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HF3694

Tow trucks permitted to use variable message signs.
Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026)

Related bill: SF3888

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

  • Update state transportation law to allow tow trucks to display portable variable message signs (VMS) during emergency work and to set lighting and visibility requirements for tow trucks.

Main Provisions

  • Lighting requirements for tow trucks:
    • Tow trucks must have flashing or intermittent red and amber lights.
    • Lights must be placed on the dome of the vehicle at the highest practicable point and be visible from 500 feet.
    • The red light may be displayed only when the tow truck is engaged in emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a highway.
    • The amber light may be displayed when the tow truck is moving a disabled vehicle.
    • Lights must be of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety.
  • Portable variable message sign (VMS):
    • A tow truck may display a portable VMS mounted on the truck while performing emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a highway.
    • The portable VMS must conform to the standards established in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Adds explicit authorization for tow trucks to carry and display portable VMS during emergency operations near highways.
  • Establishes specific lighting requirements (red for emergency service; amber for moving a disabled vehicle) and visibility criteria (visible from 500 feet) and places for mounting (on the dome, at the highest practicable point).
  • Requires lights and VMS to meet standards set by the commissioner of public safety and the Minnesota MUTCD.

Practical Effect

  • Tow trucks engaged in roadside emergency work can use digital message signs to warn or guide traffic, improving safety for workers and drivers.
  • Clear, standardized lighting and display requirements help ensure visibility and consistency across tow operations.

Relevant Terms tow truck; towing vehicle; flashing red light; flashing amber light; portable variable message sign; VMS; emergency service; disabled vehicle; Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168B.16; 500 feet visibility; highway; toll of safety.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 25, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
April 07, 2026HouseActionCommittee report, to adopt
April 07, 2026HouseActionSecond reading

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168B.16.1.4 related to tow truck lighting and portable variable message signs; it clarifies that tow trucks must display flashing red and amber lights and may display a portable variable message sign during emergency service, with standards referencing the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.",
      "modified": [
        "Revises the heading and content to require flashing red and amber lights and a portable variable message sign, with standards to be followed per the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168B.16.1.4",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This entry references Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168B.16 as the statute being amended.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168B.16",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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