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Bill Summary · HF 3694

Summary of HF 3694 (2025-2026) – Tow Trucks Permitted to Use Variable Message Signs

Purpose

HF 3694 would authorize tow trucks and towing vehicles to display portable variable message signs (VMS) while performing emergency service or moving disabled vehicles near highways. The bill also maintains existing visual signaling requirements (flashing lights) for tow trucks. The overarching goal is to improve safety and traffic management by providing clearer, dynamic messaging to road users.

Key Provisions

  • Existing flashing lights requirement kept and clarified

    • Tow trucks must be equipped with flashing or intermittent red and amber lights, approved by the commissioner of public safety.
    • Lights must be mounted on the vehicle’s dome at the highest practicable point and visible from 500 feet.
    • Red flashing light: used only when the tow truck is engaged in emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a highway.
    • Amber flashing light: may be displayed when the tow truck is moving a disabled vehicle.

  • Authorization to display portable variable message signs

    • Tow trucks and towing vehicles may display a portable VMS mounted on the tow truck.
    • The VMS may be used while performing emergency service on or near the traveled portion of a highway.
    • The portable VMS must conform to standards established in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

  • Standards and compliance

    • The VMS must meet MUTCD standards, ensuring consistency with existing traffic control practices.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Users affected
    • Tow truck operators and towing services operating on Minnesota roadways, particularly when performing emergency services or relocating disabled vehicles.
  • Regulatory oversight
    • Minnesota Department of Public Safety (standards for lighting) and adherence to MUTCD standards for VMS.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative status (as of provided text)
    • Introduced and referred to Transportation Finance and Policy (Feb 25, 2026).
    • Committee action: April 7, 2026 (report to adopt) and second reading.
    • Referred to Chief Clerk for comparison with SF3888 (April 22, 2026).
  • Sponsors
    • Primary sponsor:
    • Co-sponsor: Erin Koegel

Potential Impacts

  • Safety
    • Enhanced communication with drivers via dynamic messaging, potentially reducing secondary collisions and improving efficiency around incidents.
  • Operational efficiency
    • Tow operators can convey real-time information (e.g., incident alerts, detour guidance) through VMS, aiding traffic flow around disabled vehicles or emergency scenes.
  • Compliance and consistency
    • VMS usage would be governed by MUTCD standards, aligning with existing traffic control devices used across Minnesota.
  • Costs and implementation
    • May involve investment in portable VMS equipment for tow fleets; no specific cost figures are provided in the bill text.

Notes

  • The bill text provided is a revision of section 168B.16 and includes both the existing flashing light requirements and the new authority for portable VMS on tow trucks.
  • Final passage would depend on committee decisions, any amendments, and floor votes, as well as reconciliation with the Senate version (SF3888).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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