This document is made available electronically by the Legislative Reference Library as part of an ongoing digital archiving project. http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/lrl.asp

Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

A Message from the Commissioner of Public Safety

The Minnesota Driverʼs Manual explains the safety rules and state laws you need to follow in order to drive safely and legally in Minnesota. State laws and statutes change periodically, so each yearʼs manual contains something new. This manual is available on the Driver and Vehicle Services Web site and at any driver examination station. You may also call 651-297-3298 (TTY 651-282-6555) or write to Driver and Vehicle Services, 445 Minnesota , St. Paul, MN 55101 to ask for your copy. Driving is a privilege and also a responsibility. Please remember to buckle up, obey speed laws and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Respect for laws and respect for other drivers will keep us all safe on the .

Sincerely,

Commissioner Michael Campion Minnesota Department of Public Safety Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

Table of Contents

Knowledge and Road Test Checklists ...... I-II

New Limitations for Teen Drivers...... III

Chapter 1 Your License to Drive...... 1

Chapter 2 Your Vehicle ...... 18

Chapter 3 Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation...... 22

Chapter 4 Sharing the Road ...... 36

Chapter 5 Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings...... 46

Chapter 6 Driving Conditions ...... 63

Chapter 7 Your Driving Privileges...... 79

Chapter 8 Impaired Driving...... 83

Chapter 9 Information Directory and Index ...... 89

About This Manual: This manual concerns Minnesota laws and requirements. For complete standards, consult Minnesota state statutes and rules. This document is not a proper legal authority to cite in court. Copyright 2008. State of Minnesota Department of Public Safety. This Minnesota Driverʼs Manual is printed by permission of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

This information can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. For assistance, call: 651-297-3298 or (TTY) 651-282-6555 This paper contains a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer fiber.

Form Number 30000-14 (08-2008) Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

Knowledge Test Checklist Do you have all the information you need for your knowledge test? Here is a checklist to help you prepare for your visit: ❒ I have the required identification (see pages 3-5). ❒ I know my Social Security Number. ❒ I have money with me (check, money order, or cash) to pay the instruction permit fee and the retesting fee, if applicable. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. There is a $10 test fee for third or subsequent knowledge tests after failing the first two. If under 18 years of age: ❒ I am at least 15 years old. ❒ I have my certificate of enrollment (“Blue Card”) proving that I completed classroom instruction and am signed up for behind-the-wheel instruction. ❒ My parent or court-appointed guardian will sign and approve my application. Road Test Checklist Do you have all the information you need for your road test? Here is a checklist to help you prepare for your visit: ❒ I have made a road test appointment. ❒ I have my valid instruction permit to give to the examiner. ❒ I will provide a vehicle that is in safe working condition in which to take the test. • Doors must open from the inside and outside. • Seatbelts must work properly. • Headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals must be in working order. • Vehicle registration (license plates and stickers) must be current or the vehicle must display a 21-day permit. I Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

❒ I have current proof of insurance for the vehicle I will use for the test. (Original insurance identification card or policy; photocopies or copies from the Internet are not acceptable.) ❒ I have money with me (check, money order, or cash) to pay the driverʼs license fee and the retesting fee, if applicable. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. There is a $20 test fee for third or subsequent road tests after failing the first two.

If under 18 years of age: ❒ I am at least 16 years old. ❒ I have my certificate of course completion (“White Card”) proving that I have completed driver education. ❒ I have held an instruction permit for the last six months without a conviction for a or an alcohol or controlled substance violation. ❒ If all or part of my six months of driving experience was in a state other than Minnesota, I have a certified driving record from that state to verify that I qualify for the provisional license. ❒ My parent or court-appointed guardian will sign and approve my application and certify that I have driven for 30 hours or more, 10 of which were at night.

If 18 years of age: ❒ I have had my instruction permit for at least six months.

If 19 years of age or older: ❒ I have had my instruction permit for at least three months.

II Minnesota Driver’s Manual

New Limitations for Teen Drivers Chapter 1 Your License to Drive Minnesota teen drivers are overrepresented in traffic crashes each year due to driver inexperience, distractions, nighttime driving, speeding and seat belt non-use. To minimize risks of injury or death, new laws will help teens hone their driving skills during the first year of licensure by reducing exposure to high-risk situations such as carrying teen passengers and driving at night. Violating these laws is a misdemeanor. Nighttime Driving Limitation — Effective August 1, 2008 For the first six months of licensure: Driving is prohibited midnight – 5 a.m. Exemptions: Driving when accompanied by a licensed driver age 25 or older; driving between home and place of employment; driving to/from home and a school event for which the school has not provided trans- portation; driving for employment purposes. The nighttime limitation is lifted after the first six months of licensure. Passenger Limitations — Effective August 1, 2008 For the first six months of licensure: Only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. For the second six months of licensure: No more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Exemption: Passengers under age 20 who are members of the driverʼs immediate family are permitted. These limitations also apply to teens licensed before August 1, 2008. For example, a teen licensed on July 1, 2008, will have the: • Nighttime limitation for five months (August 1, 2008 to January 1, 2009). • One passenger limitation for five months (August 1, 2008 to January 1, 2009). • Three passenger limitation for six months (January 1 to July 1, 2009).

III 1 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Chapter 1 Your License to Drive

This chapter provides information about how to obtain a Minnesota driverʼs license. Getting Your License to Drive Anyone who drives a motor vehicle on public or highways in Minnesota must carry a valid and unexpired driverʼs license. If you have never had a driverʼs license in any state or country, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision test, apply for an instruction permit, and pass a road test. If your Minnesota driverʼs license has been expired for more than one year, but less than five years, you must pass a knowledge test and a vision test before applying for a new license. If you are moving to Minnesota from another state, certain U.S. territories, or Canada, you can obtain a license by passing the know- ledge and vision tests. You have up to 60 days after becoming a resident to obtain your regular Minnesota license or permit; with a commercial license, up to 30 days. You must also present a valid driverʼs license, or one expired for less than one year, from your former home state. (See Identification Requirements) If you have a motorcycle endorsement on your out-of-state license, you can obtain a Minnesota endorsement by passing a test and paying the appropriate fees. If you are moving to Minnesota from a country other than the or Canada, you must pass a knowledge test, a vision test, and a road test even if you have a valid license from your former country. You will not be eligible to receive your Minnesota driverʼs license until you have presented all other driverʼs licenses and identification cards in your possession to the Department of Public Safety.

Who Does Not Need a Minnesota License? You may drive a motor vehicle on public in Minnesota without a valid Minnesota driverʼs license or permit, if you meet one of these exceptions: • You are a nonresident who is at least 15 years of age and have in your possession a valid driverʼs license issued to you in your home state or country. • You have become a resident of Minnesota and have a valid driverʼs license issued by another state, a Canadian province or U.S. military authority. You have up to 60 days after becoming a resident to obtain your regular Minnesota license.

1 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

• You have a valid commercial driverʼs license from another state. In this case, you have up to 30 days after becoming a Minnesota resident to obtain your commercial Minnesota license.

Your License to Drive • You are employed by, or in service to, the U.S. government and Your License to Drive you are driving or operating (for military purposes), a commercial motor vehicle for the U.S. government. • You are not a Minnesota resident, are at least 18 years of age, your home country does not require drivers to be licensed, and the vehicle you drive is registered for the current year in your home country. You may legally drive this vehicle in Minnesota for not more than 90 days in any calendar year without a valid license or permit. • You temporarily drive a farm tractor or other farm implement on a public roadway. • You are operating a snowmobile. To learn about laws that apply to driving snowmobiles, visit the Department of Natural Resources Web site at www.dnr.state.mn.us. Who Cannot Be Licensed? A Minnesota driverʼs license or instruction permit will not be issued to you if: • You fail to present proper identification. • You fail to complete or pass any part of the required driverʼs license tests. • You are unable to read and understand official road signs or understand state traffic law. • You are under 15 years of age. • You are under 18 years of age, do not have a valid license from another state, and cannot present a certificate proving that you have completed an approved driver education course. • You are 18 years of age or younger and have possessed an instruction permit for less than six months. • You are 19 years of age or older and have possessed an instruction permit for less than three months. • Your license is suspended and you have not met all reinstatement requirements. • Your license is revoked and you have not met all reinstatement requirements. • Your license is canceled. • A court has ruled you to be mentally incompetent, and the Department of Public Safety has determined that you are incapable of driving a motor vehicle safely.

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• The Commissioner of Public Safety has determined you to be incapable of driving a motor vehicle safely because of a physical or mental disability.

Your License to Drive • The Commissioner of Public Safety has good cause to believe that Your License to Drive permitting you to operate a motor vehicle would be detrimental to public safety. Bring Identification You must present proper identification that verifies your first, middle, and last name, and your date of birth to take the knowledge and road tests. You must also present proper identification when you apply for an instruction permit, driverʼs license, or state identification card. To apply for a Minnesota driverʼs license, identification card, or instruction permit, you must present one of the following: • A current Minnesota driverʼs license, identification card, or instruction permit. • A Minnesota driverʼs license, identification card, or instruction permit which displays your photograph and has been expired for five years or less. • A Minnesota driverʼs license, identification card, or instruction permit which does not display your photograph that is current or expired for one year or less. If you cannot provide one of these documents, you must present one primary and one secondary identification document. The primary document must include your full name and the month, day, and year of your birth. Documents not in English must be accompanied by a qualified English translation. (See page 5) Documents are subject to verification and may not be accepted if laminated or otherwise altered. If you are a temporary U.S. resident you may need to show additional proof of your lawful admission period, such as form I-20, DS-2019, I-797 or other official immigration document or receipt. Primary documents: • Certified birth record issued by a government bureau of vital statistics or board of health in the United States, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. A hospital-issued certificate is not acceptable. • Certificate of Birth Abroad issued by the U.S. Department of State (FS-545 or DS-1350). • Report of Birth Abroad of a U.S. citizen issued by a U.S. Embassy (FS-240). • Certified adoption certificate from a U.S. court. • Valid, unexpired U.S. passport. • Unexpired active duty, reserve, or retired U.S. military identification

2 3 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

card (DD-2 or Geneva Convention Common Access Card). • A current tribal government identification card issued by a Minnesota tribal government recognized by the U.S. Department of the Interior,

Your License to Drive Bureau of Indian Affairs. The card must contain the legal name, Your License to Drive birth date, signature and photo of the cardholder and must contain security features defined in Minnesota Statutes 171.072. • Valid, unexpired passport from a country other than the United States, with an unexpired I-551 stamp or an unexpired I-94 arrival and departure form. • Canadian birth certificate or naturalization certificate with a valid I-94 form attached. (Certificate must be presented with a photo secondary document issued by a Canadian government agency.) • One of the following valid, unexpired documents issued by the U.S. Department of Justice or U.S. Department of Homeland Security: – Employment Authorization Card with photo (I-688 or I-766 series) – Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card (I-551 or I-151) – Re-entry Permit/Refugee Travel Document (I-327, I-571) – Certificate of Naturalization (N-550, N-570, or N-578) – Certificate of Citizenship (N-560, N-561, or N-645) – U.S. Citizen Identification Card (I-179 or I-197) – Northern Mariana Card (I-873) – American Indian Card (I-872)

Secondary documents: • Another primary document. • Photo driverʼs license, state identification card, or permit issued by another U.S. state, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or a Canadian province or territory, that is current or expired for five years or less. • U.S. Social Security card (non-metal) or Canadian Social Insurance card. • Certified birth certificate from a government other than the United States, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. • Certified, government-issued marriage certificate. • Certified U.S. or Canadian court order including your full name and date of birth. • Certified secondary or post-secondary school transcript containing your full legal name and date of birth. • Current secondary school (grades 7–12) student I.D. card with name, photograph, and date of birth or unique identification number. • Government employee photo identification card from a jurisdiction in the United States or Canada. • Current identification card issued by the U.S. Department of Defense

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(DD-1173 or DD-214). • Unexpired, color-photo permit to carry a firearm or concealed weapon, issued by a U.S. police department or sheriff.

Your License to Drive • Current pilotʼs license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Your License to Drive Fraudulent documents may be confiscated. Verification of Name Change If you legally change your name through marriage, divorce, or a court order, you must show proof of the change. You must present a certified marriage certificate, a certified court order specifying the name change, or a certified divorce decree or dissolution of marriage certificate specifying the name change. If you have had a series of name changes, you must provide documentation of all of those changes. Translation of Documents All documents presented in a language other than English must be accompanied by an English translation. The English translation must be accompanied by a certificate documenting that the translation is true and accurate. A sample translatorʼs certificate is available on the Driver and Vehicle Services Web site at www.mndriveinfo.org, at driver examination stations and at driverʼs license offices. The translator must not be related to you by blood or marriage and must meet one of the following criteria: • Accredited by the American Translators Association. • Certified by a court. • Approved by an embassy or consulate of the United States or by a diplomatic or consular official of a foreign country assigned to, or accredited by, the United States. • Affiliated with, or approved by, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, or a government jurisdiction within the United States. • An attorney licensed to practice in the United States or affiliated with such an attorney. • A vendor approved to provide translation service for the state of Minnesota. Social Security Number Applicants for Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services cards are required to provide their Social Security number (SSN) on the application form. Applicants who have not been issued a SSN must certify that information on the form. Your Social Security number is private information that will be secure on the driverʼs license information system and accessible only to those lawfully authorized to access it. Social Security numbers are not located on, or embedded in, driverʼs licenses or identification cards. 4 5 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

The Knowledge Test You can take the knowledge test at driver examination stations located throughout the state. The knowledge test contains multiple choice and Your License to Drive true or false questions that evaluate your knowledge and understanding Your License to Drive of Minnesota traffic laws and road signs. The knowledge test may be offered on paper or on a . At exam stations where the test is offered on a computer, you can take the test in English or one of several other languages. Headphones are available, upon request, to allow you to hear the questions as you read them. You may take only one knowledge test per day. You must obtain a score of 80 percent to pass. You must show proper identification before you will be permitted to take the test. If you are under 18 years of age, you must present a certificate of enrollment (“Blue Card”) from an approved driver education course showing that you have completed the classroom portion of the course and have enrolled in behind-the-wheel training. Classroom instruction is not required if you are 18 years of age or older. For information on home-schooling rules and regulations, go to www.mndriveinfo.org. If you fail two consecutive knowledge tests, you will be charged a fee of $10 to take a third test and any subsequent knowledge test. The Vision Screening Your eyes will be screened when you apply for, or renew, your driverʼs license or instruction permit. This is not a medical examination. It is a screening to determine whether your vision meets minimum standards. Your normal or corrected vision must be at least 20/40, and your peripheral vision must be at least 105 degrees. If your peripheral vision is less than 105 degrees or you fail the vision screening, you will be asked to see an eye doctor and return the doctorʼs report to the Driver and Vehicle Services Driver Evaluation Unit. The purpose of the report is to determine whether you see well enough to drive safely or if vision correction or other restrictions are needed. The Road Test The road test consists of a demonstration of your vehicleʼs safety equipment, your vehicle control skills, and a driving performance test. You will be tested on the rules of the road and your ability to drive a motor vehicle safely under normal traffic conditions. The examiner will evaluate your awareness of risks and your reaction to them. You will be evaluated on your ability to use good observation at intersections, when changing lanes, and in other situations. You will not be asked to do anything illegal during the test.

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When you have the necessary driving skills and meet all the require- ments, you are ready to take the road test. We encourage you to make an appointment for your test at www.mndriveinfo.org or (in the seven-

Your License to Drive county area) call 651-284-1000. Your License to Drive In order to take the road test, you must present your valid instruction permit and current proof of insurance in the form of the original insurance identification card or policy. You must provide your own vehicle to take the test. Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) may not be used for this test. The vehicle doors must open from both the inside and the outside. Seat belts must work properly. The headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights must be in working order. Any equipment required by restrictions on your license or instruction permit must be in working order, unless you are attempting to have the restrictions removed. Smoking is not allowed during the test, and the vehicle must be free of smoke before the examiner enters the vehicle. If you are under 18 years of age, you must present a certificate of course completion, or “white card,” that proves you have completed an approved driver education course and behind-the-wheel instruction. No passengers, other than the driver examiner, may occupy the vehicle while you are taking the test. This includes pets, children, and interpreters. Loose objects that could break or cause injury must be removed from the vehicle prior to the road test. If you fail two consecutive road tests, you will be charged a fee of $20 to take a third test and any subsequent road test. Vehicle Safety Equipment Demonstration You will be asked to perform a safety equipment check of your vehicle before you begin the road test. It must be in safe working condition and have all necessary equipment. You will be required to present current proof of insurance and demonstrate knowledge about: • Proof of insurance: original insurance identification card or policy. Photocopies or Internet copies are not acceptable. • Seat adjustment. • Seat belts. • Emergency (parking) brake. • Activating headlights (high and low beams). • Activating hazard warning lights (four-way flashers). • Horn. • Windshield wipers. • Windshield defroster and fan controls. • Mirrors. This list does not include all equipment and items required by law. If you are unable to pass the safety equipment demonstration, you will not be allowed to finish the road test that day. 6 7 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

Vehicle Control Skills and Driving Performance During the road test, you will be examined and evaluated on your: • Control of the vehicle. Your License to Drive • Ability to parallel park. Your License to Drive • Ability to park on a hill. • Response to traffic and road conditions, traffic signs, and signals. • Ability to signal and perform right and left turns properly. • Ability to use both marked and unmarked lanes of traffic. • Observation and consideration of and other drivers. • Ability to perform the 90-degree backing skill maneuver. This simulates backing into a ten-foot wide or parking space. These actions will cause you to fail the road test immediately: • Disobeying a traffic law. • Dangerous, careless, or reckless driving, including any action that could result in a traffic accident. • Inability to control your vehicle or complete a maneuver without assistance from the examiner. • Involving your vehicle in an accident that you could have avoided, even if you are not legally at fault. • Not cooperating with the examiner or refusing to do something the examiner asks. If you fail the road test, you may retake it after you have had time to improve your driving skills. You will be assigned practice time that must be completed before your next road test is given. If you fail the road test four times, you must complete at least six hours of behind- the-wheel instruction with a licensed instructor before taking the road test again. When you pass the road test, you may apply for your Minnesota driverʼs license. If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or legal guardian must sign and approve your application. The validated record of your road test score and your application receipt will serve as your temporary driverʼs license until you receive your permanent driverʼs license in the mail. Medical Conditions An application for an instruction permit or driverʼs license includes questions about medical conditions. Providing false information on the application could result in the loss of driving privileges. If you have a medical condition, you may be asked to provide a statement from a physician that indicates whether or not the condition interferes with your ability to drive safely. If you have a permit or license, and you are diagnosed with insulin-managed diabetes, epilepsy,

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or a medical condition that could cause loss of consciousness, you must submit a statement from a physician within 30 days of the diagnosis. The statement must indicate whether or not the condition interferes

