper attachments, to the ground. A vehicle which has an original bumper which does not exceed a height of 30 inches may be modified by attaching a full width bumper to the regular bumper to meet the height requirement. The attached bumper must be at least 4.5 inches in vertical height, be centered on the vehicle's centerline, extend at least ten inches on either side of the frame, and be attached to the frame in at least four places with angle braces at no less than 45 degrees so that it effectively transfers impact to an extent equal to or greater than the original bumper.

(b) Competent evidence that a vehicle was originally manufactured with bumpers higher than prescribed in this subdivision shall be an affirmative defense in any action under this section.

Subd. 4a.Rear-end protection for other vehicles.

(a) Vehicles other than private passenger vehicles, collector vehicles, collector military vehicles, and other vehicles specifically exempted by law from such requirements must meet the rear-end protection requirements of federal motor carrier regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 393.86.

(b) Notwithstanding contrary regulations cited in paragraph (a), a truck-tractor and semitrailer combination with a semitrailer length longer than 50 feet whose frame or body extends more than 36 inches beyond the rear of its rearmost axle must not be operated on the highways of this state unless equipped with a bumper or underride guard on the extreme rear of the frame or body. The bumper or underride guard must:

(1) provide a continuous horizontal beam having a maximum ground clearance of 22 inches, as measured with the vehicle empty and on level ground; and

(2) extend to within four inches of the lateral extremities of the semitrailer on both left and right sides.

Subd. 5.

MS 1978 [Repealed, 1980 c 498 s 7]

Subd. 5.Misdemeanor.

Any person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

169.733 WHEEL FLAPS ON TRUCK AND TRAILER.

Subdivision 1.Vehicles generally.

Every truck, truck-tractor, trailer, semitrailer, pole trailer, and rear-end dump truck, excepting rear-end dump farm trucks, must be provided with wheel flaps or other suitable protection above and behind the rearmost wheels of the vehicle or combination of vehicles to prevent, as far as practicable, the wheels from throwing dirt, water, or other materials on the windshields of following vehicles. The flaps or protectors must be at least as wide as the tires they are protecting and have a ground clearance of not more than nine inches from the ground when the vehicle is empty.

Subd. 2.Vehicle with conveyor belt.

For a dump truck or truck with a rigid box fastened to its frame and having a conveyor belt or chain in the bottom of the vehicle that moves the cargo to the rear end of the vehicle, the flaps must be mounted as far to the rear of the vehicle as practicable and have a ground clearance of not more than 18 inches when the vehicle is loaded.

Subd. 3.Bottom-dump vehicle.

In addition to meeting the requirements of subdivision 1, a bottom-dump cargo vehicle transporting sand, gravel, aggregate, dirt, lime rock, silica, or similar material must be equipped with a center flap between the wheel flaps, which must have a ground clearance of six inches or less when the vehicle is fully loaded.

Subd. 4.Alternative requirements.

If the motor vehicle is so designed and constructed that the above requirements are accomplished by means of body construction or other means of enclosure, then no protectors or flaps are required.

Subd. 5.Extended flaps.

If the rear wheels are not covered at the top by fenders, body or other parts of the vehicle, the flap or other protective means must be extended at least to a point directly above the center of the rearmost axle.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed by amendment, 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 35]

169.734 AUTOMOBILE FENDERS.

Every passenger automobile shall have fenders, or other devices, that are designed to prevent, as far as practicable, water, dirt, or other material being thrown up and to the rear by the wheels of the vehicle.

History:

1975 c 68 s 2

169.74 SAFETY GLASS.

Subdivision 1.Required.

No person shall sell any new motor vehicle, nor shall any new motor vehicle be registered thereafter unless the vehicle is equipped with safety glass wherever glass is used in doors, windows, and windshields.

Subd. 2.Definition.

"Safety glass" means any product composed of glass, or other material, as may be approved by the commissioner of public safety, as safety glass.

Subd. 3.Replacement.

All glass replacement in doors, windows, and windshields or partitions of motor vehicles shall be made with materials meeting the requirements of this chapter for safety glass if glass is used therefor.

Subd. 4.Other material prohibited.

No glazing material other than of a type meeting the requirements of this chapter shall be sold, offered for sale, offered for use, or used for installation in doors, windows or windshields of motor vehicles or of passenger-carrying trailers or semitrailers.

Subd. 5.Frostshield.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to include frostshields.

169.743 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]

169.75 FLARES, FLAGS, OR REFLECTORS REQUIRED.

Subdivision 1.Number required.

No person shall operate any motor vehicle towing a travel trailer, any passenger bus, or any other motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of an actual gross weight or manufacturer's rated gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds at any location upon an interstate highway or freeway or upon any other highway outside of a business or residence district at any time from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, unless there shall be carried in such vehicle the following equipment except as otherwise provided in subdivision 2.

At least three flares or three red electric lanterns or three emergency reflective triangles or three portable red reflector devices, each of which shall be capable of being seen and distinguished at a distance of 500 feet under normal atmospheric conditions at nighttime.

Subd. 2.Flammables.

No person shall at any time operate a motor vehicle transporting flammable liquids in bulk or compressed flammable gases as cargo or part of cargo upon a highway unless it carries three electric lanterns or three emergency reflective triangles or three portable reflector units to be used in lieu of flares and no open burning flares shall be carried on or placed adjacent to such vehicle.

Subd. 3.Flags and reflectors.

No person shall operate any motor vehicle towing a travel trailer, any passenger bus, or any other motor vehicle or combination of vehicles of an actual gross weight or manufacturer's rated gross weight of more than 10,000 pounds at any location upon any interstate highway or freeway or upon any other highway outside of a business or residence district unless there shall be carried in such vehicle at least three emergency reflective triangles or two red, yellow, or orange flags not less than 12 inches square which shall be displayed at any time from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset under circumstances which would require the use of warning lights at night and in the manner and position governing the use of warning lights as prescribed in subdivision 5, except a flag or reflector is not required to be displayed at the ten-foot distance.

Subd. 4.Approved type.

Every flare, lantern, signal, reflective triangle or reflector required in this section shall be of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety.

Subd. 5.When used.

When any vehicle subject to the provisions of subdivision 1 or 3 is disabled upon the roadway or shoulder at any location upon an interstate highway or freeway, or upon any other highway outside of a business or residence district during the period when lighted lamps must be displayed on vehicles and such motor vehicle cannot immediately be removed from the main-traveled portion of the highway or from the shoulder, the driver or other person in charge of the vehicle shall promptly cause flares, lanterns, or other signals to be lighted and placed as warning lights upon the highway, one at the traffic side of the standing vehicle approximately ten feet rearward or forward thereof in the direction of greatest hazard to traffic, one at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by such vehicle, and one at a distance of approximately 100 feet to the front of the vehicle in the center of the traffic lane occupied by such vehicle, except:

(1) if disablement of any vehicle occurs within 500 feet of a curve, crest of a hill or other obstruction to view, the driver or other person in charge shall so place the warning signal in that direction so as to offer ample warning to other users of the highway but in no case less than 100 feet nor more than 500 feet from the disabled vehicle;

(2) if disablement of the vehicle occurs upon the roadway or shoulder of any one-way roadway of any highway, the driver or other person in charge shall place one warning signal at the traffic side of the vehicle not more than ten feet to the rear of the vehicle, one placed 100 feet to the rear of the vehicle in the center of the lane occupied by the standing vehicle, and one such signal at a distance of approximately 200 feet to the rear of the vehicle.

FIRST AID EQUIPMENT IN POLICE VEHICLES

169.751 DEFINITIONS.

(a) For the purposes of sections 169.751 to 169.753 the following words have the meanings given.

(b) "First aid equipment" means equipment for the purpose of rendering first aid to sick or injured persons as prescribed by the Department of Public Safety for its State Patrol vehicles, including materials for the application of splints to fractures.

(c) "Patrol motor vehicles" means the State Patrol motor vehicles used in law enforcement of the Department of Public Safety, the county sheriffs, and the various city, town, and other local police departments.

169.752 PATROL MOTOR VEHICLES, FIRST AID EQUIPMENT.

Every patrol motor vehicle shall be equipped with and carry first aid equipment.

History:

1953 c 651 s 2

169.753 LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TRAINED IN FIRST AID.

Law enforcement officers operating patrol motor vehicles shall be trained in the use and application of first aid equipment.

History:

1953 c 651 s 3

169.754 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]
169.755 [Repealed, 1984 c 549 s 34]
169.76 [Repealed, 1984 c 520 s 26]

TRANSPORTING PRESSURIZED GAS

169.762 PRESSURIZED FLAMMABLE GAS.

Subdivision 1.Marking required.

Any vehicle within this state which carries liquefied petroleum gas fuel or natural gas in a tank attached to the vehicle in any concealed area, including but not limited to trunks, compartments, or under the vehicle, shall display on the exterior of the vehicle the words "Pressurized Flammable Gas," or a standard abbreviation or symbol as determined by the Department of Public Safety, in block letters at least two inches high. The letters shall be of contrasting colors and shall be placed as near as possible to the area where the tank is located.

Subd. 2.Dispensing prohibition.

No person shall dispense liquefied petroleum gas fuel or natural gas into any tank in a concealed area of a vehicle unless the vehicle is in compliance with the requirements of subdivision 1.

Subd. 3.Penalty.

Any owner convicted of violating the provisions of subdivision 1 or 2 is guilty of a misdemeanor.

History:

1982 c 617 s 8

VEHICLE INSPECTIONS

169.77 [Repealed, 1993 c 26 s 11]

169.771 SPOT-CHECK OF MOTOR VEHICLE.

Subdivision 1.Inspection program.

The intent of this section is to establish a motor vehicle inspection program administered by the commissioner of public safety evidencing substantial compliance with the federal Highway Safety Act of 1966, Public Law 89-564.

Subd. 2.Inspection by state trooper.

