Bill > HF1509

This bill amends Minnesota traffic laws to limit when peace officers can issue citations to pedestrians for certain traffic signal and crossing violations. Specifically, the bill modifies existing statutes related to traffic signals and pedestrian crossing behaviors, changing language from "shall" to "must" in many provisions. The key provision is that law enforcement officers are now prohibited from stopping, detaining, or issuing citations to pedestrians for violations related to traffic signals or crossing between intersections, unless two specific conditions are met: (1) the officer is already lawfully stopping or detaining the pedestrian for an unrelated violation, or (2) a vehicle is approaching in a manner that would create a genuine collision hazard. The bill applies to traffic violations committed on or after August 1, 2025, and essentially provides more discretion and protection for pedestrians by restricting when they can be cited for technical infractions of traffic rules. The goal appears to be reducing unnecessary citations and interactions between pedestrians and law enforcement while still maintaining basic safety guidelines for crossing streets and responding to traffic signals.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1509&ssn=0&y=2025