Your License to Drive with your ability to drive safely. Medical statements should be sent Your License to Drive to the Driver and Vehicles Services Driver Evaluation Unit, 445 Minnesota Street, Suite 170, St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-5170. For more information, contact the Driver Evaluation Unit at 651-296-2025. Parent’s Approval for Under Age 18 If you are under 18 years of age, one of your parents or a court- appointed guardian must approve your application for a driverʼs license or instruction permit. If your parents are divorced, your custodial parent or a stepparent married to your custodial parent may approve your application. If you have no living parents or guardian, or if you are married or legally emancipated, a close family member, employer, or a spouse who is at least 18 years of age may sign your application. If you are a foreign exchange student, your host sponsors are not authorized to sign your application. You will be given two application forms to send to your parents for notarized signatures. One is for the instruction permit, and the other is for the provisional license. The GDL System Minnesota has a graduated driverʼs licensing (GDL) system, which is designed to ease inexperienced drivers into the driving environment. Under the GDL system, anyone 18 years of age or younger must hold an instruction permit for at least six months before taking a road test. When you have passed the road test, you may apply for your license. Your Instruction Permit The first step to becoming a licensed driver is to obtain an instruction permit. The permit is valid for two years of practice driving with a licensed driver sitting in the front passenger seat. It is illegal to practice driving without a valid instruction permit. When you drive, you must have your instruction permit in immediate possession. Under 18 If you are under 18 years of age, the supervising driver must be 21 years of age or older, every occupant under 18 years of age must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system, and you may not use, or talk on, a cell phone while driving, with or without a hands-free cell phone device. 18 and older If you are 18 years of age or older, the supervising driver must be at least 18 years of age and all passengers in the front seat or passengers 11 years of age or under must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system. 8 9 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

To qualify for an instruction permit you must: • Be at least 15 years of age. • Complete 30 hours of classroom instruction and be enrolled in

Your License to Drive behind-the-wheel instruction. If you are 18 years of age or older, Your License to Drive the classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction is not required. • Comply with identification requirements. • Pass a vision screening and a knowledge test. • Complete a license application and pay the required instruction permit fee. When you meet these requirements, you may apply for your instruction permit. After the required six months of practice driving (three months, if you are 19 years of age or older), you may take the road test. For road test scheduling information, see Chapter 9 of this manual. Before you will be allowed to take the road test, you must present to the driver examiner your valid instruction permit and current proof of insurance on the vehicle. If your instruction permit is lost or expired, you may apply for a new permit. The new permit will be valid for two years from the date of application. Your Provisional License The provisional license is the second phase of the GDL system. This license is valid for two years from the application date and has restrictions that do not apply to a full driverʼs license. Every occupant under 18 years of age must wear a seat belt or use a child passenger restraint system and you may not use, or talk on, a cell phone while driving. This includes using a hands-free cell phone device. To qualify for your provisional license you must: • Be at least 16 years of age. • Have completed the classroom and behind-the-wheel phases of driver education. • Have held an instruction permit for six months with no convictions for moving or alcohol/controlled-substance violations. • Have passed a road test. A parent or court-appointed guardian must sign and approve your license application and certify that you have driven under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age for not less than 30 hours. At least ten of the 30 supervised hours must have taken place at night. When you have completed these requirements, you may apply for your provisional license and pay the appropriate fee. During the provisional license period, you must ensure that every occupant under 18 years of age wears a seat belt or uses a properly fastened child passenger restraint system. 10 11 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

Effective August 1, 2008, provisional drivers are subject to new nighttime and passenger limitations. During the first six months of licensure, driving is prohibited from midnight until 5 a.m. unless the

Your License to Drive provisional driver is: Your License to Drive • Accompanied by a licensed driver at least 25 years of age. • Driving between home and work. • Driving between home and a school event for which the school does not provide transportation. • Driving for employment purposes. Additionally, for the first six months of licensure, only one passenger under the age of 20 is permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. During the second six months of licensure, no more than three passengers under the age of 20 are permitted, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. Note: Passengers under 20 who are members of the provisional driverʼs immediate family are permitted during both time periods. Vanessa’s Law An unlicensed teen driver with a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance-related violation (a violation of one or more statutes, including DWI, Implied Consent, Open Bottle, or Underage Drinking and Driving/Not a Drop Law) cannot be given a license, instruction permit or provisional license until age 18. At 18, the driver must: • Pass the knowledge test(s). • Fulfill reinstatement requirements, including payment of fees which can be up to $680, depending on circumstances. • Obtain an instruction permit and hold it for at least six months. • Pass the road test. A licensed teen driver with a provisional license whose driving privileges were revoked due to a crash-related moving violation or an alcohol/controlled substance-related violation cannot regain a license until age 18. At that time, the person must complete the following steps to obtain a full driverʼs license: • Fulfill all reinstatement requirements, including the payment of fees which can be up to $680 depending on circumstances. • Complete the classroom portion of a formal driver education course. • Pass the knowledge test. • Obtain an instruction permit and hold it for three months. • Complete the behind-the-wheel portion of a driver education course.

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Getting Your Class D Driver’s License To qualify for your class D driverʼs license, you must be at least 18 years of age, or have held a provisional license for at least 12 consecutive Your License to Drive months with no convictions for alcohol violations, controlled-substance Your License to Drive violations, or crash-related moving violations, and have had not more than one conviction for a moving violation that is not crash related. If you are under 18 years of age, you must certify that you have driven for not less than ten hours under the supervision of a licensed driver who is at least 21 years of age. You must complete an application for a driverʼs license and pay the license fee. If you upgrade from a provisional license and have no vio- lations on your record, you will receive a $3.50 credit toward the fee. If you are under 21 years of age, you will receive a license that is marked “under-21”. This license will expire on your 21st birthday. You may apply for an over-21 license three weeks before your 21st birthday. From then on, it will expire every four years on your birthday. Exceptions to Minimum Age Requirement A 15 year old may qualify for a restricted farm work driverʼs license, a special medical driverʼs license, or a motorized bicycle (moped) permit after completing a driver education course and passing a road test. A restricted farm work driverʼs license allows a young person to help a parent or guardian with farm work. The license holder may drive alone to perform farm work during daylight hours, within 20 miles of the farmhouse, in with populations of less than 100,000. To obtain a farm work driverʼs license, the applicantʼs parent or legal guardian must fill out an affidavit, which is available at all driverʼs license examination stations. The completed affidavit must be presented to the driver examiner at the time of the road test, along with a property tax statement. If the parent or guardian rents the farm land, a rental agreement and property tax statement are required. Applicants do not need to wait six months before taking the road test for this license, but must apply for an instruction permit and present a certificate of completion from an approved behind-the-wheel driver edu- cation course. The farm work restriction can be removed after the driver holds an instruction permit for six months and reaches 16 years of age. The farm work restriction will remain in effect until the driver applies to have it removed. A special medical driverʼs license may be issued to a 15-year-old when there are no licensed drivers in the household, and the applicant must drive a motor vehicle for personal medical needs or those of a family member. The application must include a written statement from a parent or legal guardian and a letter from a physician that describes the need for the special medical driverʼs license. The Commissioner of Public Safety may

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set conditions and limits to ensure public safety. The applicant must have an instruction permit for six months and complete an approved driver education course before taking the road test for

Your License to Drive this license. Your License to Drive A 15-year-old can obtain a motorized bicycle permit after com- pleting a motorized bicycle safety course and passing a knowledge test, vision test, and road test. Driver’s License Classifications Your driverʼs license allows you to drive a motor vehicle on public streets and highways. You must carry your license with you at all times when you are driving a motor vehicle. You must have the appropriate class of license and endorsement for the type of vehicle you are driving. Information about your license class and any endorsements or restrictions will be listed on the back of your driverʼs license. There are four classes of driverʼs licenses and several endorsements available to Minnesota drivers. Below is a brief description of the different license classes and endorsements. Class D License This is the most common license for Minnesota drivers. If you have a class D driverʼs license, you may operate: • All single-unit vehicles (cars, pickups, and small trucks) except those with a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or more, vehicles designed to carry more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and vehicles that carry hazardous materials. • Any farm truck transporting agricultural products, farm machinery, or farm supplies (including hazardous materials), within 150 miles of the farm. The farm truck must be operated by the farmer, his or her immediate family member, or an employee of the farmer. • Authorized emergency vehicles, whether or not in excess of 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. • Recreational vehicles (motor homes and camping trailers), operated for your personal use. • Motorized bicycles. • Motorcycles, with the appropriate license endorsement. • Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs). You may also tow a trailer or other vehicle if: • It has a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less, or • It has a gross vehicle weight of more than 10,000 pounds, but the combined gross vehicle weight of the vehicle and trailer is 26,000 pounds or less.

12 13 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

License Endorsements You must have an endorsement on your license in order to drive motorcycles, buses, school buses, double and triple trailers, tank Your License to Drive vehicles, and if you carry hazardous materials. All endorsements Your License to Drive require additional knowledge tests. Bus, school bus, and motorcycle endorsements require specialized road tests. Commercial Driver’s Licenses Class A, B and C licenses are called commercial driverʼs licenses (CDL). A CDL allows you to drive all class D vehicles, in addition to certain types of vehicles included in each driverʼs license class. Class C License With a hazardous materials endorsement, a class C license holder may hazardous materials in a class D vehicle. With a tanker endorsement, you may carry hazardous liquid or gaseous materials in a permanently-mounted or portable tank. Class B License A class B license, with necessary endorsements, allows the holder to operate all class C and D vehicles and all other single-unit vehicles. The holder of a class B license may tow only vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 10,000 pounds or less. Class A License With appropriate endorsements, a class A license is valid for any vehicle or trailer combination. CDL Information For more information about CDLs and CDL requirements, see the Minnesota Commercial Driverʼs Manual, which includes the Minnesota School Bus Driverʼs Handbook. These are available at most driverʼs license renewal offices, all driver examination stations, and on the Driver and Vehicle Services Web site at www.mndriveinfo.org. Note: If you operate any class of vehicle as an employer or employee, you may be subject to commercial motor carrier requirements. These requirements may apply to single unit and combination vehicles of more than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight (such as construction vehicles), vehicles used to deliver packages and other items, and vehicles designed or used to transport more than eight passengers, including the driver. In order to legally operate these vehicles, you may need to possess a valid U.S. Department of Transportation medical examinerʼs certificate. You may also be subject to restrictions on the

14 15 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

number of hours you drive and to vehicle maintenance and inspection requirements. For more information, contact the Minnesota State Patrol at

Your License to Drive 651-405-6171 or the Minnesota Department of Transportation Office Your License to Drive of Freight and Commercial Vehicle Operations at 651-215-6300. CDL for Persons Under 21 Years of Age Minnesota residents under 21 years of age can obtain a CDL. The license will carry specific restrictions. License Renewal and Replacement A driverʼs license issued by the state of Minnesota expires on your birthday and must be renewed every four years after you reach 21 years of age. If your current license is lost, damaged, or destroyed, you must apply for a duplicate license. If you have lost your license, you must present proper identification when it is time to renew it. Applicants for license renewal must pass a vision test. Name or Address Change If you change your name or address before your license expires, you must apply for a duplicate (replacement) license within 30 days. If you need a replacement instruction permit, you must renew your permit. Active Military Duty If you are on active duty with the U.S. armed forces and have a valid Minnesota driverʼs license, you are not required to renew your license until you are discharged, regardless of your length of service. To ensure that your driving record will be maintained after your license expires, notify the Department of Public Safety of your military status by calling 651-296-6911. You must renew your license within 90 days of your discharge date by presenting your driverʼs license and your DD214 military discharge papers. This exception also applies to spouses of those on active duty, if the spouse does not reside in Minnesota during the active duty period. Selective Service If you are between the ages of 18 and 26, and are a U.S. citizen or resident, you will be registered with the U.S. Selective Service when you apply for any Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services card. If you are under 18 years of age, DVS will withhold Selective Service registration until your 18th birthday. “Consent to Registration” at the time of application is in compliance with the Military Selective Service Act, U.S. Code title 50 appendix, section 453.

14 15 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

State Identification Cards You can apply for a Minnesota identification card at an office that accepts driverʼs license applications. You must present at least one primary and Your License to Drive one secondary identity document, as defined in this chapter. Driver and Your License to Drive Vehicle Services will not issue an identification card to a person who has a valid driverʼs license or instruction permit. Driver’s License Fees Class A regular...... $ 43.00 Class A under 21...... $ 23.00 Class B, regular or under 21...... $ 35.00 Class C, regular or under 21...... $ 28.00 School Bus processing fee — original and renewal applications**$ 4.00 Class D, regular or under 21...... $ 24.00 Provisional driverʼs license...... $ 15.00 Class D provisional license upgrade to under-21 driverʼs license, no violations on record ($3.50 credit) ...... $ 20.50 Identification Cards Under age 65 ...... $ 18.00 Age 65 and older...... $ 11.00 Card for person with physical disability, developmental disability, or qualified mental illness...... $ .50 Duplicate Driver’s License or Identification Card All classes ...... $ 13.50 Others Class D instruction permit (valid for two years)...... $ 12.00 Class A, B, or C instruction permit* ...... no fee CDL endorsement examination fees* ...... $ 2.50 Motorcycle instruction permit/endorsement fee* ...... $ 21.00 Motorcycle endorsement renewal (two-wheel only)**...... $ 13.00 Standby or Temporary Custodian Designation**...... $ 4.25 Reinstatement Fees* Revoked license** Alcohol/drugs and criminal vehicular operation...... $ 680.00 Other offenses (including No-fault insurance revocation)...... $30.00 Suspended license** ...... $20.00 No-fault insurance violation (suspended) ...... $20.00 CDL disqualification fee...... $20.00

16 17 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Minnesota Driver’s Manual

Motorized Bicycle Operator’s Permit Knowledge test and 30 day instruction permit* ...... $ 6.75 Skill test and one-year operatorʼs permit* ...... $ 6.75 Your License to Drive Your License to Drive Duplicate of one-year operatorʼs permit* ...... $ 3.75 Renewal of one-year permit under 21...... $ 9.75 Duplicate of renewal permit...... $ 5.25 Renewal, age 21 and older ...... $ 15.75 Retesting Fees Third and subsequent knowledge test (after failing first two)* ... $ 10.00 Third and subsequent road/skill test (after failing first two)* ..... $ 20.00 * Available at driver examination stations only. ** Fee does not include the cost of a new license. Fees are determined by law and are subject to change. See Chapter 9 for payment options.

16 17 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Chapter 2 Your Vehicle Your Vehicle Your Vehicle

Before driving any motor vehicle on public roads, make sure it is fully equipped and in good mechanical condition. Become familiar with your vehicle. Read the operatorʼs manual and know how to use all the equipment. Routinely check the lights, windshield wipers, horn, and tires to be sure they are in working order. Make sure you understand the functions of the gauges and warning indicators. Upon entering the vehicle, check your seat and mirrors to see if they require adjustments. Make sure passengers are seated in positions that do not obstruct your view or prevent you from driving normally. Adjust and buckle your seat belt and make sure all of your passengers do so. Vehicle Requirements Brakes All cars and trucks must have at least two separate brake systems, such as the foot brake and the parking/emergency brake. Bumpers All private passenger vehicles must have front and rear bumpers. Pickup trucks and vans must have front bumpers and either rear bumpers or reflectors.

18 19 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Chapter 2 Your Vehicle Horn Your motor vehicle must have a working horn. Bells, sirens, and whistles are not horns and may be used only by emergency vehicles. Use your horn when it is necessary to avoid a crash. Donʼt honk Your Vehicle unnecessarily. Avoid honking for purposes such as announcing your arrival. Headlights and Taillights All motor vehicles, with the exception of motorcycles, must have two white headlights that work on high and low beam, and taillights that illuminate when the brake pedal is pressed. When set on high beam, headlights must make objects visible on the road ahead from at least 350 feet away. Replace damaged headlights. A cracked allows moisture and dust to accumulate inside the lamp, resulting in loss of illumination and increased for other motorists. Clean your headlights as often as you clean your windshield. Dirty headlights can reduce light output by as much as 75 percent. Have your headlights inspected at least once a year to make sure they are aimed properly. Some require an adapter or special settings. Refer to your operatorʼs manual for more information. Some vehicles have reduced-power headlights, called daytime running lamps, which turn on automatically when you drive during the daytime. These lights make your vehicle easier for others to see. Taillights and parking lights do not turn on automatically. Your headlights must be turned on at sunset and used until sunrise. They must also be used during weather conditions that include rain, snow, hail, sleet, or fog and any time you cannot clearly see the road ahead for a distance of at least 500 feet. License Plate Light A white light bulb must illuminate the rear license plate to make it visible at night. Turn Signals All turn signal lights must be in working order. You must use turn signals if your vehicle width, or the width of a load you are carrying, prevents drivers behind you from seeing your hand and arm signals. Prohibited Lights Blue lights, flashing lights, and strobe lamps serve special purposes. They are not for use by non-authorized vehicles.

18 19 Your Vehicle 1 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 0 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Read your operator’s manualRead your operator’s driving before equipped a vehicle Airbags are intended to work with seat belts to prevent injuries. Airbags are to prevent with seat belts intended to work Keep dashboards free debris of or clutter. When airbags suddenly Pickup trucks, are which hauling often used purposes, for must Only snowplows, otherroad maintenance and equipment, authorized Only snowplows, one-sixteenth an Carry of deep. inch a good spare tire its and check pressure often. wear, Inspect tires cracks, uneven cuts, regularly for and punctures.bald spots, bulges, Tires must be able to carry your vehicleʼs weight and grip the weight surface to carry beTires able must vehicleʼs your tire drive Check your pressure often and never the roadof properly. with under-inflated tires. A tireis illegal if the treadless is than with airbags. Tires They areThey to occupants keep designed from not being ejected. inflate,objects on the dashboard can become dangerous projectiles. Be sure that seat belts are clean and in good condition, so they are to occupants. allavailable vehicle In Minnesota, must motor vehicles be equipped with seat belts, and use seat belts of is mandatory. obstruct sight throughobstruct sight the rearview mirror. Belts Airbags and Seat also be equipped with an mirror. additional side mirror The side transported when will the view with a clear driver provide materials All passenger vehicles must be equipped must with rearview mirrors.All vehicles passenger as trucks, rental are such moving to which designed not Vehicles be equipped must with an through a view a rearallow window, mirror.additional side carbon monoxide leaks.carbon monoxide Mirrors Rearview Mufflers be equipped must with mufflers keepAll that the vehicles motor particularly noises, from loud making prolonged vehicle or sudden sharp crackling popping or for Check the sounds. regularly muffler flashing lights. Only school buses, snow removal equipment, and equipment, ruralremoval snow buses, flashing Only school lights. mail be carrier equipped may with strobe lamps. vehicles emergency vehicles may be equipped with blue lights. Only be authorized equipped may with blue vehicles emergency road maintenance buses, school tow equipment, vehicles, emergency andtrucks, farm be equipped may servicewith equipment vehicles,

Your Vehicle Your Vehicle 1 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Any window tint material window Any after rear or to applied the side windows Windshields may not be made of, covered by, or treated or with any by, covered be not made of, may Windshields Wheel Guards or Fenders or Guards Wheel guards be other or equipped wheel must with fenders vehicles Passenger dirt, water, and other materialto prevent and up from being picked thrown into the air the tires. by in good working condition. Window defrosters are Window in condition. necessary working good to keep and steam the of clear andthe windshield frost. windows or vehicle used by a funeral used by home. vehicle or Defrosters Window Wipers and Windshield be equipped must with a glass windshield withwipers vehicle A motor less thanless 50 percent,more reflects available or light, thanof 20 percent truck, be the used on may a pickup only rear the on it of or window limousine, seat), (behind a van of rear the windows and driverʼs side of light that travels through that light it. travels of that the light be marked percentage of must to show 1985, 1, August transmittedis it creates. it and the reflection If transmits percentage of toll-collection devices. material thator reduces makes the the amount glass more reflective Objects may not be the between not suspended and driver the may Objects windshield. permitted other or devices Labels be and stickers may state law by state These and windshield. national include your parkplaced on safety electronic official inspectionand stickers, stickers, MNpass Windshield and Windows Windows and Windshield be not obstructed through must view andwindshields windows Your are driving. you when steam, cracks, discoloration, by frost, snow or ice, 0 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Your Vehicle Minnesota Driver’s Manual Traffic Laws and Chapter 3 Vehicle Operation TrafficLaw and VehicleOperation Minnesota traffic laws apply to everyone who operates a vehicle on public roads in this state. The following laws deal with controlling and operating your vehicle. Speed Limits The faster you drive, the less time you allow yourself to react to events on the road and around you. Traveling at faster speeds increases the likelihood of crashes. And when crashes occur at excessive speeds, victimsʼ injuries tend to be more serious and death is more likely to result. Minnesota law requires you to drive at a speed no faster than is reasonable under existing conditions. These include weather, traffic, and road conditions. Driving faster than the posted is illegal. The posted speed limit is the maximum speed permitted on that particular road. Minimum speed limits may be posted on some roads. It is illegal to drive slower than the posted minimum speed under normal weather, traffic, and road conditions. Note: If you approach an at an unlawful speed, you lose the right-of-way privilege associated with driving at a lawful speed. The following Minnesota speed limits apply under ideal driving conditions, unless traffic signs indicate otherwise: 10 mph — in alleys 30 mph — on urban or town roads 55 mph — in all other locations that are not specified in this list In school zones, reduce speed when children are present. In work or construction zones, reduce speed and drive with care. Always obey the posted speed limit. Speed Limits and Fines You can be fined for driving a vehicle faster than the posted speed limit. Additional fines will be charged if you are caught driving 20 mph or more over the posted limit. Fines will double if you speed in marked construction zones. If you are caught driving in excess of 100 mph your driving privileges will be revoked for a minimum of six months. Reduced Speed You may be required to reduce your speed in many driving situations. It is important to remember that increasing speed decreases your field of vision and puts you at greater risk of being involved in a crash. 22 23 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Traffic Laws and Chapter 3 Vehicle Operation You must slow down when you approach or pass a stopped emergency vehicle with its emergency lights flashing. A surcharge of not less than $25 is added to the speeding fine if you violate this law. Slow down for

a flag person, pedestrians, barricades, and or reflectors on the TrafficLaw and VehicleOperation road. Slower speeds are necessary when you travel on a narrow or winding road or approach a curve, hilltop, or railroad crossing. Bad weather and poor road conditions are other situations in which drivers are required to slow down. Speed Limits on Bridges Watch for and obey special speed limits and “No Passing” signs posted on bridges. Signaling When you wish to change lanes or make a turn, signal with an approved signal device to inform other motorists of your intention. Signals are to be activated at least 100 feet before you make the turn. Continue signaling until you have completed the turn or lane change.

