Minnesota § 169.51 - CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 169.51 — CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 169.51. CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS
(a) Every motor vehicle or motor-drawn vehicle designed or used for the transportation of property, or for the transportation of passengers for compensation, shall display lighted lamps, as required in this section.
(b) Every such vehicle having a width, including load thereon, at any part in excess of 80 inches shall be equipped with four clearance lamps, two located on the front at opposite sides and not more than six inches from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle or load, displaying a white or amber light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the front of the vehicle, and two located on the rear on opposite sides not more than six inches from the extreme outer edge of the vehicle or load, displaying a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear of the vehicle. The front clearance lamps shall be located at a height of not less than 24 inches above the headlamp centers. The rear clearance lamps shall be in addition to the red rear lamp hereinbefore required.
(c) Every such vehicle or combination of such vehicles which exceeds 30 feet in overall length shall be equipped with at least four side marker lamps, one on each side near the front and one on each side near the rear. Such lamps shall be at a height of not less than 24 inches above the surface upon which the vehicle stands. The lamps near the front shall display a white or amber light and lamps near the rear shall display a red light, each visible from a distance of 500 feet to the side of the vehicle on which it is located. If the clearance lamps on the right and left sides of the vehicle, as hereinbefore required, display lights visible from a distance of 500 feet at right angles to the right and left side, respectively, of the vehicle, they shall be deemed to meet the requirements as to marker lamps, provided an additional marker lamp, white or amber, is displayed approximately midway between the above specified marker lamps.
History:
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 169.51
What does Minnesota Statutes § 169.51 cover?
Section 169.51 ("CLEARANCE AND MARKER LAMPS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 169.51?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 169.51" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 169.51 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.