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SF2207 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Certain special vehicle operation authorization on roads by ordinance without a permit

Related bill: HF1832

AI Generated Summary

This bill (S.F. No. 2207) proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes 2024, Section 169.045, relating to the operation of motorized golf carts, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility task vehicles (UTVs), and mini trucks on public roadways.

Key Provisions:

  1. Local Authority to Permit Vehicle Use

    • Counties, cities, and towns may pass ordinances allowing these vehicles on designated roadways.
    • These local ordinances must specify the roadways and vehicle types allowed.

  2. Permit Requirements

    • Operation of motorized golf carts, ATVs, UTVs, or mini trucks requires a permit unless designated by ordinance.
    • Applicants must provide proof of insurance.
    • Permits may be valid for up to three years and can be revoked if the operator is deemed unsafe.
    • Local ordinances may require a physician's certification for applicants to confirm their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

  3. Operating Conditions

    • These vehicles can only be operated from sunrise to sunset unless they have headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
    • Operation is prohibited in inclement weather or conditions that limit visibility to less than 500 feet.

  4. Traffic Law Compliance

    • Operators have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers but are subject to certain exceptions.
    • Mini truck operators are required to comply with state driver’s license laws (Chapter 171), while operators of other vehicle types are exempt.

  5. Equipment Standards for Mini Trucks

    • Mini trucks must have:
      • Two headlamps
      • Two taillamps
      • Front and rear turn signals
      • Driver’s side mirror and either a passenger-side mirror or an interior mirror
      • A windshield
      • Seat belts for the driver and front passenger
      • A parking brake

  6. Insurance Availability

    • If an operator cannot obtain private liability insurance, they may purchase coverage through the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan at a rate set by the Commissioner of Commerce.

Overall Impact:

The bill simplifies and clarifies the process for local governments to allow specific off-road and small vehicles on public roadways while updating safety requirements. It also ensures that these vehicles meet basic insurance and equipment standards for safe operation.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 05, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken
March 23, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor stricken

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section provides the definition of all-terrain vehicles referenced in the bill.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "84.92"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This section gives the definition of a mini truck related to the bill's context.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.011"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill references this section for insurance requirements applicable to certain vehicles.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "65B.48"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Slow-moving vehicle emblem requirements referenced for motorized carts on roadways.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.522"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Applies certain driver license requirements to mini trucks but exempts others.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "171"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Exemptions for equipment requirements on motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles, or all-terrain vehicles.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.70"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References equipment requirements for mini trucks to operate legally on roadways.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "169.48 to 169.68"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Information on obtaining automobile insurance through the Minnesota Automobile Insurance Plan.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "65B.01 to 65B.12"
  }
]

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