Hand and Arm Signals During daylight hours, hand and arm signals may be used in addition to, or instead of, turn signals. You may not use hand signals at night or while driving a vehicle constructed or loaded so that hand signals are not visible to other drivers. Changing Lanes It is often necessary to change lanes in order to make a turn, merge with other traffic, or to perform other driving activities. Lane changing can be dangerous and must be done with caution. Make sure you have safe clearance to the side, behind, and ahead of your vehicle, before moving into another lane. Turn your head in the direction of the lane you are moving into and check for vehicles. If you rely only on mirrors, you may not see vehicles in certain positions, known as “blind spots.”

22 23 Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 5 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

After checking traffic behind After checking traffic over-hand, and complete the turn in the over-hand, lane next to the curb. Right turn: you and signaling your intent, move close to the right curb. Look right and left before if right of way, beginning the turn. Yield the steering wheel hand- Turn necessary. Right Turns 4 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s After checking traffic behind you behind After checking traffic feet before the turn. before feet pedestrians let Signals and what drivers know While to waiting turn, on straight foot and wheels your your keep struck is will fromthe the brake. be you vehicle rear, If less your to belikely into pushed oncoming traffic. signalingContinue turn. begin until your you turns makeDo not sudden from the traffic. lane wrong of Slow down before making before down turns. 100 intent, least at your Slow Signal

• • • • It is important is makingIt blind spots. Before your the of to know location The design of your vehicle, and the position of the and “pillars” of the position that support vehicle, your The of design Left Turns hand-over-hand, and complete the turn in hand-over-hand, the first lane right of the center line. marking the lanes, move your vehicle to the Look right right of the center of the road. right starting the turn. Yield and left before wheel the steering Turn if necessary. of way, Left turn: and signaling your intent, move into the lane no lines are closest to the center line. If there

you plan to do. you lane well ahead of the place where you will ahead make you lane the where the well place of actual turn. Turns Improper turns into the correctsafely many traffic cause Move crashes. lane changes or turns, or lane changes turn quickly hidden pedes- for head to look your driving blind partic- spots. Be in other driversʼ Avoid trians vehicles. or driving blind spots of when nearularly conscious commercial vehicles. the roof, willthe roof, determine as blind such spots. Factors your the of location dirty and windshields glaring lights can also create temporary blind spots. Blind Spots Blind is obstructed. spots view Blind are your where areas around vehicle your cannot see pedestrians rearview in your side or You other or vehicles mirrors are they when in these locations.

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation From a one-wayFrom road with multiple turn lanes onto a one-way road From two-wayFrom road onto a one-way road 5 Two approaching leftTwo turns 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s changes to . changes your body appears even with body appearsyour even the curb line. The only opportunity to make turn a left the occur greenmay when light Whento waiting make turn a left a at traffic with light oncoming traffic, the position car into the intersection where Watch for traffic or obstacles in the road you plan traffic enter. to you for in obstacles or the road Watch your finishturn Always in the correct(Seelane. diagrams page 24) on If turn, the down a left is signaling car for ahead you slow of and prepare to stop.

• • • • From a one-wayFrom road onto a two-way road From a one-wayFrom road onto a one-way road

4 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 7 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

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change lanes or exit the . continue around miss exit, untilIf your you returnyou to it. there is enough room to merge safely. direction. Do stop not or pass other vehicles. crossing the roadway. Enter the roundabout when Drive in a counter-clockwise your turnUse signals when you Slow down approach as you theSlow intersection. to pedestriansYield and bicyclists signs for or pavement Watch markings that require or prohibit certain movements. Yield to traffic Yield and pedestrians. posted is sign an at Red” on intersection, you When Turn a “No

• • • • • • • •

Roundabouts are designed to increase trafficflow and a provide safer intersection than a normal When stop. four-way approaching a roundabout: must wait until wait the green is must light to make a turn. When turning a red on light: street onto another one-way street while thestreet traffic another onto one-way is red.Before light makesure stop, turning, first the come to a must complete intersection you must be permitted pedestrians to any Traffic and yield clear, is vehicles. or in the direction areto travel turning. you in which traffic a your green will turnslight arrowhave before green. Left Turn If certain make turn may a left are conditions met, you from a one-way is red.is are Make sure in you the correct lane stop. and to come a complete are signs Red” on posted these where turns Turn “No are allowed. not Check traffic for in Watch all directions to clear. makeyoursurepath is oncoming cars making turns left Sometimes oncoming in you. front of Turning on on Turning Right Turn makemay right a turn many intersections,At you whilethe

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation

7 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s to travel in direction. each to travel traffic which on is street, roadway any upon or a one-way Upon When the vehicle overtaken is making, is overtaken toWhen make, turn. about a left or the vehicle occupied not with unobstructed a street pavement Upon highway or vehicles moving more lanes or of two that prevent parked vehicles by Within 100 feet of an of intersection,Within feet underpass, 100 tunnel, railroad or crossing. from coming you toward areWhen to meet a vehicle about you the direction. opposite On a curve see hill cannot or the road clearly ahead you where 700 least at feet. for

Do not attempt to pass another vehicle in locations where a “No a “No in where attempt locations Do not to pass another vehicle Use your left turn left into the your lane left moving to pass. Use signal before In locations where passing is permitted passing In where locations two-lane on roads with traffic • • • • • •

the following conditions: conditions: the following Passing on the Right the Right on Passing upon only the pass on another right of may vehicle vehicle a The of driver

Do not pass: Do not Passing Zone” sign is posted or where there is a solid yellow line on posted is there yellow sign where or a solid is Zone” Passing lines mean passing yellow solid the line. center of Double side your in direction. either traveling vehicles by allowed not is you have just passed rearview in just your mirror. have When another passing you return must coming the you to road of the before right side vehicle, anwithin of oncoming feet vehicle. 100 not increasenot speed. right turn your Use signal after returning and passing before to the right lane. Return can to see the the you right lane entire when vehicle When you areWhen make preparing you sure must there a safe is to you pass, look must also You and oncoming traffic.distance vehicle your between tobehind determine you other drivers whether are preparing to pass you. When another lane and is trying driver own in do stay your to pass you, moving in both directions, you may pass on the left side of vehicles vehicles of in the both pass on side moving left directions, may you the speed exceed not limit should a pass. to complete You ahead you. of Passing passing when caution extra Improper many crashes. Use causes passing the and road slippery. is when poor, is visibility night,at when where thesewhere turns U-turns are allowed. not interstate on are allowed not U-turns arefreeways. also illegal near hills the tops of and curves on other drivers cannotwhere from away. 1,000 see feet you U-Turns A U-turn a 180-degree is turn, your that reverses theresembling letter U, make not a U-turn may can so do unless you You direction travel. of signs are posted locations in disruptingwithout other traffic.U-Turn” “No 6 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 9 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

When the front of a parked When the front vehicle points uphill, and is no curb, wheels there should be turned toward the shoulder of the road. 8 2 parked vehicle points is a curb, uphill, and there wheels should be turned the curb. away from When the front of a When the front Minnesota Manual Driver’s moving vehicles. moving upon overtake and pass another may vehicle a vehicle The of driver thethat right under conditions permit only In event no passing. safe paved whether driving by theshall onto shoulder, passa be executed portion main-traveled or of the off or pavement unpaved, or the roadway. restricted to one direction of movement, where the roadway is free is the where restricted roadway direction to one movement, of of lanesmoreor for fromtwo width obstructions sufficient and of

If you leave your vehicle unoccupied on a public road, the front a public on unoccupied vehicle your leave If you If you must back out of a driveway onto a public road, back into road, the back a public onto a driveway of out back must If you to walk to around advisable is it the vehicle up, back you Before • Parking on a Hill be turned toward the be turned toward curb or shoulder of the road. When the front of a When the front parked vehicle points downhill, wheels should rather than across a trafficlane. wheels must be turned must and thewheels parking the curb shoulder, toward or that the brakes In fail,brake the be the engaged. event must wheel the the to curb road, roll of off toward or will the vehicle position help Parking parallel properly is the on parked, curb side wheels When its a vehicle will more than from no inches be the positioned 12 curb. sides, and rear. Continue looking out the rear window of your vehicle vehicle and the looking Continue your rear. rear out of sides, window into the mirrors. your while on depend Do backing. not slowly Back nearest trafficlane. into across or traffic lanes of you sure safe so. aredo is to it unless ensure to that the look nothing front, backing is behind up, Before it. of emergency vehicles in the course of duty. Backing up on public roads public on Backing up in the course duty. of vehicles emergency of reckless in careless driving. or of result could a charge nearest lane and proceed in a forward direction back from there. Never Backing Up drivers by except expressways, or freeways on allowed is not Backing up

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation

sharply to right and pull toward curb in center of space. Turn wheel Turn to right sharply, back up slowly. wheel Turn

4 2

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Minnesota Manual Driver’s up slowly. When clear of car ahead, turn wheel sharply to left and continue to back and a half feet it. away from Stop even with the car ahead and about one

3

1 a highway (known as “double parking”). (known as “double a highway Parking” “No official where or curba thatis painted Beside yellow, aresigns posted. At the street end of a driveway. the driveway. a At street of end On bridge. any tunnel. Within highway any parked curbof at a at or vehicle On the edge the trafficof any side Within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. a fire of feet Within 10 In mailboxes. front of obstacle or site across or the street fromAlongside excavation any if parking obstruct traffic. would Within 30 feet of any flashing light, , or sign, flashing any Withintrafficstop of control light, 30 feet road. a public signal located of the at side theWithin nearest of 50 feet rail a railroad of crossing. Within intersections. Ona crosswalk sidewalk. or Withincrosswalk a an at of 20 intersection. feet

• • • • • • • • • • • • • Parallel Parking

Parking is not allowed in the following areas:Parking in the allowed following not is 8 2 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 1 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

0 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s raffic Laws her T her all are seat belts other passengers. being used by a written of In certificate possession citing physician a from non-use. medical seat belt reasons for that involves in work while engaged Driving vehicle a motor This applies andfrequent exiting entering the vehicle. motor of speeds at drive not do greater ifonly you than 25 miles per hour. commercial vehicle. motor age. years of All under 11 passengers if the age, has driver years a of than 18 All younger passengers license instruction or provisional permit. in reverse. vehicle Driving a passenger in a normal which Occupying in seatingvehicle a motor position Seat belts keep occupants keep in from belts Seat being ejected from the vehicle, are are who thrown a crash. likely People of from vehicles the event seriousto die injuries. suffer or commercial or vehicle. motor vehicle passenger a The of driver or riding vehicle passenger inAny the a passenger front seat of Your chances of beingkilled chances of injured or in a crashYour are times four greater. to be killed possible is speeds at It in traveling as a crash low when mph. as 12

Vehicles parked on the highway at night, or any time night, at any or lights parked are the on highway Vehicles • • • • • • • • • • •

are required legally are: not if to you wear a seat belt You

beworn by: must and fastened seat adjusted belt A properly

If you do not wear a seat belt, consider the following: consider wear a seat belt, not do If you Of all the safety equipment in your vehicle, the seat belt is most likely to likely most is the seat belt Of all vehicle, the in safety your equipment life. In be equipped Minnesota, your must with seat save vehicles motor is mandatory. seat belts and use of belts, Ot Belt Laws Seat one redone taillight illuminated. from a distance be Both visible lights must parking 500 least at Use of feet. lights hazard or warning lights to alert beam. be low on set must other drivers. Headlights parked on vehicles cannot be moved, use clearly visible markers or signals to prevent markers signals to or prevent visible clearly use cannot be moved, and harmdamage vehicle to toother your drivers. or white one least front at and light least at required, have must Highway Parking Highway be reason any must for freeways or state on left highways Vehicles from the portion main, the road. of If traveled away the vehicle moved

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 1 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s a vehicle. a vehicle. Children ride not in should the cargo area a truck of station or wagon. Rear-facing infant seats should never be placed in an front infant of air never seatsRear-facing should bag. while lap riding in a passengerʼs Children on be not held should Driving riding or truck in in a pickup farm while engaged work. 1965. January made before 1, Driving vehicle a motor A rural mail carrierPostal Service. mail thedelivering U.S. for

Children 4–8 tall, and 9 inches under 4 feet years weigh old who Children older than 1 year of age and who weigh at least 20 least at pounds Children weigh than and age who older 1 year of Infants ride child in must safety a rear-facing restraint until system If the seat belt is positioned correctly, it is much less likely to con- likely less much is it correctly, If positioned is the seat belt The shoulder belt should be fitted snugly across the chest across chest beand the fitted middle should snugly belt The shoulder • • • • • • Passenger Safety Passenger responsibility to make sure that are other passengers safe. the is driverʼs It thatInsist sure Be all that wear seat belts. children passengers are buckled into an age-appropriate restraint child passenger system.

For your childʼs protection, never use a safety seat that has been protection, in never a childʼs your For crash that or six is years the past date manufacture. of shoulder belt should fit snugly across the chest shoulder. across chest and the snugly fit should belt shoulder Safety Guidelines Passenger Other Child between 40 and 80 pounds, should sit in a belt-positioning, forward- 40 inbetween a belt-positioning, and sit 80 pounds, should boosterfacing The seat, used belts. with both and lap shoulder adult may ride forward facing inmay booster a high-back seat. The harness straps The booster seat must level. shoulder above or at be positioned should be installed instructions. according to manufacturerʼs approved, properly installed properly childapproved, safety restraint system. 20 least at pounds. and are age weigh they 1 year of least at Infant and Child Safety Seat Laws Safety Seat Child and Infant has a If a vehicle The in vehicles. seat the place is most back safest and age under to children years of airbag, essential is for 12 it passenger ride in the backseat. Children use a federally must age under 4 years of tribute to injuries in the event of a crash.tribute of to injuries in the event hipbones or upper thighs. It should never be positioned across be the positioned never upper thighs. or hipbones should It the or abdomen soft part stomach. your of the shoulder. of Use Seat Belts Correctly Seat Use are a car to survive more likely use the crash and lap if shoulder you You your across snugly to fit be adjusted should The belt lap together. belts

0 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 3 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

2 3 ned out on the on steeringned out wheel. and click on “Office of Traffic Safety.” of “Office on and click ats should be moved as far back as possible. as far as possible. back beats moved should Minnesota Manual Driver’s defined as driving or stopping a motor vehicle definedvehicle as motor driving a stopping or at least 10 inches between yourself and yourself between the inches steering 10 least at Someone could break into the vehicle and harm break or could abduct Someone into the the vehicle occupants. Unattended occupants could engage the vehicle and become the vehicle Unattended occupants engage could in a crash. involved can a vehicle. inside extremes dangerous reach Temperatures Occupants serious die injuries suffer could or from cold. or heat not is who someone into by broken or be could stolen The vehicle occupied. is the vehicle aware to maintain

Front passenger se passenger Front more information airFor seat the belts, and about use of bags, Pets should not be left in vehicles, especially on very hot or cold days. days. especially cold or hot very on bein not left vehicles, should Pets • • • • areless driving is Reckless drivingReckless defined is in a manneras vehicle driving motor a Careless and Reckless Driving and Careless C property. or and people that safety endangers the of lives in a way car safety seats, visit the Department of Public Safety Web site at at site car the safety Department seats, visit Web Public Safety of www.dps.state.mn.us Read your operatorʼs manual driving before riding or in operatorʼs a vehicle your Read equipped with air bags. Try 9 and or 3 oʼclock hands the on your Keep 8 and 4 oʼclock wheel. position. and 2 oʼclock the 10 the on steeringpositions Avoid wheel. thumbs tur your Keep age and younger should always ride in the seat. back always should andage younger Safety Suggestions Airbag An airbag restraint Airbags a supplemental is system. are intended to injuries. are They to keep designed not to prevent with seat belts work occupants from safety being reasons, ejected. children years For of 12 Temperature extremes can extremes be to dangerous very animals.Temperature Airbags Do not leave the vehicle running. Do not leave the keys in the ignition the running. keys the vehicle leave Do not leave Do not anything or that valuables, leave Do not the inside vehicle. elsewhere or the appear inside could vehicle. to value, be of Unattended Vehicle Your Leaving theft. with you. invite Dodoors not Lock and your take keys your

Never Leave Children Unattended in a Vehicle a in Unattended Children Leave Never children vulnerable or in adults alone leave vehicle. a motor Never the that following: occur situations could Some include

