Subdivision 1. Disability parking space prohibitions. A person shall not:
(1) park a motor vehicle in or obstruct access to a parking space or associated access aisle designated and reserved for the physically disabled, on either private or public property;
(2) park a motor vehicle in or obstruct access to an area designated by a local governmental unit as a transfer zone for disabled persons;
(3) alter a certificate;
(4) exercise the parking privilege provided in section 169.345, unless:
(i) that person is a physically disabled person as defined in section 169.345, subdivision 2, or the person is transporting or parking a motor vehicle for a physically disabled person; and
(ii) the motor vehicle visibly displays one of the following: a disability plate issued under section 168.021, a certificate issued under section 169.345, a permit valid for 30 days issued under section 168.021 or 169.345, or an equivalent certificate, insignia, or plate issued by another state, a foreign country, or one of its political subdivisions; or
(5) park a motor vehicle in an area used as a regular route transit stopping point where a transit vehicle that is accessible to the physically disabled regularly stops and a sign that bears the international symbol of access in white on blue is posted. A sign posted under this clause may display other information relating to the regular route transit service. For purposes of this clause, an area used as a regular route transit stopping point consists of the 80 feet immediately preceding the sign described in this clause.
Subd. 1a. Disability parking when designated spaces occupied or unavailable. In the event the designated disability parking spaces are either occupied or unavailable, a vehicle bearing a valid disability parking certificate issued under section 169.345 or license plates for physically disabled persons under section 168.021 may park at an angle and occupy two standard parking spaces.
Subd. 2. Disability parking space signs. (a) Parking spaces reserved for physically disabled persons must be designated and identified by the posting of signs incorporating the international symbol of access in white on blue and indicating that violators are subject to a fine of up to $200. These parking spaces are reserved for disabled persons with motor vehicles displaying the required certificate, plates, permit valid for 30 days, or insignia.
(b) For purposes of this subdivision, a parking space that is clearly identified as reserved for physically disabled persons by a permanently posted sign that does not meet all design standards, is considered designated and reserved for physically disabled persons. A sign posted for the purpose of this section must be visible from inside a motor vehicle parked in the space, be kept clear of snow or other obstructions which block its visibility, and be nonmovable.
Subd. 2a. Parking space free of obstruction; penalty. The owner or manager of the property on which the designated parking space is located shall ensure that the parking space and associated access aisle are kept free of obstruction. If the owner or manager does not have the parking space properly posted or allows the parking space or access aisle to be blocked by snow, merchandise, or similar obstructions for 24 hours after receiving a warning from a peace officer, the owner or manager is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to a fine of up to $500.
Subd. 3. Misdemeanor; enforcement. A person who violates subdivision 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor and must be fined not less than $100 and not more than $200. This subdivision must be enforced in the same manner as parking ordinances or regulations in the governmental subdivision in which the violation occurs. Law enforcement officers may tag motor vehicles parked on either private or public property in violation of subdivision 1. Parking enforcement employees or agents of statutory or home rule charter cities or towns may tag or otherwise issue citations for motor vehicles parked on public property in violation of subdivision 1. If a holder of a disability certificate or disability plates allows a person who is not otherwise eligible to use the certificate or plates, then the holder is not eligible to be issued or to use a disability certificate or plates for 12 months after the date of violation. Except when the permit or certificate is expired by, or is otherwise invalid for, more than 90 days, a physically disabled person, or a person parking a motor vehicle for a disabled person, who is charged with violating subdivision 1 because the person parked in a parking space for physically disabled persons without the required certificate, license plates, or permit must not be convicted if the person (1) produces in court or before the court appearance the required certificate, permit, or evidence that the person has been issued plates under section 168.021, (2) surrenders the expired permit or certificate, and (3) demonstrates entitlement to the certificate, plates, or permit at the time of arrest or tagging. To be valid, the certificate or permit must show that it is owned by the same person that owned the expired certificate or permit displayed at the time the tag was issued. The registered vehicle owner is subject to the provisions of this subdivision.
Subd. 4. Local ordinance; citizen enforcement program. A statutory or home rule charter city may, by ordinance, establish a program to enforce the parking restrictions of this section or any similar local ordinance, relating to parking spaces for the physically disabled, by using citizen volunteers to issue citations to violators. The ordinance shall contain a process for training program participants in the requirements of the law, the method of issuing citations, and other related matters. Program participants who satisfy the training requirements of the ordinance are authorized to issue citations for violations of this section and are exempt from any other training or licensure requirements imposed on law enforcement officers by chapter 626.
Subd. 5. Local ordinance; long-term parking. A statutory or home rule charter city may enact an ordinance establishing a permit program for long-term disability parking. If a city enacts the ordinance, a permit program for long-term disability parking must establish as a minimum:
(1) a limitation on disability parking of a maximum of four hours during the hours of enforcement, on one-hour, 90-minute, and two-hour parking meters;
(2) a requirement for city parking lots and ramps to provide a 50 percent discount on monthly fees for contracted parkers with disabilities or a 50 percent reduction in the hourly rate for parkers with disabilities, with appropriate vehicle identification, who park in designated disability parking spaces; and
(3) issuance of a special needs permit to an employed person with severe disability for an all-day, on-street parking permit that will accommodate the person's access needs.
1977 c 205 s 1; 1979 c 31 s 3; 1979 c 277 s 5-7; 1983 c 24 s 1; 1986 c 444; 1987 c 355 s 8; 1990 c 482 s 2; 1990 c 497 s 12; 1991 c 301 s 5,6; 1992 c 424 s 1; 1993 c 83 s 3; 1993 c 98 s 6-8; 1993 c 130 s 1; 1994 c 495 s 1; 1999 c 238 art 2 s 19,20; 2005 c 64 s 8-11; 2008 c 272 s 1; 2011 c 30 s 2; 2013 c 127 s 36,37
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.