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HF1344 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Warning lights that volunteer first responders are authorized to use in their personal vehicles when responding to a call specified.

Related bill: SF793

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota transportation law to specify the warning lights that volunteer first responders can use on their personal vehicles when responding to emergencies.

Key Provisions:

  1. Volunteer Emergency Responders’ Warning Lights

    • Volunteer firefighters, emergency medical first responders, and ambulance crew members are allowed to equip their personal vehicles with a flashing or steady-burning red or red-and-white warning light.
    • The light unit must be approved by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
    • The warning light should not exceed three inches in diameter.
    • These lights may only be used when responding to emergency calls.
    • Permits for these lights are issued by the Commissioner of Public Safety and must be terminated when the responder is no longer active.

  2. Volunteer Ambulance Drivers’ Warning Lights

    • Certified volunteer ambulance drivers can equip their personal vehicles with similar red or red-and-white warning lights.
    • These warning lights may only be used when the driver is responding to an ambulance location for an emergency.
    • Permits for these lights expire when the individual stops working as a volunteer ambulance driver.

  3. Exceptions in Flashing Light Restrictions

    • The bill updates Minnesota law to clarify that flashing lights are generally prohibited except for certain cases, such as:
      • Authorized emergency vehicles, school buses, road maintenance equipment, farm vehicles, funeral home vehicles, bicycles, or tow trucks.
      • Vehicles using flashing lights to indicate turns or traffic hazards.
      • Volunteer emergency responders and ambulance drivers as specified in this bill.
    • All flashing warning lights must comply with authorized standards, except where otherwise specified.

Conclusion:

The bill formally authorizes the use of specific emergency lighting on personal vehicles used by volunteer first responders and ambulance drivers when responding to emergencies. It also updates related laws on flashing lights to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
March 19, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows a red and white combination warning light unit for volunteer emergency responders."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the use of warning lights for volunteer emergency responders under section 169.58.",
      "modified": [
        "Modifies the process for obtaining a permit for a red lamp for volunteer emergency responders."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.58"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill amends the provisions related to flashing lights on vehicles under section 169.64.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies the exceptions for the use of flashing lights by volunteer emergency responders."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.64"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Provides conditions for flashing lights on bicycles under section 169.222.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.222"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Authorizes certain types of warning lights under section 169.59.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies the type of flashing warning lights allowed."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.59"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Details flashing lights on tow trucks under section 168B.16.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168B.16"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Mentions conditions for school bus warning systems under section 169.4503.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.4503"
  }
]

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