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2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.471 — Television; Headphones.

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.
History:
1949 c 78 s 1,2; Ex1971 c 27 s 12; 1974 c 460 s 1; 1993 c 26 s 4; 1999 c 131 s 2; 2006 c 208 s 1; 2008 c 287 art 1 s 47
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.48 — Vehicle Lighting.

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.
History:
(2720-234) 1937 c 464 s 84; 1967 c 218 s 1; 1974 c 134 s 1; 1990 c 482 s 1; 1990 c 555 s 8; 2003 c 45 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.49 — Headlamps.

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.
History:
(2720-235) 1937 c 464 s 85; 1957 c 754 s 1; 2015 c 75 art 2 s 23
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.50 — Rear Lamps.

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.
History:
(2720-236) 1937 c 464 s 86; 1947 c 428 s 25; 1953 c 201 s 1; 1957 c 754 s 2; 1959 c 215 s 1; 1959 c 521 s 6,7; 1971 c 491 s 15; 2001 c 43 s 1; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 29
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.51 — Clearance And Marker Lamps.

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.
History:
(2720-237) 1937 c 464 s 87
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.52 — Projecting Load; Light Or Flag.

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.
History:
(2720-238) 1937 c 464 s 88; 1973 c 56 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.53 — Lights For Parked Vehicles.

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.
History:
(2720-239) 1937 c 464 s 89; 1947 c 428 s 26; 1959 c 96 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.541 — Lighting Exemption For Law Enforcement; Standards.

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.
History:
1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 1990 c 555 s 9; 2022 c 55 art 1 s 67
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.55 — Lights On All Vehicles.

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.
History:
(2720-241) 1937 c 464 s 91; 1947 c 428 s 27; 1949 c 574; 1959 c 410 s 1; 1979 c 185 s 2; 1981 c 44 s 1; 1993 c 187 s 7,8; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 21,93; 2000 c 479 art 1 s 12; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 3 s 53
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.56 — Auxiliary Lights.

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.
History:
(2720-242) 1937 c 464 s 92; 1945 c 207 s 2; 1959 c 521 s 5; 1993 c 26 s 5-7; 1994 c 600 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.57 — Vehicle Signals.

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.
History:
(2720-243) 1937 c 464 s 93; 1945 c 207 s 3; 1947 c 428 s 28; 1949 c 90 s 2; 1959 c 521 s 8; 1971 c 328 s 1; 1987 c 383 s 13; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 3 s 54; 2022 c 55 art 1 s 68
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.59 — Warning Lights.

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.
History:
(2720-245) 1937 c 464 s 95; 1959 c 521 s 9; 1984 c 549 s 30; 1996 c 456 s 21; 2005 c 10 art 1 s 30
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.60 — Distribution Of Light.

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.
History:
(2720-246) 1937 c 464 s 96; Ex1937 c 38 s 1; 1955 c 53 s 1; 1993 c 26 s 8
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.61 — Composite Beam.

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.
History:
(2720-247) 1937 c 464 s 97; 1945 c 207 s 5; 1953 c 330 s 1; 1955 c 52 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.62 — Certain Lights Permitted On Old Motor Vehicles.

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.
History:
(2720-248) 1937 c 464 s 98
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.63 — Number Of Lamps.

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.
History:
(2720-249) 1937 c 464 s 99; 1939 c 430 s 18; 1971 c 491 s 18; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.66 — Hearing On Specifications.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.68 — Horn, Siren.

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.
History:
(2720-257) 1937 c 464 s 107; 1971 c 491 s 24; 1986 c 444; 2000 c 426 s 26; 2013 c 127 s 41
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.684 — Seat Belt; Declaration Of Policy.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.69 — Muffler.

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.
History:
(2720-258) 1937 c 464 s 108; 1939 c 430 s 20; 1953 c 306 s 1; 1971 c 491 s 25
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.693 — Motor Vehicle Noise Limits.

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.
History:
1974 c 500 s 1; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.70 — Rear View Mirror.

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.
History:
(2720-259) 1937 c 464 s 109; 2023 c 68 art 5 s 31
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.721 — Unsafe Tires; Definitions.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.722 — Rules For Tire Safety.

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.
History:
1976 c 35 s 2; 1982 c 424 s 130
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.723 — Tires Considered Unsafe.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.724 — Prohibition; Operating Automobile With Unsafe Tires.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.726 — Automobile Sale Prohibited Unless Tires Are Safe.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.727 — Unsafe Tires; Misdemeanor.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.733 — Wheel Flaps On Truck And Trailer.

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]
History:
1951 c 640 s 1; 1953 c 619 s 1; 1976 c 136 s 1; 1978 c 498 s 1; 1990 c 548 s 1; 1998 c 372 art 1 s 7; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 4 s 35
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.734 — Automobile Fenders.

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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.74 — Safety Glass.

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.
History:
(2720-263) 1937 c 464 s 113; 1947 c 428 s 31; 1971 c 491 s 27
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.751 — Definitions.

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.
History:
1953 c 651 s 1; 1971 c 491 s 29; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1980 c 509 s 59; 1981 c 37 s 2; 2014 c 255 s 19; 2023 c 25 s 83
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.762 — Pressurized Flammable 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
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.771 — Spot-check Of Motor Vehicle.

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.
History:
1967 c 887 s 6 subd 1-4; 1969 c 1129 art 1 s 4; 1971 c 491 s 32; 1981 c 37 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70; 2002 c 364 s 11,12; 2002 c 371 art 3 s 3,4; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 24; 2014 c 287 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation › Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations › Section 169.783 — Commercial Vehicle Accident; Reinspection.

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.
History:
1990 c 563 s 3; 1991 c 174 s 7; 2008 c 287 art 1 s 50