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation

3 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s to provide a reasonable degree assistance a reasonable of to crash victims.to provide If in someone the crash injured is killed, call or must the you as as possible. quickly 911 or agency enforcement nearest law areIf qualified, you administer you first aid. what Otherwise, do arecan required to make law injured persons by comfortable. You You must stop. Pull the stop. onto driving of must out lane, if possible, You the off to decrease ignition the Turn risk fire. of the shoulder. Protect and yourself the danger other drivers crash Warn of scene. warningwith emergency lights,. flares,or $10,000, or both. or $10,000, the driver may bethe to sentenced imprisonment more may than driver not for or both. years, finedmore not $14,000, than seven If substantial bodily harm be the to sentenced results, may driver years, more not imprisonmentfined more than not than for five If a death results while fleeing a law enforcement officer, the officer, enforcement If a deathlaw while results a fleeing be to sentenced imprisonment may more thandriver not for ten years, finedmore not than $20,000,or both. If great bodilyofficer, harmenforcement law results while a fleeing

If killed is someone enforcement injured, or the fleeing law driver the • • • • • • •

What to Do in a Traffic Crash a Traffic Do in to What take must in certain a crash, you areIf actions to involved ensure you safety and compliance with the law: debris, snow, ice, glass, nails, ice, tacks, wire, cans, papers, garbage, ashes, debris, snow, and carcasses,refuse, offal, trash streets, onto rubbish or roadways, consent. the land land private ownerʼs on or without public It is illegal to throw items from your vehicle onto streets, roadways, streets, onto roadways, illegal is It to throw vehicle from items your dump or place leave, illegal is land. private or It to throw, and public cigarettes, including fireworks item, dangerous or offensive formany of Litter Do Not

a fine of not more not of thana fine $5,000,or both. follows: be sentenced as may officer It is against the law to use a motor vehicle to flee a police officer on officer to a flee police against to is vehicle use a motor It the law and may is felony thisguiltyviolates who of a law Anyone duty. official be to sentenced imprisonment more than not for three yearsand day, one If you areIf will charged reckless you with or careless driving, be you tried in court a misdemeanor. for Officer a Police Fleeing that shows “willful or the people disregard safety of that for shows wanton” or property driving. racing Racing contest or including defined is as willful speeds operating more by or one comparison relative of contest or the whether speed regardless of greater is thanvehicles, the speed limit. 2 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 5 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

under www.mndriveinfo.org 4 3 under “Services,” Crash Records Report. under “Services,” Minnesota Manual Driver’s officer investigating the crash. If you do not have this informationhave not do you the crash. If investigating officer within hours. it 72 provide must you with you, If a crash in only results property necessary not is damage, it to towed it have disabled, is vehicle Ifnotify your enforcement. law assoon as possible. inform damageIf must property you the you other than a vehicle, property owner. to any law enforcement officer at the scene. You must also show show must also You at scene. the officer enforcement to law any asks to and license see who driver to to law any it any driverʼs your at scene. the officer enforcement in insurance the crash your asks for If information, a person involved the name provide and insurance address must your of you carrier and agent. the name your of Insurance enforcement to the information law be given must You must provide your name, address, your date birth of provide must and registration You in the crash and to other drivers involved vehicle your number of

Operation an of uninsured can in result a revocation vehicle motor When driving privileges are revoked for lack of insurance, of lack When the for driver driving are privileges revoked www.mndriveinfo.org • • • • • sentenced to up to 90 days in tosentenced to 90 jail. up days of license plates and registration for the vehicle. The operatorʼs driving The operatorʼs and the license plates registration vehicle. of for convicted is who Anyone year. to one up for be revoked may privileges operatingof an$1,000 be uninsured finedup may to and vehicle fines levied by a court or citation; apply for a new driverʼs license; and driverʼs new a for by a court apply levied citation; or fines ansubmit insurance of certificatethe office by insurance home the issued company. driverʼs license and vehicle registration. license and vehicle driverʼs a $30 reinstatement in fee to addition pay test; pass a knowledge must Owners of motor vehicles driven on public roads must carry roads must public on driven no-fault Owners vehicles motor of insurance of and proof liability must insurance Valid their on vehicles. be carried all at insurance in times. of proof the Failure vehicle to provide your of lead to revocation may officer enforcement a law theat of request at at Insurance “Forms,” Crash/Accident Report, or call the DVS Public Information Report, call or Crash/Accident the DVS “Forms,” the a form mailed Send written to to you. have 651-296-6911 at Center Services, Minnesota 445 reportStreet, 181, and Suite to Driver Vehicle The report can also beelectronically filed Minnesota Paul, St. 55101. Every driver who is involved in a crash death, that or results in injury, involved is who driver Every property file a traffic more must or damage $1,000 crash of report within the Find the incident. of form at ten days Reports Crash Traffic

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Traffic Law and Vehicle Operation 5

3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Exceptions include using the device to assistance, obtain the using device emergency include Exceptions Once registered, online, the mail, can license plates by be renewed To register your vehicle, you must bring or title must the current you vehicle vehicle, your register To report an accident or crime, or when the device is solely voice-activated voice-activated report crime, solely or is an the accident device when or inor hands-free mode. phone, to compose, read or send electronic messages while driving. read electronic to compose, messages send or phone, e-mails electronic Electronic include messages; and text messages instantmessaging also messaging includes and the accessing Internet. Wireless Communication Devices Communication Wireless as a cell such use a wireless communications not A person device, may pay all andpay fees taxes associated with registration and transfer. title office. inor person registrarʼs deputy any at Driver and Vehicle Services Division. andDriver Vehicle license other or valid identification registration card driverʼs and your office and Services registrarʼs deputy local and Driver to Vehicle your Registering Your Vehicle Your Registering Minnesota by and owned operated residents All on vehicles motor be roads registered must with thepublic Department Public Safety of vehicle. No-fault and uninsured No-fault optional. is insurance driver vehicle. coverage Insurance the theft or damage, of loss, for protection also is available motorcycle. Motorcycle Insurance Motorcycle drivers in thisLiability insurance include state must motorcycle for property for damage andcoverage injury to other with your people 4 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Traffic Laws and Vehicle Operation Minnesota Driver’s Manual Chapter 4 Sharing the Road Sharing the Road The following laws and safety information pertain to situations involving other vehicles and pedestrians. Stopping A stop sign requires that you come to a complete stop. At a stop sign with a marked stop line, you must stop before the line. At a stop sign with a crosswalk you must stop before entering the crosswalk. When you have stopped, yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and traffic before proceeding. If your view of the intersection is obstructed, prepare to stop again for traffic or pedestrians in your path. You must also come to a complete stop in the following situations: • Before entering a road from an alley, a private driveway, or a parking ramp. Always stop before crossing an adjoining sidewalk or crosswalk. • At an intersection or crosswalk with a traffic signal displaying a red light. Wait until the signal changes to green and your path is clear before proceeding. • At a flashing red traffic light. Treat this as you would a stop sign. • At a freeway , when the light is red. • At a railroad crossing with a stop sign. • When a flag person or traffic device directs you to stop. • At a bridge that has been raised to open a path for boats to pass beneath it. Stopping for a School Bus School buses are equipped with yellow and red lights that flash alter- nately to warn drivers that they are stopping to load or unload students. Flashing Yellow Lights Flashing yellow lights will be activated at least 100 feet before a school bus stops in a speed zone of 35 mph or less, and at least 300 feet before it stops in a speed zone of more than 35 mph. It is against the law to pass on the right side of a school bus while it is displaying red or yellow flashing lights. Flashing Red Lights Flashing red lights warn motorists that the school bus is loading or unloading students. When a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing and its stop arm extended, you must stop your vehicle at least

36 37 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Chapter 4 Sharing the Road SCHOOL BUS SCHOOL BUS Sharing the Road

STOP STOP 222

AAA-000

AAA-000

20 feet from the bus. Oncoming traffic and motorists approaching the bus from behind may not move until the stop arm is retracted and the red lights are no longer flashing. You can be charged with a misdemeanor if you break either of these laws. The penalty for this violation is a fine of not less than $300, and suspension of your driving privileges. Passing a School Bus It is illegal to pass a school bus when its red lights are flashing and its stop arm is extended. You are not required to stop for a school bus with its red lights flashing if it is on the opposite side of a separated roadway. A law enforcement officer with probable cause to believe a driver has violated this law may arrest the driver within four hours of the violation Vehicle Owner May Be Penalized When a vehicle is used to violate the school arm law, the owner or lessee of the vehicle is guilty of a petty misdemeanor. However, if the owner or lessee of the vehicle can prove that another person was driving the vehicle at the time of the stop arm violation, the driver — not the owner or lessee — will be charged with the violation. When you apply for a driverʼs license, you must certify, by signing the application, that you understand that you must stop for a school bus and are aware of the penalties for violating this law. School Safety Patrol When you see a student safety patrol assisting schoolmates with crossing a street or highway, you must come to a complete stop. You must also stop for adult crossing guards who display a stop sign or flag. It is illegal to drive through a line of children who are crossing the road, even if a school safety patrol is not present. A violation of this law is a misdemeanor. A second violation of this law within a year is a gross misdemeanor.

36 37 Sharing the Road 9 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

8 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s driver may continue in the may driver direction the arrow. of

and metro mobility attempting buses from stop to merge a bus shoulder. or When a funeralitself throughheadlightsof identifies use procession hazardor to the entire warning yield procession. must lights, you vehicles or pedestrians or vehicles already within the intersection. After the yielding, an approach uncontrolled “T” intersection,When vehicles the two that turning is the to all vehicle of driver yield cross traffic. must When road from approaching road a private driveway, a public or to pedestrians and stop yield must you and traffic. to way transit Drivers inof the right traffic laneright of yield must intersection, the driver on the left must yield right of way way right of intersection, yield the the on must driver left to the the on driver right. to make wishes turn a left towho vehicles A driver yield must approaching are from the direction opposite these vehicles when in the intersection are or near to pose the enough risk a crash. of When a green an enter arrow may signal indicates that a vehicle intersection to make turn, a left to other yield the must driver When two vehicles reach an intersection the at When vehicles same two time, and on there the traffic no is vehicle signal,of or the the light driver the on right. to the vehicle yield must left reach an intersection the at When vehicles same two time, and flashing or red signs stop trafficlightscontrol all-way the

You are that is required not vehicle if to stop theYou emergency • • • • • • • • approaching you is separated is approaching you traffic lane fromphysical of by a your barrier wall, median or as a fence, strip. such vehicles have passed. A law enforcement officer with probable cause cause to with probable officer enforcement passed. A law have vehicles arrest has this may a driver violated law the withinbelieve driver four thehours violation. of approaches your vehicle on a two-way road, you must pull to must the right road, you a two-way on vehicle your approaches pull to must road, you are a one-way on Ifand traveling you stop. are nearest is If and within side you stop. an intersection,whichever proceed Remain stopped stopping. through until before all it emergency Yield to Emergency Vehicles EmergencyYield to Vehicles as an such , fire truck, vehicle, Whenor an emergency flashing red displaying policelights sounding car, siren and a or bell

laws is a leading cause of traffic is a leading of cause crashes. laws Right of Way and Yielding and Way of Right smoothly traffic and flow safely. help laws and yielding Right-of-way areThey based these courtesy on of and common Violation sense.

Sharing the Road Sharing the Road 9 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s A violation of pedestrian right-of-way laws is a misdemeanor. A is a misdemeanor. laws pedestrian of A violation right-of-way It is illegal to pass another vehicle that illegal is a pedestrian. has stoppedIt to pass another for vehicle If a pedestrian is in a marked unmarked or crosswalk, and stop wait blind pedestrians for be carrying may who Watch metallic or a white Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians intersections at crossing and the right-of-way Yield The same procedure approaching and parked when passing applies crosswalks. Watch for pedestrians for cars roads on crosswalks. where Watch are parked, children are present. andduring whenever times poor visibility, of vehicles such as freeway service as patrol, road maintenance freeway such construction or vehicles that are stoppedvehicles with warning lights activated. second violation of these laws within a year is a gross these laws misdemeanor. of second violation cane or using a guide dog. If a blindcane a guide pedestrian using dog. or a crosswalk, at waiting is engine as this horn your distract rev use your or may not do the pedes- trian guide or dog. until the pedestrian has lane. passed your highways, stay alert pedestrians. stay for highways, Watch for Pedestrians for Watch areWhether driving you streets, busy on in rural on or towns mining the distance. three-second appropriate Using following rule will maintain distance. you “three-second (See help following a safe rule” in Chapter 6.) Following Other Vehicles Following requiresThe maintain law that you distance a safe vehicle your between turn or to stop be able must to avoid You in you. front of and the vehicle traffic, deter- when roadand conditions weather, Consider a collision. run. Do not drive over an unprotectedrun. you over fire drive Do not areunless hose, directed or firedepartment officer enforcement official. a law to by so do Following Firefighting Vehicles Firefighting Following business to are allowed emergency official on traveling Only vehicles vehicle withinmaking firefighting any 500 emergency of an feet follow you must move to the lane farthest away from the vehicle, if possible to if possible to the from lane thefarthest vehicle, move must away you trucks, tow , fire include; vehicles Emergency safely. so do reduce trucks a lane and away, policecars. are toIf move unable you speed and pass with caution. Passing Parked Emergency/Service Parked Vehicles Passing is lights flashing, that has emergency its vehicle When an emergency to a road that lanes hasstopped in two next or on the same direction, 8 3 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Sharing the Road Sharing the Road 1 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

0 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s the road. for traffic way makeand traffic of when possible, out lanes, Stay theon road. If necessary is it face or to walk the the on on side, road, left stay oncoming traffic. Obey traffic control signals at intersections. Stay a few feet back feetback trafficfew Obey signals a at Stay control intersections. signal. thefrom WALK for waiting the road when within the intersection to vehicles the at the right-of-way Yield signal activated. is time the WALK and condition. are in they useable when available sidewalks Use on toWhen all a road crosswalks, crossing with no yield vehicles

Use caution when passing a bicyclist. When passing, the law requiresthe When law passing, a bicyclist. passing when caution Use to at ride bicyclists for traffic legal is It at night. bicycle for Watch Bicycle lanes are designed to separate bicycle traffic lanes are tonormal separate from designed bicycle Bicycle Unmarked crosswalks are areas a roadintersects where sidewalk a As pedestrian, a safe you keep to the designed traffic obey laws • • • • • • and reflectors. at least three feet between the side of your car and the bicyclist. car three least at your and of the the between bicyclist. side feet arethey night but required to be equipped lights law with legal by sure it is safe to do so. Yield the right-of-way to approaching bicyclists. to approaching bicyclists. the right-of-way Yield to so. safe is do sure it to intention turn signal your lane clear, is and then When the bicycle making lane before the turn. into the bicycle move rights and responsibilities as other vehicles. rights as and other responsibilities vehicles. leave traffic.is It or enter to illegal to except in drive lanesvehicle these lane, make the road to or prepare a turn. a bicycle crossing for Before Sharing the Road with Bicyclists the Road Sharing Minnesota on are roads vehicles and share legal they the same Bicycles Pedestrians have the right-of-way within intersections and crosswalks, thePedestrians right-of-way have in normal in time see weather motorists Even not you but to may stop. glareconditions, from the sun and other factors canfor make difficult it drivers to see the road ahead and to pedestrians spot in time to stop. When walking night, at in or wear light- poor conditions, visibility trimmed clothing colored material with reflective carryor flashlight a see not do you. drivers who prepared Be drivers see to you. avoid to help

your vehicle. vehicle. your drivers seeand you. help and there are lines solid no paintedthe on road. When at stopping a marked unmarked or the crosswalk with crosswalk, block not do Crosswalks lines white solid the on Marked road and crosswalks have have flashingwarn or you road signs to arelights approachingyou that a crosswalk.

Sharing the Road Sharing the Road

avoid hitting a motorcyclist. hitting a motorcyclist. avoid 1 4 n you enter or leave alleys and driveways. alleys leave or enter n you . , and whe Minnesota Manual Driver’s

icycles rized bicycle” is defined by its speed capacity; it is capable capable is it itsspeed by defined is capacity; rized bicycle” riders are required allto obey trafficlaws. oto Bicyclists are encouraged to wear helmets. Bicyclists Bicyclists are to ride abreast. On two allowed a laned road, they Bicyclists ride withinmust lane. a single to are impede allowed not the normalBicyclists and reasonable traffic. of movement grates or a narrow traffic lane may require bicyclists to move toward grates toward a narrow or traffic move to lane require may bicyclists in the out lane when also move may thethe lane. Bicyclists of center making when or turn. a left anotherpassing vehicle but they may also hold their also right hold may arm they but straight to indicate out a right turn. traffic. to the moving faster just right of travel should Bicyclists certain hazards as surfaces, rough such debris, drainageHowever, Bicyclists must signal all must turns all andBicyclists obey trafficsigns/ control signals and devices. the use samehand and armBicyclists signals as other drivers use Bicyclists must ride in must the same direction of traffic, asBicyclists the flow againstnot it. ycle

Your following distance from a motorcycle should be the should same distance as, from a motorcycle following Your Because motorcycles are smaller thanBecause motorcycles cars, can it be difficult to Bicyclists can be difficult to spot in traffic. Watch for them can inWatch inter- be difficultspot to in traffic. Bicyclists • • • • • • • otorcyclists must obey the same obey otheras traffic must drivers. laws otorcyclists ic experience difficulty controlling the motorcycle, which could result result could which difficultyexperience controlling motorcycle, the room maneuvering to Allow in weaving. judge their speedjudge and distance are they when approaching. distance Riders greateror may from than other following vehicles. your Motorcycles M riding generally apply to motorized bicycles. Motorized bicycles are Motorized to bicycles riding motorized generally apply bicycles. lanes or and trails freeways, sidewalks, designated for on allowed not pedestrians and b Motorized Bicycles Motorized A “m to bicycle that apply Rules speeds at less. or 30 mph traveling of of duties of pedestrians. of duties sidewalks sections, on passing them. You may not ride a bicycle on a sidewalk within a sidewalk on a business ride not a bicycle may them.passing You district, unless permitted local authorities. Local by also authorities may from crosswalk. or riding Bicyclists sidewalk any on bicyclists prohibit all the crosswalk or rights have and sidewalk a on operating bicycle a crosswalk,a on across roadway or a sidewalk, a on Whenriding bicycle a to pedestrians the signal before way right an of yield audible and give

