Tow trucks permission to use variable message signs

A bill for an act

relating to transportation; permitting tow trucks to use variable message signs;

amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168B.16.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 168B.16, is amended to read:

168B.16 FLASHING LIGHT
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AND VARIABLE MESSAGE SIGN
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ON TOW

TRUCK.

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(a)
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A tow truck or towing vehicle must be equipped with flashing or intermittent red

and amber lights of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety. The lights must

be placed on the dome of the vehicle at the highest practicable point visible from a distance

of 500 feet. The flashing red light must be displayed only when the tow truck or towing

vehicle is engaged in emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a highway. The

flashing amber light may be displayed when the tow truck or towing vehicle is moving a

disabled vehicle.

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(b) A tow truck or towing vehicle may display a portable variable message sign mounted

on the tow truck while performing emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a

highway. The portable variable message sign must conform to the standards established in

the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

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