Minnesota Slow Moving Vehicle Sign Laws

Slow-moving vehicles must display a reflective emblem to travel the roads of Minnesota.

Most states require slow-moving vehicles to display reflective signs or emblems because these vehicles present a special traffic hazard on roads and highways. Minnesota Statute 169.522 describes the appearance of a slow-moving vehicle emblem, specifies the vehicles which are required to display it and enumerates special exceptions to the law.

Emblem

The slow-moving vehicle emblem must be a flourescent or other otherwise illuminated red-orange triangle surrounded by a reflective dark-red border. The emblem must be displayed in a position visible from the rear for a distance of at least 600 feet when illuminated by the low-beam headlights of following automobiles.

An alternate slow-moving vehicle emblem, which is a dull black triangle with a white border, requires a special permit. Additionally, the operator of the vehicle using the alternate emblem must keep a regular emblem in the vehicle for use between sunrise and sunset and a length of red reflective tape, measuring at least 72 square inches, must be fixed to the rear of the vehicle.

Slow-Moving Vehicles

Under Minnesota law, all vehicles traveling along designated roadways at speeds less than 30 miles per hour are required to display slow-moving vehicle emblems. Statute 169.522 specifically requires that animal-drawn vehicles, golf carts, machines, including construction machines, and implements of husbandry display the emblem. Implements of husbandry are defined as vehicles "designed or adapted exclusively for agricultural, horticultural or livestock operations, or for lifting and carrying an implement of husbandry." Any vehicle that does not meet these specifications is prohibited from displaying a slow-moving vehicle emblem. Slow-moving vehicles may not be sold, rented or leased without the proper emblem, unless the vehicle has an emblem-mounting device.

Exceptions

Construction vehicles and other machines are not required to display slow-moving vehicle emblems while in use in the confines of a marked construction area. When an implement of husbandry or machine is being towed by a vehicle that is displaying a slow-moving vehicle emblem, the towed vehicle does not also have to display an emblem. Finally, although vehicles that can move at speeds greater than 30 miles per hour are prohibited from displaying slow-moving vehicle emblems, an instrument of husbandry or machine being towed by a fast-moving vehicle may still display such an emblem.

References

• 2009 Minnesota Statutes: 169.522 Slow-Moving Vehicle, Sign Required.
• University of Minnesota: Implements of Husbandry: Safety on Minnesota Roads