Bicycle Laws Bicycle B 0 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Sharing the Road Sharing the Road 3 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 2 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Right-of-way laws apply to motorcyclists, as well as other drivers. as well to motorcyclists, apply laws Right-of-way If a motorcyclist attempts to pass you, maintain attempts to pass you, If lane a motorcyclist position your attempt to illegal is and Never dangerous. a motorcyclist Crowding the same provide protection not do in crashes as other Motorcycles When you prepare to move into a lane in front of a motorcycle, into lane a in prepare a motorcycle, frontWhen of to you move Complete your pass as quickly as possible and do not remain alongside and remain not do as pass as alongside possible quickly your Complete On a downgrade, a commercial vehicleʼs momentum will increase its a commercialOn a downgrade, vehicleʼs Do not pass a commercial vehicle if you plan to exit or turn or plan to exit if you from off pass a commercialDo not vehicle On a level highway, it takes pass to a com- it threelonger seconds to five highway, On a level the front of the commercial vehicle in your rearview inthe the front your commercial of mirror. vehicle Maintain speedyour after a commercial passing vehicle. speed. You may need more distance to may allow to pass. speed. You can see you lane into when only your back Move the commercial vehicle. the roadway soon. Rather soon. thanthe making roadway an unsafe remain pass, behind the On reach the an until exit. commercial upgrade, commercial you vehicle speed, often lose makingvehicles to pass them than easier a car. mercial vehicle than a car. Allow enough time than enough Allow to pass the a car. commercialmercial vehicle and returnvehicle to the coming right lane before within of feet 100 approaching traffic. Before passing a commercial vehicle, make sure you have safe clearance safe have make sure a commercial you passing vehicle, Before behind,to the side, and vehicle. ahead your of and smaller vehicles that have hazardous materials that have and smaller placards vehicles are also commercial vehicles. Vehicle a Commercial Passing A commercial vehicle is a motor vehicle or combination of motor motor of combination or vehicle a motor is A commercial vehicle more than weighing 26,000vehicles pounds that used is to transport all of buses sizes, school including Buses, property. or passengers may drive an NEV, but only on streets on only but with speed limits MPH or 35 an drive of NEV, may be not used during may a road skills NEVs less. test. Vehicles Commercial An NEV is an electric-powered vehicle that has four wheels and that can wheels An has four NEV vehicle is an electric-powered must more than not but reach a speed 20, 25 MPH. least at NEVs of license D driverʼs with a class Anyone be titled and registered with DVS. Motorcyclists may use high-occupancy vehicle lanes. high-occupancy use may vehicle Motorcyclists (NEV) Electric Vehicles Neighborhood motor vehicles. Crashes at urban at Crashes intersections are vehicles. motor the common most drivers right occur fail Many when collisions. to yield motorcycle-car and make turn a left way of in an front of oncoming motorcycle. and speed, and the the allow rider pass. to complete in the same lane. a motorcycle alongside drive allow the motorcycle as much space from the rear of your vehicle as space from the as much vehicle rear your of theallow motorcycle a car. allow would you

Sharing the Road Sharing the Road 3 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s owing a Commercial Vehicle a Commercial owing When a commercial vehicle merges into traffic,it When merges requires a commercialmore time vehicle behind to come a stop an on If upgrade, a commercial you vehicle Commercial vehicles have large side mirrors large side have thatCommercial can reflect light. vehicles Because of their often appearBecause of large commercial size, to be vehicles When a commercial vehicle passes your vehicle, you can the assist you vehicle, passesWhen your a commercial vehicle do not pass a commercial vehicle on the right side, if the there on right a is side, pass a commercial not do vehicle mightpossibility that make it a right turn. leave an the open space to turn. the before right just leave The rear wheels a shorter path than a turningof follow the front wheels; vehicle a collision, avoid the greater the the difference. To vehicle, the longer Commercial Vehicles and Wide Turns Wide and Vehicles Commercial turn Many attention signals. to commercial close vehiclesʼ Pay make right wide turnscommercial vehicles sometimes and must allow space for the truck to roll back slightly when it begins to move. begins the it to move. truck when space for allow slightly to roll back lane the to your allow driver of the on side left vehicle your Position in mirror. theto see side you than a car to accelerate and reach normal speed. prepared Be to slow lanes, the if to allow change truck or necessary, safely. down to merge When you follow a commercial vehicle at night, always dim your night, at always a commercial vehicle follow When you blinding the driver. headlights to avoid reduces your abilityreduces your to see the road ahead. Maintain following a safe the so in can driver the see side you distance vehicle your and position mirrors. Maintaining distance will time following a safe also you allow suddenly. to stop react if must the commercial vehicle An average passenger car traveling at 55 mph can mph within to stop car 55 at 130 traveling passenger An average A fullyfeet. tractor-trailer loaded 140 require may morethan 400 feet too closely a commercial vehicle Following stop. to to come a complete misjudges the speedmisjudges and distance the commercial of vehicle. Foll requireCommercial greater vehicles distance stopping than cars. traveling at slower speeds than actually they slower at are. car-commercialtraveling Many occur collisions intersections at because the thevehicle car of driver direction, stay as far to the right as possible to avoid a sideswipe sideswipe a direction, as far to stay avoid to the right as possible andto reduceaccident wind turbulence vehicles. the between two toward not from other, each away will the vehicles push Turbulence other. each driver by keeping to the far side of your lane reducing and your to slightly thekeeping of far by side driver speed. speed Do not while passing. is up the commercial vehicle coming meet a commercial fromWhen the you vehicle opposite 2 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Sharing the Road Sharing the Road 5 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 4 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Flashing lights, bells, and gates indicate that a train approaching. is feet of a railroad of feet crossing. Some vehicles, such as passenger vans, buses, and larger buses, trucks vans, as passenger are such vehicles, Some required all at to stop railroad tracks, a train not or whether is present. within 100 illegal is It to vehicle pass any pass theseDo not vehicles. person as you would a warning would person device. as you Crossings Railroad at Vehicles Special tracks. Stop your vehicle at least 10 feet from feet the nearest rail 10 least at gate. or vehicle tracks. your Stop trafficcan you to safe is cross proceed when It and aheadhas moved the past rails. a flag feet within crossings, stopping some At without 10 traffic control person may while a train flag Obey the approaching. is and see be these prepared markings. you when to stop see theseWhen proceed not lights do gates activated, or you across the to let drivers know when railroad when drivers know to let tracks are Warning present. signs markers are indicate that approaching you and a railroad pavement located near Signs the crossing. track will many tracks indicate how are the When present. observe tracks approaching a crossing, carefully Railroad Crossing Warning Devices Warning Crossing Railroad Public railroad are crossings marked withwarning designed devices to occur. Because of the size and weight of a train, of the vehicle-train size Because of and most to occur. weight This is a good reason driver. are thecollisions vehicle motor deadly for approaching and attention extra when crossing drivers to pay for railroad tracks. Railroad Crossings Railroad Railroad can crossings collisions be especially for places dangerous cab, on either side of the trailer, of and to side 200 up either on to the feet rear. cab, Commercial Vehicle “No Zones” Vehicle Commercial zones.” “no its of out stay a commercial are vehicle, If following you These are zones blind spots to and therear front, the sides, vehicle. of to truck see to in 20 beSome the up not able feet front of drivers may

Sharing the Road Sharing the Road 5 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s If you feel hesitation about crossing railroad crossing about hesitation feel tracks a trainIf you when Although trains are equipped with bright horns, lights and loud Motorcyclists should approach railroad approach should with caution. crossings Motorcyclists When there is heavy traffic on both sides of a crossing, wait Whenbehind there traffic heavy is of a crossing, on bothsides race a train Trains theNever to crossing. of the to get other side Look for trainsLook for in both directions railroad every at whether crossing, Remember to be patient and expect delays, especially during peak delays, and to be expect patient Remember speedReduced limits are If posted zones. there in are many work position to keep a safe distance to a safe keep position away. no reducedno speed limit the postings, posted obey speed limit. If you workers the disobey when speed limit the fine doubled zone, is in work a lane your and and adjust equipment workers for are Watch present. travel times. Reduce your speed, watch out for workers and equipment, workers for speed, out times. your watch Reduce travel directions. personʼs flag any and follow or stationary. Road workers set up zones with signs and with signs road zones markings up set workers Road stationary. or to direct traffic. to Motorists understand must able be and react to these directions. Highway Work Zones Work Highway are zones areas work road construction where maintenance or Highway Machinery operates and day night and underway. is can be moving work is in sight, stop. Wait for the train for proceeding to pass before Wait across stop. inis sight, the tracks. you to enter into to oncoming enter a lane traffic. of you their distance andparticularly speed difficult is judge, to at night. If your vehicle has a manual transmission, vehicle If entering shift your before down the crossing. cause may Swerving a better crossing. to get angle for swerve Do not cannot stop as quickly as motor vehicles. If you misjudge a trainʼs a trainʼs misjudge If you cannot as vehicles. as motor stop quickly be killed may becomes you stuck, severely or speed vehicle your or injured. shift Do within is not a crossing. gears vehicle while your the tracks are until can make to sure you without the you it other side the on tracks.stopping the tracks are until sure you a second train approaching is not on another track. there not or are warning devices. Railroad Crossing Safety Crossing Railroad thanMore train one the at approach same may time from different directions. When the car last a train of proceed not do passes, across 4 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Sharing the Road Minnesota Driver’s Manual Signs, Signals, and Chapter 5 Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Minnesota signs, signals, and pavement markings conform to national standards. They are intended to provide clear instructions to help you drive safely. Learn to recognize and understand traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings. Signs Road signs use uniform symbols and pictures, as well as written instructions. The shapes and colors of signs are coded to give you a general idea of what the sign says, even before you are close enough to read it. Sign Color Meanings Regulatory Red: Prohibits and commands White: Regulates

Warning Yellow: Warns Yellow-green: Warns and controls in pedestrian and bicycle crossings and school areas : Warns and controls in construction zones

Informational Green: Guides and informs Blue: Describes services for motorists Brown: Indicates historic, cultural, or recreation sites

Common Shapes

Octagon Triangle Diamond Rectangle

Shapes continued next page

46 47 Minnesota Driver’s Manual Signs, Signals, and Chapter 5 Pavement Markings Shapes continued from previous page Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings

Pentagon Circle Regulatory Signs Regulatory signs direct drivers to follow certain traffic laws. You must obey these signs in order to drive in a safe and lawful manner. If you do not obey these signs, you may be issued a traffic citation that may impose a fine. Stop Come to a complete stop. Remain stopped until pedestrians and vehicles with the right of way have cleared the intersection. Then proceed with caution.

Yield Slow down or stop, if necessary. Give the right of way to all other vehicles and pedestrians, and wait until it is safe to proceed.

Do Not Enter Do not enter that lane or road if this sign is facing you.

Wrong Way You have entered a lane of oncoming traffic. You are traveling in the wrong direction.

No Left Turn No Right Turn No U Turn No Parking

A red circle with a red slash mark across a symbol indicates that you should not take a certain course of action.

46 47 Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 9 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 8 4 directions. in Traffic the proceedlane may right straight ahead turn. or on Red No Turn the traffic for signal to turnWait green before turn.you Center Lane Only The lane center shared, is the purpose for of making turns, left traffic by in both traveling One Way One Way only in in flows the specifiedTraffic the lane direction the arrow. of Keep Right to the a traffic rightStay of median,island, or obstruction ahead. Lane-Use Control Signs required is Turning specified or a from specificlane. Speed Limit Speed limit indicate signs the maximum speed at an on drive area may road. Minimum of you which speed limits are usually posted interstate on free- with controlled access. slower drive Do not ways than the minimum posted limit unless bad weather pooror make necessary. road conditions it Do Not Pass Marks the beginning a no-passing zone. of Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 9 4 drivers who aredrivers who usually required rail- at to stop proceed may stopping. road crossings without Railroad Crossings markings, and gates, pavement Warning signs, flashing red lights most railroadat are positioned markings a stop include Pavement crossings. and theline, letters an “RR” painted “X,” on in the front crossing. of the pavement a railroad identifies sign An crossing. X-shaped If there the more is than track, one below a sign indicates tracks. thecrossbuck number of means sign that and bus truckAn “exempt” Handicapped Parking Parking “handicapped posted spaces with a blue displaying parking” are sign vehicles reserved for disability a disability or license plates parking permit. Reduced Speed Ahead speed limit posted is A slower ahead. Begin speed.reducing your Restricted Lane The indicates diamond that symbol thetraffic lane a specificor a use certain reserved is for The be lane for designated may type vehicle. of bus, for or cars morepassengers or with two use. bicycle or commercial vehicle, Minnesota Manual Driver’s Most warning signs are yellow. Signs warning Signs pedestrian of warning or Most are signs yellow. bicycle crossings and school zones may be either yellow or fluorescent fluorescent or yellow be either may zones and crossings school bicycle common Some warning below. are signs shown yellow-green. Warning signs alert you to possible hazards safety alertWarning to own possible signs ahead. your you For to recognize be able must and theothers, them and safety you of react accordingly. Warning Signs Warning 8 4 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 1 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s . 0 5 Railroad Crossings These alert signs motorists that a railroad crossing ahead.is crossing thecrossing road. and be down prepared pedestrians. for to stop Slow to pedestrians the way right of crossing Yield intersectionsat and crosswalks. The pedestrian is the with the standard sign arrowcrossing below marking. No Passing Zone highway. a two-way This of the on is side left sign warnsIt the beginning of zone. passing a no of school or an approved school crosswalkahead. is school an or approved school children for and be prepared toWatch stop School Crossing children for in crosswalk and be preparedWatch to all yield pedestrians Drivers must to stop. in with thecrosswalks. sign crossing The school is the standardarrow below marking. These direct pedestrians signs for drivers to watch School Zone yellow-green, fluorescent or These yellow pentagon-shaped warning indicate signs that a Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 1 5 Y-Intersection Ahead The road ahead different into direc-two splits prepared Be tions. trafficyour for crossing in path and prepare to turn in direction one or the other. Curve The road curves in the direction indicated. a speed to the limit, If displays the sign slow indicated speed. Side Road for Watch is comingyour Traffic from right. entering the roadway. vehicles T-Intersection Ahead are will on The soon. road traveling you end Prepare to turn to cross right left. Yield or traffic. Slow-Moving VehicleEmblem all on vehicles be displayed must This emblem as such speeds at less, or 30 mph that of travel farm when horse-drawn or implements vehicles, arethey making road. Adjust a public of use speed prepare or lanes to vehicle change your see this you sign. when Crossroad intersection is ahead. Prepare A four-way to yield. Minnesota Manual Driver’s Intersection Warning Signs Warning Intersection 0 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 3 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s for animals,for humans, and

vehicles crossing the crossing road. vehicles Crossing Signs warn signs Crossing drivers to watch 2 5 There a traffic is intersection.at next the light Ahead Road Turns The road ahead direction. sharply changes to speed. a safe Slow Divided Highway Begins to the right.The Stay road is dividing. Divided Highway Ends traffic The road ahead. divided ends Two-way island. center a be by divided will longer no SignalTraffic Ahead Winding Road Ahead The road ahead to winds and back forth. Slow indicated or a safe speed. Two-wayAhead Traffic road and entering are a one-way leaving You tothe road. right. Stay a two-way Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Lane Ends lanes will become one. Two in the right lane must Vehicles traffic. into left-lane merge yield. must vehicles Right-lane 3 5 traffic. New traffic will not have to merge. traffic.merge. to trafficNew have will not ClearanceLow Ahead taller is proceedDo not than vehicle if your vehicle indicatedthe your or the on height sign, become stuck. may Narrow Bridge The ahead bridge is narrower than the roadway. Merging Traffic you which on the onto roadway merge Vehicles to prepared Be are vehicles to allow traveling. trafficenter you. near Added Lane will gainThe roadway an additional lane of Slippery Road The road surface wet. is slippery is it when This often is located sign near and bridges overpasses. Steep Hill Make sureThe road ahead declines steeply. brakes are in order working vehicleʼs your proceed. you before Minnesota Manual Driver’s 2 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 5 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 4 5 maintenance on the roadway. Reduce speed Reduce maintenance the on roadway. from workers. away lane position and adjust speedsReduced are often posted in work the posted violate Motoristszones. speed who are present workers limit when zones in work will be assessed twice the usual fine. Indicates that a person is with a flag ahead. cautiously. Drive areIndicates that performing workers Drums, tubes, flashing cones, arrows, and orange and white-striped barriers are all used to traffic keep of a construction out areaor may areas You to dangerous is drive. it where or flags also orange signs, see holding people directions giving signs, zones. stop in work their directions. follow Always Minnesota Manual Driver’s restricted traffic, lanes of detourshazards. work other and road Construction Signs Construction letters areOrangewith black signs used in construction zones. and work see an These warn orangesign. signs you drivers of when down Slow

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Road County Road County 5 5 Highway Minnesota Minnesota Manual Driver’s U.S. Highway Freeway Interstate Route signs indicate different types of roadways. indicate signs different typesRoute roadways. of Route Signs Route street or route names, and bicycle routes. street names, route or and bicycle Guidance and Information Signs Information and Guidance Green distance indicate signs exits, interstate to cities, interchanges, Motorist Services Signs Motorist motels, food, gas, direct to as signs services telephones, such you Blue and hospitals, areas. rest Historic, Cultural, and Recreational Signs Recreational and Cultural, Historic, historic parks, point out and sites, signs other interest. points of Brown 4 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 7 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 6 5 If a “No ” sign is posted is sign an at Red” on If Turn a “No If certain make may are conditions met, you After stopping, you may make may a right turnAfter you stopping, line, before the enteringline, crosswalk, before before or the intersection. When the arrow turns green, proceed may inyou the direction indicates. it stop a would a flashingyou red as Treat light to vehicles yield stop, to Come a complete sign. and pedestrians reach the intersection who and proceed the you, intersection when before clear. is permitted in that direction. to travel the to light for wait must intersection, you turn green. a onto turna left roadway from a one-way cross street while the trafficone-way is light turning, first red. come to a must Before you make sure stop, the intersectioncomplete is pedestrians to any and yield clear, other or must be permitted Traffic to vehicles. travel inonly the direction are turning. you in which A red arrow means “stop.” the at stop stop to come a complete must You A steady red light means “stop.” Come the to light change. for and wait Stop the the at stop line, stop before tocomplete a enteringcrosswalk, the before or intersection. if the intersection trafficwhen is clear, is Minnesota Manual Driver’s not functioning,not treat an uncontrolled the would intersection as you intersection. Traffic Light Signals Light Traffic signals areLight used intersections at is traffichigh. volume where of traffic. If a flow signaltraffic promote safetySignals is and orderly

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 7 5 the intersection. Pedestrians are who already in the intersection continue walking may to the a normal at the pace. roadway of other side or crossing traffic. crossing or Pedestrian Signals There are pedestrians. and signals for stop go Pedestrians these signals. obey must When the pedestrian signal visible, is “Walk” or pedestrians to see to look safe is if it should cross the intersection proceeding. before Once in the intersection, pedestrians continue may walking the to roadway. the of other side signal Walk” When the raised hand “Donʼt or flashing, is pedestrians not begin should to cross Yield the right of way to vehicles and to vehicles the way right of Yield pedestrians already in the intersection. A green light means “go.” begin to may cross the intersection as soon You pedestrians or to vehicles any Yield clear. is as it in the intersection. When turning right left, or to pedestriansyield in crossing your front of vehicle. A green arrow means can you safely turn in the direction of the arrow. turn be “protected” should fromYour oncoming A steady yellow light or arrow means The“caution.” signal is about to turn red. the enter Do intersection not can stop if you cannot If safely, stop you so. doing before safely proceed through the intersection with caution. areIf in waiting you the intersection to make a turn, and the signal turns to red, from yellow the turncomplete possible. safely as is soon as it up. back Do not A flashingyellow light or arrow means “caution.” Proceed through the intersection with caution. Minnesota Manual Driver’s 6 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 9 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 8 5 A steady redA steady cannot X means in drive you the lane under the red steady X signal. vehicles from the other directionvehicles be using may the same lane. arrow means you yellow downward A steady into another prepare laneshould in to move a the steady lane below manner. Thesafe freeway arrow will be yellow closed. downward arrowyou meansyellow A flashingdownward lanecan under the use the flashing freeway in caution Exercise arrow. yellow downward this lane. are allowed to drive in the lane below theare to indrive the allowed lane below green arrow. prepare should means X you yellow A steady into another lane into manner. A a safe move lane-control being is made in change the lane red A steady X. X will the yellow steady below cannot the and occupy you next, be displayed lane that at time. can you X meansuse the yellow A flashing X to makeleft a yellow the flashing lane below because left-turning use caution must turn. You When a steady raised hand or “Donʼt Walk” Walk” When raised a steady hand “Donʼt or pedestrians attempt not signal visible, is should to cross the intersection. Pedestrians are who alreadyin the intersection walk to should the andnearest as as quickly location safe safely as possible. green arrow downward A steady means you Minnesota Manual Driver’s Lane Use Control Signals Control Use Lane These lanes signals allow to traffic be used by from different directions all other different trafficat times. also follow signs Drivers must and signals thatapply.