(a) The commissioner of public safety is directed to accelerate spot-check inspections for unsafe motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment. Such inspections shall be conducted by the personnel of the State Patrol who shall give the operator of a commercial motor vehicle a signed and dated document as evidence of the inspection.

(b) However, personnel of the State Patrol may not conduct another spot inspection of a commercial motor vehicle if (1) the operator of the vehicle can show evidence of an inspection, which is free of critical defects, conducted in Minnesota according to this section or section 169.781 within the previous 90 days and (2) a state trooper does not have probable cause to believe the vehicle or its equipment is unsafe or that the operator has engaged in illegal activity. In addition, if the operator shows the state trooper evidence that the commercial motor vehicle has been inspected within the previous 90 days, but the officer has probable cause to believe the vehicle or its equipment is unsafe or to suspect illegal activity, then the vehicle may be inspected to confirm the existence or absence of an unsafe condition or of the suspected illegal activity.

(c) A vehicle stopped under this section and determined to be a covered farm vehicle as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 390.5, and not carrying hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be placarded in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 172.504, is exempt from further inspection under this section. If probable cause exists to believe the vehicle or its equipment is unsafe or illegal activity is suspected, enforcement action may be initiated.

Subd. 3.Rules.

The commissioner of public safety may establish such reasonable rules as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section, but all spot-check inspections shall be held in compliance with subdivision 2 and in such a manner that the motor vehicle operators, either private or commercial, shall not be unnecessarily inconvenienced either by extended detours, unnecessary delays, or any other unreasonable cause.

Subd. 4.Implied consent to inspection.

Use of the highways and streets of this state shall constitute consent to spot-check inspections as provided herein.

169.78 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]

169.781 ANNUAL COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSPECTION; INSPECTORS, FEE, PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

For purposes of sections 169.781 to 169.783:

(a) "Commercial motor vehicle":

(1) means a motor vehicle as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 16, paragraph (a), or combination of motor vehicles used to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle:

(i) has a gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds;

(ii) is a vehicle in a combination of more than 26,000 pounds;

(iii) is a bus; or

(iv) is of any size and is used in the transportation of hazardous materials that are required to be placarded under Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, parts 100-185; and

(2) does not include (i) a school bus or Head Start bus displaying a certificate under section 169.451, or (ii) a bus operated by the Metropolitan Council or by a local transit commission created in chapter 458A.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety.

(c) "Owner" means a person who owns, or has control, under a lease of more than 30 days' duration, of one or more commercial motor vehicles.

Subd. 2.Inspection required.

(a) It is unlawful for a person to operate or permit the operation, in violation of the requirements of paragraph (b), of:

(1) a commercial motor vehicle registered in Minnesota;

(2) special mobile equipment as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 31, and which is self-propelled, if it is mounted on a commercial motor vehicle chassis; or

(3) a vehicle used to transport passengers by a motor carrier of railroad employees under section 221.0255.

(b) A vehicle described in paragraph (a):

(1) must display a valid safety inspection decal issued by an inspector certified by the commissioner; or

(2) must carry (i) proof that the vehicle complies with federal motor vehicle inspection requirements for vehicles in interstate commerce, and (ii) a certificate of compliance with federal requirements issued by the commissioner under subdivision 9.

Subd. 3.Inspector certification; suspension and revocation; hearing.

(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;

(3) engaged in the business of repairing and servicing commercial motor vehicles; or

(4) employed by a governmental agency that owns commercial vehicles.

(c) Certification of persons described in paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (4), is effective for two years from the date of certification. The commissioner may require biennial retraining of persons holding a certificate under paragraph (b) 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 paragraph (b), clauses (1) to (4), may charge a reasonable fee for each inspection of a vehicle not owned by the person or the person's employer.

(d) 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 must be the standards prescribed in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 396.17, and in chapter III, subchapter B, appendix A.

(e) The commissioner may classify types of vehicles for inspection purposes and may issue separate classes of inspector certificates for each class.

(f) 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.

Subd. 4.Inspection report.

(a) A person performing an inspection under this section shall issue an inspection report to the owner of the commercial motor vehicle inspected. The report must include:

(1) the full name of the person performing the inspection, and the person's inspector certification number;

(2) the name of the owner of the vehicle and, if applicable, the United States Department of Transportation carrier number issued to the owner of the vehicle, or to the operator of the vehicle if other than the owner;

(3) the vehicle identification number and, if applicable, the license plate number of the vehicle;

(4) the date and location of the inspection;

(5) the vehicle components inspected and a description of the findings of the inspection, including identification of the components not in compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations; and

(6) the inspector's certification that the inspection was complete, accurate, and in compliance with the requirements of this section.

(b) The owner must retain a copy of the inspection report for at least 14 months at a location in the state where the vehicle is domiciled or maintained. The inspector must maintain a copy of the inspection report for a period of 14 months following the inspection in a location in the state where the inspector conducts business. During this period the report must be available for inspection by an authorized federal, state, or local official.

(c) The commissioner shall prescribe the form of the inspection report and revise it as necessary to comply with state and federal law and regulations. The adoption of the report form is not subject to the Administrative Procedure Act.

Subd. 5.Inspection decal; violation, penalty.

(a) A person inspecting a commercial motor vehicle shall issue an inspection decal for the vehicle if each inspected component of the vehicle complies with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The decal must state that in the month specified on the decal the vehicle was inspected and each inspected component complied with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The decal is valid for 12 months after the month specified on the decal. The commissioners of public safety and transportation shall make decals available, at a fee of not more than $2 for each decal, to persons certified to perform inspections under subdivision 3, paragraph (b). Decals are issued to inspectors by serial number and are not transferable unless approved by the commissioner.

(b) A person who, with the intent to defraud, falsely makes, duplicates, alters, or forges a decal or other writing or thing purporting to be a Minnesota inspection decal described in this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. A person who, with the intent to defraud, possesses a decal or other writing or thing falsely purporting to be a Minnesota inspection decal described in this subdivision is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

Subd. 6.Record review; random inspection; audit.

Employees of the State Patrol and motor transportation representatives of the Department of Transportation may review records required to be kept under subdivision 4, paragraph (b), and conduct random vehicle inspections and audits at the facility of an owner of a commercial motor vehicle.

Subd. 7.Disposition of revenues.

The commissioner shall pay all revenues received under this section to the commissioner of management and budget for deposit in the trunk highway fund.

Subd. 8.Violation; misdemeanor.

A violation of this section is a misdemeanor.

Subd. 9.Proof of federal inspection.

An owner of a commercial motor vehicle that is subject to and in compliance with federal motor vehicle inspection requirements for vehicles in interstate commerce may apply to the commissioner for a certificate of compliance with federal requirements. On payment of a fee equal to the fee for an inspection decal under subdivision 5, the commissioner shall issue the certificate to the applicant. This subdivision only applies to Minnesota-licensed vehicles that are not housed or maintained in Minnesota.

Subd. 10.Exemptions.

(a) This section does not apply to a vehicle operated by a motor carrier of passengers, as defined in section 221.012, subdivision 26, if the vehicle has been inspected under section 221.0252, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), clause (2), within the previous 12 months.

(b) This section does not apply to a covered farm vehicle, as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 390.5, that is not carrying hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be placarded in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 172.504.

169.782 DAILY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE INSPECTION; PENALTY.

Subdivision 1.Driver; daily inspection, report.

(a) The driver of a commercial motor vehicle shall inspect daily each commercial motor vehicle the driver has operated. A person who owns one or more commercial motor vehicles and who employs drivers for those commercial motor vehicles must require each driver to submit a written report at the completion of each day's work as required by this section. The driver of a commercial motor vehicle subject to this section is not required to prepare and submit a written report if no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver, except that the driver of a passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle shall prepare and submit a written report regardless of whether any defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver.

(b) The inspection and report must cover the following parts and accessories: service brakes, including trailer and semitrailer brake connections; parking (hand) brake; steering mechanism; lighting devices and reflectors; tires; horn; windshield wiper or wipers; rear vision mirror or mirrors; coupling devices; wheels and rims; and emergency equipment.

(c) The report must identify the vehicle and list any defect or deficiency discovered by or reported to the driver that would affect the safe operation of the vehicle or result in its mechanical breakdown. If no defect or deficiency is discovered by or reported to the driver, the report must so indicate. The driver must sign the report after completing it. In the case of a commercial motor vehicle operated by two drivers, the signature of one of the drivers satisfies the requirements of this subdivision if both drivers agree concerning the defects or deficiencies. If a driver operates more than one commercial motor vehicle during a day's work, a report must be prepared for each vehicle operated.

(d) Before operating or allowing the operation of a commercial motor vehicle on which a report has been prepared under this subdivision, the owner of the vehicle or the owner's agent must repair defects or deficiencies listed on the report that would likely affect the safe operation of the vehicle. Before allowing the commercial motor vehicle to be operated again, the owner or the owner's agent must certify, on the report listing the defect or deficiency, that the defect or deficiency has been corrected or that correction is unnecessary. A motor carrier must keep the original vehicle inspection report for at least three months after the date of inspection. The report must be available for inspection by an authorized federal, state, or local official at any time during this period.

(e) A copy of the vehicle inspection report, including a certification of corrections resulting from the report, must be carried in the commercial motor vehicle, or in the power unit of a commercial motor vehicle combination, at all times when the vehicle or power unit is operated until the next inspection report is completed under this subdivision. The copy must be made available on demand to (1) a peace officer, (2) a person authorized under section 221.221, and (3) a person described in section 299D.06.

Subd. 2.Driver; pretrip inspection.

(a) Prior to the first operation of a commercial motor vehicle following completion of a daily inspection report under subdivision 1, a driver must:

(1) review the most recent vehicle inspection report on the vehicle;

(2) determine that the vehicle is in safe operating condition; and

(3) sign the inspection report in the vehicle.

(b) The driver shall sign the report only if all defects and deficiencies listed in the report have been certified as having been corrected or as not requiring correction.

