Friends and Neighbors,
Summer is already flying by and it has been a great one! I am proud of all we accomplished last session and as the summer progresses, we are already gearing up for next year.
New Laws:
On August 1st, new laws that we passed last session are going into effect. Here are a few of the changes to be aware of:
- Hands Free: The new law broadens the state’s existing ban on texting while driving, prohibiting drivers from holding a cell phone or other handheld device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers will be required to use hands-free technology when making calls, sending messages, or accessing content, including audio and navigation behind the wheel. The law specifies that a communications device does not include a device that is physically integrated into the vehicle, such as a navigation system that is only capable of being used for navigation purposes or a two-way radio. We hope this will make us all a little safer on the road!
- “Slow-poke” bill: If the roadway has more than one lane in each direction, a person must move out of the leftmost lane to allow another vehicle to pass. This should keep our traffic flowing smoothly.
- Construction work zone safety: Qualified work zone flaggers will be legally able to report violations of flagger directions, speeding, or various other traffic control laws in construction work zones along Minnesota highways. To establish probable cause, the flagger’s report must include a description of the vehicle and time of the incident and the flagger must have completed training related to traffic laws. Construction workers are often subject to careless drivers that put them in harms way. We hope this new law will encourage drivers to maneuver carefully around construction areas.
For more information, visit: https://www.mnsenaterepublicans.com/new-laws-effective-august-1-2019/.
ATV Laws:
I have also heard questions from many of you regarding ATV public road riding laws and the DNR. The DNR and cities or townships have different jurisdiction on the boundaries for ATVs. According to current law, all-terrain vehicles cannot be operated on the roadways, shoulder, or bank of a trunk, county state-aid, or a county highway unless permitted by local ordinance. Just to make sure you are not subject to a citation, I suggest getting in contact with your city or local sheriff to see if they have adopted their own ordinances in your area. They will be able to provide the information you need to make sure you can plan a ride around town without worrying about getting a ticket. If you have questions about other laws for ATV riding the DNR website is a great resource. For more information you can visit: https://files.dnr.state.mn.us/rlp/regulations/ohv/ohv_regs.pdf or https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/ohv/index.html. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact my office!
I hope you all are enjoying your summer!
Mike