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HF3694 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Tow trucks permitted to use variable message signs.

Related bill: SF3888

AI Generated Summary

Purpose

  • Update state transportation law to allow tow trucks to display portable variable message signs (VMS) during emergency work and to set lighting and visibility requirements for tow trucks.

Main Provisions

  • Lighting requirements for tow trucks:
    • Tow trucks must have flashing or intermittent red and amber lights.
    • Lights must be placed on the dome of the vehicle at the highest practicable point and be visible from 500 feet.
    • The red light may be displayed only when the tow truck is engaged in emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a highway.
    • The amber light may be displayed when the tow truck is moving a disabled vehicle.
    • Lights must be of a type approved by the commissioner of public safety.
  • Portable variable message sign (VMS):
    • A tow truck may display a portable VMS mounted on the truck while performing emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a highway.
    • The portable VMS must conform to the standards established in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Significant Changes to Existing Law

  • Adds explicit authorization for tow trucks to carry and display portable VMS during emergency operations near highways.
  • Establishes specific lighting requirements (red for emergency service; amber for moving a disabled vehicle) and visibility criteria (visible from 500 feet) and places for mounting (on the dome, at the highest practicable point).
  • Requires lights and VMS to meet standards set by the commissioner of public safety and the Minnesota MUTCD.

Practical Effect

  • Tow trucks engaged in roadside emergency work can use digital message signs to warn or guide traffic, improving safety for workers and drivers.
  • Clear, standardized lighting and display requirements help ensure visibility and consistency across tow operations.

Relevant Terms tow truck; towing vehicle; flashing red light; flashing amber light; portable variable message sign; VMS; emergency service; disabled vehicle; Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices; Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168B.16; 500 feet visibility; highway; toll of safety.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 25, 2026HouseActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toTransportation Finance and Policy

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168B.16.1.4 related to tow truck lighting and portable variable message signs; it clarifies that tow trucks must display flashing red and amber lights and may display a portable variable message sign during emergency service, with standards referencing the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices.",
      "modified": [
        "Revises the heading and content to require flashing red and amber lights and a portable variable message sign, with standards to be followed per the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "168B.16.1.4",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This entry references Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 168B.16 as the statute being amended.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "168B.16",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

Progress through the legislative process

17%
In Committee

Sponsors

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