Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations
Minnesota Statutes Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations
15.001
Application of Laws 2005, Chapter 56, Terminology Changes
This section says that when the state changes the official names or labels used in laws, state agencies only need to …
169.001
This is a placeholder section that directs readers to the definitions and other provisions of Chapter 169, Minnesota's …
169.01
This section has been renumbered. All of the definitions that used to be here have been moved to section 169.011.
169.011
Definitions
This section defines important words used throughout Minnesota's traffic laws. It covers terms like 'vehicle,' …
169.02
Scope
Minnesota's traffic laws apply to vehicles on highways, streets, and University of Minnesota property. Certain rules …
169.022
Uniform Application
Minnesota's traffic laws apply the same way everywhere in the state. Cities and counties cannot make traffic rules that …
169.025
Application of Motor Carrier Regulations
When federal motor carrier safety rules are stricter than Minnesota traffic laws, commercial truck and bus drivers must …
169.03
Emergency Vehicles
Emergency vehicles like police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances may go through red lights and stop signs when …
169.035
Exemptions; Applications
Workers and equipment actively working on a road are exempt from most traffic rules. However, DUI laws and school bus …
169.04
Local Authority
Cities and counties may make local traffic rules that do not conflict with state law, including regulating parking, …
169.041
This section has been renumbered and repealed. Its provisions about abandoned vehicles have been moved to section …
169.042
Towing; Notice to Victim of Vehicle Theft
If your car is stolen, the police must try to contact you within 48 hours after they find it. They must tell you where …
169.045
Special Vehicle Use on Roadway
Cities and counties can allow golf carts, ATVs, utility task vehicles, and mini trucks to drive on certain local roads …
169.05
Private Roadways
Property owners who let the public drive on their private roads can set their own rules for that use. The state traffic …
169.06
Signs, Signals, Markings
This section explains what traffic signals and signs mean in Minnesota. A green light means you may go but must yield to …
169.065
Safe Road Zones
The state can designate certain road segments as 'safe road zones' after a local request. These zones get extra safety …
169.07
Unauthorized Sign, Signal, or Marking
No one may put up fake traffic signs or signals, or place anything that blocks or imitates an official traffic sign. No …
169.072
Unauthorized Mailbox Installation
Mailboxes on public highways must meet safety standards so they break away on impact instead of injuring drivers. If …
169.073
Prohibited Light or Signal
No one may put up a red light or red sign near a highway or railroad if it could be confused with an official traffic …
169.08
Unlawful to Possess, Alter, Deface, or Remove Sign
It is illegal to steal, damage, deface, knock down, or remove any official traffic sign, signal, or railroad sign. If …
169.09
Collisions
If you are involved in a car accident in Minnesota, you must stop immediately, investigate what happened, and give your …
169.10
Statistical Information
The Department of Public Safety must collect and study all traffic accident reports and publish statistics about how …
169.11
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.12
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.121
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1211
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1215
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1216
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1217
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1218
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1219
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.122
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.123
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1231
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.124
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.125
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.126
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1261
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.1265
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.127
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.128
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.129
This section has been repealed. Minnesota's DUI and impaired driving laws have been moved to Chapter 169A.
