Bill Text: MN HF712 | 2011-2012 | 87th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: Mini truck operation authorized on local roads, and special permits eliminated for mini truck operation.
Spectrum: Moderate Partisan Bill (Republican 6-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2011-02-24 - Introduction and first reading, referred to Transportation Policy and Finance [HF712 Detail]
Download: Minnesota-2011-HF712-Introduced.html
1.2relating to transportation; authorizing mini truck operation on local roads;
1.3eliminating special permits for mini truck operation; amending Minnesota
1.4Statutes 2010, sections 168.002, subdivision 24; 168A.05, by adding a
1.5subdivision; 169.045; Laws 2009, chapter 158, section 10; proposing coding for
1.6new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.
1.7BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.8 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 24, is amended to
1.9read:
1.10 Subd. 24. Passenger automobile. (a) "Passenger automobile" means any motor
1.11vehicle designed and used for carrying not more than 15 individuals, including the driver.
1.12 (b) "Passenger automobile" does not include motorcycles, motor scooters, buses,
1.13school buses, or commuter vans as defined in section168.126 . Except as provided in
1.14paragraph (c), clause (1), a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 to 13,000
1.15pounds that is a pickup truck or a van is not a passenger automobile.
1.16 (c) "Passenger automobile" includes, but is not limited to:
1.17 (1) a vehicle that is (i) a pickup truck or a van, (ii) not used in furtherance of a
1.18commercial enterprise, and (iii) not subject to state or federal regulation as a commercial
1.19motor vehicle;
1.20 (2) neighborhood electric vehicles, as defined in section169.011, subdivision 47; and
1.21 (3) medium-speed electric vehicles, as defined in section
169.011, subdivision 39 ;
1.22and
1.23(4) mini trucks, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 40a.
2.1 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168A.05, is amended by adding a subdivision
2.2to read:
2.3 Subd. 10. Mini trucks; certificate required. Mini trucks, as defined in section
2.4169.011, subdivision 40a, must be titled as specified in section 168A.02. The department
2.5shall not issue a title for a mini truck that lacks a vehicle identification number.
2.6 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.045, is amended to read:
2.7169.045 SPECIAL VEHICLE USE ON ROADWAY.
2.8 Subdivision 1. Designation of roadway, permit. (a) The governing body of any
2.9county, home rule charter or statutory city, or town may by ordinance authorize the
2.10operation ofmotorized golf carts, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, or mini trucks, special
2.11vehicles on designated roadways or portions thereof under its jurisdiction. Authorization
2.12to operatea motorized golf cart, four-wheel all-terrain vehicle, or mini truck special
2.13vehicles is by permit only.
2.14(b) For purposes of this section,:
2.15(1) "special vehicle" means a motorized golf cart or four-wheel all-terrain vehicle;
2.16and
2.17(2) a "four-wheel all-terrain vehicle" is a motorized flotation-tired vehicle with four
2.18low-pressure tires that is limited in engine displacement of less than 800 cubic centimeters
2.19and total dry weight less than 600 pounds, and a mini truck has the meaning given in
2.20section
169.011, subdivision 40a
2.21 Subd. 2. Ordinance. The ordinance shall designate the roadways, prescribe the
2.22form of the application for the permit, require evidence of insurance complying with the
2.23provisions of section65B.48, subdivision 5 and may prescribe conditions, not inconsistent
2.24with the provisions of this section, under which a permit may be granted. Permits may be
2.25granted for a period of not to exceed one year, and may be annually renewed. A permit
2.26may be revoked at any time if there is evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate
2.27themotorized golf cart, four-wheel all-terrain vehicle, or mini truck special vehicle on the
2.28designated roadways. The ordinance may require, as a condition to obtaining a permit,
2.29that the applicant submit a certificate signed by a physician that the applicant is able to
2.30safely operate amotorized golf cart, four-wheel all-terrain vehicle, or mini truck special
2.31vehicle on the roadways designated.
