Key points
If a pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, stop and wait until they have passed your lane.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“If a pedestrian is in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, stop and wait until they have passed your lane.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47It is illegal to pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“It is illegal to pass a vehicle that has stopped for a pedestrian.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47Do not honk or rev your engine near blind pedestrians with a white cane or guide dog.
Source: Handbook p. 47
“Watch for blind pedestrians who may have a white or metallic cane or a guide dog. Do not use your horn or rev your engine as it may distract them.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 47Keep at least 3 feet between the side of your car and a bicyclist.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“You must keep at least 3 feet between the side of your car and the bicyclist.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 48Driving in bicycle lanes is illegal except to park where allowed, to enter or leave the road, or to prepare for a turn.
Source: Handbook p. 48
“It is illegal to drive in bicycle lanes except to park (when permitted), to enter or leave the road, or to prepare for a turn.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 48A moped is a motorized bicycle capable of 30 mph or less.
Source: Handbook p. 49
“A "motorized bicycle" is a moped and is defined by its speed capacity, which is 30 mph or less.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 49Motorcycle lane splitting is allowed at no more than 25 mph and no more than 15 mph over traffic.
Source: Handbook p. 50
“At no more than 25 miles per hour. No more than 15 miles per hour over the speed of traffic in the relevant traffic lanes.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 50Many motorcycle crashes happen when drivers turn left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
Source: Handbook p. 50
“Many occur when drivers fail to yield right of way and make a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle.”
Minnesota Driver's Manual, Handbook p. 50
Numbers to know
| Number | What it means | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| 3 feet | minimum space when passing a bicyclist | Handbook p. 48 |
| 30 mph | top speed capacity of a moped | Handbook p. 49 |
| 25 mph; 15 mph over traffic | limits for motorcycle lane splitting | Handbook p. 50 |
3 questions from the Minnesota practice test
1. A pedestrian is in a marked crosswalk as you approach. What is the required response?
- Continue if your vehicle reaches the crosswalk first
- Stop and wait until the pedestrian has passed your lane
- Sound the horn and pass before the pedestrian moves farther
- Stop only when the crosswalk has a flashing beacon
Show answer
Stop and wait until the pedestrian has passed your lane. Minnesota requires a driver to stop for a pedestrian in either a marked or unmarked crosswalk and remain stopped until the person has passed the vehicle's lane. The choice “Continue if your vehicle reaches the crosswalk first” changes the rule into a race for space, but a driver's arrival first does not cancel the pedestrian's protection. The choice “Sound the horn and pass before the pedestrian moves farther” treats the horn as permission to proceed, which it is not. The choice “Stop only when the crosswalk has a flashing beacon” incorrectly limits the duty to crosswalks with special equipment. A useful cue is to look at the pedestrian's lane, stop before blocking the crossing, and wait until that lane is clear.
2. What may not a driver do when a vehicle ahead has stopped for a pedestrian in a crosswalk?
- Wait until the pedestrian has cleared the lane
- Remain stopped behind it
- Pass the stopped vehicle
- Yield to the pedestrian before continuing
Show answer
Pass the stopped vehicle. Passing a vehicle stopped for a pedestrian is prohibited because the stopped vehicle may be shielding someone in the crosswalk from your view. Remaining behind the vehicle, waiting for the pedestrian to clear the lane, and yielding all preserve the protected crossing. A clear-looking lane beside the stopped vehicle is not enough reason to continue. First look for the pedestrian and be prepared to stop. This rule is especially important near unmarked crossings, where a person may have the right of way even though painted lines are absent.
3. With a round green light, what must a driver do before completing a left turn?
- Enter the turn from the far-right lane
- Turn immediately because green always protects the movement
- Wait until the signal becomes a green arrow
- Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing in front
Show answer
Yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing in front. A round green light permits movement through the intersection, but a left-turning driver must still yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians crossing in front of the vehicle. Enter only when the intersection is clear and the opposing gap is safe. A green arrow provides protected movement in its direction, but waiting for an arrow is not required when the ordinary turn can be completed legally. The green signal also does not justify an immediate turn across an approaching vehicle. Look straight ahead and across the crosswalk before turning.
Practice this topic
Lock it in with right of way questions from the free Minnesota practice test. Every answer comes with a plain English explanation.
Source: the Minnesota Driver's Manual, Chapter 4: Sharing the road. This lesson is a plain English summary, not the law itself; where it differs, the manual and the statute govern. Last checked 2026-09-27.