Subd. 3.Operation prohibited.

It is a misdemeanor to drive or to cause another person to drive a commercial motor vehicle that does not contain a copy of an inspection report complying with this section.

Subd. 4.Exceptions.

(a) This section does not apply to a commercial motor vehicle that is a farm truck that may be operated by a person not holding a commercial driver's license, provided that before driving the vehicle, a driver must determine that the vehicle is in safe operating condition.

(b) This section does not apply to a commercial motor vehicle held for resale by a motor vehicle dealer licensed under section 168.27.

(c) This section does not apply to a covered farm vehicle as defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 390.5, that is not carrying hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires the vehicle to be placarded in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 172.504.

169.783 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ACCIDENT; REINSPECTION.

Subdivision 1.Postcrash inspection.

(a) A peace officer responding to an accident involving a commercial motor vehicle must immediately notify the State Patrol if the accident results in:

(1) a fatality;

(2) bodily injury to a person who, as a result of the injury, immediately receives medical treatment away from the scene of the accident; or

(3) one or more motor vehicles incurring disabling damage as a result of the accident, requiring the motor vehicles to be transported away from the scene by tow truck or other motor vehicle.

(b) It is a misdemeanor for a person to drive or cause to be driven a commercial motor vehicle after such an accident unless the vehicle:

(1) has been inspected by a state trooper or other person authorized to conduct inspections under section 169.781, subdivision 3, paragraph (a), who is an employee of the Department of Public Safety or Transportation, and the person inspecting the vehicle has determined that the vehicle may safely be operated; or

(2) a waiver has been granted under subdivision 2.

Subd. 2.Waiver.

A state trooper or other authorized person called to the scene of an accident by a responding peace officer under subdivision 1 may waive the inspection requirement of that subdivision if the person determines that a postcrash inspection is not needed or cannot be accomplished without unreasonable delay. A person who grants a waiver must provide to the driver of the commercial motor vehicle for which the waiver is granted a written statement that the inspection has been waived. The written statement must include the incident report number assigned to the accident by the State Patrol.

169.79 VEHICLE REGISTRATION; DISPLAYING LICENSE PLATES.

Subdivision 1.Registration required.

No person shall operate, drive, or park a motor vehicle on any highway unless the vehicle is registered in accordance with the laws of this state and has the number plates or permit confirming that valid registration or operating authority has been obtained, except as provided in sections 168.10 and 168.12, subdivision 2f, as assigned to it by the commissioner of public safety, conspicuously displayed thereon in a manner that the view of any plate or permit is not obstructed. A plate issued under section 168.27 or a permit issued under chapter 168 may be displayed on a vehicle in conjunction with expired registration whether or not it displays the license plate to which the last registration was issued.

Subd. 2.Semitrailer.

If the vehicle is a semitrailer, the number plate displayed must be assigned to the registered owner and correlate to the documentation on file with the department.

Subd. 3.Rear display of single plate.

If the vehicle is a motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized bicycle, motorcycle sidecar, trailer registered at greater than 3,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (GVW), semitrailer, or vehicle displaying a dealer plate, then one license plate must be displayed horizontally or vertically, for a motorcycle issued vertical license plates under section 168.12, subdivision 2a, with the identifying numbers and letters facing outward from the vehicle and must be mounted on the rear of the vehicle.

Subd. 3a.Small trailer.

If the vehicle is a trailer with 3,000 pounds or less GVW with lifetime registration, the numbered plate or sticker must be adhered to the side of the trailer frame tongue near the hitch.

Subd. 4.Collector's vehicle.

If the vehicle is (1) a collector's vehicle with a pioneer, classic car, collector, or street rod license; (2) a vehicle that meets the requirements of a pioneer, classic, or street rod vehicle except that the vehicle is used for general transportation purposes; or (3) a vehicle that is of model year 1972 or earlier, not registered under section 168.10, subdivision 1c, and is used for general transportation purposes, then one plate must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle, or one plate on the front and one on the rear, at the discretion of the owner.

Subd. 5.Truck-tractor, road-tractor, or farm truck.

If the vehicle is a truck-tractor, road-tractor, or farm truck, as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 8, but excluding from that definition semitrailers and trailers, then one plate must be displayed on the front of the vehicle.

Subd. 6.Other motor vehicles.

If the motor vehicle is any kind of motor vehicle other than those provided for in subdivisions 2 to 4, one plate must be displayed on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle.

Subd. 7.Plate fastened and visible.

All plates must be (1) securely fastened so as to prevent them from swinging, (2) displayed horizontally with the identifying numbers and letters facing outward from the vehicle, and (3) mounted in the upright position. The person driving the motor vehicle shall keep the plate legible and unobstructed and free from grease, dust, or other blurring material so that the lettering is plainly visible at all times. It is unlawful to cover any assigned letters and numbers or the name of the state of origin of a license plate with any material whatever, including any clear or colorless material that affects the plate's visibility or reflectivity.

Subd. 8.Plate registration stickers.

As viewed facing the plates:

(a) License plates issued to vehicles registered under section 168.017 must display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of each plate.

(b) License plates issued to vehicles registered under section 168.127 must display either fleet registration validation stickers in the lower right corner of each plate or distinctive license plates, issued by the registrar, with "FLEET REG" displayed on the bottom center portion of each plate.

(c) License plates issued after July 1, 2008, requiring validation must display the month of expiration in the lower left corner of each plate and the year of expiration in the lower right corner of the plate.

Subd. 9.Tax-exempt vehicle marking.

Vehicles displaying tax-exempt plates issued under section 16B.581 or 168.012 must have vehicle markings that comply with section 168.012, subdivision 1.

VEHICLE INSURANCE

169.791 CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO PRODUCE PROOF OF INSURANCE.

Subdivision 1.Terms defined.

(a) For purposes of this section and sections 169.792 to 169.798, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of public safety.

(c) "District court administrator" or "court administrator" means the district court administrator or a deputy district court administrator of the district court that has jurisdiction of a violation of this section.

(d) "Insurance identification card" means a card, including in an electronic format as provided in section 65B.482, subdivision 1, issued by an obligor to an insured stating that security as required by section 65B.48 has been provided for the insured's vehicle.

(e) "Law enforcement agency" means the law enforcement agency that employed the peace officer who demanded proof of insurance under this section or section 169.792.

(f) "Peace officer" or "officer" means an employee of a political subdivision or state law enforcement agency, including the Minnesota State Patrol, who is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training and is authorized to make arrests for violations of traffic laws.

(g) "Proof of insurance" means an insurance identification card, written statement, or insurance policy as defined by section 65B.14, subdivision 2.

(h) "Vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in section 65B.43, subdivision 2, or a motorcycle as defined in section 65B.43, subdivision 13.

(i) "Written statement" means a written statement by a licensed insurance agent stating the name and address of the insured, the vehicle identification number of the insured's vehicle, that a plan of reparation security as required by section 65B.48 has been provided for the insured's vehicle, and the dates of the coverage.

(j) The definitions in section 65B.43 apply to sections 169.792 to 169.798.

Subd. 2.Requirement for driver, whether or not owner.

(a) Every driver shall have in possession at all times when operating a vehicle and shall produce on demand of a peace officer proof of insurance in force at the time of the demand covering the vehicle being operated. If the driver does not produce the required proof of insurance upon the demand of a peace officer, the driver is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who violates this section within ten years of the first of two prior convictions under this section, section 169.797, or a statute or ordinance in conformity with one of those sections. The same prosecuting authority who is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor violations of this section is responsible for prosecuting gross misdemeanor violations of this section. A driver who is not the owner of the vehicle may not be convicted under this section unless the driver knew or had reason to know that the owner did not have proof of insurance required by this section, provided that the driver provides the officer with the name and address of the owner at the time of the demand or complies with subdivision 3.

(b) The use of an electronic device to display proof of insurance does not constitute consent for a peace officer to access other contents of the electronic device.

(c) If a person uses an electronic device to display proof of insurance, a peace officer is immune from liability for any damage to the device, unless the peace officer does not exercise due care in handling the device.

Subd. 2a.Later production of proof by driver who is owner.

A driver who is the owner of the vehicle may, no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, produce proof of insurance stating that security had been provided for the vehicle that was being operated at the time of the demand to the court administrator. The required proof of insurance may be sent by mail by the driver as long as it is received no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance. If a citation is issued, no person shall be convicted of violating this section if the court administrator receives the required proof of insurance no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance. If the charge is made other than by citation, no person shall be convicted of violating this section if the person presents the required proof of insurance at the person's first court appearance after the charge is made.

Subd. 3.Later production of information by driver who is not owner.

If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the driver shall, no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, provide the district court administrator with proof of insurance or the name and address of the owner. Upon receipt of the name and address of the owner, the district court administrator shall communicate the information to the law enforcement agency.

Subd. 4.Requirement for owner who is not driver.

If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the officer may send or provide a notice to the owner of the vehicle requiring the owner to produce proof of insurance for the vehicle that was being operated at the time of the demand. Notice by mail is presumed to be received five days after mailing and shall be sent to the owner's current address or the address listed on the owner's driver's license. Within ten days after receipt of the notice, the owner shall produce the required proof of insurance to the place stated in the notice received by the owner. The required proof of insurance may be sent by mail by the owner as long as it is received within ten days. Any owner who fails to produce proof of insurance within ten days of an officer's request under this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. The peace officer may mail the citation to the owner's current address or address stated on the owner's driver's license. It is an affirmative defense to a charge against the owner that the driver used the owner's vehicle without consent, if insurance would not have been required in the absence of the unauthorized use by the driver. It is not a defense that a person failed to notify the Department of Public Safety of a change of name or address as required under section 171.11. The citation may be sent after the ten-day period.

Subd. 5.Exemptions.

Buses or other commercial vehicles operated by the Metropolitan Council, commercial vehicles required to file proof of insurance pursuant to chapter 221, and school buses as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 46, are exempt from this section.