2.32 Subd. 3. Times of operation.Motorized golf carts and four-wheel all-terrain
2.33Special vehicles may only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset.
2.34They shall not be operated in inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by weather,
3.1smoke, fog or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see
3.2persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.
3.3 Subd. 4. Slow-moving vehicle emblem. Motorized golf carts shall display
3.4the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in section169.522 , when operated on
3.5designated roadways.
3.6 Subd. 5. Crossing intersecting highways. The operator, under permit, of a
3.7motorized golf cart, four-wheel all-terrain vehicle, or mini truck special vehicle may cross
3.8any street or highway intersecting a designated roadway.
3.9 Subd. 6. Application of traffic laws. Every person operating amotorized golf cart,
3.10four-wheel all-terrain vehicle, or mini truck special vehicle under permit on designated
3.11roadways has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under
3.12the provisions of this chapter, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied
3.13tomotorized golf carts, four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, or mini trucks special vehicles and
3.14except as otherwise specifically provided in subdivision 7.
3.15 Subd. 7. Nonapplication of certain laws. The provisions of chapter 171 are
3.16applicable to persons operating mini trucks, but are not applicable to persons operating
3.17motorized golf carts or four-wheel all-terrain special vehicles under permit on designated
3.18roadways pursuant to this section. Except for the requirements of section169.70 ,
3.19the provisions of this chapter relating to equipment on vehicles are not applicable to
3.20motorized golf carts or four-wheel all-terrain special vehicles operating, under permit,
3.21on designated roadways.
3.22Subd. 7a. Required equipment on mini trucks. Notwithstanding sections
169.48
3.23to
169.68, or any other law, a mini truck may be operated under permit on designated
3.24roadways if it is equipped with:
3.25(1) at least two headlamps;
3.26(2) at least two taillamps;
3.27(3) front and rear turn-signal lamps;
3.28(4) an exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either (i) an
3.29exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or (ii) an interior mirror;
3.30(5) a windshield;
3.31(6) a seat belt for the driver and front passenger; and
3.32(7) a parking brake.
3.33 Subd. 8. Insurance. In the event persons operating amotorized golf cart, four-wheel
3.34all-terrain vehicle, or mini truck special vehicle under this section cannot obtain liability
3.35insurance in the private market, that person may purchase automobile insurance, including
4.1no-fault coverage, from the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan under sections65B.01
4.2to65B.12 , at a rate to be determined by the commissioner of commerce.
4.3EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2011.
4.4 Sec. 4. [169.2245] MINI TRUCKS.
4.5 Subdivision 1. Required equipment. Notwithstanding sections 169.48 to 169.68,
4.6or any other law, a mini truck may be operated on public streets and highways as provided
4.7in this section when it is equipped with the following equipment in working order:
4.8(1) at least two headlamps;
4.9(2) at least two taillamps;
4.10(3) front and rear turn-signal lamps;
4.11(4) an exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either (i) an
4.12exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or (ii) an interior mirror;
4.13(5) a windshield;
4.14(6) a seat belt for the driver and front passenger; and
4.15(7) a parking brake.
4.16 Subd. 2. Operation. (a) A person operating a mini truck on public streets and
4.17highways under this section has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any
4.18other vehicle under this chapter.
4.19(b) A person may not operate a mini truck on a trunk highway.
4.20(c) A person operating a mini truck as allowed under this section may cross any
4.21street or highway, including a trunk highway, intersecting the road upon which the vehicle
4.22is being operated.
4.23(d) A person operating a mini truck on a highway having two or more lanes in
4.24the same direction must drive in the lane farthest to the right, except to make a left
4.25turn. A person may make a left turn from an appropriate lane if it is safe to do so under
4.26the prevailing conditions.
4.27(e) The provisions of chapter 171 concerning driver licensing are applicable to
4.28a person operating a mini truck.
4.29 Subd. 3. Restrictions and prohibitions. (a) A local road authority may by
4.30ordinance prohibit the operation of a mini truck on streets and highways under the local
4.31road authority's jurisdiction.