169.13
Reckless or Careless Driving
Reckless driving means operating a vehicle while knowingly ignoring a serious risk of harm to others. Street racing is …
169.131
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.132
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.14
Speed Limits, Zones; Radar
This section sets speed limits for Minnesota roads: 30 mph in urban areas, 55 mph on most highways, 65 mph on …
169.141
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.145
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.147
Traffic Safety Camera System Pilot Program
Minnesota is running a traffic safety camera pilot program from 2025 to 2029 in Minneapolis, Mendota Heights, and state …
169.15
Impeding Traffic; Intersection Gridlock
You cannot drive so slowly that you block traffic, unless you need to go slow for safety or because of a heavy load on a …
169.16
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.17
Emergency Vehicle
Emergency vehicles like police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances are exempt from speed limits when responding to an …
169.18
Driving Rules
This section covers the basic rules for driving on Minnesota roads: stay on the right side, pass other vehicles on the …
169.19
Turning, Starting, and Signaling
This section explains the rules for turning, starting from a parked position, and using turn signals in Minnesota. Right …
169.20
Right-of-way
This section explains who goes first at intersections and in other traffic situations. At uncontrolled intersections, …
169.201
Yield Sign
When you see a yield sign, you must slow down and be ready to stop. You must let pedestrians in the crosswalk and …
169.202
Blind Person Carrying White Cane
Drivers must stop and give the right-of-way to a blind person who is crossing the street with a white cane or guide dog. …
169.21
Pedestrian
Drivers must stop for pedestrians crossing in a crosswalk or at an intersection, and must stay stopped until the …
169.212
Operation of Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices
People using electric personal assistive mobility devices like Segways have the same rights as pedestrians. These …
169.215
Crossing for Seniors or Disabled Persons
Local authorities can set up special crosswalks near senior housing, nursing homes, and disability care facilities. The …
169.2151
Pedestrian Safety Crossings
Cities and counties can create special crosswalks with longer crossing times for pedestrians who need extra time, such …
169.219
Public Service Announcements
The Department of Public Safety must create and distribute radio and TV public service announcements about traffic rules …
169.22
Hitchhiking; Solicitation of Business
You cannot stand in the roadway to hitchhike or to ask drivers for money, work, or business.
169.221
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.222
Operation of Bicycle
Bicyclists in Minnesota have the same rights and duties as other vehicle drivers. They must generally ride near the …
169.223
Motorized Bicycle
Motorized bicycles (mopeds) must follow most motorcycle safety rules. You need either a driver's license or a special …
169.224
Neighborhood and Medium-speed Electric Vehicles
Neighborhood electric vehicles and medium-speed electric vehicles can be driven on streets with speed limits of 35 mph …
169.225
Motorized Foot Scooter
Motorized foot scooters follow the same rules as bicycles. You must be at least 12 years old to operate one, and riders …
169.228
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.23
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.24
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.25
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.26
Special Stops at Railroad Crossing
You must stop at least 10 feet from railroad tracks when signals are flashing, a gate is down, or a train is …
169.27
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.28
Certain Vehicles to Stop at Railroad Crossing
School buses, Head Start buses, passenger buses, and vehicles carrying hazardous materials must stop at all railroad …
169.29
Crossing Railroad Tracks With Certain Equipment
Slow or low-clearance vehicles like tractors, bulldozers, and steam shovels must stop at railroad crossings before …
169.30
Designation of Through Highways
The state and local governments can designate roads as 'through highways' by placing stop signs or yield signs at the …
169.305
Controlled-access Rules and Penalties
You may only enter or exit a freeway or expressway at designated on-ramps and off-ramps. U-turn crossovers on freeways …
169.306
Use of Shoulders by Buses
Transit buses and Metro Mobility buses may drive on freeway shoulders when traffic is slow (under 35 mph). They cannot …
169.31
Stop at Sidewalk
When pulling out of an alley, driveway, or building, you must stop before crossing the sidewalk and yield to all …
169.315
Opening and Closing Vehicle Door
You must not open your car door unless it is safe to do so and it will not interfere with other traffic. Do not leave a …
169.32
Stopping, Standing, and Parking
Outside of cities and towns, you must not park on the main part of the highway if you can pull off to the side. You must …
169.33
Police May Move Vehicle
Police can order you to move your vehicle if it is illegally parked on a highway. If your unattended vehicle is blocking …
169.34
Prohibitions; Stopping, Parking
You cannot park on a sidewalk, in front of a driveway, within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, in a crosswalk, within 20 feet …
169.342
Good Samaritan; Exception to Stopping and Parking
If you stop your car to help another driver who has their hood up or is showing a distress signal, you will not be …
169.345
Parking Privilege for Physically Disabled
People with qualifying physical disabilities can obtain a disability parking certificate or plate that allows them to …
169.346
Disability Parking Areas; Criteria, Enforcement
It is a misdemeanor to park in a disability parking space without a valid disability plate, permit, or certificate. …
169.35
Parking
When parking on a two-way street with a curb, your right-side wheels must be within 12 inches of the curb. On streets …
169.36
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.37
Obstructing View of Driver
You cannot drive with a load or more than three people in the front seat if it blocks the driver's view or interferes …
169.38
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.39
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.40
Fire Truck; Fire Station
You must not follow a fire truck responding to an alarm closer than 500 feet, and you must not drive into or park in the …
169.41
Crossing Fire Hose
You must not drive over a fire hose that is laid on a street unless the fire department gives you permission.
