Reduce pedestrian injuries by mandating stricter enforcement of pedestrian right-of-way at crosswalks.

 

To reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities by increasing driver compliance with pedestrian right-of-way laws

particularly in high-risk pedestrian areas across Minnesota.

 

Poorer lit crosswalks increase pedestrian injuries, especially at night. Drivers often fail to yield because crosswalks

are not visible or are not enforced. The Minnesota State Statutes 169.21 Subdivision 2, in addition to its current

statutes would contain the following between current parts c and d:

(d) Failure to yield as required under this subdivision is punishable by a fine of up to $200 for a first violation and

up to $500 for subsequent violations within 5 years.

(e) A peace officer may conduct targeted enforcement operations at crosswalks identified by the commissioner of

transportation or a road authority as high-risk locations.

(f) Local law enforcement agencies shall submit annual reports summarizing pedestrian-related enforcement actions to the

Department of Public Safety.

 

Pedestrian right-of-way: The legal priority a pedestrian has to cross a roadway, which requires drivers to yield to

them.

High-risk crosswalk: A marked crosswalk within a school zone, located on a roadway with a posted speed limit of 30 miles

per hour or greater, or located in an area identified by crash data as having elevated pedestrian injury rates.

 

No funding needed.

 

According to the Minnesota Statutes, there will be a fine of $200 for the first violation, and up to $500 for subsequent

violations within 5 years.

 

Effective starting January 1, 2027.