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SF3004 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Escort vehicle requirements for overdimensional loads modification

Related bill: HF2798

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to update and modify the regulations regarding escort vehicles required for transporting overdimensional loads on Minnesota's roadways. It seeks to enhance safety measures and provide clear guidelines on when and how escort vehicles should be used.

Main Provisions

  • No Escort Required for Certain Loads: Overdimensional loads with widths of 15 feet or less at the bottom or 16 feet or less at the top do not require an escort vehicle.
  • Single Escort on Multilane Divided Roads: If a load exceeds 15 feet at the bottom or 16 feet at the top, only one rear escort vehicle is needed on multilane divided roads.
  • Lead and Rear Escorts on Undivided Roads: On undivided roads, both a lead and a rear escort vehicle are required for loads wider than the specified dimensions.
  • Additional Safety Measures: When an overdimensional load extends beyond the centerline on undivided roads, a lead escort vehicle, a rear escort vehicle, and a lead licensed peace officer are required to manage potential traffic hazards or public safety concerns.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • The bill provides the commissioner with the authority to specify the number of escort vehicles and whether their operators need to be licensed peace officers.
  • It introduces flexibility, allowing the commissioner to adjust the number of escort vehicles if deemed necessary for public safety or to prevent road damage.
  • There is a provision for the commissioner to require fewer escorts if alternative safety measures are established by the carrier.

Relevant Terms

  • Escort vehicles
  • Overdimensional loads
  • Licensed peace officers
  • Undivided roadway
  • Multilane divided roadway
  • Traffic safety
  • Commissioner discretion

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Specifies when licensed peace officers are required as escort vehicle operators."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill modifies escort vehicle requirements for overdimensional loads under section 169.812, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Describes conditions under which no escort vehicle is required for loads of certain widths.",
        "Outlines conditions for lead and rear escort vehicle requirements on different road types."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "169.812",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  }
]

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