169.42
Littering; Dropping Object on Vehicle; Misdemeanor
Littering on roads is a misdemeanor. You cannot throw glass, nails, garbage, cigarette butts, or any other debris on a …
169.421
Civil Liability for Littering
Vehicle owners can be held civilly liable if litter is thrown from their vehicle, even if a passenger threw it. The …
169.43
Swinging Gate on Truck
Trucks must keep gates, loading racks, and partitions securely attached while driving on highways. Tailgates must be …
169.435
Office of Pupil Transportation Safety
The state has an Office of Pupil Transportation Safety within the State Patrol that oversees school bus safety. It …
169.44
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.441
School Bus Identification
This section defines what makes a vehicle a 'school bus' for purposes of Minnesota law and sets the identification …
169.442
School Bus Signals
School buses must have stop-signal arms, flashing amber warning lights, and flashing red lights. The amber lights warn …
169.443
Safety of School Children; Bus Driver's Duties
School bus drivers must turn on amber warning lights at least 100 feet before stopping (300 feet in zones over 35 mph). …
169.444
Safety of School Children; Duties of Other Drivers
When a school bus has its stop-sign arm out and red lights flashing, all drivers must stop at least 20 feet away and …
169.445
Cooperation With Law Enforcement
Law enforcement must cooperate with school districts to enforce school bus safety rules, including stopping for school …
169.446
Safety of School Children; Training and Education Rules
The state sets training and education rules for school bus drivers and school transportation safety, including required …
169.447
School Bus and Head Start Bus Safety
School buses and Head Start buses must meet safety standards including construction requirements, equipment, and regular …
169.4475
Special Event School Bus Use
School buses may be used for special events like field trips and activity trips if they meet safety requirements. …
169.448
Other Buses
Buses other than school buses that transport passengers must also meet safety requirements. This includes charter buses …
169.449
School Bus Operation
School buses must follow specific operation rules including speed limits, route requirements, and procedures for loading …
169.45
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.4501
School Bus Equipment Standards
This section sets equipment standards for school buses including construction, safety features, and identification …
169.4502
Additional Minnesota School Bus Chassis Standards
This section sets additional Minnesota-specific standards for school bus chassis, including engine, steering, braking, …
169.4503
Additional Minnesota School Bus Body Standards
This section sets additional Minnesota standards for school bus bodies including emergency exits, windows, seats, and …
169.4504
Additional Standards for Specially Equipped Bus
Specially equipped buses that serve students with disabilities must meet additional standards for wheelchair lifts, …
169.451
Inspecting School and Head Start Buses; Rules; Misdemeanor
School buses and Head Start buses must be inspected at least once a year. Inspectors check safety equipment, brakes, …
169.4511
School Bus Accident and Subsequent Operation
If a school bus is in an accident, it must be inspected and cleared before it can carry students again. The driver must …
169.452
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.454
Type Iii Vehicle Standards
Type III vehicles (smaller vehicles like vans used for school transportation) must meet specific safety standards …
169.4581
Criminal Conduct on School Bus
It is a crime to commit assault, disorderly conduct, or other criminal acts on a school bus. Penalties may be more …
169.4582
Reportable Offense on School Bus
Certain offenses committed on school buses must be reported to school officials and law enforcement, including assault, …
169.46
Hitching Behind Vehicle
It is illegal to hitch a ride by clinging to or attaching yourself to a moving vehicle. You also cannot tow a person on …
169.467
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Definitions
This section defines terms used in Minnesota vehicle safety standards, including what counts as motor vehicle equipment.
