The Department of Public Safety will establish a training and certification program for those who drive the escort car in front of a vehicle transporting a wide load.
To qualify as an over-dimensional load escort driver, a person will have to be at least age 18, have a valid license for the vehicle being driven and successfully complete the certification course and any other requirements specified by the public safety commissioner, who is directed under the new law to write rules and establish a certification/training fee.
Other drivers will be required to obey traffic-control instructions given by the escort drivers, who may direct traffic with a flag and stop or hold vehicles in place until it is safe to proceed.
Rep. Mike Nelson (DFL-Brooklyn Park) sponsors the law with Sen. Ken Kelash (DFL-Mpls). Most of the law becomes effective one year after rulemaking is published in the State Register. The DPS rulemaking authority is effective May 12, 2010.
HF3168/
SF2756*/CH311
At Issue: Helping transit, for now
Transportation bill includes short-term transit funding fix
(view full story)
Published 5/8/2009
At Issue: Funding increases proffered
Omnibus transportation finance bill expected to help trio of areas
(view full story)
Published 5/1/2009
Minnesota Index: Minnesotans on motorcycles
Figures and statistics on motorcycling in Minnesota
(view full story)
Published 4/17/2009