Subd. 5a.Consecutive sentences.

The court may impose consecutive sentences for offenses arising out of a single course of conduct as permitted in section 609.035, subdivision 2.

Subd. 6.Penalty.

In addition to any sentence of imprisonment that the court may impose, the court shall impose a fine of not less than $200 nor more than the maximum fine applicable to misdemeanors upon conviction under this section. The court may allow community service in lieu of any fine imposed if the defendant is indigent. In addition to criminal penalties, a person convicted under this section is subject to revocation of a driver's license or permit to drive under section 169.792, subdivision 7, and to revocation of motor vehicle registration under section 169.792, subdivision 12.

Subd. 7.False information; penalty.

Any person who knowingly provides false information to an officer or district court administrator under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor.

169.792 REVOCATION OF LICENSE FOR FAILURE TO PRODUCE PROOF OF INSURANCE.

Subdivision 1.Implied consent.

Any driver or owner of a vehicle consents, subject to the provisions of this section and section 169.791, to the requirement of having possession of proof of insurance, and to the revocation of the person's license if the driver or owner does not produce the required proof of insurance no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, if a citation is issued, or within ten days of receipt of a written notice, if a written notice is sent or given. Any driver of a vehicle who is not the owner of the vehicle consents, subject to the provisions of this section and section 169.791, to providing to the officer the name and address of the owner of the vehicle.

Subd. 2.Requirement for driver whether or not owner.

Except as provided in subdivision 3, every driver of a vehicle shall, upon the demand of a peace officer, produce proof of insurance in force for the vehicle that was being operated at the time of the demand, to the district court administrator no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance. The required proof of insurance may be sent by the driver by mail as long as it is received no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance. A driver who is not the owner does not violate this section unless the driver knew or had reason to know that the owner did not have proof of insurance required by this section, provided that the driver provides the officer with the owner's name and address at the time of the demand or complies with subdivision 3.

Subd. 3.Requirement for driver who is not owner.

If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, then the driver shall provide the officer with the name and address of the owner at the time of the demand or shall, no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, provide the district court administrator with proof of insurance or the name and address of the owner. Upon receipt of the owner's name and address, the district court administrator shall forward the information to the law enforcement agency. If the name and address received from the driver do not match information available to the district court administrator, the district court administrator shall notify the law enforcement agency of the discrepancy.

Subd. 4.Requirement for owner who is not driver.

If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the officer may send or provide a notice to the owner requiring the owner to produce proof of insurance in force at the time of the demand covering the vehicle being operated. The notice shall be sent to the owner's current address or the address listed on the owner's driver's license. Within ten days after receipt of the notice, the owner shall produce the required proof of insurance to the place stated in the notice received by the owner. Notice to the owner by mail is presumed to be received within five days after mailing. It is not a defense that a person failed to notify the Department of Public Safety of a change of name or address as required under section 171.11.

Subd. 5.Written notice.

(a) When proof of insurance is demanded and none is in possession, the law enforcement agency may send or give the driver written notice as provided in this subdivision, unless the officer issues a citation to the driver under section 169.791 or 169.797. If the driver is not the owner and does not produce the required proof of insurance within ten days of the demand, the law enforcement agency may send or give written notice to the owner of the vehicle.

(b) Within ten days after receipt of the notice, if given, the driver or owner shall produce the required proof of insurance to the place stated in the notice. Notice to the driver or owner by mail is presumed to be received within five days after mailing. It is not a defense that a person failed to notify the Department of Public Safety of a change of name or address as required under section 171.11.

(c) The Department of Public Safety shall prescribe a form setting forth the written notice to be provided to the driver or owner. The department shall, upon request, provide a sample of the form to any law enforcement agency. The notice shall provide that the driver or owner must produce the proof of insurance to the law enforcement agency, at the place specified in the notice. The notice shall also state:

(1) that Minnesota law requires every driver and owner to produce an insurance identification card, insurance policy, or written statement indicating that the vehicle had insurance at the time of an officer's demand, no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, if a citation is issued, or within ten days of receipt of the written notice if a written notice is sent or given, provided, however, that a driver who does not own the vehicle shall provide the name and address of the owner;

(2) that if the driver fails to produce the information within the required time or if the owner fails to produce the information within ten days of receipt of the notice from the peace officer, the commissioner of public safety shall revoke the person's driver's license or permit to drive for a minimum of 30 days, and shall revoke the registration of the vehicle;

(3) that any person who displays or causes another to display an insurance identification card, insurance policy, or written statement, knowing that the insurance is not in force, is guilty of a misdemeanor; and

(4) that any person who alters or makes a fictitious identification card, insurance policy, or written statement, or knowingly displays an altered or fictitious identification card, insurance policy, or written statement, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 6.Report to commissioner of public safety.

If a driver fails to produce the required proof of insurance or name and address of the owner no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, the district court administrator shall report the failure to the commissioner. If an owner who is not the driver fails to produce the required proof of insurance, or if a driver to whom a citation has not been issued does not provide proof of insurance or the owner's name and address, within ten days of receipt of the notice, the law enforcement agency shall report the failure to the commissioner. Failure to produce proof of insurance or the owner's name and address as required by this section must be reported to the commissioner promptly regardless of the status or disposition of any related criminal charges.

Subd. 7.License revocation.

Upon receiving the notification under subdivision 6 or notification of a conviction for violation of section 169.791, the commissioner shall revoke the person's driver's license or permit to drive. The revocation shall be effective beginning 14 days after the date of notification by the district court administrator or officer to the Department of Public Safety. In order to be revoked, notice must have been mailed to the person by the commissioner at least ten days before the effective date of the revocation. If the person, before the effective date of the revocation, provides the commissioner with the proof of insurance or other verifiable insurance information as determined by the commissioner, establishing that the required insurance covered the vehicle at the time of the original demand, the revocation must not become effective. Revocation based upon receipt of a notification under subdivision 6 must be carried out regardless of the status or disposition of any related criminal charge. The person's driver's license or permit to drive shall be revoked for the longer of: (i) the period provided in section 169.797, subdivision 4, paragraph (f), including any rules adopted under that paragraph, or (ii) until the driver or owner files proof of insurance with the Department of Public Safety satisfactory to the commissioner of public safety. A license must not be revoked more than once based upon the same demand for proof of insurance.

Subd. 7a.Early reinstatement.

A person whose license or permit has been revoked under subdivision 7 may obtain a new license or permit before the expiration of the period specified in subdivision 7 if the person provides to the Department of Public Safety proof of insurance or other verifiable insurance information as determined by the commissioner, establishing that insurance covered the vehicle at the time of the original demand and that any required insurance on any vehicle registered to the person remains in effect. The person shall pay the fee required by section 171.29, subdivision 2, paragraph (a), before reinstatement. The commissioner shall make a notation on the person's driving record indicating that the person satisfied the requirements of this subdivision. A person who knowingly provides false information for purposes of this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 8.Administrative and judicial review.

At any time during a period of revocation imposed under this section, a driver or owner may request in writing a review of the order of revocation by the commissioner. Upon receiving a request, the commissioner or the commissioner's designee shall review the order, the evidence upon which the order was based, and any other material information brought to the attention of the commissioner, and determine whether sufficient cause exists to sustain the order. Within 15 days of receiving the request, the commissioner shall send the results of the review in writing to the person requesting the review. The review provided in this subdivision is not subject to the contested case provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act in sections 14.001 to 14.69.

The availability of administrative review for an order of revocation shall have no effect upon the availability of judicial review under section 171.19.

Subd. 9.

[Repealed, 1992 c 571 art 14 s 14]

Subd. 10.Termination of revocation period.

Before reinstatement of a driver's license or permit to drive, the driver or owner shall produce proof of insurance, or other form of verifiable insurance information as determined by the commissioner, indicating that the driver or owner has insurance coverage satisfactory to the commissioner. The commissioner may require the insurance identification card provided to satisfy this subdivision be certified by the insurance carrier to be noncancelable for a period not to exceed 12 months. The commissioner of public safety may also require an insurance identification card to be filed with respect to any and all vehicles required to be insured under section 65B.48 and owned by any person whose driving privileges have been revoked as provided in this section before reinstating the person's driver's license. A person who knowingly provides false information for purposes of this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 11.Exemptions.

Buses or other commercial vehicles operated by the Metropolitan Council, commercial vehicles required to file proof of insurance pursuant to chapter 221, and school buses as defined in section 171.01, subdivision 46, are exempt from this section.

Subd. 12.Vehicle registration revocation.

If a person whose driver's license or permit is revoked under subdivision 7 is also the owner of the vehicle, the commissioner shall revoke the registration of the vehicle at the same time. If the owner of the vehicle does not have a driver's license or permit to drive, the commissioner shall revoke the registration of the vehicle. The commissioner shall reinstate registration of the vehicle only upon receiving proof of insurance or other verifiable insurance information as determined by the commissioner, and proof of compliance with all other requirements for reinstatement of motor vehicle registration, including payment of required fees.

169.793 VEHICLE INSURANCE; UNLAWFUL ACTS, PENALTIES.

Subdivision 1.Acts.

It shall be unlawful for any person:

(1) to issue, to display, or cause or permit to be displayed, or have in possession, an insurance identification card, policy, or written statement knowing or having reason to know that the insurance is not in force or is not in force as to the vehicle in question;

(2) to alter or make a fictitious insurance identification card, policy, or written statement; and

(3) to display an altered or fictitious insurance identification card, insurance policy, or written statement knowing or having reason to know that the proof has been altered or is fictitious.

Subd. 2.Penalty.

Any person who violates any of the provisions of subdivision 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor. In addition to any sentence of imprisonment that the court may impose, the court shall impose a fine of not less than $200 nor more than the maximum fine applicable to misdemeanors. The court may allow community service in lieu of any fine imposed if the defendant is indigent.

169.794 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 79]

169.795 VEHICLE INSURANCE RULES.

The commissioner of public safety shall adopt rules necessary to implement sections 168.041, subdivision 4; 169.09, subdivision 14; and 169.791 to 169.796.