169.468
Vehicle Safety Rules; Federal Safety Standards
Minnesota follows federal motor vehicle safety standards. Vehicles sold or operated in the state must meet these …
169.469
Injunction
The state can get a court order to stop anyone from selling or operating vehicles or equipment that do not meet safety …
169.47
Unsafe Equipment
It is illegal to drive a vehicle with equipment that is unsafe or not in proper working condition. Police can order you …
169.471
Television; Headphones
Drivers cannot have a TV screen visible while driving, except for backup cameras, GPS, and law enforcement equipment. …
169.475
Use of Wireless Communications Device
Minnesota's hands-free law prohibits drivers from holding a cellphone or other wireless device while driving. You cannot …
169.48
Vehicle Lighting
All vehicles must use headlights and taillights from sunset to sunrise, during rain, snow, fog, or any time visibility …
169.49
Headlamps
Every motor vehicle must have at least two headlamps that meet brightness and aim requirements. This section sets …
169.50
Rear Lamps
Every vehicle must have at least one red rear lamp visible from 500 feet behind. Vehicles must also have a white light …
169.51
Clearance and Marker Lamps
Large vehicles like trucks, trailers, and buses must have clearance lamps and marker lamps to show their width and …
169.515
Lights on Grant Program
The commissioner may award grants to help low-income individuals pay for vehicle lighting repairs to bring their …
169.52
Projecting Load; Light or Flag
When a load extends more than four feet beyond the rear of a vehicle, you must put a red flag on it during the day or a …
169.522
Slow-moving Vehicle, Sign Required
Slow-moving vehicles that travel under 30 mph must display a fluorescent orange triangle on the back. This includes farm …
169.53
Lights for Parked Vehicles
Vehicles parked on a highway at night must display lights visible from both front and rear, or use reflectors. This does …
169.54
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.541
Lighting Exemption for Law Enforcement; Standards
Law enforcement vehicles may be exempt from certain lighting requirements when conducting undercover operations, as long …
169.55
Lights on All Vehicles
All vehicles on the road must have working lights as required by law, regardless of the time of day. This includes …
169.56
Auxiliary Lights
Vehicles may have auxiliary driving lights and fog lights in addition to headlamps, but they must meet specific …
169.57
Vehicle Signals
All vehicles must have working turn signals and brake lights. This section sets the standards for signal lamps including …
169.58
Identification Lamps
This section governs special identification lamps for vehicles like school buses, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and …
169.59
Warning Lights
Certain vehicles like school buses, emergency vehicles, and road maintenance equipment can use special warning lights. …
169.60
Distribution of Light
Vehicle headlamps must distribute light properly so they illuminate the road ahead without blinding oncoming drivers.
169.61
Composite Beam
Vehicle headlamps must provide both high beams for open roads and low beams for use near other vehicles. You must switch …
169.62
Certain Lights Permitted on Old Motor Vehicles
Older motor vehicles manufactured before certain dates may use the lighting equipment they originally came with, even if …
169.63
Number of Lamps
This section limits the total number of lamps a vehicle may have on the front and sets rules about which combinations of …
169.64
Prohibited Lights; Exceptions
Certain types of lights are banned on vehicles, with specific exceptions for emergency vehicles, school buses, and other …
169.65
Specifications for Lighting and Other Devices
The commissioner of public safety sets the technical specifications for vehicle lights and other safety devices.
169.66
Hearing on Specifications
If you disagree with the specifications set for vehicle lighting or safety devices, you can request a hearing to …
169.67
Brakes
Every vehicle must have brakes that can stop the vehicle safely. This section sets braking performance standards for …
169.672
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.68
Horn, Siren
Every motor vehicle must have a horn that can be heard from at least 200 feet away. Only emergency vehicles may use …
169.684
Seat Belt; Declaration of Policy
This section declares that Minnesota's seat belt law supports federal safety standards for crash protection in new …
169.685
Seat Belt; Passenger Restraint System for Children
Minnesota requires children to be properly restrained in car seats, booster seats, or seat belts based on their age, …
169.686
Seat Belt Use Required; Penalty
All drivers and passengers in Minnesota must wear a seat belt, including both the shoulder and lap belt. The fine for …
169.69
Muffler
Every motor vehicle must have a muffler in good working order that prevents excessive noise. It is illegal to modify …
169.691
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.692
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.693
Motor Vehicle Noise Limits
This section sets maximum noise limits for motor vehicles in Minnesota. Vehicles cannot exceed certain decibel levels …
169.70
Rear View Mirror
Every motor vehicle must have at least one rearview mirror that gives the driver a clear view of the road behind for at …
169.71
Windshield
Your windshield must not be cracked, broken, or obstructed in a way that impairs visibility. Windshield wipers must work …
169.72
Tire Surface; Metal Studs
Tires must have proper tread and cannot have metal studs, except during winter (between November 1 and April 15). Chains …
169.721
Unsafe Tires; Definitions
This section defines terms used in Minnesota tire safety laws, including what makes a tire unsafe.
