Subdivision 1. Approaching intersection. (a) When two vehicles enter an uncontrolled intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(b) When two vehicles enter an intersection controlled by stop signs or by blinking red traffic signals requiring drivers or vehicles from any direction to stop before proceeding, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on the right.
(c) At an uncontrolled approach to a T-shaped intersection, the driver required to turn shall yield to the cross traffic.
(d) The driver of any vehicle traveling at an unlawful speed shall forfeit any right-of-way which the driver might otherwise have hereunder.
(e) The foregoing rules are modified as hereinafter stated in this section.
Subd. 2. Left turn. The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.
Subd. 3. Through highway; stop sign. (a) The driver of a vehicle shall stop as required by this chapter at the entrance to a through highway and shall yield the right-of-way to other vehicles which have entered the intersection from the through highway or which are approaching so closely on the through highway as to constitute an immediate hazard, but the driver having so yielded may proceed, and the drivers of all other vehicles approaching the intersection on the through highway shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicles so proceeding into or across the through highway.
(b) The driver of a vehicle shall likewise stop in obedience to a stop sign, as required herein, at an intersection where a stop sign is erected at one or more entrances thereto although not a part of a through highway, and shall proceed cautiously, yielding to vehicles not so obliged to stop which are within the intersection or approaching so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard, but may then proceed.
Subd. 4. Vehicle entering roadway. The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a roadway from any place other than a roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway to be entered or crossed.
Subd. 5. Emergency vehicle; penalties. (a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle and, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (b), when the driver is giving audible signal by siren, the driver of each other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in this position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer. The driver of another vehicle on a one-way roadway shall drive to the closest edge or curb and stop.
(b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle escorting the movement of an oversize or overweight vehicle or load need not sound an audible signal by siren but shall exhibit the light required by paragraph (a). The driver of each other vehicle then shall yield the right-of-way, as required by paragraph (a), to the emergency vehicle escorting the oversize or overweight vehicle or load.
(c) Upon the approach of an authorized emergency vehicle the driver of each streetcar shall immediately stop the car clear of any intersection and keep it in this position and keep the doors and gates of the streetcar closed until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
(d) This subdivision does not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of persons using the highways.
(e) A driver who fails to comply with paragraph (a), (b), or (c) is guilty of a petty misdemeanor and may be penalized according to section 169.89.
(f) A driver who intentionally obstructs an emergency vehicle or otherwise intentionally fails to comply with paragraph (a), (b), or (c) is guilty of a misdemeanor.
Subd. 5a. Arrest; citation; probable cause. (a) A peace officer may arrest the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of subdivision 5, paragraph (a), (b), or (f), within the four-hour period following the termination of the emergency incident or a receipt of a report under paragraph (c). The arrest may be made even though the violation was not committed in the presence of the peace officer.
(b) A peace officer may issue a citation in lieu of arrest to the driver of a motor vehicle if the peace officer has probable cause to believe that the driver has operated the vehicle in violation of subdivision 5.
(c) Although probable cause may be otherwise satisfied by other evidentiary elements or factors, probable cause is sufficient for purposes of this subdivision when a member of the crew of an authorized emergency vehicle responding to an emergency incident makes a timely report of the violation of subdivision 5 and provides a description of the vehicle used to commit the offense and the vehicle's license plate number. For the purposes of an arrest under paragraph (a), "timely" means that the report must be made within a four-hour period following the termination of the emergency incident.
Subd. 5b. Violation; penalty for owner or lessee. (a) If a motor vehicle is operated in violation of subdivision 5, the owner of the vehicle, or for a leased motor vehicle the lessee of the vehicle, is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply if (1) a person other than the owner or lessee was operating the vehicle at the time the violation occurred, or (2) the owner presents written evidence that the motor vehicle had been reported to a law enforcement agency as stolen at the time of the violation.
(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to a lessor of a motor vehicle if the lessor keeps a record of the name and address of the lessee.
(d) Paragraph (a) does not prohibit or limit the prosecution of a motor vehicle operator who violates subdivision 5.
(e) A violation under paragraph (a) does not constitute grounds for revocation or suspension of the owner's or lessee's driver's license.