169.796 VERIFICATION OF INSURANCE COVERAGE.

Subdivision 1.Release of information.

An insurance company shall release information to the Department of Public Safety or the law enforcement authorities necessary to the verification of insurance coverage. An insurance company or its agent acting on its behalf, or an authorized person who releases the above information, whether oral or written, acting in good faith, is immune from any liability, civil or criminal, arising in connection with the release of the information.

Subd. 2.Receipt of data by electronic transfer.

The commissioner may, in the commissioner's discretion, agree to receive by electronic transfer any information required by this chapter to be provided to the commissioner by an insurance company.

Subd. 3.

[Repealed, 2007 c 22 s 1]

169.7961 [Repealed, 2014 c 255 s 21]

169.797 PENALTIES FOR FAILURE TO PROVIDE VEHICLE INSURANCE.

Subdivision 1.Tort liability.

Every owner of a vehicle for which security has not been provided as required by section 65B.48, shall not by the provisions of chapter 65B be relieved of tort liability arising out of the operation, ownership, maintenance, or use of the vehicle.

Subd. 2.Violation by owner.

Any owner of a vehicle with respect to which security is required under sections 65B.41 to 65B.71 who operates the vehicle or permits it to be operated upon a public highway, street, or road in this state and who knows or has reason to know that the vehicle does not have security complying with the terms of section 65B.48 is guilty of a crime and shall be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4.

Subd. 3.Violation by driver.

Any person who operates a vehicle upon a public highway, street, or road in this state who knows or has reason to know that the owner does not have security complying with the terms of section 65B.48 in full force and effect is guilty of a crime and shall be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4.

Subd. 3a.False statements.

Any owner of a vehicle who falsely claims to have a plan of reparation security in effect at the time of registration of a vehicle pursuant to section 65B.48 is guilty of a crime and shall be sentenced as provided in subdivision 4.

Subd. 4.Penalty.

(a) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. A person is guilty of a gross misdemeanor who violates this section within ten years of the first of two prior convictions under this section, section 169.791, or a statute or ordinance in conformity with one of those sections. The operator of a vehicle who violates subdivision 3 and who causes or contributes to causing a vehicle accident that results in the death of any person or in substantial bodily harm to any person, as defined in section 609.02, subdivision 7a, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor. The same prosecuting authority who is responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor violations of this section is responsible for prosecuting gross misdemeanor violations of this section. In addition to any sentence of imprisonment that the court may impose on a person convicted of violating this section, the court shall impose a fine of not less than $200 nor more than the maximum amount authorized by law. The court may allow community service in lieu of any fine imposed if the defendant is indigent.

(b) A driver who is the owner of the vehicle may, no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, produce proof of insurance stating that security had been provided for the vehicle that was being operated at the time of demand to the court administrator. The required proof of insurance may be sent by mail by the driver as long as it is received no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance. If a citation is issued, no person shall be convicted of violating this section if the court administrator receives the required proof of insurance no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance. If the charge is made other than by citation, no person shall be convicted of violating this section if the person presents the required proof of insurance at the person's first court appearance after the charge is made.

(c) If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the driver shall, no later than the date and time specified in the citation for the driver's first court appearance, provide the district court administrator with proof of insurance or the name and address of the owner. Upon receipt of the name and address of the owner, the district court administrator shall communicate the information to the law enforcement agency.

(d) If the driver is not the owner of the vehicle, the officer may send or provide a notice to the owner of the vehicle requiring the owner to produce proof of insurance for the vehicle that was being operated at the time of the demand. Notice by mail is presumed to be received five days after mailing and shall be sent to the owner's current address or the address listed on the owner's driver's license. Within ten days after receipt of the notice, the owner shall produce the required proof of insurance to the place stated in the notice received by the owner. The required proof of insurance may be sent by mail by the owner as long as it is received within ten days. Any owner who fails to produce proof of insurance within ten days of an officer's request under this subdivision is guilty of a misdemeanor. The peace officer may mail the citation to the owner's current address or address stated on the owner's driver's license. It is an affirmative defense to a charge against the owner that the driver used the owner's vehicle without consent, if insurance would not have been required in the absence of the unauthorized use by the driver. It is not a defense that a person failed to notify the Department of Public Safety of a change of name or address as required under section 171.11. The citation may be sent after the ten-day period.

(e) The court may impose consecutive sentences for offenses arising out of a single course of conduct as permitted in section 609.035, subdivision 2.

(f) In addition to the criminal penalty, the driver's license of an operator convicted under this section shall be revoked for not more than 12 months. If the operator is also an owner of the vehicle, the registration of the vehicle shall also be revoked for not more than 12 months. Before reinstatement of a driver's license or registration, the operator shall file with the commissioner of public safety the written certificate of an insurance carrier authorized to do business in this state stating that security has been provided by the operator as required by section 65B.48.

(g) The commissioner shall include a notice of the penalties contained in this section on all forms for registration of vehicles required to maintain a plan of reparation security.

Subd. 4a.Registration revocation and license suspension.

The commissioner of public safety shall revoke the registration of any vehicle and shall suspend the driver's license of any operator, without preliminary hearing upon a showing by department records, including accident reports required to be submitted by section 169.09, or other sufficient evidence that security required by section 65B.48 has not been provided and maintained. Before reinstatement of the registration, there shall be filed with the commissioner of public safety the written certificate of an insurance carrier authorized to do business in the state stating that security has been provided as required by section 65B.48. The commissioner of public safety may require the certificate of insurance provided to satisfy this subdivision to be certified by the insurance carrier to be noncancelable for a period not to exceed one year. The commissioner of public safety may also require a certificate of insurance to be filed with respect to all vehicles required to be insured under section 65B.48 and owned by any person whose driving privileges have been suspended or revoked as provided in this section before reinstating the person's driver's license.

Subd. 5.Nonresident.

When a nonresident's operating privilege is suspended pursuant to this section, the commissioner of public safety or a designee shall transmit a copy of the record of the action to the official in charge of the issuance of licenses in the state in which the nonresident resides.

Subd. 6.License suspension.

Upon receipt of notification that the operating privilege of a resident of this state has been suspended or revoked in any other state pursuant to a law providing for its suspension or revocation for failure to deposit security for the payment of judgments arising out of a vehicle accident, or for failure to provide security covering a vehicle if required by the laws of that state, the commissioner of public safety shall suspend the operator's license of the resident until the resident furnishes evidence of compliance with the laws of this state and if applicable the laws of the other state.

Subd. 7.Notice of suspension.

A driver's license suspension under this section is subject to the notice requirements of section 171.18, subdivision 2.

169.798 RULES OF COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

Subdivision 1.Authority.

The commissioner of public safety shall have the power and perform the duties imposed by this section and sections 65B.41 to 65B.71 and 169.797 and may adopt rules to implement and provide effective administration of the provisions requiring security and governing termination of security.

Subd. 2.Evidence of security required.

The commissioner of public safety may by rule provide that vehicles owned by certain persons may not be registered in this state unless satisfactory evidence is furnished that security has been provided as required by section 65B.48. If a person who is required to furnish evidence ceases to maintain security, the person shall immediately surrender the registration certificate and license plates for the vehicle. These requirements may be imposed if:

(1) the registrant has not previously registered a vehicle in this state; or

(2) an owner or operator of the vehicle has previously failed to comply with the security requirements of sections 65B.41 to 65B.71 or of prior law; or

(3) the driving record of an owner or operator of the vehicle evidences a continuing disregard of the laws of this state enacted to protect the public safety; or

(4) other circumstances indicate that action is necessary to effectuate the purposes of sections 65B.41 to 65B.71.

Subd. 3.Security not required.

No owner of a boat, snowmobile, or utility trailer registered for a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less shall be required by the commissioner of public safety to furnish evidence that the security required by section 65B.48 has been provided.

Subd. 4. Insurance information required.

Every owner, when applying for motor vehicle or motorcycle registration, reregistration, or transfer of ownership, must provide information showing that the motor vehicle or motorcycle is covered by an insurance policy. Information required under this subdivision consists of the insurance company's name, the policy number, and the policy expiration date for the subject motor vehicle or motorcycle.

169.799 [Repealed, 1Sp2003 c 19 art 2 s 79]

REQUIREMENT TO SHOW RENTAL AGREEMENT

169.7995 FAILURE TO PRODUCE RENTAL OR LEASE AGREEMENT.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

As used in this section:

(1) "rental or lease agreement" means a written agreement to rent or lease a motor vehicle that contains the name, address, and driver's license number of the renter or lessee; and

(2) "person" has the meaning given the term in section 645.44, subdivision 7.

Subd. 2.Requirement.

Every person who rents or leases a motor vehicle in this state for a time period of less than 180 days shall have the rental or lease agreement covering the vehicle in possession at all times when operating the vehicle and shall produce it upon the demand of a peace officer. If the person is unable to produce the rental or lease agreement upon the demand of a peace officer, the person shall, within 14 days after the demand, produce the rental or lease agreement to the place stated in the notice provided by the peace officer. The rental or lease agreement may be mailed by the person as long as it is received within 14 days.

Subd. 3.Penalty.

A person who fails to produce a rental or lease agreement as required by this section is guilty of a misdemeanor. The peace officer may mail the citation to the address given by the person or to the address stated on the driver's license, and this service by mail is valid notwithstanding section 629.34. It is not a defense that the person failed to notify the Department of Public Safety of a change of name or address as required under section 171.11. The citation may be sent after the 14-day period.

Subd. 4.False or fictitious rental or lease agreement.

It is a misdemeanor for any person to alter or make a fictitious rental or lease agreement, or to display an altered or fictitious rental or lease agreement knowing or having reason to know the agreement is altered or fictitious.

SIZE, WEIGHT, AND LOAD RESTRICTIONS AND PERMITS

169.80 SIZE, WEIGHT, LOAD.

Subdivision 1.Limitations; misdemeanor.