169.722
Rules for Tire Safety
The commissioner may adopt rules setting safety standards for tires, including minimum tread depth and other condition …
169.723
Tires Considered Unsafe
A tire is considered unsafe if the tread is worn down below minimum depth, if the tire has visible damage like bulges or …
169.724
Prohibition; Operating Automobile With Unsafe Tires
It is illegal to drive a car with unsafe tires. Police can stop you and require you to replace unsafe tires before …
169.725
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.726
Automobile Sale Prohibited Unless Tires Are Safe
It is illegal to sell a car with unsafe tires unless the buyer is told about the condition and agrees in writing.
169.727
Unsafe Tires; Misdemeanor
Violating tire safety laws is a misdemeanor. This applies to driving on unsafe tires and selling cars with unsafe tires.
169.73
Bumpers, Safeguards
Motor vehicles must have front and rear bumpers. This section also covers safety guards and devices to prevent other …
169.733
Wheel Flaps on Truck and Trailer
Trucks and trailers must have wheel flaps or mud guards behind their rear wheels to prevent debris from being thrown at …
169.734
Automobile Fenders
Automobiles must have fenders or other devices that prevent water, mud, and debris from being thrown on other vehicles …
169.74
Safety Glass
All motor vehicles must have safety glass in the windshield and windows. Replacing windshield glass with non-safety …
169.743
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.75
Flares, Flags, or Reflectors Required
Trucks, buses, and other large vehicles must carry emergency warning equipment like flares, flags, or reflectors to set …
169.751
Definitions
This section defines terms used in the laws about first aid equipment in law enforcement vehicles.
169.752
Patrol Motor Vehicles, First Aid Equipment
State Patrol vehicles must carry first aid equipment. The commissioner sets the standards for what equipment is …
169.753
Law Enforcement Officers Trained in First Aid
Law enforcement officers must be trained in first aid so they can help injured people at accident scenes.
169.754
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.755
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.76
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.762
Pressurized Flammable Gas
Vehicles carrying pressurized flammable gas must use reflectors instead of flares for emergency warnings, since flares …
169.77
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.771
Spot-check of Motor Vehicle
Police can pull you over for a spot-check of your vehicle to make sure it meets safety standards. They can inspect …
169.78
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.781
Annual Commercial Vehicle Inspection; Inspectors, Fee, Penalty
Commercial vehicles like trucks and buses must pass an annual safety inspection. Inspectors check brakes, lights, tires, …
169.782
Daily Commercial Vehicle Inspection; Penalty
Commercial vehicle drivers must conduct a daily pre-trip inspection of their vehicle before driving. This includes …
169.783
Commercial Vehicle Accident; Reinspection
After a commercial vehicle is involved in an accident, it must be reinspected before it can return to service.
169.79
Vehicle Registration; Displaying License Plates
Every vehicle driven on Minnesota roads must be registered with the state and must display its license plates properly. …
169.791
Criminal Penalty for Failure to Produce Proof of Insurance
If a police officer asks you for proof of car insurance during a traffic stop, you must provide it. Failure to show …
169.792
Revocation of License for Failure to Produce Proof of Insurance
If you fail to show proof of insurance during a traffic stop, your driver's license can be revoked. You have a chance to …
169.793
Vehicle Insurance; Unlawful Acts, Penalties
It is illegal to provide false proof of insurance, to cancel your insurance after showing it to avoid a ticket, or to …
169.794
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.795
Vehicle Insurance Rules
The commissioner of public safety may make rules about how vehicle insurance requirements are enforced.
169.796
Verification of Insurance Coverage
The state can verify whether your vehicle has insurance coverage. Insurance companies must report policy information to …
169.7961
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.797
Penalties for Failure to Provide Vehicle Insurance
Vehicle owners who fail to maintain the required insurance face penalties including fines, license plate impoundment, …
169.798
Rules of Commissioner of Public Safety
The commissioner of public safety may adopt rules to carry out the vehicle insurance requirements.