4.32(b) A mini truck may not be used to take any examination to demonstrate ability to
4.33exercise control in the operation of a motor vehicle as required under section 171.13.
4.34EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2011.
5.1 Sec. 5. Laws 2009, chapter 158, section 10, is amended to read:
5.2 Sec. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE.
5.3Sections 2 and 3 are effective August 1, 2009, and the amendments made in sections
5.42 and 3 to Minnesota Statutes, sections
169.011 and
169.045, expire July 31, 2012.
5.5EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2011.
5.6 Sec. 6. MINI TRUCKS; CANCELLATION OF LOCAL PERMITS.
5.7On and after August 1, 2011, a local permit issued by a county, statutory or home
5.8rule charter city, or town, under Minnesota Statutes, section 169.045, permitting operation
5.9of a mini truck, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 169.011, subdivision 40a, is
5.10canceled and superseded by Minnesota Statutes, section 169.2245. A person operating a
5.11mini truck on or after August 1, 2011, must meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes,
5.12section 169.2245.
5.13EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
1.3eliminating special permits for mini truck operation; amending Minnesota
1.4Statutes 2010, sections 168.002, subdivision 24; 168A.05, by adding a
1.5subdivision; 169.045; Laws 2009, chapter 158, section 10; proposing coding for
1.6new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169.
1.7BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.8 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168.002, subdivision 24, is amended to
1.9read:
1.10 Subd. 24. Passenger automobile. (a) "Passenger automobile" means any motor
1.11vehicle designed and used for carrying not more than 15 individuals, including the driver.
1.12 (b) "Passenger automobile" does not include motorcycles, motor scooters, buses,
1.13school buses, or commuter vans as defined in section
1.14paragraph (c), clause (1), a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 9,000 to 13,000
1.15pounds that is a pickup truck or a van is not a passenger automobile.
1.16 (c) "Passenger automobile" includes, but is not limited to:
1.17 (1) a vehicle that is (i) a pickup truck or a van, (ii) not used in furtherance of a
1.18commercial enterprise, and (iii) not subject to state or federal regulation as a commercial
1.19motor vehicle;
1.20 (2) neighborhood electric vehicles, as defined in section
1.22and
1.23(4) mini trucks, as defined in section 169.011, subdivision 40a.
2.1 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 168A.05, is amended by adding a subdivision
2.2to read:
2.3 Subd. 10. Mini trucks; certificate required. Mini trucks, as defined in section
2.4169.011, subdivision 40a, must be titled as specified in section 168A.02. The department
2.5shall not issue a title for a mini truck that lacks a vehicle identification number.
2.6 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2010, section 169.045, is amended to read:
2.7169.045 SPECIAL VEHICLE USE ON ROADWAY.
2.8 Subdivision 1. Designation of roadway, permit. (a) The governing body of any
2.9county, home rule charter or statutory city, or town may by ordinance authorize the
2.10operation of
2.11vehicles on designated roadways or portions thereof under its jurisdiction. Authorization
2.12to operate
2.13vehicles is by permit only.
2.14(b) For purposes of this section
2.15(1) "special vehicle" means a motorized golf cart or four-wheel all-terrain vehicle;
2.16and
2.17(2) a "four-wheel all-terrain vehicle" is a motorized flotation-tired vehicle with four
2.18low-pressure tires that is limited in engine displacement of less than 800 cubic centimeters
2.19and total dry weight less than 600 pounds
2.20
2.21 Subd. 2. Ordinance. The ordinance shall designate the roadways, prescribe the
2.22form of the application for the permit, require evidence of insurance complying with the
2.23provisions of section
2.24with the provisions of this section, under which a permit may be granted. Permits may be
2.25granted for a period of not to exceed one year, and may be annually renewed. A permit
2.26may be revoked at any time if there is evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate
2.27the
2.28designated roadways. The ordinance may require, as a condition to obtaining a permit,
2.29that the applicant submit a certificate signed by a physician that the applicant is able to
2.30safely operate a
2.31vehicle on the roadways designated.
