Don't block the box

Drivers who try to sneak through a congested intersection without adequate room on the other side only to end up partially blocking a lane of oncoming traffic or a crosswalk when a stoplight changes could be ticketed.

Rep. Jim Davnie (DFL-Mpls) said HF1672 is an effort to keep traffic moving during heavily congested times in downtown Minneapolis — such as rush hour, after a largely attended sporting event at the Metrodome or when the snow flies — but would apply for all cities.

The bill was held over March 24 by the House Transportation and Transit Policy and Oversight Division for possible omnibus bill inclusion. A companion, SF1349, sponsored by Sen. D. Scott Dibble (DFL-Mpls), awaits action by the Senate Transportation Committee.

“Getting people successfully in and out of the city’s downtown core is vital to the health of our downtown and the many businesses that call Minneapolis home,” Davnie said. “Everyone wins if drivers respect the ability of cross traffic to move unimpeded.”

Mary Ellen Heng, assistant Minneapolis city attorney, said current law does not fit “blocking the box” behavior. “The law is written that you’re impeding traffic if driving at a slow speed. Well, these drivers are not driving at any speed; they are literally parked in the intersection.”

Minneapolis Police Lt. E.T. Nelson said there could be a variety of ways to handle enforcement. He said in critical traffic times, such as rush hour or an emergency situation, the person blocking the intersection would be pulled over.

The penalty would be a petty misdemeanor, subject to a fine similar to speeding. Pierre Willette, a government relations representative for the city, said the goal is not to write tickets, but rather to get compliance and keep traffic moving.