Section 169.13 Reckless or Careless Driving

MINNESOTA STATUTES AND CODES

Section 169.13 Reckless or Careless Driving

169.13 RECKLESS OR CARELESS DRIVING.

Subdivision 1.Reckless driving.

(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in such a manner as to indicate either a willful or a wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property is guilty of reckless driving and such reckless driving is a misdemeanor.

(b) A person shall not race any vehicle upon any street or highway of this state. Any person who willfully compares or contests relative speeds by operating one or more vehicles is guilty of racing, which constitutes reckless driving, whether or not the speed contested or compared is in excess of the maximum speed prescribed by law.

Subd. 2.Careless driving.

Any person who operates or halts any vehicle upon any street or highway carelessly or heedlessly in disregard of the rights of others, or in a manner that endangers or is likely to endanger any property or any person, including the driver or passengers of the vehicle, is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Subd. 3.Application.

(a) The provisions of this section apply, but are not limited in application, to any person who drives any vehicle in the manner prohibited by this section:

(1) upon the ice of any lake, stream, or river, including but not limited to the ice of any boundary water; or

(2) in a parking lot ordinarily used by or available to the public though not as a matter of right, and a driveway connecting the parking lot with a street or highway.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) an authorized emergency vehicle, when responding to an emergency call or when in pursuit of an actual or suspected violator;

(2) the emergency operation of any vehicle when avoiding imminent danger; or

(3) any raceway, racing facility, or other public event sanctioned by the appropriate governmental authority.