Subd. 6. Funeral procession. When any funeral procession identifies itself by using regular lights on all cars and by keeping all cars in close formation, the driver of every other vehicle, except an emergency vehicle, shall yield the right-of-way.
Subd. 7. Transit bus; school bus. (a) The driver of a vehicle traveling in the right-hand lane of traffic shall yield the right-of-way to any transit bus attempting to enter that lane from a bus stop or shoulder, as indicated by a flashing left turn signal.
(b) The driver of a vehicle traveling in the right-hand lane of traffic shall yield the right-of-way to any school bus attempting to enter that lane from a shoulder, right-turn lane, or other location where the school bus has stopped to load or unload passengers. The school bus must indicate the intent to enter the right-hand lane of traffic by activating a flashing left turn signal.
Subd. 8. Roundabouts. If two vehicles with a total length in excess of 40 feet, a total width in excess of ten feet, or any combination of vehicles, approach or drive through a roundabout at approximately the same time or so closely as to constitute a hazard of collision, the operator of the vehicle or combination of vehicles on the right must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle or combination of vehicles on the left and, if necessary, must reduce speed or stop in order to so yield.
(2720-196, 2720-197, 2720-198, 2720-199, 2720-200, 2720-201) 1937 c 464 s 46-51; 1939 c 430 s 9; 1947 c 428 s 17; 1955 c 595 s 1; 1965 c 423 s 1; 1967 c 268 s 1; 1978 c 739 s 10; 1985 c 249 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 383 s 9; 1990 c 503 s 2; 1993 c 83 s 2; 1993 c 304 s 1,2; 1997 c 239 art 3 s 1; 2001 c 24 s 2; 2002 c 319 s 2,3; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 3 s 40,41; 2022 c 55 art 1 s 62
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 160 - 174A — Transportation
Chapter 169 — Traffic Regulations
Section 169.011 — Definitions.
Section 169.022 — Uniform Application.
Section 169.025 — Application Of Motor Carrier Regulations.
Section 169.03 — Emergency Vehicles.
Section 169.035 — Exemptions; Applications.
Section 169.04 — Local Authority.
Section 169.042 — Towing; Notice To Victim Of Vehicle Theft.
Section 169.045 — Special Vehicle Use On Roadway.
Section 169.05 — Private Roadways.
Section 169.06 — Signs, Signals, Markings.
Section 169.07 — Unauthorized Sign, Signal, Or Marking.
Section 169.072 — Unauthorized Mailbox Installation.
Section 169.073 — Prohibited Light Or Signal.
Section 169.08 — Unlawful To Possess, Alter, Deface, Or Remove Sign.
Section 169.10 — Statistical Information.
Section 169.13 — Reckless Or Careless Driving.
Section 169.14 — Speed Limits, Zones; Radar.
Section 169.15 — Impeding Traffic; Intersection Gridlock.
Section 169.17 — Emergency Vehicle.
Section 169.18 — Driving Rules.
Section 169.19 — Turning, Starting, And Signaling.
Section 169.20 — Right-of-way.
Section 169.202 — Blind Person Carrying White Cane.
Section 169.212 — Operation Of Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices.
Section 169.215 — Crossing For Seniors Or Disabled Persons.
Section 169.2151 — Pedestrian Safety Crossings.
Section 169.219 — Public Service Announcements.
Section 169.22 — Hitchhiking; Solicitation Of Business.
Section 169.222 — Operation Of Bicycle.
Section 169.223 — Motorized Bicycle.
Section 169.224 — Neighborhood And Medium-speed Electric Vehicles.
Section 169.225 — Motorized Foot Scooter.
Section 169.26 — Special Stops At Railroad Crossing.
Section 169.28 — Certain Vehicles To Stop At Railroad Crossing.
Section 169.29 — Crossing Railroad Tracks With Certain Equipment.
Section 169.30 — Designation Of Through Highways.
Section 169.305 — Controlled-access Rules And Penalties.
Section 169.306 — Use Of Shoulders By Buses.
Section 169.31 — Stop At Sidewalk.
Section 169.315 — Opening And Closing Vehicle Door.
Section 169.37 — Obstructing View Of Driver.
Section 169.40 — Fire Truck; Fire Station.