169.799
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.7995
Failure to Produce Rental or Lease Agreement
If you are driving a rented or leased vehicle and cannot produce the rental or lease agreement when asked by a police …
169.80
Size, Weight, Load
Minnesota sets limits on the size, weight, and load of vehicles on its roads. Vehicles that are too heavy, wide, tall, …
169.801
Implement of Husbandry
Farm implements like tractors, combines, and other agricultural equipment have different rules for size, weight, and …
169.81
Height and Length Limitations
Vehicles on Minnesota roads cannot exceed 13 feet 6 inches in height or certain length limits. Different length limits …
169.812
Escort Vehicles for Overdimensional Loads; Definitions; Requirements
Escort vehicles are required for certain oversized loads. This section defines who can be an escort driver and what …
169.82
Trailer Equipment
Trailers must have specific safety equipment including brakes, safety chains, and lights. This section sets the …
169.822
Weight Limitations; Definitions
This section defines terms used in Minnesota vehicle weight laws, including gross weight, axle weight, and tire weight.
169.823
Tire Weight Limits
Each tire on a vehicle has a maximum weight it can carry based on the tire size and rating. Overloading tires can cause …
169.824
Gross Weight Schedule
This section sets the maximum gross weight allowed for vehicles based on the number of axles and the distance between …
169.825
This section contains additional weight provisions and tables for determining allowable vehicle weights on Minnesota …
169.826
Gross Weight Seasonal Increases
During winter, when the ground is frozen, higher gross weights are allowed on some roads. During spring thaw, weight …
169.8261
Forest Products Special Permit
Forest products haulers can get a special permit allowing them to carry extra weight during certain times of year on …
169.827
Gross Weight Reduction on Restricted Route
Road authorities can reduce weight limits on certain routes that cannot handle heavy loads, such as roads with weak …
169.828
Axle Restrictions
This section sets maximum weight limits per axle and axle group. Steering axles, single axles, and tandem axles each …
169.829
Weight Limits Not Applicable to Certain Vehicles
Certain vehicles are exempt from weight limits, including fire trucks, garbage trucks on collection routes, and other …
169.8295
Weight Limits; Vehicles Transporting Milk
Vehicles transporting milk from farms can get special weight allowances on certain routes.
169.8296
Weight Limits; Towing and Recovery Vehicle
Towing and recovery vehicles responding to emergencies may exceed normal weight limits when towing disabled vehicles.
169.83
This section contains additional provisions related to vehicle size and weight regulations.
169.831
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.832
This section contains additional provisions related to vehicle weight regulations on Minnesota roads.
169.833
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.834
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.835
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.84
Load Limit on Bridge
Road authorities can set weight limits on bridges based on engineering assessments. You must obey posted bridge weight …
169.85
Weighing; Penalty
Law enforcement can require vehicles to be weighed at scales or portable weighing stations. Overweight vehicles face …
169.851
Weight Record
Vehicles hauling certain materials must keep a weight record showing the weight of the load and the vehicle. Law …
169.86
Special Permit to Exceed Height, Width, or Load; Fees
Vehicles that exceed normal height, width, length, or weight limits can get a special permit from the state or local …
169.861
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.862
Permit for Baled Farm Product to Exceed Height or Width
Farmers can get a special permit to haul baled hay and straw that exceeds normal height or width limits.
169.863
Special Pulpwood Vehicle Permit
A special permit allows vehicles hauling pulpwood to exceed normal weight limits on designated routes.
169.864
Special Products Vehicle Permits
Special permits are available for vehicles hauling certain products like grain, potatoes, and sugar beets to exceed …
169.865
Special Farm Products Permits
Special permits are available for vehicles hauling farm products during harvest season, allowing higher weight limits on …
169.8655
Special Sugar Beet Hauling Vehicle Permit
Sugar beet haulers can get a special permit to carry heavier loads during harvest season on designated routes.
169.866
Special Canola-hauling Vehicle Permit
A special permit allows vehicles hauling canola to exceed normal weight limits on designated routes.
