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HF1804 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Active transportation various governing requirements modified, electric-assisted bicycle rebate eligibility and amount modified, and rulemaking authorized.

Related bill: SF2094

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes various amendments to Minnesota transportation laws related to active transportation, speed limits, pedestrian rights-of-way, and electric-assisted bicycle rebates. Key provisions include:

  1. Crosswalk Definition Changes – Expands the definition of a crosswalk to include certain bikeways and public trails used by pedestrians and other nonmotorized users.

  2. Speed Limits Adjustments – Establishes or modifies speed limits:

    • 30 mph in urban districts.
    • 65 mph on certain non-interstate expressways and freeways.
    • 70 mph on interstate highways outside urbanized areas over 50,000 population.
    • 65 mph on interstates within urbanized areas over 50,000 population.
    • 10 mph in alleys.
    • 25 mph in residential areas (if adopted by local authorities).
    • 35 mph in rural residential areas (if adopted by local authorities).
    • 15 mph in school zones.

The bill also requires proper signage for speed limits to be enforceable and adds additional fines for violations exceeding speed limits by 20 mph or more.

  1. Pedestrian Right-of-Way Modifications – Strengthens requirements for vehicles to stop and yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks and at intersections.

    • Prohibits passing other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.
    • Makes it illegal to drive through a column of school children or past a school crossing guard stopping traffic.
    • Establishes misdemeanor penalties for violations, with increased penalties for repeat offenses within one year.

  2. Electric-Assisted Bicycle Rebates – Modifies eligibility criteria and rebate amounts for e-bikes.

  3. Authorizes Rulemaking – Grants rulemaking authority to implement these provisions.

The bill aims to enhance pedestrian safety, clarify transportation regulations, and promote active and sustainable transportation options.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy
March 02, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "New definitions including extensions not at intersections for pedestrian or nonmotorized users."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Modifications to the definition of 'crosswalk' under section 169.011, subdivision 20.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarified the requirements for areas marked as crosswalks."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.011",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 20"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Additions include speed limits for rural residential districts."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Amendments to speed limits regulations under section 169.14, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Amends the process for implementing designated speed limits."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.14",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Introduces provisions for stopping vehicles at pedestrian crossings."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Changes to pedestrian right-of-way rules in section 169.21, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Updates language for pedestrian rights in absence of traffic-control signals."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.21",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

Sponsors