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169.18.5

Statute ID: 16454

Statute Function ID: 34690

Traffic Regulation - Passing - Unsafe Driving Left of Roadway Center when Passing

In Effect

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Statute Number:

169.18.5

Enactment Date:

May 30, 2017

Effective Date:

May 31, 2017

Expiration Date:

Repealed?:

Summary Text:

Traffic Regulation - Passing - Unsafe Driving Left of Roadway Center when Passing

Statute ID:

16454

Created:

Jun 5, 2017 by mnjis.legal.analyst@state.mn.us

Updated:

Jun 5, 2017 by mnjis.legal.analyst@state.mn.us

Last Update Action:

Added

Legal Analyst Comment:

2017 SS1 Art 3 s 49; New (c) exception; effective day after enactment

Summary Text:

Traffic Regulation - Passing - Unsafe Driving Left of Roadway Center when Passing

Link to MN Statute Text:

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/169/18.html

Legislative Session:

2017 - Regular

Session Law Text?:

Statute text last updated on:

Jun 5, 2017

(a) No vehicle shall be driven to the left side of the center of the roadway in overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction unless such left side is clearly visible and is free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking and passing to be completely made without interfering with the safe operation of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction or any vehicle overtaken. In every event the overtaking vehicle must return to the right-hand side of the roadway before coming within 100 feet of any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction.

(b) Except on a one-way roadway or as provided in paragraph (c), no vehicle shall, in overtaking and passing another vehicle or at any other time, be driven to the left half of the roadway under the following conditions:

(1) when approaching the crest of a grade or upon a curve in the highway where the driver's view along the highway is obstructed within a distance of 700 feet;

(2) when approaching within 100 feet of any underpass or tunnel, railroad grade crossing, intersection within a city, or intersection outside of a city if the presence of the intersection is marked by warning signs; or

(3) where official signs are in place prohibiting passing, or a distinctive centerline is marked, which distinctive line also so prohibits passing, as declared in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices adopted by the commissioner.

(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (b), clause (3), a motor vehicle may be driven to the left side of the roadway to safely overtake a bicycle under the following circumstances:

(1) the bicycle is proceeding in the same direction as the motor vehicle;

(2) the driver of the motor vehicle either (i) provides a safe clearance distance, in no case less than the greater of three feet or one-half the width of the motor vehicle, or (ii) completely enters the left lane of the highway;

(3) the operator of the bicycle is not (i) making a left turn, or (ii) signaling that the bicycle operator intends to make a left turn; and

(4) the driver of the motor vehicle complies with all other applicable requirements under this section.