169.8665
Special Soybean Meal-hauling Vehicle Permit
A special permit allows vehicles hauling soybean meal to exceed normal weight limits on designated routes.
169.867
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.868
Special Freight Distribution Permit
A special permit allows freight distribution vehicles to exceed size or weight limits under certain conditions.
169.869
Road Construction Materials Special Permit
A special permit allows vehicles hauling road construction materials like gravel, asphalt, and sand to exceed normal …
169.87
Seasonal Load Restriction; Route Designation
During spring thaw, the commissioner can restrict weight limits on roads to prevent damage. Signs are posted when …
169.871
Excess Weight; Civil Penalty
Drivers caught with overweight vehicles face civil penalties based on how much the vehicle exceeds the weight limit. The …
169.872
Receipt of Certain Overweight Loads
Businesses that knowingly receive loads they know to be overweight can also be held liable for overweight violations.
169.88
Damages; Liability
Anyone who damages a road or bridge by driving an overweight or oversized vehicle is liable for the cost of repairs. The …
169.881
Vehicle Platoons
This section allows testing of vehicle platoons, where multiple trucks travel closely together using automated driving …
169.89
Penalties
Most traffic violations in Minnesota are petty misdemeanors punishable by a fine of up to $300 with no jail time. …
169.891
Jurisdiction; Limitation of Actions
Actions to recover damages for road or bridge damage from overweight vehicles must be filed within the time limits set …
169.90
Offenses
This section classifies traffic violations as misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors, or gross misdemeanors and sets the …
169.901
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.905
Traffic Stop; Questioning Limited
During a traffic stop, a police officer's questions must be limited to the purpose of the stop. Officers cannot extend a …
169.91
Arrest
When you receive a traffic ticket, you can sign it as a promise to appear in court. If the officer releases you, you …
169.92
Failure to Appear
If you fail to appear in court after receiving a traffic ticket, you can be charged with an additional offense. The …
169.93
Arrest Without Warrant
Police officers can arrest you without a warrant for a traffic violation they witness, including reckless driving, DUI, …
169.94
Record of Conviction
Courts must report traffic convictions to the Department of Public Safety so they are added to your driving record.
169.95
Court to Keep Separate Records of Violations
Courts must keep separate records of traffic violations apart from other criminal cases.
169.96
Interpretation and Effect
This chapter should be interpreted to carry out its purpose of making roads safe. It does not change common law rights …
169.965
University Regents to Regulate Traffic and Parking
The University of Minnesota Board of Regents can make traffic and parking rules for university property that are …
169.966
Board to Regulate Traffic on State Universities
State university boards can make traffic and parking rules for their campuses that are enforceable like public traffic …
169.97
Citation; Highway Traffic Regulation Act
This chapter may be cited as the Highway Traffic Regulation Act.
169.971
Driver Improvement Clinics; Definitions
This section defines terms used in Minnesota's driver improvement clinic laws.
169.972
Establishment of Driver Improvement Clinic; Fees
Counties may establish driver improvement clinics to help drivers with poor records improve their driving skills. Fees …
169.973
Regulation of Clinic; Director
Driver improvement clinics must be run under the direction of a qualified person and follow state regulations.
169.974
Operation of Motorcycle; Motor Scooter; Motor Bike
Motorcycle riders must follow specific rules including having a motorcycle license endorsement, wearing eye protection, …
169.975
Operation of Roadable Aircraft
Roadable aircraft (flying cars) may be operated on Minnesota roads if they meet vehicle safety requirements and the …
169.98
Police, Patrol, or Security Guard Vehicle
Police vehicles, state patrol cars, and security guard vehicles have specific equipment requirements and identification …
169.983
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.985
Traffic Citation Quota Prohibited
Police departments and cities cannot set quotas requiring officers to issue a minimum number of traffic tickets.
169.99
Uniform Traffic Ticket
Minnesota uses a uniform traffic ticket statewide. The ticket serves as both the citation and the court summons. It must …
169.991
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.992
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.993
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.994
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.995
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.996
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.997
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.998
This section has been repealed or relocated.
169.999
Administrative Citations for Certain Traffic Offenses
Local governments may use administrative citations instead of criminal charges for certain minor traffic offenses like …