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings

9 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s turns green. One Car per Green Light ramp meters with freeway on-ramps at Used to indicate that car proceed one may time each the light Two solid yellow lines, in traffic, one lane each of indicate yellow that solid Two A solid yellow line may appear on one side of the roadway, while a the line roadway, appear of may side one on yellow A solid A solid yellow line indicates that in prohibited is passing areas yellow A solid dashes indicates that allowed is passing A line yellow composed of Double solid white lines white solid indicateDouble that are lane changes prohibited the road of insignia the along side line white A solid with a bicycle A solid white line white A solid indicates that are lane changes discouraged in A line shorter of and dashes white thicker indicates that the lane A line dashes white composed indicates of that drivers can change in to order pass other vehicles. the marking that in present is their traffic. lane of prohibited in is passing both directions. in both Drivers traveling directions are line center solid prohibited from the crossing double in areas this where type marking of is present. line dashes composed appears obey of Drivers must the on other side. Yellow lines separate traffic opposite directions.in moving Yellow thiswhere marking in Passing illegal. is present. is a no-passing zone indicates an area is designated for bicycle traffic only. Bicycles must must Bicycles trafficonly. indicates an area bicycle designated is for in the sametravel direction traffic. as adjacent Lines Yellow in areas this where type marking of is present. areas this where type marking of lines white Solid present. is also mark crosswalks, lines stop intersections, at parking stalls, and the a roadway. of edges lanes in areas this where type marking of is present. will end. White Lines White lines separate traffic lanes of in same the traveling direction. Pavement Markings Pavement markings directPavement and regulate traffic.

red, yellow, and green lights drivers indicate can when proceed. Only red, yellow, car proceedone may time each the green. is light Freeway Ramp Meters Ramp Freeway Ramp meters entrance are ramps signal lights freeway on that help of merging traffic. the Likecontrol flow signalstraffic at intersections, 8 5 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 1 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 0 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Two-lane road with traffic moving in both directions. Traffic in both lanes is prohibited from passing. Two-lane road with traffic moving in both directions. Traffic in the lanewith the solid yellow line is prohibited from passing. Two-lane road with traffic moving in both directions. Traffic is separated by a lineof yellow dashes, indicating vehicles traveling in both directions may pass. Road with four lanes, two in each direction separated by two solid lines. Traffic in both lanes is prohibited from passing.

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 1 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Multiple-lane road with traffic moving in both directions separated by a solid traffic divider. shouldersNo at inner roadway. of edges Road with three lanes with traffic moving in both directions. Center turn lane is reserved for traffic turning left from both directions. Some turn lanes have multiple arrows, allowing you to turn arrows, you allowing turn or Some left multiple lanes have roadway or a driveway. a driveway. or roadway may be designated for left turns only. This turns left be type for designated may lane only. marked is of lines. parallel Theseby and lines solid dashed are yellow sometimes in traveling Vehicles accompanied arrows white the on pavement. by directioneither can use these lanes to make turns left another onto solid white lines. white solid Lanes Center Turn laneA center traffic lanes between of opposite directionsin traveling discourage drivers from changing lanesright, straight. near to or go To an intersection, turn lanes are separated from through trafficby lanes throughtraffic. be accompaniedword White which may by the arrows, indicate within stay that“only” drivers must a designated lane while turning in is the this onto cross street. type vehicle If your lane, you of turn.must actions or typesactions or vehicles. of Lanes Turn lanes near intersectionsTurn separate right-turning or left- traffic from Lane Markings markingsRoad can be used to separate lanes certain reserved for 0 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings 2 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Most traffic officers signal drivers to stop by holding up one one up holding trafficsignalhand by Most officers stop to drivers signal with a flashlight during low-light conditions. duringsignal with a flashlight low-light with the palm facing the vehicle and giving a long blast on the on whistle. blast with and the a long giving palm thefacing vehicle Officerssignal start to drivers motioningby with the keepmoving or hand and short a series the Officers giving on of blasts whistle. may Law enforcement officers officers other and enforcement individuals directLaw trafficsome on you handsignals are When obey occasions. is any present, an officer markings. rather than given trafficpavement or signs, signals, such as “School Zone Ahead.” Zone Ahead.” as “School such Traffic Officers yellow lines. yellow Warning Markings be usedmay to warn messages certain drivers of Pavement conditions, Carpool lanes are more occupants. or with two restricted to vehicles areThey with “Carpool marked or a diamond symbol by Only” signs. and areThey are a freeway usually located of the on far side left separated fromwhite other trafficor of by combinations lanes green arrow, or if permits or green a sign to so. do arrow, you Carpool Lanes Reversible Lanes traffic keep during lanesflowing help rush-hourperiods. Reversible cross these may lines. You areThey separated yellow dashed double by has to a enter wish the lane you signal above lines if only the overhead

Signs, Signals, and Pavement Markings Chapter 6 Driving Conditions

This chapter provides guidance on how to drive safely in a variety of conditions. Using the SIPDE System Nothing you do will guarantee that others will see you. The only eyes you can really count on are your own. Experienced drivers make a prac- tice of being aware of what is happening around them. They can create their driving strategy by using a system known as SIPDE. SIPDE is a 5-step process used to make appropriate judgments and apply them correctly in different traffic situations. • Scan • Identify • Predict • Decide • Execute Letʼs examine each of these steps. Scan Search aggressively ahead, to the sides and behind to avoid potential hazards even before they arise. How assertively you search, and how much time and space you have, can eliminate or reduce the impact of an accident. Focus on finding potential escape routes around inter- sections, shopping areas, schools and commercial zones. Search for: • Oncoming traffic that may turn in front of you. • Traffic coming from the left and right. • Traffic approaching from behind. • Hazardous road conditions. Identify Locate hazards and potential conflicts. • Cars, motorcycles or other vehicles may move into your path and increase the likelihood of a crash. • Pedestrians and animals are unpredictable and make short, fast moves. • Stationary objects, potholes, guard rails, bridges, roadway signs, hedges, or trees wonʼt move into your path, but may influence your driving strategy. Predict Consider speed, distance, and direction of hazards to anticipate how they may affect you. Cars moving into your path are more critical than those moving away or sitting still. Decide Based on your prediction, decide what you would need to do if the situation changed quickly. You must be making decisions constantly to cope with constantly changing traffic situations.

63 Driving Conditions 5 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

4 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s happens in 3⁄4 seconds. conditions. Weather tire your of treads.Condition brakes. your of and condition Type The time takes it to a driver see and recognize that there a is danger ahead. The time length of from the danger to using brakes perception of Communicate presence with lights and/or your horn. speed your appropriately. Adjust and/or position direction. your Adjust

Gradually slow down until you have reached a safe following distance reached following a safe have until down you Gradually slow slightly down slow too closely, following is behindIf you the vehicle Choose a fixed reference point at the side of the road at side as point such the ahead, Choose a fixed reference point, begin passes the reference ahead you When of the vehicle • • • • • • • • reach your destination safely, study road maps study and directions before destination safely, reach your starting lights are and Make working out. sure your vehicle that your and clean is freewindshield defects. of Night Driving Night Although there traffic usually is less at half nearly night, of allfatal traffic crashes in Minnesota ensureyou occur that help To after dark.

following distance, but your actual distance, your distance but stopping following will on depend including: many factors, and allow it to pass. and it allow Distance Stopping can determineThe distance vehicle need your to stop a safe you that is longer thanthat the longer is standard distance length, increase following your count. five-second or to a four- If you pass the reference point before you are through you you point before counting, pass the reference If you too closely. are following and speed. are When are if road or conditions driving you poor, a vehicle a telephone pole, signpost, tree, signpost, bridge. or pole, a telephone “One-thousand-one, one-thousand-three.” counting: one-thousand-two, Applying the “Three-Second Rule” is a way to help keep a safe distance a safe the keep “Three-Second to help Applying a way is Rule” Thisahead car rule you. your of between and the pertains vehicle to drivingstandard-length in ideal conditions. vehicles Three-Second Rule Execute create space and minimizeCarry To decision. your out harm:

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 5 6 Accelerate. 1

Minnesota Manual Driver’s To avoid disrupting traffic flow or “cutting disruptingoff” or traffic when otherflow avoid drivers To When driving in glare encounter the dark, may from oncoming you Donʼt “overdrive” your headlights. You should be able to stop within to stop be able should headlights. your You “overdrive” Donʼt Signal and move carefully into traffic lane.

Adjust speed. Select a gap in traffic.

3 you merge, try to adjust your speed try your to merge, accommodate already to adjust you vehicles are merging. you when to other vehicles yield must You theon freeway. allows you to with increase traffic speed merge you your in to order safely allows that already is the on freeway. Entering the Freeway Entering Entry ramps access roads to freeways. that are provide short, one-way entry most will the of ramps,At end find you lane an acceleration that

2 Freeways are multi-lane, divided highways with limited access from arehighways divided multi-lane, Freeways other roads. Because there are cross or traffic, stops no permityou they distances stopping. long without to travel use a “day-night” mirror regular your use a “day-night” mirror. re-adjust or Driving Freeway headlightsheadlights fromof or your the rearview reflection in mirror. areIf blinded the you glare, by use the line white the the of along edge glare headlights For caused by fromroad as behind a reference. you, the distance headlights that your illuminate vehicles, the most road. For this distance high on beam. more than feet no is 350 set on low beam. Your headlights be turned must beam. and sunset at on Your used low on set until sunrise. also be must They used during that conditions weather and cannot time any hail, clearly fog you or sleet, rain, include snow, see the road ahead a distance 500 least at for of feet. Headlights are following or Whenwithin you an of oncoming 1,000 feet vehicle, a distance at headlights be 200 your must another of less, or vehicle feet 4 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 7 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 6 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Message signs may be activated when the state be an when activated issues may AMBER signs Message The meters are traffic entry the placedhalfwaydown signals, about Do not stop on the on stop Do ramp not in or the lane acceleration is unless it sign and a “Yield” When an lane available, acceleration not is Use your turn your intention. Use other your drivers signal to know let High-Occupancy Lanes Vehicle and buses, vehicles These motorcycles, lanes are by use only for carrying more people. or two or who have other information the about missing have child, will who or be asked to notify enforcement. law (Americaʼs Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response) Alert Response) in response Emergency Broadcast Missing: (Americaʼs to The will information, a child as abduction. signs a provide such fitting description,the see description. a vehicle Drivers who vehicle Message Signs Message warn traffic drivers of and freeways lane-use some on Message signs other or trafficcrashes, stalled conditions ahead. vehicles, vehicles or to leave the freeway, signal your intent and intent make signal your sure your the freeway, to or leave vehicles over. moving path before clear is possible, but never exceed the posted exceed speed limits. never are but If driving you possible, speed than other traffic, stay a slower at in lane the nearest to the right the road. of Otherwise,side the choose traffic laneat of the moving lanes to pass other change must in and If stay it. you prefer speed you Freeway Speed and Lane Use Lane Speed and Freeway Maintain the same approximate speed as when surrounding vehicles, ramp, that are usually activated during peak travel hours. Red, yellow, ramp, that are usuallyduring activated hours. peak yellow, Red, travel and green lights indicate drivers can proceed. when illegal is It to go through the red light. Only car proceed one may time each the light green.is politan area to reduce trafficjams, crashes, and to make onto merging easier. the freeway Freeway Ramp Meters Ramp Freeway Ramp meters are entry used ramps many freeway on in the metro- absolutely necessary. absolutely postedis necessary. is if the it on entry Stop, the sign. ramp, obey into the traffic. lane of way your force Do not Watch for an opening for in the nearest trafficWatch lane into merge and the so. you do to able of are trafficwhen flow

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions Diamond Folded Diamond Cloverleaf 7 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s one road and enter another safely, without disrupting the flow of disrupting traffic. without the flow road andone another enter safely, Freeway Freeway toAn a road another or the is interchange free- a freeway connection of toleave you ramps. allow a series of The by connectingway roadways 6 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 9 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

8 6 back from any firefighting vehicle. from back firefighting any e desired exit. Minnesota Manual Driver’s antenna a door handle. or hazardUse them. warning have lights, if you place flaresor 100them to reflectors, from feet 500 have If you the the on main right of edge behind road. vehicle your vehicle, your leave must If you if possible. vehicle, with your Stay traffic. vehicle reserved walk not do for the on area the highway of This dangerous. is illegal and extremely Park your vehicle on the shoulder, as far from the the on main shoulder, roadway vehicle Park your aspossible. Open the trunk and raise to the the hood radio tie or cloth a white illegal to stop or park a motor vehicle on an interstate freeway, an on interstateillegal park or to stop freeway, vehicle a motor

Watch for signs that provide information that upcoming signs provide about exits. for Watch lanes, near and to intent change theAs signal your you desired exit make or up proceed back Do not miss exit, one. If your to the you next Stay at least 500 least at feet Stay If you are not able to safely move a lane away, slow down. down. slow a lane away, move to are safely If able not you lights with its and siren activated vehicle see anWhen emergency you passed. has completely Remain stopped vehicle until the emergency It is illegal to back up or turn around on a freeway. An exception to An illegal turn is or exception up It to back around a freeway. on If you must stop on the freeway because of an emergency, take the an because of emergency, the on stop freeway must If you hen you see the flashingof you hen an lights ambulance, fire police or truck, • • • • • t is helpful to know, before you begin driving, where you need to exit need begin to exit driving, you where you before to know, helpful t is a U-turn to return to th move into the deceleration lane, when you can do so safely. This should can safely. so do you into the lane, when deceleration move also should ramp. It the reach exit you before down time toprovide slow traffic. obstructing faster-moving to avoid you help I the freeway. Getting offthe Freeway the brakes or swerve into other lanes. Remember to use your turn into to use your the other lanes. brakes Remember swerve or signal. before it be that following may vehicles other emergency Look for pulling out. behind you, move to the nearest side of the to the slam Do on road not of nearestand stop. side move behind you, Emergency Vehicles on the Freeway on Emergency Vehicles W from the a lane away move must thecar road, of you the on shoulder to safely. so do possible if is it vehicle, emergency this law applies to drivers of emergency and road repair vehicles. Drivers and road repair emergency to drivers vehicles. this of applies law turn or up back may around, these to as perform vehicles necessary, of their duties.

following actions: following Stopping, Parking, and Backing Up Backing and Parking, Stopping, is It con- not is Running fuel of out an of emergency. in the event except a citation. If this receive could occurs, you ansidered emergency.

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 9 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s If you are confronted by an aggressive driver, do not challenge him challenge not do areIf driver, confronted you an aggressive by If you recognize your own behavior in this recognize should behavior If description, own you you your Aggressive driving usually involves driving than faster surrounding driving usually involves Aggressive Distractions inside the vehicle can include activities such as cell such activities can include Distractions the inside vehicle Exchange driverʼs license and insurance information driverʼs with the Exchange If the crash in only results property to location. a safe damage, move or her. Stay out of the personʼs way, avoid eye contact, and allow not do eye avoid way, the personʼs of out Stay her. or the to escalate. situation share the driving road. Safe requires courtesy and cooperation from all drivers. passing other vehicles on the shoulder; and the glaring on shoulder; other threatening or at vehicles passing motorists around them. make a greater calm effort important is to driving. stay It when to vehicles, which leads to behaviors such as following too closely; too closely; as following such leads to behaviors which vehicles, signaling; often without changing lanes frequently and abruptly, People who drive aggressively tend to have a low level of concern of for level a low tend to have aggressively drive who People and anger frustrationother motorists. exhibit They while driving, not theirbecause of but actions, necessarily other driversʼ of as a result personal mindset. all times. Driving Aggressive passengers, and reading maps and other material. Even when you are and reading passengers, you maps and when other material. Even as looking even a crash at or such thewatching scene, road, behaviors daydreaming, canas a driver. attention responsibilities from divert your the task driving full of give make your sure you attention at safety, For multiple-vehicle crashes among drivers up to the age of 64. crashes to among drivers the of up age multiple-vehicle eating use, andphone drinking, the talking radio, adjusting to other numbers. Call for law enforcement assistance, if necessary. enforcement numbers. Call law for Driving Distracted inattentionDriver distraction or the of is cited frequently cause most other driver or drivers. Write down the other license numbers plate down of other drivers. Write or driver identification vehicle also to exchange wish may You involved. vehicles for help. for to location, safe a moved have until you vehicle your of out step Do not from traffic. away Crashes are. you in where a crash stay that in results injury, areIf involved you agency the enforcement or nearest law call are to so, do If 911 able you 8 6 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 1 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 0 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Allow plenty of room for turns. room for of plenty trailers Long Allow to will closer swing Speed up carefully, using a lower gear if Maintain necessary. a lower using enough Speed carefully, up Wind and rain will ability affect your to handle and a vehicle control Travel at a slower speed. trailers that smaller Many turn wheels have a slower at Travel designed not were probably that vehicle the brakesRemember your on When loaded, 10 to 15 percent of the trailerʼs weight should be should weight the trailerʼs of percent to 15 When 10 loaded, If a load extends four feet or more from the rear of any vehicle, a red, more from or feet the four rear vehicle, any If extends of a load carry not the line may beyond that vehicles loads extend Passenger such weather. weather. such thethe road of than edge vehicle. your pulling extra weight. When towing a trailer Whenpulling towing camper weight. or extra windy or in wet normally speed reduce your more would than inconditions, do you following distance to prevent the need for sudden stops. When stops. passing the sudden need distance for to prevent following trailer the remember your additional length of andother be vehicles, ability that your toaware accelerate reduced. is to handle trailer heavy high at stop speed A sudden flip could loads. both the trailer and the car. at allat stops. rest rate a faster at can buildup heat than cause Resulting car your wheels. trailer bearings wheel to fail. balanced the on When trailer between hitch correctly and vehicle. Afterfew the level. miles, first be should floor theloaded, trailerʼs the andstop tires, hitch, check lights, this and Repeat load. process Campers and Trailers Trailers and Campers maintain must pull you If a camper you trailer or vehicle, with your distance from 500 least otherat following vehicles. feet of the fenders on the left side and more than six inches beyond the and more than the on side left the fenders beyond of six inches line the on fender right side. yellow, or orange flag at least 16 inches square16 attachedmust be inches to least the at orange flag or yellow, night, from a red the At load. of a distanceend visible lamp, or be 500 least attached at must of feet, the to the load. of end A load must not stick out more than out three stick not must A load in the feet front front of vehicle. motor any bumper or of wheels view to the front or sides of the vehicle or interfere or abilitywith your to the vehicle of to the front sides or view thecontrol vehicle. Load a Projecting Carrying Obstructed View more by occupied or with load, a packed illegal is toIt vehicle a drive than threein people the front seat, if the obstruct people or items your

