169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.
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169.223 MOTORIZED BICYCLE.
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Subdivision 1. Safety equipment; parking.
Section 169.974 relating to motorcycles is applicable to motorized bicycles, except as otherwise provided in this section and except that:
(1)protective headgear includes headgear that meets the standards under Code of Federal Regulations, title 16, part 1203, or successor requirements;
(2)a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
(3)protective headgear is not required for operators 18 years of age or older; and
(4)the provisions of section 169.222 , subdivision 9, governing the parking of bicycles apply to motorized bicycles.
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Subd. 2. License or permit.
(a)A motorized bicycle may be operated under either a driver's license or a motorized bicycle permit issued under section 171.02, subdivision 3 .
(b)A person under the age of 16 operating a motorized bicycle under a motorized bicycle permit is subject to the restrictions imposed by section 169.974, subdivision 2 , on operation of a motorcycle under a two-wheel instruction permit, except that:
(1)a parent or guardian of an operator under the age of 16 may also ride on the motorized bicycle as a passenger or operator if the motorized bicycle is equipped with a seat and footrests for a second passenger;
(2)a motorized bicycle equipped with a headlight and taillight meeting the requirements of lighting for motorcycles may be operated during nighttime hours;
(3)protective headgear includes headgear described in subdivision 1; and
(4)protective headgear is required only until the operator reaches the age of 18 years.
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Subd. 3. Sidewalk and passenger prohibitions.
No person shall operate a motorized bicycle upon a sidewalk at any time, except when such operation is necessary for the most direct access to a roadway from a driveway, alley or building. No person shall operate a motorized bicycle that is carrying any person other than the operator, except as allowed under subdivision 2.
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Subd. 4. Headlight requirement.
The provisions of section 169.974, subdivision 5 , paragraph (k), apply to motorized bicycles that are equipped with headlights. A new motorized bicycle sold or offered for sale in Minnesota must be equipped with a headlight.
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Subd. 5. Other operation requirements and prohibitions.
(a)A person operating a motorized bicycle on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except in one of the following situations:
(1)when overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction;
(2)when preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; or
(3)when reasonably necessary to avoid conditions, including fixed or moving objects, vehicles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes, that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.
(b)Persons operating motorized bicycles on a roadway may not ride more than two abreast and may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. On a laned roadway, a person operating a motorized bicycle shall ride within a single lane.
(c)This section does not permit the operation of a motorized bicycle on a bicycle path or bicycle lane that is reserved for the exclusive use of nonmotorized traffic.