Subdivision 1. Motor vehicle. Every motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold such vehicle, including two separate means of applying the brakes, each of which means shall be effective to apply the brakes to at least two wheels. If these two separate means of applying the brakes are connected in any way, they shall be so constructed that failure of any one part of the operating mechanism shall not leave the motor vehicle without brakes on at least two wheels.
Subd. 2. Motorcycle and bicycle. Every motorcycle, and bicycle with motor attached, when operated upon a highway, shall be equipped with at least one brake, which may be operated by hand or foot.
Subd. 3. Trailer, semitrailer. (a) No trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of 3,000 or more pounds, or a gross weight that exceeds the empty weight of the towing vehicle, may be drawn on a highway unless it is equipped with brakes that are adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the trailer or semitrailer. A surge brake on a trailer or semitrailer meets the requirement of this paragraph for brakes adequate to stop and hold the trailer or semitrailer.
(b) No trailer or semitrailer with a gross vehicle weight of more than 3,000 pounds may be drawn on a highway unless it is equipped with brakes that are so constructed that they are adequate to stop and hold the trailer or semitrailer whenever it becomes detached from the towing vehicle.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d), paragraph (a) does not apply to:
(1) a towed custom service vehicle drawn by a motor vehicle that is equipped with brakes that meet the standards of subdivision 5, provided that such a towed custom service vehicle that exceeds 30,000 pounds gross weight may not be drawn at a speed of more than 45 miles per hour;
(2) a motor vehicle drawn by another motor vehicle that is equipped with brakes that meet the standards of subdivision 5; and
(3) a disabled vehicle while being towed to a place of repair.
(d) Vehicles described in paragraph (c), clause (2), may be operated without complying with paragraph (a) only if the trailer or semitrailer does not exceed the following gross weights:
(1) 3,000 pounds while being drawn by a vehicle registered as a passenger automobile, other than a pickup truck as defined in section 168.002, subdivision 26;
(2) 12,000 pounds while being drawn by any other motor vehicle.
Subd. 4. Service brakes on wheels; exceptions. (a) All motor vehicles, trailers, and semitrailers manufactured after June 30, 1988, must be equipped with foot brakes on all wheels.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to:
(1) a mobile crane that is not operated at a speed of more than 45 miles per hour and is capable of stopping within the performance standards of subdivision 5;
(2) a motorcycle;
(3) a trailer or semitrailer with a gross weight of less than 3,000 pounds;
(4) a swivel-type third wheel on a travel trailer; and
(5) a temporary auxiliary axle attached to a motor vehicle during a period of vehicle weight restrictions for the purpose of relieving the weight on another axle, if the combined gross weight on the temporary axle and the axle being relieved does not exceed 18,000 pounds and the motor vehicle meets all brake requirements under this section.
(c) Paragraph (a) does not require brakes on the front wheels of a vehicle having three or more axles and manufactured before July 1, 1988, if the brakes on the other wheels of the vehicle meet the standards of subdivision 5.
Subd. 5. Performance standards. Every motor vehicle or combination of vehicles, at all times and under all conditions of loading, upon application of the service (foot) brake, shall be capable of (1) developing a braking force that is not less than the percentage of its gross weight tabulated herein for its classification, (2) decelerating in a stop from not more than 20 miles per hour at not less than the feet per second per second tabulated herein for its classification, and (3) stopping from a speed of 20 miles per hour in not more than the distance tabulated herein for its classification, such distance to be measured from the point at which movement of the service brake pedal or control begins. Tests for deceleration and stopping distance shall be made on a substantially level (not to exceed plus or minus one percent grade), dry, smooth, hard surface that is free from loose material.
All brakes shall be maintained in good working order and shall be so adjusted as to operate as equally as practicable with respect to the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle.
Subd. 6. [Repealed, 2009 c 64 s 57]
(2720-255, 2720-256) 1937 c 464 s 105,106; Ex1937 c 38 s 2; 1939 c 430 s 19; 1945 c 207 s 7; 1953 c 423 s 1; 1955 c 452 s 1; 1959 c 277 s 1; 1961 c 89 s 1; 1963 c 747 s 1; 1967 c 272 s 1; 1976 c 205 s 1; 1988 c 636 s 8,9; 1989 c 342 s 17; 1990 c 416 s 2,3; 1992 c 581 s 12; 1993 c 187 s 10-12; 1995 c 120 s 2; 1Sp2001 c 8 art 2 s 44; 2008 c 350 art 1 s 39; 2010 c 382 s 40
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.