This bill amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes related to pedestrian traffic laws, specifically focusing on the authority of peace officers to issue citations to pedestrians. Key changes include the insertion of language that prohibits officers from stopping, detaining, or issuing citations to pedestrians for certain violations unless specific conditions are met. These conditions include situations where the officer is already stopping the pedestrian for an unrelated violation or if a vehicle is approaching in a manner that poses a collision hazard. This new language is added to sections 169.06 and 169.21, which govern traffic-control signals and pedestrian crossings, respectively.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing language to clarify the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians at traffic signals and crosswalks. For instance, it replaces the word "shall" with "must" in various instances to emphasize the obligations of drivers to yield to pedestrians and for pedestrians to comply with signals. The bill is set to take effect on August 1, 2025, and will apply to violations committed on or after that date. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance pedestrian safety and clarify the enforcement of pedestrian traffic laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 169.06, 169.21