(a) 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) 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.

(e) The provisions of sections 169.80 to 169.88 governing size, weight, and load do not apply to a vehicle operated under the terms of a special permit issued as provided by law.

Subd. 2.Outside width.

(a) The total outside width of a vehicle exclusive of rearview 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 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.

(b) 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.

(c) 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.

(d) The total outside width of a passenger motor bus, operated exclusively in a city or contiguous cities in this state, may not exceed nine feet.

(e) The maximum width limitation in paragraph (a) for a recreational vehicle as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 27, is exclusive of appurtenances on the recreational vehicle that do not extend beyond the width of the exterior rearview mirror of the recreational vehicle if the recreational vehicle is self-propelled, or the exterior rearview mirror of the towing vehicle if the recreational vehicle is towed.

Subd. 2a.

[Repealed, 1983 c 198 s 15]

Subd. 3.Load on passenger vehicle.

No passenger-type vehicle shall be operated on any highway with any load carried thereon extending beyond the line of the fenders on the left side of such vehicle nor extending more than six inches beyond the line of the fenders on the right side thereof.

169.801 IMPLEMENT 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 an implement of husbandry while operated in compliance with this section.

Subd. 2.Weight restrictions.

(a) 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 500 pounds per inch of tire width.

(b) A person operating or towing an implement of husbandry on a bridge must comply with the gross weight limitations provided in section 169.824.

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.

Subd. 4.Bridge posting.

Despite subdivision 2, a person operating or towing an implement of husbandry must comply with a sign that limits the maximum weight allowed on a bridge.

Subd. 5.Height and width.

A person operating or towing an implement of husbandry that is higher than 13 feet six inches or wider than allowed under section 169.80, subdivision 2, must ensure that the operation or transportation does not damage a highway structure, utility line or structure, or other fixture adjacent to or over a public highway.

Subd. 6.Speed.

No person may operate or tow an implement of husbandry at a speed of more than 30 miles per hour.

Subd. 7.Driving rules.

(a) An implement of husbandry may not be operated or towed on an interstate highway.

(b) An implement of husbandry may be operated or towed to the left of the center of a roadway only if it is escorted at the front by a vehicle displaying hazard warning lights visible in normal sunlight and the operation does not extend into the left half of the roadway more than is necessary.

Subd. 8.Lights.

An implement of husbandry must be equipped with lights that comply with section 169.55, subdivisions 2 and 3.

Subd. 9.Slow-moving vehicle emblem.

An implement of husbandry must comply with section 169.522.

Subd. 10.Brakes.

Notwithstanding section 169.67:

(a) A self-propelled implement of husbandry must be equipped with brakes adequate to control its movement and to stop and hold it and any vehicle it is towing.

(b) A towed implement of husbandry must be equipped with brakes adequate to control its movement and to stop and hold it, unless the implement of husbandry is in a combination of vehicles that meets the requirements of section 169.67, subdivision 5.

(c) If a towed implement of husbandry with a gross vehicle weight of more than 6,000 pounds, or more than 3,000 pounds if manufactured after January 1, 2011, is required under paragraph (b) to have brakes, it must also be equipped with brakes adequate to stop and hold it if it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.

169.81 HEIGHT AND LENGTH LIMITATIONS.

Subdivision 1.Height.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), no vehicle unladen or with load shall exceed a height of 13 feet six inches.

(b) A double-deck bus may not exceed a height of 14 feet three inches. Any carrier operating a double-deck bus exceeding 13 feet six inches shall obtain from the commissioner, with respect to highways under the commissioner's jurisdiction, and from local authorities, with respect to highways under their jurisdiction, an annual permit to operate the bus upon any highway under the jurisdiction of the party granting the permit. Annual permits shall be issued in accordance with applicable provisions of section 169.86. The fee for an annual permit issued by the commissioner is as provided in section 169.86, subdivision 5.

Subd. 2.Length of single vehicle; exceptions.

(a) Statewide, no single vehicle may exceed 45 feet in overall length, including load and front and rear bumpers, except mobile cranes, which may not exceed 48 feet in overall length.

(b) Statewide, no semitrailer may exceed 48 feet in overall length, including bumper and load, but excluding non-cargo-carrying equipment, such as refrigeration units or air compressors, necessary for safe and efficient operation and located on the end of the semitrailer adjacent to the truck-tractor. However, statewide, a single semitrailer may exceed 48 feet, but not 53 feet, if the distance from the kingpin to the centerline of the rear axle group of the semitrailer does not exceed 43 feet.

(c) Statewide, no single trailer may have an overall length exceeding 45 feet, including the tow bar assembly but exclusive of rear bumpers that do not increase the overall length by more than six inches.

(d) For determining compliance with this subdivision, the length of the semitrailer or trailer must be determined separately from the overall length of the combination of vehicles.

(e) No semitrailer or trailer used in a three-vehicle combination may have an overall length in excess of 28-1/2 feet, exclusive of:

(1) non-cargo-carrying accessory equipment, including refrigeration units or air compressors and upper coupler plates, necessary for safe and efficient operation, located on the end of the semitrailer or trailer adjacent to the truck or truck-tractor;

(2) the tow bar assembly; and

(3) lower coupler equipment that is a fixed part of the rear end of the first semitrailer or trailer.

Subd. 2a.Number of units in vehicle combination; generally, exceptions.

(a) Statewide, no combination of vehicles coupled together may consist of more than two units, except as provided in paragraph (b).

(b) Three-unit combinations may only be used as provided for in subdivisions 3, paragraph (c); 3c; 8; and 10. Further, vehicles transporting milk from the point of production to the point of first processing may consist of no more than three units. Mount combinations, consisting of a truck or truck-tractor transporting similar vehicles by having the front axle of the transported vehicle mounted onto the center of the rear part of the preceding vehicle, may be used.

Subd. 3.Length of vehicle combinations.

(a) Statewide, except on the highways identified under provisions in paragraph (c), no combination of vehicles may exceed a total length of 75 feet.

(b) However, the total length limitation does not apply to combinations of vehicles transporting:

(1) telephone poles, electric light and power poles, piling, or pole-length pulpwood; or

(2) pipe or other objects by a public utility when required for emergency or repair of public service facilities or when operated under special permits as provided in section 169.86.

These combinations of vehicles must be equipped with sufficient clearance markers, or lamps for night transportation, on both sides and upon the extreme ends of a projecting load to clearly mark the dimensions of the load.

(c) The following combination of vehicles regularly engaged in the transportation of commodities, property, or equipment may operate only on divided highways having four or more lanes of travel, and on other highways as may be designated by the commissioner of transportation subject to section 169.87, subdivision 1, and subject to the approval of the authority having jurisdiction over the highway, for the purpose of providing reasonable access between the divided highways of four or more lanes of travel and terminals, facilities for food, fuel, repair, and rest, and points of loading and unloading for household goods carriers, livestock carriers, or for the purpose of providing continuity of route:

(1) a truck-tractor and semitrailer exceeding 75 feet in length;

(2) a combination of vehicles including a truck-tractor and semitrailer drawing one additional semitrailer which may be equipped with an auxiliary dolly;

(3) a combination of vehicles including a truck-tractor and semitrailer drawing one full trailer;

(4) a truck-tractor and semitrailer designed and used exclusively for the transportation of motor vehicles or boats and exceeding an overall length of 75 feet including the load; and

(5) a truck or truck-tractor transporting similar vehicles by having the front axle of the transported vehicle mounted onto the center or rear part of the preceding vehicle, defined in Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections 390.5 and 393.5 as drive-away saddlemount combinations or drive-away saddlemount vehicle transporter combinations, when the overall length exceeds 75 feet but does not exceed 97 feet.

(d) Vehicles operated under the provisions of this section must conform to the standards for those vehicles prescribed by the United States Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety, as amended.

Subd. 3a.

[Repealed, 1983 c 198 s 15]

Subd. 3b.

[Repealed, 1983 c 198 s 15]

Subd. 3c.Recreational vehicle combination.

Notwithstanding subdivision 3, a recreational vehicle combination may be operated without a permit if:

(1) the combination does not consist of more than three vehicles, and the towing rating of the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor is equal to or greater than the total weight of all vehicles being towed;

(2) the combination does not exceed 70 feet in length;

(3) the operator of the combination is at least 18 years of age;

(4) the trailer is only carrying watercraft, motorcycles, motorized bicycles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized golf carts, or equestrian equipment or supplies, and meets all requirements of law;

(5) the vehicles in the combination are connected to the full-size pickup truck or recreational truck-tractor and each other in conformity with section 169.82; and

(6) the combination is not operated within the seven-county metropolitan area, as defined in section 473.121, subdivision 2, during the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays.

Subd. 3d.Combination including automobile tow dolly.

Notwithstanding subdivisions 2a and 3, a combination consisting of a single-unit truck or a pickup truck and not more than two two-wheeled automobile tow dollies may be operated without a permit when:

(1) the combination is operated by an employee or agent of an automobile tow dolly manufacturer or a truck rental company;

(2) no vehicle is being transported on either dolly; and

(3) the combination does not exceed 50 feet in length.

Subd. 3e.Articulated buses.

Notwithstanding subdivision 2, a motor carrier of passengers registered under section 221.0252 may operate without a permit an articulated bus of up to 61 feet in length.

Subd. 3f.Length limits exclusion; aerodynamic device.

An aerodynamic device that meets the requirements under Code of Federal Regulations, title 23, section 658.16 (b)(4), is excluded from each calculation of length under subdivision 2, 3, or 3c, including (1) total vehicle length; and (2) length of a semitrailer or trailer, whether in a vehicle combination or not.

Subd. 4.Projecting loads.

The load upon any vehicle operated alone, or the load upon the front vehicle of a combination of vehicles, shall not extend more than three feet beyond the front wheels of such vehicle or the front bumper of such vehicle if it is equipped with such a bumper.

