Minnesota § 169.57 - VEHICLE SIGNALS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 169.57 — VEHICLE SIGNALS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 169.57. VEHICLE SIGNALS
Subdivision 1.Stoplights.
(a) Any vehicle may be equipped and when required under this chapter, shall be equipped with at least two stop lamps on the rear which shall emit a red or yellow light and which shall be actuated upon application of the service (foot) brake and which may, but need not be, incorporated with the tail lamps and which shall be plainly visible and understandable from a distance of 100 feet to the rear during normal sunlight and at night.
(b) No person shall sell or offer for sale or operate on the highways any motor vehicle registered in this state and manufactured or assembled after January 1, 1960, unless it is equipped with at least two stop lamps meeting the requirements of this subdivision, except that a motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, or truck-tractor manufactured or assembled after said date shall be equipped with at least one stop lamp meeting the requirements of this subdivision.
Subd. 2.Turn signal.
(a) Any vehicle may be equipped, and when required under this chapter shall be equipped, with a lamp or lamps or mechanical signal device of such color as may be approved by the commissioner of public safety and capable of clearly indicating any intention to turn either to the right or to the left and shall be visible and understandable during both daytime and nighttime from a distance of 100 feet both to the front and rear.
(b) It is unlawful for any person to sell or offer for sale any new motor vehicle, excepting motorcycles, motor scooters, and bicycles with motor attached, unless it is equipped with turn signals meeting the requirements of this chapter.
Subd. 3.Maintenance.
(a) When a vehicle is equipped with stop lamps or signal lamps, the lamps must at all times be maintained in good working condition.
(b) All mechanical signal devices must be self-illumined when in use at the times when lighted lamps on vehicles are required.
Subd. 4.Alteration of stop lamp prohibited.
On a vehicle that must be equipped with a single center high-mounted stop lamp under federal motor vehicle safety standards, and on any other vehicle equipped with a similar stop lamp, a person may not alter the stop lamp by the addition of an overlay or other device, or install a replacement lens, if the alteration or installation alters or obscures any portion of the lamp or affects the intensity of light emitted.
History:
(2720-243) 1937 c 464 s 93; 1945 c 207 s 3; 1947 c 428 s 28; 1949 c 90 s 2; 1959 c 521 s 8; 1971 c 328 s 1; 1987 c 383 s 13; 1Sp2019 c 3 art 3 s 54; 2022 c 55 art 1 s 68
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 169.57
What does Minnesota Statutes § 169.57 cover?
Section 169.57 ("VEHICLE SIGNALS") 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 § 169.57?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 169.57" (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 § 169.57 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.