Section 169.41 — Crossing Fire Hose.
Section 169.42 — Littering; Dropping Object On Vehicle; Misdemeanor.
Section 169.421 — Civil Liability For Littering.
Section 169.43 — Swinging Gate On Truck.
Section 169.32 — Stopping, Standing, And Parking.
Section 169.33 — Police May Move Vehicle.
Section 169.34 — Prohibitions; Stopping, Parking.
Section 169.342 — Good Samaritan; Exception To Stopping And Parking.
Section 169.345 — Parking Privilege For Physically Disabled.
Section 169.346 — Disability Parking Areas; Criteria, Enforcement.
Section 169.435 — Office Of Pupil Transportation Safety.
Section 169.441 — School Bus Identification.
Section 169.442 — School Bus Signals.
Section 169.443 — Safety Of School Children; Bus Driver's Duties.
Section 169.444 — Safety Of School Children; Duties Of Other Drivers.
Section 169.445 — Cooperation With Law Enforcement.
Section 169.446 — Safety Of School Children; Training And Education Rules.
Section 169.447 — School Bus And Head Start Bus Safety.
Section 169.4475 — Special Event School Bus Use.
Section 169.448 — Other Buses.
Section 169.449 — School Bus Operation.
Section 169.4501 — School Bus Equipment Standards.
Section 169.4502 — Additional Minnesota School Bus Chassis Standards.
Section 169.4503 — Additional Minnesota School Bus Body Standards.
Section 169.4504 — Additional Standards For Specially Equipped Bus.
Section 169.451 — Inspecting School And Head Start Buses; Rules; Misdemeanor.
Section 169.4511 — School Bus Accident And Subsequent Operation.
Section 169.454 — Type Iii Vehicle Standards.
Section 169.4581 — Criminal Conduct On School Bus.
Section 169.4582 — Reportable Offense On School Bus.
Section 169.46 — Hitching Behind Vehicle.
Section 169.467 — Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Definitions.
Section 169.468 — Vehicle Safety Rules; Federal Safety Standards.
Section 169.47 — Unsafe Equipment.
Section 169.471 — Television; Headphones.
Section 169.475 — Use Of Wireless Communications Device.
Section 169.48 — Vehicle Lighting.
Section 169.51 — Clearance And Marker Lamps.
Section 169.52 — Projecting Load; Light Or Flag.
Section 169.522 — Slow-moving Vehicle, Sign Required.
Section 169.53 — Lights For Parked Vehicles.
Section 169.541 — Lighting Exemption For Law Enforcement; Standards.
Section 169.55 — Lights On All Vehicles.
Section 169.56 — Auxiliary Lights.
Section 169.57 — Vehicle Signals.
Section 169.58 — Identification Lamps.
Section 169.59 — Warning Lights.
Section 169.60 — Distribution Of Light.
Section 169.61 — Composite Beam.
Section 169.62 — Certain Lights Permitted On Old Motor Vehicles.
Section 169.63 — Number Of Lamps.
Section 169.64 — Prohibited Lights; Exceptions.
Section 169.65 — Specifications For Lighting And Other Devices.
Section 169.66 — Hearing On Specifications.
Section 169.684 — Seat Belt; Declaration Of Policy.
Section 169.685 — Seat Belt; Passenger Restraint System For Children.
Section 169.686 — Seat Belt Use Required; Penalty.
Section 169.693 — Motor Vehicle Noise Limits.
Section 169.70 — Rear View Mirror.
Section 169.72 — Tire Surface; Metal Studs.
Section 169.721 — Unsafe Tires; Definitions.
Section 169.722 — Rules For Tire Safety.
Section 169.723 — Tires Considered Unsafe.
Section 169.724 — Prohibition; Operating Automobile With Unsafe Tires.
Section 169.726 — Automobile Sale Prohibited Unless Tires Are Safe.
Section 169.727 — Unsafe Tires; Misdemeanor.
Section 169.73 — Bumpers, Safeguards.
Section 169.733 — Wheel Flaps On Truck And Trailer.
Section 169.734 — Automobile Fenders.
Section 169.74 — Safety Glass.
Section 169.75 — Flares, Flags, Or Reflectors Required.