Subd. 5.Manner of loading.

(a) A vehicle must not be driven or moved on any highway unless the vehicle is so constructed, loaded, or the load securely covered as to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking, blowing, or otherwise escaping.

(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a vehicle or combination of vehicles may:

(1) drop sand to secure traction;

(2) sprinkle water or other substances to clean or maintain the roadway; or

(3) leak liquid from thawing sugar beets only if transporting unprocessed sugar beets.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to motor vehicles operated by a farmer or the farmer's agent when transporting produce such as small grains, shelled corn, soybeans, or other farm produce of a size and density not likely to cause injury to persons or damage to property on escaping in small amounts from a vehicle.

(d) A violation of this subdivision by a vehicle that is carrying farm produce and that is not exempted under paragraph (c) is a petty misdemeanor.

Subd. 5a.Firewood load.

No vehicle that has a cargo area without a rear wall may be driven or moved on a trunk highway with a load of cut firewood of less than three feet in length unless the rear of the cargo area is covered with a material of sufficient strength to prevent any part of the load from escaping from the rear. No person shall transport firewood in any vehicle in an unsafe manner. Violation of this subdivision is a petty misdemeanor except that a peace officer may issue a citation that amounts to a warning (1) for a first offense, and (2) if, in the judgment of the citing peace officer at the site, the load of firewood is made safe for transport.

Subd. 5b.Securing load; exceptions.

(a) The driver of a vehicle transporting sand, gravel, aggregate, dirt, lime rock, silica, or similar material shall ensure that the cargo compartment of the vehicle is securely covered if:

(1) the vertical distance from the top of an exterior wall of the cargo compartment to the load, when measured downward along the inside surface of the wall, is less than six inches; or

(2) the horizontal distance from the top of an exterior wall of the cargo compartment to the load is less than two feet.

(b) The driver shall not operate a vehicle to transport sand, gravel, aggregate, dirt, lime rock, silica, or similar material in or on any part of the vehicle other than in the cargo container. The driver shall clean the vehicle of loose sand, gravel, aggregate, dirt, lime rock, silica, or similar material before the vehicle is moved on a road, street, or highway following loading or unloading.

(c) A driver of a vehicle used to transport garbage, rubbish, trash, debris, or similar material is not required to cover the transported material as long as (1) the vehicle is being operated at a speed less than 30 miles per hour, (2) the vehicle is not being operated on an interstate highway, and (3) no part of the load escapes from the vehicle. A driver shall immediately retrieve material that escapes from the vehicle, when safe to do so.

Subd. 6.

[Repealed, 1967 c 215 s 2]

Subd. 7.

[Repealed, 1983 c 198 s 15]

Subd. 8.Livestock or poultry loading chute trailer.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subdivisions 2 and 3, a farm truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 8, including a single-unit truck or a combination of vehicles of no more than two units and otherwise not exceeding the size and weight limitations prescribed by law, and a livestock or poultry truck, including a single-unit truck or a combination of vehicles of no more than two units and not otherwise exceeding the size and weight limitations prescribed by law, owned or operated by a livestock or poultry carrier and used primarily for transporting livestock or poultry for hire, may draw one additional two-wheel trailer, the loaded weight of which does not exceed 3,000 pounds, for the sole purpose of transporting a livestock or poultry loading chute; provided that such two-wheel trailer shall not be drawn by a two-unit combination on the public highways of this state beyond a ten-mile radius of the home post office of the owner or operator of the two-unit combination. The two-wheel trailer used solely for transporting a livestock or poultry chute is special mobile equipment.

Subd. 9.Application of subdivision 8.

Subdivision 8 shall not apply to the seven-county metropolitan area.

Subd. 10.Pickup truck; limitation on drawing trailer.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section or any other law to the contrary, a pickup truck used primarily in the production or transportation of liquid fertilizer, anhydrous ammonia, or any agricultural commodity as defined in section 17.53, subdivision 2, may draw not to exceed two empty trailers when the resulting combination does not exceed the size and weight limitations otherwise prescribed by law. A pickup truck when drawing two trailers shall not be operated on the highways of this state beyond a 35-mile radius of the home post office of the owner of the pickup truck nor at a speed exceeding 35 miles per hour.

Subd. 11.Automobile transporter.

(a) For purposes of this subdivision, the following terms have the meanings given them:

(1) "automobile transporter" means any vehicle combination designed and used to transport assembled highway vehicles, including truck camper units;

(2) "stinger-steered combination automobile transporter" means a truck tractor semitrailer having the fifth wheel located on a drop frame located behind and below the rear-most axle of the power unit; and

(3) "backhaul" means the return trip of a vehicle transporting cargo or general freight, including when carrying goods back over all or part of the same route.

(b) Stinger-steered combination automobile transporters having a length of 80 feet or less may be operated on interstate highways and other highways designated in this section, and in addition may carry a load that extends the length by four feet or less in the front of the vehicle and six feet or less in the rear of the vehicle.

(c) An automobile transporter may transport cargo or general freight on a backhaul, provided it complies with weight limitations for a truck tractor and semitrailer combination under section 169.824.

Subd. 12.Towaway trailer transporter combinations.

An unladen power unit may tow two trailers or semitrailers when the combination (1) is not used to carry property, (2) does not exceed 82 feet in length, and (3) has a total gross weight that does not exceed 26,000 pounds. The trailers or semitrailers must consist of inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor, or dealer of the trailers or semitrailers.

169.812 ESCORT VEHICLES FOR OVERDIMENSIONAL LOADS; DEFINITIONS; REQUIREMENTS.

Subdivision 1.Definitions.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given.

(b) "Licensed peace officer" means a law enforcement officer licensed under sections 626.84 to 626.863, who holds a certificate under section 299D.085, and who may operate an authorized emergency vehicle and direct and control traffic and require traffic to yield to an overdimensional load.

(c) "Escort driver" means an individual who holds a certificate under section 299D.085 and is authorized to control and direct traffic as a flagger during the movement of an overdimensional load following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards as defined by the Federal Highway Administration and section 169.06, subdivision 4.

(d) "Flagger" means a person who actively controls the flow of vehicular traffic into, through, or into and through a temporary traffic control zone using hand-signaling devices or an automated flagger assistance device.

(e) "Overdimensional load" is a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight of vehicle or load exceeding the maximum specified in this chapter, or otherwise not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter.

Subd. 2.Escort vehicles required; width.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e), no escort vehicle is required if the width of an overdimensional load is 15 feet or less as measured at the bottom of the load or is 16 feet or less as measured at the top of the load.

(b) Only one rear escort vehicle is required on a multilane divided roadway if the width of an overdimensional load is more than 15 feet as measured at the bottom of the load or is more than 16 feet as measured at the top of the load.

(c) Only one lead escort vehicle and one rear escort vehicle is required on any undivided roadway if the width of an overdimensional load is more than 15 feet as measured at the bottom of the load or is more than 16 feet as measured at the top of the load.

(d) One lead escort vehicle, one rear escort vehicle, and one lead licensed peace officer is required when any part of an overdimensional load or a vehicle transporting an overdimensional load extends beyond the left of the centerline on an undivided roadway.

(e) The commissioner may require additional escorts when deemed necessary to protect public safety or to ensure against undue damage to the road foundations, surfaces, or structures. The commissioner must specify in the permit (1) the number of additional escorts required; and (2) whether the operators of the escort vehicles must be licensed peace officers or may be escort drivers, as defined in subdivision 1.

Subd. 3.Escort vehicles required; length.

(a) When a vehicle transporting an overdimensional load is operated on a multilane divided roadway:

(1) only one rear escort vehicle is required if the overdimensional load has an overall length exceeding 110 feet; or

(2) only one lead escort vehicle and one rear escort vehicle is required if the overdimensional load has an overall length exceeding 150 feet.

(b) One lead escort vehicle and one rear escort vehicle is required on any undivided roadway if the overall length of the overdimensional load exceeds 110 feet.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b), the commissioner may require additional escorts when deemed necessary to protect public safety or to ensure against undue damage to the road foundations, surfaces, or structures. The commissioner must specify in the permit (1) the number of additional escorts required; and (2) whether the operators of the escort vehicles must be licensed peace officers or may be escort drivers, as defined in subdivision 1.

169.82 TRAILER EQUIPMENT.

Subdivision 1.Connection to towing vehicle.

(a) When one vehicle is towing another the drawbar or other connection must be of sufficient strength to pull the weight being towed.

(b) The drawbar or other connection may not exceed 15 feet from one vehicle to the other. 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, the connection must display a white, red, yellow, or orange flag or cloth not less than 12 inches square.

Subd. 3.Hitch, chain, or cable.

(a) Every trailer or semitrailer must be hitched to the towing motor vehicle by a device approved by the commissioner of public safety.

(b) Every trailer and semitrailer must be equipped with safety chains or cables permanently attached to the trailer except in cases where the coupling device is a regulation fifth wheel and kingpin assembly approved by the commissioner of public safety. In towing, the chains or cables must be attached to the vehicles near the points of bumper attachments to the chassis of each vehicle, and must be of sufficient strength to control the trailer in the event of failure of the towing device. The length of chain or cable must be no more than necessary to permit free turning of the vehicles. A minimum fine of $25 must be imposed for a violation of this paragraph.

(c) This subdivision does not apply to towed implements of husbandry.

(d) No person may be charged with a violation of this section solely by reason of violating a maximum speed prescribed in section 169.67 or 169.801.

169.822 WEIGHT LIMITATIONS; DEFINITIONS.

Subdivision 1.Scope.

The terms in sections 169.822 to 169.829 shall have the meanings given them.

Subd. 2.Gross weight.

"Gross weight" means the weight on any single wheel, single axle or group of consecutive axles and the gross vehicle weight.

Subd. 3.Single axle.

"Single axle" includes all wheels whose centers may be included within two parallel transverse vertical planes 40 inches apart.

Subd. 4.Single wheel.