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 1 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s All recreational trailers must have a clearly visible plate with plate All visible recreational a clearly trailers have must A safety chain be permanently must attached to the trailer and All trailers with a gross vehicle weight of 3,000All of pounds more or trailers weight with a gross vehicle Type A, B, or C motor homes may not be longer than feet. 45 be not longer may homes C motor or A, B, Type Trailer stop and stop turnTrailer night driving be used for signals must and Pay extra attention to your vehicleʼs cooling system when towing towing when cooling system vehicleʼs attention extra to your Pay to transporting restrictions apply Some may bottled propane gas The 102-inch width limit (8 feet, 6 inches) for recreational vehicles recreational for width vehicles limit 6 inches) The feet, (8 102-inch You must be at least 18 years of age to drive a recreational vehicle to a recreational drive age years of vehicle be 18 least at must You be equal rating must or The the to, combination. pickup towing of greater being towed. than, all of the total vehicles weight consisting of a pick-up truck attachedcamper-semi- to a fifth-wheel a pick-up of consisting trailer that has a trailer. hitched to The it trailer carry may a watercraft; motorized cart; golf equestrian or ATV; snowmobile; motorcycle; supplies. or equipment Recreational Vehicle Combinations Vehicle Recreational vehicles means combination of a combination Recreational vehicle current registration. towing. used for fastened to the vehicle The general length limit for single-unit vehicles is 40The feet. general length limit single-unit vehicles for be equippedmust with brakes. exterior rearviewexterior mirrors if self-propelled. is the recreational vehicle the rearview exterior beyond The a trailer width of extend not may mirrors vehicle. the towing of to other drivers. the vehicleʼs attachments beyond does include that not extend not do Rear white license — One, plate and stop are turn visible not vehicle the signals on whenever towing Lights: red lamps — Two, Tail red Two, — Reflectors Measurements: Maximum feet length— 45 Maximum 6 inches width — 8 feet 6 inches feet Maximum — 13 height through with the law. tunnels. comply Make sure you Requirements Trailer extra weight. Your engine will overheat more easily in warm weather, in more easily warm engine will weather, overheat Your weight. extra highat speeds, and in hilly areas. 0 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 3 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

2 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Avoid using cruise using slippery on control roads. Avoid Make sure that your windshield wiper fluid containsMake sure fluid wiper windshield that your antifreeze. the to road: of tryGet the feel brakes your while driving slowly test the road surface. speed your to road condition. Adjust

Be alert for dangerous snow clouds or “whiteout” conditions. “whiteout” or conditions. clouds alertBe snow dangerous for speeds. slow at often move equipment and other removal Snowplows Never crowd a snowplow. Pass snowplows only when you can see you when only snowplows Pass a snowplow. crowd Never sanding flying any materials,snow, to avoid behind well plows Stay Obey snow emergency parking rules to avoid towing and fines. parking towing emergency rules to avoid snow Obey If your vehicle becomes stuck on ice or snow, try to free vehicle your snow, or becomes ice on stuck vehicle If your • • • • A recreational vehicle combination may not be not more than inmay feet combination 70 A recreational vehicle be in not driven the may seven- combination A recreational vehicle In residential areas, they may back up inIn up areas, to order turn back residential may they around. Give operatorsequipment room to their do safely. job Snowplows can create clouds of blowing snow that may conceal that the may snow blowing of can create clouds Snowplows road and hide driving hazards. the entire vehicle. and that ice strike could vehicle. your When roads are covered with snow or ice, watch for thewhite, flashing for watch ice, or When roads with snow are covered snowplows. lights of and blue yellow, while snow is removed from streets. is removed while snow with Snowplows the Road Sharing Snow Emergencies and Parking Rules Parking and Emergencies Snow may officials accumulates,city Whensnow of a significant amount Certain parking emergency. into rules effect declare go a snow may starts tires your or to slide start the brake to and spin, apply repeat this operation in the direction. opposite by “rocking” it back and back forth. “rocking” it the straightby Keep front and wheels spin- without forward, drive then backward, as far as possible, slowly thening tires when the tires. grip. gently vehicle If Accelerate your

Remove snow and ice from your vehicleʼs hood, windows, andlights hood, windows, and from vehicleʼs ice your snow Remove driving. before Winter Driving Winter Safety Vehicle county metropolitan through area during Monday Friday the hours of 6 a.m. to to 9 a.m.7 p.m. and 4 p.m. length. The middle vehicle in be this not length. more The than may middle combination vehicle in28 length. feet

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions

3 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Even in extremely cold, leave at least one window partially window one least at open leave cold, in extremely Even into can let fresh carbon suffer an air. Occupants of idling vehicle adequate. poisoning is not if ventilation monoxide remain all at should person times. awake one in least At the vehicle or until you are untilor rescued. Running you ten approximately the engine for inminutes to the order charge battery hour, each and warm the recommended. is interior, trunk, bring them the inside vehicle. and debris. snow of clear pipe theKeep exhaust warm, theRun engine and reasonably is heater until the vehicle and then turn this Repeat as off. available, is fuel process it as long Attach a red flag to yourAttach radio a red to flag antenna. flares, and flags out ifSet possible. blanketsIf and clothing, other are survival supplies stored in Turn on your hazard your on warningTurn lights. and a lighter. or matches First aid kit. Tow chain and tire chains. Tow flaresor Road reflectors. cables. Jumper Warm clothing and clothing footwear. Warm antenna. vehicleʼs your for flag Red bag. sleeping or Blanket drinking foods, energy Quick and an container. empty waste water, Shovel. Container sand salt. or of

Stay calm, wait for help to arrive, help and calm, take for Stay the wait as following many of • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • very dangerous occurrence. To prevent this, of be sure plenty to get prevent occurrence.very dangerous To starting before drive. rest a long on out Maintaining Alertness and Concentration Concentration Alertness and Maintaining Becomingtired while behind sleepy or a common, is the yet wheel

the cold. the cold. assteps possible: If you become stranded while traveling in cold weather, stay with your with your stay becomeIf stranded you weather, in while cold traveling deaths under Most these circumstances get vehicle. people occur when to exposure become andprolonged suffer lost, their of vehicles, out Stranded Become Do if You to What

any vehicle you drive. Some recommended Some drive. include: items you vehicle any Winter Survival Survival Winter Vehicle Kit Your in a Survival Keep important is it a winter survival to safety, assemble kitFor to in keep 2 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 5 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

4 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s If none of this works, stop for the day or park theor day far for this stop fromIf of the none works, road in all stay theand lock rest. car, If doors and you open windows in to let fresh air.slightly every two hours. Get out of the car of hours. Get out two and walk,every up, stretch, loosen something to drink. eat or and relax. Have talk passengers, in alert. to order stay have If Ask someone you tired. begin to feel you to when drive else arelisten If to alone, the you radio aloud. sing or When the permits, to weather increase slightly open a window drugs.awake” “stay on not rely Do fresh airflow. Stop as often as you need to — at least once every 100 miles 100 need or every as once to often least — at asStop you

If you cannotIf see distance you a safe ahead, pull the off road and stop Some vehicles have an braking electronic anti-lock that have system vehicles Some A vehicle skid occurs tires when their lose A vehicle grip the on road surface. • • • • • At speeds of 35 mph or less, most tires most less, or will the mph off road water speeds “wipe” At 35 of surfaceto tires keep in contact with the higher road. speeds, At water can collect under tires and lift them the off surface the road of — this calledis “hydroplaning.” until improves. visibility Hydroplaning 500 feet ahead and when it is raining, snowing, sleeting, or hailing. or sleeting, 500 ahead raining, is feet it and when snowing, beam to reduce them glare. low Keep on Driving in Heavy Rain or Fog Fog or Heavy in Rain Driving reduce speed, thunderstorms encounter caution, use extra If you fog, or head- distance.and be prepared Your Increase following to stop. your cannot be used see times at must you more than when law, lights, by regain control. If you are not sure if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes has anti-lock areregain If sure control. not vehicle you if your manual specific owners instructions. for vehicleʼs read your helps keep the vehicle under control while braking. If you have anti-lock anti-lock while under control braking. have the keep If vehicle you helps regular would brakes.brakes, pump Instead, them not do as you press the on brakedown pedal until and continue to you steer the vehicle If this occurs, calm the slam or on stay brakes. overreact not — do Instead, the off take and accelerator foot brakes can your until you turn in the desired direction. When you are andWhen maintain driving you down a slippery on road, slow use cruise Do not distancea safe in you. front of from the vehicle the road surface when control slippery. is Skidding

The following suggestions may help, but will have no lasting no effect: will but have help, may suggestions The following

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 5 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Your vehicle may balance on its own and travel in a straight and balance path travel may own its on vehicle Your Pull the vehicle completely off the off road the at nearest location. safe Pull completely the vehicle If you experience a blowout, hold the steering wheel tightly, steer the steering hold tightly, wheel a blowout, experience If you It is illegal to coast down steep illegal is hillsIt to coast down transmission with your in To prevent hydroplaning, keep your tires your keep in and condition good hydroplaning, prevent To When your tires hydroplane, they lose all lose they When tires contact with the your road. If hydroplane, to occur speeds likely less is normal at Hydroplaning if highway If your brakeIf your pedal sinks suddenly try all to the floor, the way pumping the pedal to build pressure. If this does not work, slowly apply thepumping apply pedal to build pressure. If this slowly does work, not A brake pedal that sinks slowly when pressure is applied is one sign A brake pressure sign is one applied is pedal when that sinks slowly brakes be failing. may A warning come should light vehicleʼs that your ifon there a serious is problem. the vehicle off balance and out of control. balance off control. of and out the vehicle Failure Brake necessary to avoid a crash. necessary to avoid If you the brake, gently. so do apply reduce speed. must as If you you try or to shiftbrake suddenly, gears, in the speed change throw may Steering Failure Failure Steering turn you when respond the not do vehicle If your of the front wheels brake Do not steering is unless the ease on it up accelerator. wheel, brake until the vehicle is back under your control. control. under your brake back is until the vehicle Before a blowout occurs, you may hear may a thumping notice or occurs, sound you blowout a Before the steering pulling wheel to the right left. or Do not the off accelerator. foot ease your straight ahead, and slowly Blowouts control. a burst is of tire out that can vehicle throwA “blowout” your warn other drivers pedestrians or are that the on you road. neutral. Vehicle On steep hills, speedometer your frequently. check the on not accelerator. is foot speed your will when increase even Driving on Narrow Roads and Hills Hills and Roads Narrow on Driving curves narrow on approach When roads, in or you areas brush where the horn can road of ahead, use your to view you and trees your block treads. In heavy rain, standard cars may begin to hydroplane at 35 mph. treads. In rain, heavy standard mph. 35 at cars begin to may hydroplane reduce roads. speed driving when wet on your vehicle is equipped is deep with good tires treads, vehicle which that have your can hydroplaning occur speed any at will But to escape. if water allow the thethe on depth road greater water is of than the the depth tire of this will occurs, direction. to be brake,you change or unable accelerate, tiresIf the off take your gas pedal. foot begin your to hydroplane, 4 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 7 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 6 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s If a crash seems probable, and the right shoulder is wide enough If and enough a crash the is wide seems right shoulder probable, If the passing vehicle is nearly in position to move back into the back to move in nearly is position If the vehicle passing If the vehicle continues toward you, steer the off road to the you, right, toward continues If the vehicle If road conditions allow you to coast to a stop, shift to car coast to a stop, your into you If allow road conditions approaching, leave the vehicle. Keeping a safe distance a safe Keeping from the the tracks, vehicle. leave approaching, walk in quickly the direction from the train which approaching is to being struck debris from by the collision. avoid Stalling on Railroad Tracks Tracks Railroad on Stalling becomes stalled railroad vehicle If on your tracks and a train is lane behind you. to the right thevehicle and passing allow move quickly vehicle, your for lane. into your to move right lane, slow down and allow the driver to complete the and the pass as to allow driver complete down right lane, slow drop speed back, must up If the vehicle passing as possible. quickly into the to make to move sure there adequate the is vehicle room for oncoming for trafficanother the reason, to complete or is unable, act to must and the other you driverspass, are all You in danger. a crash. prevent Vehicle Trying to Pass You You Pass to Trying Vehicle a two-lane road on with traffic to pass Another you wish may driver in bothmoving directions. the If speed the misjudges driver of if it is necessary to avoid a crash. horn Sounding necessary your is if and it flashing to avoid distracted or a sleepy to driver become headlights help alert.your may If a vehicle is traveling toward you in your lane, move to the right. lane, move in your you toward traveling is If a vehicle return The may driver the vehicle. use theDo lane not left to avoid to the correct lane and will then be path. in your pavement. Then speed again. up pavement. Lane Your in Approaching Vehicle If your wheels drift wheels If your the try road, of not do the onto shoulder to swerve the release and the slowly on shoulder Stay the onto pavement. back gas speed, pedal. reduced your turn After have the onto back you a lower gear. Continue to down shift can decelerate to Continue until down gear. as you you a lower and stop. pull over safely OffRunning the Pavement throw the vehicle into a skid. Remember: the emergency/parking brake the into a skid. emergency/parking Remember: throw the vehicle the only rear brakes.engages your emergency/parking brake. Applying the brake brake. Applying too emergency/parking abruptly your could

Driving Conditions Driving Conditions 7 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s When engine becomes turn your hot, unnecessary any off vehicle The weight of the engine of will the the cause The car of front end weight to sink If your vehicle becomes submerged, try not to panic. Vehicle doors try becomes submerged, to panic. not Vehicle vehicle If your vehicle on the pavement until you can move safely onto the onto shoulder. safely can until move you the on pavement vehicle warning lights, or turn signals — one of them may work and give you warning you and turn lights, or give work them may of — one signals the off road. to headlights If light guide you your fail enough a busy on If to light guide you. enough have will lightedor road, probably you all lights fail your a dark, on and your keep deserted down road, slow Headlight Failure Headlight try out, headlightsIf go parking your suddenly your lights, hazard If and these engine temperature techniques work not do suddenly increases steam or the rises of to the from side the pull engine, over and turn road, the stop vehicle, the off immediately. ignition engine to run hotter than normal. as air such Ifequipment, conditioning. the temperature still is too high, turning fromthe the on heater engine. air will draw hot help away Most vehicles have dashboard gauges or lights or dashboard that indicate gauges the engine have vehicles Most as drivingtemperature. such in traffic stop-and-go Activities hot on a driving steep on inclines, a trailer and towing day, can your cause Do not use water to put out the fire out to put — use water Dothis not will actuallyspread the blaze. Overheating Fire rising from smoke notice beneath vehicle, If the your hood you of pull the off road, turn immediately. the the off vehicle and ignition, exit first. The compartmentrear an passenger provide while air may pocket If there are escape strategy. plan your other in people theyou vehicle, determine their together. and try condition the vehicle to exit outside. When the vehicle is completely filled,doors can completely is opened,be When the vehicle outside. if there structural no is damage. vehicle immediately. If possible, exit the vehicle through open windows through openwindows the vehicle exit If possible, immediately. vehicle level. the reaches the window water before cannot be opened until pressurethe water inside car is equal tothat Plunging Under Water Water Under Plunging willon surfacewater the float of from 30 to vehicles 60 seconds. Most the of attempt out make to get every enters deep water, vehicle If your 6 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Driving Conditions 8 7 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Do not warm up the motor while your vehicle is in a closed garage. in is a closed warmDo not thevehicle up whilemotor your Make sure your vehicleʼs exhaust system does leak. not system exhaust Make vehicleʼs sure your engine idling. your leave Do not closed. tightly with drive allDo not windows

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sudden fatigue, fatigue, sudden poisoning carbon include of monoxide Symptoms If the hood of your vehicle suddenly opens, obstructing your view, opens, obstructing suddenly view, your If vehicle the your hood of • • • •

when vehicle windows tend to be closed. windows vehicle when poisoning: carbon monoxide avoid To yawning, ringingyawning, in the ears, dizziness, and headache, nausea. If you these turn symptoms, of any experience the off open the ignition, Carbon as soon as possible. the vehicle of out and get windows, poisoning occurs frequently duringmonoxide most winter driving, The only cure for carbon monoxide poisoning is a good supply of of poisoningThe carbon a good supply is cure only for monoxide fresh air. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Poisoning Monoxide Carbon gas that can odorless collect inside a deadly, is Carbon monoxide run you the engine when with all closed. the windows vehicle your paved, switch on your hazard your on lights and switch continue steeringpaved, the vehicle of to the shoulder in a straight pull path over can until safely you the road. If your gas pedal sticks, you may be able to hooking free toe be able by your gas pedal may If it your you sticks, under the pedal and the raising If brakes it. this apply does work, not and shift into neutral, this a choose will the Next, engine. disengage pathsafe and the steer road. of to If the is not the shoulder shoulder reduce speed, path and a safe to choose steer the off road. Gas Pedal Stuck you may be able to see be through able may the the space between you hood and dash- to and theboard. lean window over roll down If this possible, is not hazard your the hood. warning of Activate the past side look lights, down and activate your hazard your and activate down warning lights. reduce Do your not speed drastically are Pull behind if other vehicles you. the off road as soon as to location a safe possible. and move Windshield Wiper Failure or Sudden Sudden or Wiper Failure Windshield Hood of Opening slow fail wipers windshield suddenly If in blinding your rain snow, or

Driving Conditions Chapter 7 Your Driving Privileges

Driving in Minnesota is a privilege. You can lose your driving privileges if you break certain laws or fail to meet certain requirements. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety maintains your driving record, which contains information about driving and licensing violations in Minnesota and other states. Serious or recurring violations may result in loss of your driving privilege or restrictions on where, when, and what types of vehicle you may drive. License Withdrawal Your license may be withdrawn by suspension, revocation, or cancellation. If you commit an offense and your license is withdrawn, the Department of Public Safety will send you a notice of withdrawal and a list of requirements for reinstatement. Some of the conditions that could cause you to lose your driving privi- leges are listed below.

Suspension Your driverʼs license may be suspended, if you: • Repeatedly violate traffic laws. • Are convicted in court for a violation that contributed to a traffic accident resulting in death, personal injury, or serious property damage. • Use, or allow someone else to use, your license for an illegal action. It is illegal to allow anyone to use your license or permit. • Commit a traffic offense in another state that would be grounds for suspension in Minnesota. • Are judged in court to be legally unfit to drive a motor vehicle. • Fail to report a medical condition that would result in cancellation of driving privileges. • Fail to stop for a school bus with its stop arm extended and its red lights flashing, within five years of a conviction for the same offense. • Are found to possess a fake or altered license. • Make a fraudulent application for a license or identification card. • Take any part of the driverʼs license examination for someone else, or allow someone else to take the examination for you. • Falsely identify yourself to a police officer. • Fail to appear in court or pay a fine on a motor vehicle-related violation when required to do so.

79 Your Driving Privileges 1 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

0 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Minnesota trafficordinanceor law that requiresjail a upon sentence conviction. inAre an another of offense state be convicted grounds that would in convicted Minnesota. were license if your you revoking for with Are a misdemeanor driving of convicted for vehicle a motor no-fault have did not the that vehicle of the owner prior knowledge insurance. vehicle when involved in a motor vehicle accident—especially one that one accident—especially in vehicle a motor involved when death personal or injury to others. involves that document underoath, Are lying signing legal any of convicted contains operation false or of information ownership legal about making or a false to statement vehicle, thea motor Department of information. such about agents its or Public Safety bail three guilty Plead any for in year of forfeit or a single violations driving a motor vehicle. Are convicted driving of while under a motor vehicle the influence drugsof or alcohol. Are in used which you convicted a motor a felony vehicle. of mph. 100 of Are driving of convicted in excess officer. a Are fleeing police of convicted Are failing and aid identify of render convicted yourself, to stop, Refuse to take a test to determine whether are you under the influ- or a controlled alcohol ence of substance, fail or such you a test. Are convicted manslaughter of or any other criminal action while check. (The suspension will be removed when the dishonored when will (Thecheck. be suspension removed been paid in full.) and have related any fees check gasoline. theft Are of for convicted Fail to pay court-orderedFail to pay child support. permit, a license, to use, else someone allow or ID or cardUse, to age, years of under is 18 who someone tobacco products for buy age. years of is under 21 who someone for alcohol or and the age, court years of Are determines under 21 drove that you while consuming, after or vehicle a motor consuming, alcohol. with a dishonored license agent to the a fee state driverʼs or Pay Are convicted of a misdemeanor for a violation of Minnesota of Are a misdemeanor a violation of for convicted trafficlaw.

