Subdivision 1. Bright light. Any lighted lamp or illuminating device upon a motor vehicle, other than a headlamp, a spot lamp, or an auxiliary driving lamp, which projects a beam of light of an intensity greater than 300-candle power, shall be so directed that no part of the beam will strike the level of the roadway on which the vehicle stands at a distance of more than 75 feet from the vehicle.
Subd. 2. Colored light. (a) Unless otherwise authorized by the commissioner of public safety, no vehicle shall be equipped, nor shall any person drive or move any vehicle or equipment upon any highway with any lamp or device displaying a red light or any colored light other than those required or permitted in this chapter.
(b) A vehicle manufactured for use as an emergency vehicle may display and use colored lights that are not otherwise required or permitted in this chapter, provided that the vehicle is owned and operated according to section 168.10, is owned and operated solely as a collector's item and not for general transportation purposes, and is registered under section 168.10, subdivision 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 1g, or 1h. A person may not activate the colored lights authorized under this paragraph on streets or highways except as part of a parade or other special event.
Subd. 3. Flashing lights; glaring lights. (a) Flashing lights are prohibited, except:
(1) on an authorized emergency vehicle, school bus, bicycle as provided in section 169.222, subdivision 6, road maintenance equipment, tow truck or towing vehicle as provided in section 168B.16, service vehicle, farm tractor, self-propelled farm equipment, rural mail carrier vehicle, or funeral home vehicle;
(2) on any vehicle as a means of indicating a right or left turn, or the presence of a vehicular traffic hazard requiring unusual care in approaching, overtaking, or passing; or
(3) as otherwise provided in this section.
(b) All flashing warning lights must be of the type authorized by section 169.59, subdivision 4, unless otherwise permitted or required in this chapter.
(c) A stop lamp or signal lamp is prohibited from projecting a glaring or dazzling light, except for:
(1) strobe lamps as provided under subdivision 8 or section 169.59, subdivision 4; or
(2) a school bus equipped with a supplemental warning system under section 169.4503, subdivision 31.
Subd. 4. Blue light. (a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) to (d), blue lights are prohibited on all vehicles except road maintenance equipment and snow removal equipment operated by or under contract to the state or a political subdivision thereof.
(b) Authorized emergency vehicles may display flashing blue lights to the rear of the vehicle as a warning signal in combination with other lights permitted or required by this chapter. In addition, authorized emergency vehicles may display, mounted on the passenger side only, flashing blue lights to the front of the vehicle as a warning signal in combination with other lights permitted or required by this chapter.
(c) A motorcycle may display a blue light of up to one-inch diameter as part of the motorcycle's rear brake light.
(d) A motor vehicle may display a blue light of up to one-inch diameter as part of the vehicle's rear brake light if:
(1) the vehicle is a collector vehicle, as described in section 168.10; or
(2) the vehicle is eligible to display a collector plate under section 168.10.
Subd. 4a. White light. (a) It is unlawful to project a white light at the rear of a vehicle while traveling on any street or highway, except:
(1) for a vehicle moving in reverse;
(2) for a school bus equipped with a supplemental warning system under section 169.4503, subdivision 31;
(3) for a strobe lamp as provided under subdivision 8;
(4) as required for license plate illumination under section 169.50, subdivision 2;
(5) as provided in section 169.59, subdivision 4; and
(6) as otherwise provided in this subdivision.
(b) A lighting device mounted on top of a vehicle engaged in deliveries to residences may project a white light to the rear if the sign projects one or more additional colors to the rear.
(c) An authorized emergency vehicle may display an oscillating, alternating, or rotating white light used in connection with an oscillating, alternating, or rotating red light when responding to emergency calls.
Subd. 5. MS 2010 [Renumbered 168B.16]
Subd. 6. Flashing amber light. (a) Any service vehicle may be equipped with a flashing amber lamp of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety.
(b) A service vehicle shall not display the lighted lamp authorized under paragraph (a) when traveling upon the highway or at any other time except at the scene of a disabled vehicle or while engaged in snow removal or road maintenance.
(c) A self-propelled implement of husbandry may display the lighted lamp authorized under paragraph (a) at any time.
Subd. 7. [Repealed, 1991 c 277 s 18]
Subd. 8. Strobe lamp. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a vehicle may be equipped with a 360-degree flashing strobe lamp that emits a white light with a flash rate of 60 to 120 flashes a minute, and the lamp may be used as provided in this subdivision, if the vehicle is:
(1) a school bus that is subject to and complies with the equipment requirements of section 169.442, subdivision 1, or a Head Start bus. The lamp must operate from a separate switch containing an indicator lamp to show when the strobe lamp is in use; or
(2) a road maintenance vehicle owned or under contract to the Department of Transportation or a road authority of a county, home rule or statutory city, or town, but the strobe lamp may only be operated while the vehicle is actually engaged in snow removal during daylight hours.
(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a vehicle may be equipped with a 360-degree flashing strobe lamp that emits an amber light with a flash rate of 60 to 120 flashes a minute, and the lamp may be used as provided in this subdivision, if the vehicle is a rural mail carrier vehicle, provided that the strobe lamp is mounted at the highest practicable point on the vehicle. The strobe lamp may only be operated while the vehicle is actually engaged during daylight hours in the delivery of mail to residents on a rural mail route.
(c) A strobe lamp authorized by this subdivision must be of a double flash type certified to the commissioner of public safety by the manufacturer as being weatherproof and having an effective light output that meets or exceeds the most recent version of SAE International standard J845, Class 2, or a subsequent standard.
Subd. 9. Warning lamp on vehicles collecting solid waste or recycling. A solid waste vehicle or recycling vehicle may be equipped with a single amber warning lamp that meets the most current Society of Automotive Engineers standard for authorized maintenance and service vehicles, Class 2. The lamp may be operated only when the collection vehicle is in the process of collecting solid waste or recycling and is either:
(1) stopped at an establishment where solid waste or recycling is to be collected; or
(2) traveling at a speed that is at least ten miles per hour below the posted speed limit and moving between establishments where solid waste or recycling is to be collected.
Subd. 10. Cover for lamp or reflector. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), it is prohibited for any person to:
(1) equip a motor vehicle with any equipment or material that covers a headlamp, tail lamp, or reflector; or
(2) operate a motor vehicle fitted with or otherwise having equipment or material that covers a headlamp, tail lamp, or reflector.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:
(1) any manufacturer's original equipment or material;
(2) any equipment or material that is clear and colorless; or
(3) the covering for auxiliary lights required under section 169.56.
(2720-250) 1937 c 464 s 100; 1947 c 428 s 29; 1949 c 90 s 3; 1953 c 103 s 1; 1959 c 521 s 10; 1971 c 53 s 1; 1971 c 491 s 19,20; 1976 c 104 s 2,3; 1981 c 191 s 5; 1991 c 112 s 3,5; 1991 c 339 s 7; 1992 c 464 art 2 s 1; 1993 c 187 s 9; 1993 c 281 s 6; 1993 c 326 art 4 s 3; 1994 c 478 s 2,3; 1994 c 603 s 13; 1994 c 635 art 1 s 13; 1994 c 647 art 12 s 28; 1995 c 120 s 1; 1999 c 35 s 1; 2000 c 293 s 1; 2002 c 316 s 2; 2003 c 49 s 1; 2008 c 350 art 1 s 96; 2012 c 287 art 3 s 64; art 4 s 22; 1Sp2017 c 3 art 3 s 65; 2019 c 18 s 4; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 3 s 56-58
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.