"Single wheel" includes two or more wheels with centers less than 48 inches apart on an axle.

Subd. 5.Tandem axles.

"Tandem axles" means two consecutive axles whose centers are spaced more than 40 inches and not more than 96 inches apart.

Subd. 6.Tire width.

"Tire width" means the manufacturer's width as shown on the tire or the width at the widest part of the tire excluding protective side ribs, bars and decorations.

Subd. 7.Tridem axles.

"Tridem axles" mean three axles spaced within 9 feet or less.

Subd. 8.Variable load axle.

"Variable load axle" means any axle which is specifically designed so that, through use of an actuating control, the wheels may be lifted so that the wheels do not contact the road surface or may be lowered to carry loads of varying weights when in contact with the road surface.

169.823 TIRE WEIGHT LIMITS.

Subdivision 1.Pneumatic-tired vehicle.

No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state:

(1) where the gross weight on any wheel exceeds 9,000 pounds on an unpaved street or highway or 10,000 pounds on a paved street or highway, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1;

(2) where the gross weight on any single axle exceeds 18,000 pounds on an unpaved street or highway or 20,000 pounds on a paved street or highway, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1;

(3) where the maximum wheel load:

(i) on the foremost and rearmost steering axles, exceeds 600 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less; or

(ii) on other axles, exceeds 500 pounds per inch of tire width or the manufacturer's recommended load, whichever is less; or

(4) where the gross weight on any group of axles exceeds the weights permitted under sections 169.823 to 169.829 with any or all of the interior axles disregarded, and with an exterior axle disregarded if the exterior axle is a variable load axle that is not carrying its intended weight, and their gross weights subtracted from the gross weight of all axles of the group under consideration.

Subd. 2.Vehicle not equipped with pneumatic tires.

A vehicle or combination of vehicles not equipped with pneumatic tires shall be governed by the provisions of sections 169.823 to 169.829, except that the gross weight limitations shall be reduced by 40 percent.

169.824 GROSS WEIGHT SCHEDULE.

Subdivision 1.Table of axle weight limits.

(a) No vehicle or combination of vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires shall be operated upon the highways of this state where the total gross weight on any group of two or more consecutive axles of any vehicle or combination of vehicles exceeds that given in the following axle weight limits table for the distance between the centers of the first and last axles of any group of two or more consecutive axles under consideration. Unless otherwise noted, the distance between axles must be measured longitudinally to the nearest even foot, and when the measurement is a fraction of exactly one-half foot the next largest whole number in feet shall be used, except that when the distance between axles is more than three feet four inches and less than three feet six inches the distance of four feet shall be used.

Axle Weight Limits
Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of
2 3 4
Distances in feet
between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of a group
consecutive axles of
a 2-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 2 or
more axles
consecutive axles of a 3-axle vehicle or any combination of
vehicles having a total
of 3 or more axles
consecutive axles of a 4-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 4 or more axles
4 34,000
5 34,000
6 34,000
7 34,000 34,000
8 34,000 34,000
8 plus 34,000 42,000
(38,000)
9 35,000 43,000
(39,000)
10 36,000 43,500 49,000
(40,000)
11 36,000 44,500 49,500
12 45,000 50,000
13 46,000 51,000
14 46,500 51,500
15 47,500 52,000
16 48,000 53,000
17 49,000 53,500
18 49,500 54,000
19 50,500 55,000
20 51,000 55,500
21 52,000 56,000
22 52,500 57,000
23 53,500 57,500
24 54,000 58,000
25 (55,000) 59,000
26 (55,500) 59,500
27 (56,500) 60,000
28 (57,000) 61,000
29 (58,000) 61,500
30 (58,500) 62,000
31 (59,500) 63,000
32 (60,000) 63,500
33 64,000
34 65,000
35 65,500
36 66,000
37 67,000
38 67,500
39 68,000
40 69,000
41 69,500
42 70,000
43 71,000
44 71,500
45 72,000
46 72,500
47 (73,500)
48 (74,000)
49 (74,500)
50 (75,500)
51 (76,000)
52 (76,500)
53 (77,500)
54 (78,000)
55 (78,500)
56 (79,500)
57 (80,000)

(b) The maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles, where the distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of any axle group is seven feet or eight feet, is 34,000 pounds, except for vehicles manufactured before August 1, 1991. Notwithstanding any lesser weight shown in the axle weight limits table, for vehicles manufactured before August 1, 1991:

(1) the maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles, where the distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of any axle group is seven feet, is 37,000 pounds; and

(2) the maximum gross weight on a group of three consecutive axles, where the distance between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of any axle group is eight feet, is 38,500 pounds.

(c) "8 plus" refers to any distance greater than eight feet but less than nine feet.

Axle Weight Limits (continued)
Maximum gross weight in pounds on a group of
5 6 7 8
Distances in feet between centers of foremost and rearmost axles of a group consecutive axles of a 5-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 5 or more axles consecutive axles of a 6-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 6 or more axles consecutive axles of a 7-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 7 or more axles consecutive axles of an 8-axle vehicle or any combination of vehicles having a total of 8 or more axles
14 57,000
15 57,500
16 58,000
17 59,000
18 59,500
19 60,000
20 60,500 66,000 72,000
21 61,500 67,000 72,500
22 62,000 67,500 73,000
23 62,500 68,000 73,500
24 63,000 68,500 74,000
25 64,000 69,000 75,000
26 64,500 70,000 75,500
27 65,000 70,500 76,000
28 65,500 71,000 76,500
29 66,500 71,500 77,000
30 67,000 72,000 77,500
31 67,500 73,000 78,500
32 68,000 73,500 79,000
33 69,000 74,000 79,500
34 69,500 74,500 80,000
35 70,000 75,000 (80,500) (86,000)
36 70,500 76,000 (81,000) (86,500)
37 71,500 76,500 (81,500) (87,000)
38 72,000 77,000 (82,000) (87,500)
39 72,500 77,500 (82,500) (88,500)
40 73,000 78,000 (83,500) (89,000)
41 74,000 79,000 (84,000) (89,500)
42 74,500 79,500 (84,500) (90,000)
43 75,000 80,000 (85,000) (90,500)
44 75,500 (80,500) (85,500) (91,000)
45 76,500 (81,000) (86,000) (91,500)
46 77,000 (81,500) (87,000) (92,500)
47 77,500 (82,000) (87,500) (93,000)
48 78,000 (83,000) (88,000) (93,500)
49 79,000 (83,500) (88,500) (94,000)
50 79,500 (84,000) (89,000) (94,500)
51 80,000 (84,500) (89,500) (95,000)
52 (80,500) (85,000) (90,500) (95,500)
53 (81,000) (86,000) (91,000) (96,500)
54 (81,500) (86,500) (91,500) (97,000)
55 (82,500) (87,000) (92,000) (97,500)
56 (83,000) (87,500) (92,500) (98,000)
57 (83,500) (88,000) (93,000) (98,500)
58 (84,000) (89,000) (94,000) (99,000)
59 (85,000) (89,500) (94,500) (99,500)
60 (85,500) (90,000) (95,000) (100,500)
61 (95,500) (101,000)
62 (96,000) (101,500)
63 (96,500) (102,000)
64 (97,000) (102,500)
65 (103,000)
66 (103,500)
67 (104,500)
68 (105,000)
69 (105,500)
70 (106,000)
71 (106,500)
72 (107,000)
73 (107,500)
74 (108,000)

(d) The gross weights shown without parentheses in the axle weight limits table are allowed on unpaved streets and highways, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1. The gross weights shown in this table, whether within or without parentheses, are allowed on paved streets and highways, unless posted to a lesser weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1. Gross weights in excess of 80,000 pounds require an overweight permit under this chapter, unless otherwise allowed under section 169.826.

(e) Notwithstanding any lesser weight shown in the axle weight limits table, but subject to the restrictions on gross vehicle weights in subdivision 2, clauses (1) and (2), two consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 pounds each and a combined gross load of 68,000 pounds provided the overall distance between the first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles is 36 feet or more.

Subd. 2.Gross vehicle weight of all axles.

The gross vehicle weight of all axles of a vehicle or combination of vehicles must not exceed:

(1) 80,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles on all streets and highways, unless posted at a lower axle weight under section 169.87, subdivision 1; and

(2) 88,000 pounds for any vehicle or combination of vehicles with six or more axles while exclusively engaged in hauling livestock on all state trunk highways other than interstate highways, if the vehicle has a permit under section 169.86, subdivision 5, paragraph (j).

Subd. 3.Weight limit credits; idle- and emissions-reduction technology; natural gas vehicles.

(a) Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section, the maximum gross vehicle weight limits and the axle weight limits for any motor vehicle subject to sections 169.80 to 169.88 that is equipped with idle-reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology are increased by the amount of weight necessary to compensate for the weight of the idle-reduction technology or emissions-reduction technology, not to exceed 550 pounds.

(b) Notwithstanding the maximum weight provisions of this section, the maximum gross vehicle weight limits and the axle weight limits for any motor vehicle that is a natural gas vehicle and subject to sections 169.80 to 169.88 are increased by the amount of weight calculated as provided under United States Code, title 23, section 127(s), not to exceed 2,000 pounds.

(c) The weight limit increases under paragraphs (a) and (b) are cumulative.

(d) At the request of an authorized representative of the Department of Transportation or the Department of Public Safety, the vehicle operator must provide proof through documentation or demonstration that the vehicle meets the requirements of this subdivision.

169.825

Subdivision 1.

[Renumbered 169.822, subdivision 1]

Subd. 2.

[Renumbered 169.822, subd 2]

Subd. 3.

[Renumbered 169.822, subd 3]

Subd. 3a.

[Renumbered 169.822, subd 5]

Subd. 4.

[Renumbered 169.822, subd 4]

Subd. 5.

[Renumbered 169.822, subd 6]

Subd. 6.

[Renumbered 169.822, subd 7]

Subd. 7.

[Renumbered 169.822, subd 8]