HF2859

Purpose of the Bill

This bill allows local governments in Minnesota to set speed limits specifically for electric-assisted bicycles in certain areas, such as business districts. The main goal is to provide local authorities with the ability to manage the speed of these bicycles to ensure safety and order.

Main Provisions

• Local Ordinance for Speed Limits: Local government bodies are empowered to adopt ordinances setting maximum speed limits for electric-assisted bicycles within business districts.
• Signage Requirement: Speed limits set under these ordinances are enforceable only when proper signs indicating the beginning and end of the speed limit area are posted.
• Citation Issuance: Only peace officers employed by the local government that set the speed limit can issue citations for violations. These citations must adhere to existing legal requirements.
• Driving Record Exemptions: Violations of these local speed limits are not to be recorded on an individual's driving record, particularly for those holding commercial driver’s licenses.
• Prohibition of Administrative Citations: Local units of government are prohibited from issuing administrative citations for violations of existing bicycle riding rules under subdivision 6a.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill amends specific sections of the Minnesota Statutes (sections 169.222 and 169.999) to introduce new subdivisions that address the regulation of electric-assisted bicycle speed limits at a local level.
• It provides a framework allowing local authorities to better regulate electric-assisted bicycles, recognizing the unique nature of these vehicles compared to standard bicycles.

Relevant Terms

electric-assisted bicycles, speed limit ordinance, local government, citations, driving record, commercial driver's license, business district, signage requirements.