Section 169.751 — Definitions.
Section 169.752 — Patrol Motor Vehicles, First Aid Equipment.
Section 169.753 — Law Enforcement Officers Trained In First Aid.
Section 169.762 — Pressurized Flammable Gas.
Section 169.771 — Spot-check Of Motor Vehicle.
Section 169.781 — Annual Commercial Vehicle Inspection; Inspectors, Fee, Penalty.
Section 169.782 — Daily Commercial Vehicle Inspection; Penalty.
Section 169.783 — Commercial Vehicle Accident; Reinspection.
Section 169.79 — Vehicle Registration; Displaying License Plates.
Section 169.791 — Criminal Penalty For Failure To Produce Proof Of Insurance.
Section 169.792 — Revocation Of License For Failure To Produce Proof Of Insurance.
Section 169.793 — Vehicle Insurance; Unlawful Acts, Penalties.
Section 169.795 — Vehicle Insurance Rules.
Section 169.796 — Verification Of Insurance Coverage.
Section 169.797 — Penalties For Failure To Provide Vehicle Insurance.
Section 169.798 — Rules Of Commissioner Of Public Safety.
Section 169.7995 — Failure To Produce Rental Or Lease Agreement.
Section 169.80 — Size, Weight, Load.
Section 169.801 — Implement Of Husbandry.
Section 169.81 — Height And Length Limitations.
Section 169.812 — Escort Vehicles For Overdimensional Loads; Definitions; Requirements.
Section 169.82 — Trailer Equipment.
Section 169.822 — Weight Limitations; Definitions.
Section 169.823 — Tire Weight Limits.
Section 169.824 — Gross Weight Schedule.
Section 169.826 — Gross Weight Seasonal Increases.
Section 169.8261 — Gross Weight Limitations; Forest Products.
Section 169.827 — Gross Weight Reduction On Restricted Route.
Section 169.828 — Axle Restrictions.
Section 169.829 — Weight Limits Not Applicable To Certain Vehicles.
Section 169.8295 — Weight Limits; Vehicles Transporting Milk.
Section 169.84 — Load Limit On Bridge.
Section 169.85 — Weighing; Penalty.
Section 169.851 — Weight Record.
Section 169.86 — Special Permit To Exceed Height, Width, Or Load; Fees.
Section 169.862 — Permit For Baled Farm Product To Exceed Height Or Width.
Section 169.863 — Special Pulpwood Vehicle Permit.
Section 169.864 — Special Products Vehicle Permits.
Section 169.865 — Special Farm Products Permits.
Section 169.866 — Special Canola-hauling Vehicle Permit.
Section 169.8665 — Special Soybean Meal-hauling Vehicle Permit.
Section 169.868 — Special Freight Distribution Permit.
Section 169.869 — Road Construction Materials Special Permit.
Section 169.87 — Seasonal Load Restriction; Route Designation.
Section 169.871 — Excess Weight; Civil Penalty.
Section 169.872 — Receipt Of Certain Overweight Loads.
Section 169.88 — Damages; Liability.
Section 169.881 — Vehicle Platoons.
Section 169.891 — Jurisdiction; Limitation Of Actions.
Section 169.92 — Failure To Appear.
Section 169.93 — Arrest Without Warrant.
Section 169.94 — Record Of Conviction.
Section 169.95 — Court To Keep Separate Records Of Violations.
Section 169.96 — Interpretation And Effect.
Section 169.965 — University Regents To Regulate Traffic And Parking.
Section 169.966 — Board To Regulate Traffic On State Universities.
Section 169.97 — Citation; Highway Traffic Regulation Act.
Section 169.971 — Driver Improvement Clinics; Definitions.
Section 169.972 — Establishment Of Driver Improvement Clinic; Fees.
Section 169.973 — Regulation Of Clinic; Director.
Section 169.974 — Operation Of Motorcycle; Motor Scooter; Motor Bike.
Section 169.98 — Police, Patrol, Or Security Guard Vehicle.
Section 169.985 — Traffic Citation Quota Prohibited.
Section 169.99 — Uniform Traffic Ticket.
Section 169.999 — Administrative Citations For Certain Traffic Offenses.