2.32 Subd. 3. Times of operation.
2.33Special vehicles may only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset.
2.34They shall not be operated in inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by weather,
3.1smoke, fog or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see
3.2persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.
3.3 Subd. 4. Slow-moving vehicle emblem. Motorized golf carts shall display
3.4the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in section
3.5designated roadways.
3.6 Subd. 5. Crossing intersecting highways. The operator, under permit, of a
3.7
3.8any street or highway intersecting a designated roadway.
3.9 Subd. 6. Application of traffic laws. Every person operating a
3.10
3.11roadways has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under
3.12the provisions of this chapter, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied
3.13to
3.14except as otherwise specifically provided in subdivision 7.
3.15 Subd. 7. Nonapplication of certain laws. The provisions of chapter 171 are
3.16
3.17
3.18roadways pursuant to this section. Except for the requirements of section
3.19the provisions of this chapter relating to equipment on vehicles are not applicable to
3.20
3.21on designated roadways.
3.22
3.23
3.24
3.25
3.26
3.27
3.28
3.29
3.30
3.31
3.32
3.33 Subd. 8. Insurance. In the event persons operating a
3.34
3.35insurance in the private market, that person may purchase automobile insurance, including
4.1no-fault coverage, from the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan under sections
4.2to
4.3EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2011.
4.4 Sec. 4. [169.2245] MINI TRUCKS.
4.5 Subdivision 1. Required equipment. Notwithstanding sections 169.48 to 169.68,
4.6or any other law, a mini truck may be operated on public streets and highways as provided
4.7in this section when it is equipped with the following equipment in working order:
4.8(1) at least two headlamps;
4.9(2) at least two taillamps;
4.10(3) front and rear turn-signal lamps;
4.11(4) an exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle and either (i) an
4.12exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or (ii) an interior mirror;
4.13(5) a windshield;
4.14(6) a seat belt for the driver and front passenger; and
4.15(7) a parking brake.
4.16 Subd. 2. Operation. (a) A person operating a mini truck on public streets and
4.17highways under this section has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any
4.18other vehicle under this chapter.
4.19(b) A person may not operate a mini truck on a trunk highway.
4.20(c) A person operating a mini truck as allowed under this section may cross any
4.21street or highway, including a trunk highway, intersecting the road upon which the vehicle
4.22is being operated.
4.23(d) A person operating a mini truck on a highway having two or more lanes in
4.24the same direction must drive in the lane farthest to the right, except to make a left
4.25turn. A person may make a left turn from an appropriate lane if it is safe to do so under
4.26the prevailing conditions.
4.27(e) The provisions of chapter 171 concerning driver licensing are applicable to
4.28a person operating a mini truck.
4.29 Subd. 3. Restrictions and prohibitions. (a) A local road authority may by
4.30ordinance prohibit the operation of a mini truck on streets and highways under the local
4.31road authority's jurisdiction.
4.32(b) A mini truck may not be used to take any examination to demonstrate ability to
4.33exercise control in the operation of a motor vehicle as required under section 171.13.
4.34EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2011.
5.1 Sec. 5. Laws 2009, chapter 158, section 10, is amended to read:
5.2 Sec. 10. EFFECTIVE DATE.
5.3Sections 2 and 3 are effective August 1, 2009
5.4
5.5EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective August 1, 2011.
5.6 Sec. 6. MINI TRUCKS; CANCELLATION OF LOCAL PERMITS.
5.7On and after August 1, 2011, a local permit issued by a county, statutory or home
5.8rule charter city, or town, under Minnesota Statutes, section 169.045, permitting operation
5.9of a mini truck, as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 169.011, subdivision 40a, is
5.10canceled and superseded by Minnesota Statutes, section 169.2245. A person operating a
5.11mini truck on or after August 1, 2011, must meet the requirements of Minnesota Statutes,
5.12section 169.2245.
5.13EFFECTIVE DATE.This section is effective the day following final enactment.
