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169.974.5(j)

Statute ID: 20227

Statute Function ID: 40261

Traffic Regulation - Motorcycle operator has same rights/duties on roadway as other motor vehicles

In Effect

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Classifications

Offense Level:

Misdemeanor (M)

General Offense Code:

DWI/Traffic/Vehicle Regulation (4)

Offense Summary Code & Rank:

Traffic/Accidents(exclude DWI) (J) (Rank 28)

Detailed Offense Code:

Traffic/Transportation (499)

Offense Severity Level:

Function Text:

UCR Code

Description

999

NIBRS Non-Reportable

Flags

Crime of Violence:

Targeted Misdemeanor:

Predatory Offender Registration Review:

Enhanceable:

Certify to DPS:

Yes

Report to DNR:

DPS Group:

Conditional Release:

Payable:

Yes

Petty Misdemeanor Only if Prosecutor Certifies:

Third Violation Indicator:

Qualified Domestic Violence Related:

Nonviolent Controlled Substance Offender Review:

Wildlife Restitution:

Statute Number:

169.974.5(j)

Enactment Date:

Jun 14, 2025

Effective Date:

Jul 1, 2025

Expiration Date:

Repealed?:

Summary Text:

Traffic Regulation - Motorcycle operator has same rights/duties on roadway as other motor vehicles

Statute ID:

20227

Created:

Jun 16, 2025 by mnjis.legal.analyst@state.mn.us

Updated:

Jun 16, 2025 by mnjis.legal.analyst@state.mn.us

Last Update Action:

Added

Legal Analyst Comment:

Amended 2024 C127 and 2025 SS1 C8 Sect36; Renumbered; Cert to DPS; Payable; 3rd Violation indicator

Summary Text:

Traffic Regulation - Motorcycle operator has same rights/duties on roadway as other motor vehicles

Link to MN Statute Text:

https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/stats/169/974.html

Legislative Session:

2025 - Regular

Session Law Text?:

Statute text last updated on:

Jun 16, 2025

(a) An operator of a motorcycle must ride only upon a permanent and regular seat which is attached to the vehicle for that purpose. No other person may ride on a motorcycle, except that passengers may ride (1) upon a permanent and regular operator's seat if designed for two persons, (2) upon additional seats attached to or in the vehicle, or (3) in a sidecar attached to the vehicle. The operator of a motorcycle is prohibited from carrying passengers in a number in excess of the designed capacity of the motorcycle or sidecar attached to it. A passenger is prohibited from being carried in a position that interferes with the safe operation of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.

(b) No person may ride upon a motorcycle as a passenger unless the person can reach the footrests or floorboards with both feet.

(c) Except for passengers of sidecars, drivers and passengers of three-wheeled motorcycles, and persons in an autocycle, no person may operate or ride upon a motorcycle except while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on either side of the motorcycle.

(d) No person may operate a motorcycle while carrying animals, packages, bundles, or other cargo that prevent the person from keeping both hands on the handlebars.

(e) Motorcycles may, with the consent of both drivers, be operated not more than two abreast in a single traffic lane if the vehicles fit safely within the designated space of the lane.

(f) Except under the conditions specified in paragraph (g), no person may operate a motorcycle:

(1) between lanes of moving or stationary vehicles headed in the same direction of travel;

(2) abreast of moving or stationary vehicles within the same traffic lane; or

(3) to overtake or pass another vehicle within the same traffic lane.

(g) A person may operate a motorcycle and overtake and pass another vehicle in the same direction of travel and within the same traffic lane if the motorcycle is operated:

(1) at not more than 25 miles per hour; and

(2) no more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.

(h) For the purposes of paragraph (g), traffic lane does not include:

(1) the approach, drive-through, or exit of a roundabout;

(2) a school zone established under section 169.14, subdivision 5a;

(3) a work zone where only a single travel lane is available for use; or

(4) an on-ramp to a freeway or expressway with or without an active control device where moving or stationary vehicles are queued in one or more traffic lanes.

(i) Motor vehicles including motorcycles are entitled to the full use of a traffic lane and no motor vehicle may be driven or operated in a manner so as to deprive a motorcycle of the full use of a traffic lane.

(j) A person operating a motorcycle upon a roadway must be granted the rights and is subject to the duties applicable to a motor vehicle as provided by law, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application.

(k) Paragraphs (e) and (f) of this subdivision do not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.

(l) No person may operate a motorcycle on a street or highway unless the headlight or headlights are lighted at all times the motorcycle is so operated.

(m) A person parking a motorcycle on the roadway of a street or highway must:

(1) if parking in a marked parking space, park the motorcycle completely within the marked space; and

(2) park the motorcycle in such a way that the front of the motorcycle is pointed or angled toward the nearest lane of traffic to the extent practicable and necessary to allow the operator to (i) view any traffic in both directions of the street or highway without having to move the motorcycle into a lane of traffic and without losing balance or control of the motorcycle, and (ii) ride the motorcycle forward and directly into a lane of traffic when the lane is sufficiently clear of traffic.