After driving hasended, your the may privilege period suspension of • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Revocation if you: be license revoked, may driverʼs Your of the license If during expired reinstatementof your fee. the suspension a new for apply period, must name address your or or you changed, thelicense appropriate and pay fee. be reinstated, if all requirements are met. One requirement payment is

Your Driving Privileges Your Driving Privileges

1 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s punishment. license under Minnesota qualify law. Do not a driverʼs for Give false misleading or information Give license application. your on license until will or 60 the be correct days, canceled for (Your Commit license a legal is a crime your cancellation of which for driving a motor vehicle safely. driving vehicle a motor the requested pass a testDo that Department not by legally is of toPublic determine Safety ability your to safely. drive Acquire a mental or physical disability that makes you incapable of disability of Acquire incapable that a mental makesphysical or you Travel to and fromTravel a post-secondary institution at which you are enrolled. Travel to and fromTravel chemical dependency treatment or counseling. Providing transportation dependent for children, and other depen- dents living in your medical, household, for educational, or nutri- tional needs. Travel to and fromTravel your employment. place of bus with its stop arm stop with its bus and red its extended lights flashing. Are selling a controlled possessing of substance or while convicted operating vehicle. a motor Own a vehicle without no-fault insurance no-fault without and are to have Ownfound a vehicle others that with full to the it, drive allowed or it, driven knowledge insured. not was vehicle Are a gross misdemeanor of failing convicted a school for for to stop

After driving has ended, your may the privileges period revocation of • • • • • • • • • • • •

longer.) is information – whichever provided is

Cancellation right to a driverʼs a legal have not do be license canceled if may you Your be license canceled if may you: Your license to that you. issued was

completion of any mandatory any of periods.completion waiting are If a limited issued you are restricted you license, to: Limited License circumstances, some Under a limited be to a person license issued may a limited Before suspended. or driving whose are privileges revoked license will be certain issued, requirements be met, including must the knowledge test or road test. You must apply for a new license after a new for apply must road test or test. You the knowledge all testing requirements your are met. be reinstated, if all the requirements reinstatement are for met. Require- the reinstatement of and the fee passing appro- payment include ments you take when proper identification show must priate examinations. You

0 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Your Driving Privileges 2 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s License Manual information for about commercial license driver’s requirements. Commercial Driver’s License Disqualification License Driver’s Commercial can lose commercial license driver’s You privileges committing for certain driving offenses. See the Minnesota Commercial Driver’s

Your Driving Privileges Driving Under the Influ- Chapter 8 ence of Alcohol or Drugs

It is illegal to operate a vehicle on Minnesota roads when impaired by alcohol or other substances. Alcohol and Driving Drinking and driving is a serious problem in Minnesota and across the nation. There is a strong relationship between alcohol use and severity of traffic crashes. Alcohol use is involved in more than one-third of the deaths on Minnesota roads each year. Crashes involving impaired drivers kill an average of 240 people each year in Minnesota and injure thousands of others. The person most often killed in an alcohol-related crash is the impaired driver. Young males are more likely than others to engage in this deadly behavior. Drugs and Driving Drug-impaired driving is as dangerous as alcohol-impaired driving. Minnesota law prohibits driving while impaired by controlled or hazardous substances. These substances include illegal drugs and prescription drugs, as well as household products. These substances can impair a driverʼs mental and physical ability to safely operate a vehicle and to respond to driving conditions. Legal drugs that may not cause impairment alone can produce powerful intoxicating effects when mixed with alcohol. Effect of Alcohol on Driving Skills Alcohol is a depressant that slows body functions and impairs motor skills. The amount of alcohol in the blood is called the “alcohol concentration.” Higher alcohol concentration means a greater degree of impairment. Driving ability becomes impaired after one drink. Types of Effects Alcohol affects the central nervous system and impairs the ability to drive safely. The following section describes how specific functions are affected by alcohol consumption. Judgment Drivers who consume alcohol misjudge their degree of impairment. They may drive too fast, misjudge stopping distance, fail to wear a seat belt, and forget to drive defensively.

83 Impaired Driving 5 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 4 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Males and are generally females Men affected alcohol. differently by The period of time over which you drink you The which period con- time affects alcohol of over your mood, intake, food meta- body weight, gender, as age, such Factors The term “proof” to the strength refers a drink of and is equal to of fat than fat of will another the person reach a higher same of alcohol weight consumingconcentration by the same alcohol. amount of have more muscle tissue, which does not allow alcohol absorption alcohol into does allow not which tissue, more muscle have streamthe blood as readily has ashigher A person a fat. percentage who bolism, and genetics have an impact on how alcohol affects alcohol anan impactindividual. how on have bolism, and genetics to be different due affected on occasions may alcohol differently by You sleepiness. food mood,as factors fluctuatingsuch even intake, and centration. If you consume more thancentration. If standard you one drink your per hour, concentration willalcohol vary increase. alcohol The of greatly effects among individuals. twice the percent of alcohol thetwice substance alcohol the contains. of percent A bottle 80 proof of contains 40 example, alcohol. percent for whiskey, of alcohol. It is important to realize, however, that mixed important is It drinks alcohol. of to realize, may however, contain more than the standard and one and a half alcohol, ounces of inthe beers alcohol as amount vary 40 of as may percent. much by Things to Know about Alcohol Alcohol about Know to Things of wine, a glass typical a five-ounce A 12-ounce beer, mixed drink, and a nine-ounce wine usually contain cooler the about same amount Attention difficulty on giving focus their the attention many to tasksDrivers have required to operate vehicle. a motor Coordination and Balance Impaired the drivers lose ability steadiness to combine with speed and accuracy. Perception Impaired interpret not do — or sounds notice and drivers not do sights them correctly. Steering and can in result which weaving Impaired drivers tend to over-steer, running the off road. Reaction time is slower. Impaired drivers cannot to time quickly respond Reaction slower. is trafficotherof signals, actions drivers and pedestrians, that events and take the on place road around them. Vision decreases, reducing peripheral Blurred vision. movement eye of Range also occur may high at levels. alcohol-concentration vision Reaction Time

Impaired Driving Impaired Driving 5 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Call a friend. house. a friendʼs at overnight Stay if a friend impaired. is the keys, away Take Designate a driver. Call a taxi.

This law also applies to operation of recreational vehicles, such as such This also to recreational operation applies of law vehicles, pre- a roadside into blow to you ask may officer enforcement A law Because alcohol consumption impairs consumption Because alcohol important is it judgment, to The only way to reduce your alcohol concentration is to wait. Alcohol Alcohol concentration to is wait. alcohol to reduce your The way only The body eliminates the through alcohol by of oxidation percent 95 • • • • • results have limited in court. have results use as evidence are If arrested, you will you be required breath, to a blood, urine or to submit test that can be used as liminary screening This device. pre-arrest the breath officer test helps This system. in instrument your have you determine alcohol much how and the used only is as level alcohol-concentration an your indicator of result in a one-year revocation of driving of privileges. revocation inresult a one-year and ATVs. boats, snowmobiles, impaired and is operating or in physical control of a motor vehicle, the impaired vehicle, a motor of and control is operating in or physical required is driver breath, his blood, urine. to or her a test of or to submit a crime is It to to refuse this to submit test. Refusal to take the test will Implied Consent Law Consent Implied is a driver cause to believe has probable officer enforcement If a law or parked vehicle, can be arrested parkedor vehicle, driving for while impaired (DWI). caused to that the alcohol driver can prove officer enforcement If a law commit driving errors, can she or he be arrested an at alcohol DWI for as 0.04. as low concentration level Minnesota DWI Law Law DWI Minnesota higher if or (0.04 theA person 0.08 with an concentration of alcohol a moving is in of control who person driving is a commercial vehicle), make a decision while you are sober about how you will avoid impaired will avoid you are how whilemake sober about you a decision driving later.

donʼt drink. alternatives to driving Some donʼt impaired are: Making Lower-Risk Choices Social drinking frequently leads to impaired driving. The policy safest are this: to andis drive, are drive; if to drink, going if you going you donʼt liver. The remaining eliminated is liver. alcohol through breathing, perspiration, and urination. Drinking do and taking showers exercising, cold coffee, increasenot therate oxidation. of is generallyis eliminated drink the at one rate about of many but perhour, factors influence is that of retained. the alcohol amount 4 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Impaired Driving Impaired Driving 7 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

6 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s Any enforcement law officer you to may ask take a test Minimum occurred if second offense license revocation 180-day the yearswithin firstoffense. of 10 permitA work will half time be when issued has the revocation passed and been reinstatement met. requirements have One year in jail and/or $3,000 fine. are plates License impounded. Minimum of 90-day revocation (30 days ifMinimum guilty individual pleads days 90-day (30 of revocation to DWI). permit period work No will has revocation be day until issued a 15 passed, and until been reinstatement met. requirements have in90 jail days and/or fine. $1,000 Is under 21 years of age. age. years of Is under 21 a pre-arrestRefuses breath test. Has arrests. prior DWI above. or 0.20 Has an concentration of alcohol the at time in age the years of vehicle than 16 Has a child younger the stop. of Are under arrest DWI. for Refuse totake a pre-arrest breath test. and fail a pre-arrestTake breath test. inAre an alcohol-related involved crash that caused personal injury, property damage, or death.

The pre-arrest breath test canappear who beto beneficial drivers to • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Second Offense

period, the offenderʼs driverʼs license will be revoked. driverʼs period, the offenderʼs First Offense above, or 0.08 an concentration of alcohol to have is found who A driver refuses to take who or a test to determine an concentration, alcohol temporary the a seven-day will the seven-day of At license. end receive

sanctions, depending the on arrest driving previous violations, situation, and criminal if record. will the Penalties driver: be more severe license include a $680 reinstatement fee and completion of a DWI DWI a a $680 of license reinstatement include and fee completion and license a chemical application, assessment. test, driverʼs knowledge has unique criminalEach offense penalties in to addition administrative Penalties Penalties a driverʼs of associatedPenalties revocation withan alcohol-related be intoxicated, but are not. Some medical conditions have symptoms symptoms arebe intoxicated, but medical Some not. have conditions similar officers to enforcement those associated Law with intoxication. will obtain medical are drivers who assistance ill. for

evidence. when you:

Impaired Driving Impaired Driving

7 8

Minnesota Manual Driver’s rolled Substances rolled rive a commercial when concentration your alcohol vehicle is Leave the scene of an accident involving a motor vehicle that you that you vehicle motor a involving an the of scene accident Leave driving. were to commit a felony. vehicle motor any Use but detectable,but will you service be of out put hours. 24 for higher. or concentration .08 is alcohol your when vehicle any Drive breath, a blood, urine or Refuse test while driving motor any D or more. If concentration your0.04 alcohol is less than 0.04, One year in jail and/or $3,000 fine. and are license plates forfeited is impounded. Vehicle Jail maximum or bail and electronic monitoring. License is cancelled. is License a minimum and abstinence rehabilitation for of (proof Treatment and lifetime abstinence required is year), one of after reinstatement. Loss of license for a minimum a licenseLoss for of year. one of permit work No will be until issued a minimum has year one of passed, and all been reinstatement met. requirements have

• • • • vehicle. • • • • • • • • ommercial Driver’s License and Alcohol Alcohol and License Driver’s ommercial

. . the first offense if you: the firstoffense if . C Cont and year on one least at license for will commercial your lose driverʼs You amount of alcohol in their system. If convicted of this offense you will in this you If their of alcohol amount convicted offense of system. A second conviction 30 days. driving for your suspended privileges have days. 180 driving of will for privileges in result suspension Underage Drinking — No Tolerance Rule — No Tolerance Drinking Underage and drink to buy The age legal illegal is It in Minnesota alcohol 21. is detectable with any to operate vehicle a motor a person 21 under age for a sentence of up to seven years in prison with a five-year conditional years in prison with a five-year to seven up of a sentence fine. andrelease a $14,000 DWI; have been convicted of criminal been of convicted have whileDWI; homicide under vehicular or fourth loss drugs.theof in a result A influence alcohol may offense years and four until licensefor of rehabilitation and other reinstatement requirements are met. The can criminal include DWI felony penalties for Felony DWI DWI Felony are if arrested you DWI a fourth for: a felony be charged for may You a felony been of convicted previously period; have in 10-year a DWI

ThirdOffense 6 8 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Impaired Driving 8 8 Substances Minnesota Manual Driver’s Laws Related to Alcohol and and Alcohol to Related Laws Drivers who have a commercial license and have areDrivers who arrestedimpaired for It is unlawful is It sell controlled possess or to substances use, in a motor vehicle. It is also is unlawful toIt drink, a passenger to allow an open to or have vehicle. a motor inside beverage alcoholic any container of, Vehicles Motor in Substances Controlled Open Container unlawful is It to drink, an alcoholic open any container to or have of, street highway. or a public on is it when vehicle a motor inside beverage Other Controlled driving in a passenger vehicle will to be obtaindriving unable permitvehicle in a work a passenger for duringa commercial the period. withdrawal vehicle motor vehicle to commit a felony involving controlled substances will involving to commit a felony vehicle motor license. in commercialresult permanent your of driverʼs loss If occurs are the offense while operating you a commercial vehicle motor that hazardous placarded is for materials, commercial will your lose you three least at license for will years. A second in offense result driverʼs a commercial Using license. commercialpermanent your of driverʼs loss

Impaired Driving Information Directory Chapter 9 and Index

This chapter will help you locate services and information related to driving in Minnesota. Web Services Online services and information are available at www.mndriveinfo.org. Hereʼs a sample of what you can do: • Schedule a driverʼs road test. • Find office locations. • Check to see if your driving privileges are valid. • File a crash report. • Report the sale of a vehicle. • Renew your vehicle registration. • Find the location of the office nearest to you. • Print a driverʼs license manual. • Download forms and information related to driverʼs licenses and the operation and ownership of a motor vehicle. • Find approved driver education schools and improvement clinics. Office Locations Driverʼs license and motor vehicle services are available at more than 200 locations throughout the state. Office location information is avail- able 24/7. Visit www.mndriveinfo.org or call 651-297-2005. Contacts Email: [email protected] Road Test Scheduling (Metro Only) ...... 651-284-1000 Office Locations...... 651-297-2005 Driverʼs License Information...... 651-297-3298 CDL Information ...... 651-297-5029 Driver Evaluation...... 651-296-2025 No-fault Insurance Compliance...... 651-296-2015 Impounded Plates...... 651-297-5034 Vehicle Registration and Title...... 651-297-2126 Specialty Plates...... 651-297-3166 Automated Services ...... 651-284-1234 Other ...... 651-296-6911 Customer Assistance for Hearing-Impaired callers (TTY/TDD) ...... 651-282-6555

89 Index 1 9 Minnesota Manual Driver’s 651-201-7100 651-296-3353 651-297-7206 651-215-6330 800-657-3787 800-366-4812 www.511mn.org ...... 511 or visit visit or 511 0 ...... 9 ...... Minnesota Manual Driver’s www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer ...... www.mnlionseyebank.org. For more informationFor contact donating organs tissues, about or corneas, or contact theeyes informationFor donating whole about For eye donation, the whole eye or the or cornea can eye be donated. the Eyes whole donation, eye For an open-casket funeral.The process donation does prevent Donors not Organs and that tissues can heart, be donated liver, include lungs, visit visit www.DonateLifeMn.org. or Bank (1-866-887-4448) Minnesota 1-866-88-SIGHT at Eye Lions are treated with great care and dignity throughout the process. donation family. to the or the donation donorʼs donor There for charge no is visit or (1-888-536-6283) LifeSource 1-888-5-DONATE at are system. distributed equitable transplant fair, for a patient-based, on kidney, pancreas, intestines, skin,kidney, and heart bone, connective valves, Organstissue. are allocated based medical upon to recipients urgency, matching, and geography. time genetic length of waiting, serves as your consent. It is important is It consent. as withserves your your decision to your discuss family Drivers under wishes. members, and your make of them aware can participate 18 inthe of this age program with consent. their parentsʼ organ, tissue or cornea or organ, tissue transplant. Licensed drivers in the state of Minnesota can make a personal commitment to and organ, tissue eye can contain license applications you section a where Driverʼs donation. toindicate become wish after a donor your death. This indication donor Organ and Tissue Donation Tissue and Organ life or enhancingThousands are a lifesaving people of for waiting license or identification card. Simply check the voter registration box voter registration box check the card. Simply license identification or name. Applications your and license sign application theon driverʼs be not included submitted may within day prior toelection 30 days roster. theon voter Voter Registration Voter a driverʼs for the at same to register vote apply time may you You Toll-free TTY hearing for impaired Toll-free site: Web Consumer Information Consumer Office AttorneyGeneralʼs Other State Services Other State State Patrol Information Line MnDOT Conditions Road MnDOT Carrier Motor Services

Information Directory Index

6 1 6 1 5 9 9 31 14 14 81 10 15 15 15 32 12 70 82 69 23 80 24 ... . . 6-8 3-4 ...... 16-17 13-14 70-71 63-78 ...... 83-88 83-88 79-80 40-41 42-44 20, 32 20, ...... 33-34, 69 33-34, ...... 1 9 ...... Minnesota Manual Driver’s ...... Driving conditions Vision test Vision Who needs a license test see knowledge Test: Written Revocation test Road Suspension Instruction permit and replacement Renewal license Provisional Getting your license Getting your (GDL) Graduated System License needed Identification Disqualification for CDL for Disqualification Endorsements Fees Change of name of Change address of Change C, D A,Class B, (CDL) license Commercial driverʼs Active militaryActive duty for Applying Cancellation

Commercial vehicles Drinking and driving License: Driverʼs Carrying a load Changing lanes Child seats safety Blind spots Blind Campers and trailers and driving reckless Careless Aggressive driving Aggressive and driving Alcohol Bicycles Index see traffic crashes Accidents: Airbags 0 9 Minnesota Manual Driver’s

Information Directory 41 16 35 33 39 45 58 37 38 36 23 23 .... 18-21 18-21 41-42 72-78 72-73 30-31 30-31 22-35 27-28 34-35 59-61 59-61 36-37 22-23 56-58 28-30 46-55 83-88 83-88 24-27 65-68 44-45 ...... 38-39, 68 38-39, 33-34, 69 33-34, ...... 2 9 ...... Minnesota Manual Driver’s ...... Changing lanes Lane markings Lane signals use Emergency vehicles Emergency Driving emergencies Drugs and driving Turns drivingWinter requirements Vehicle Traffic crashes Traffic laws Traffic signals Traffic Signs Speed limits Stopping School safety patrol safety School belts Seat Signaling Safety equipment Safety seats Safety buses School Railroad crossings vehicles Registering and yielding way of Right Passing markings Pavement Pedestrians Motorcycles Motorized bicycles Parking Lanes: Identification cards Identification Impaired driving Insurance Fleeing a police officer Fleeing a police driving Freeway zones work Highway

Index