HF1509

This bill proposes changes to Minnesota's transportation laws, specifically regarding traffic signals and pedestrian rights. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 169.06 and 169.21, to clarify how traffic control signals apply to both vehicles and pedestrians.

Key provisions:
1. Traffic Control Signal Clarifications:
- Reinforces that traffic signals apply to both drivers and pedestrians.
- Specifies that pedestrians facing a green signal (except for a turn arrow) may cross, and drivers must yield to them.
- Pedestrians facing a yellow signal are warned not to begin crossing if there isn’t enough time to safely do so.
- Pedestrians facing a red signal are prohibited from entering the roadway unless controlled by a pedestrian-specific signal.

1. Limitations on Enforcement Against Pedestrians:
   
   • Law enforcement cannot stop, detain, or cite a pedestrian for failing to obey a yellow or red signal unless:
     
     1. The officer has already lawfully stopped the pedestrian for an unrelated violation.
        
     2. A vehicle is approaching in a way that creates a collision risk between the pedestrian and the vehicle.
        

Overall, this bill aims to limit the authority of law enforcement to issue citations to pedestrians solely for crossing violations unless there is a safety concern or another legal reason for detainment.