MN HF1515

Amends section 169.781 to require vehicles used by motor carriers of railroad employees to display a valid safety inspection decal or carry proof of federal motor vehicle inspection compliance.

Establishes comprehensive requirements for motor carriers of railroad employees transporting passengers, including annual operator training and certification in vehicle safety, emergency procedures, and seat belt use.

Requires carriers to perform criminal background checks on operators, including state criminal records repository checks and out-of-state checks if operator resided in Minnesota less than five years, and maintain driver qualification files for one year after separation.

Mandates liability insurance of minimum $5,000,000 and uninsured/underinsured coverage of minimum $5,000,000, and specifies vehicle equipment requirements including seat belts, GPS devices, emergency road kits, and communication devices.

Establishes driver disqualification rules for DWI convictions (five-year prohibition), multiple moving violations within three years (one-year prohibition), and disqualifying offenses under section 171.3215; implements mandatory alcohol and drug testing, hours of service limits (10 hours driving after 8 hours off-duty, maximum 70 hours in 8 days), and establishes misdemeanor penalties plus civil penalties up to $1,000 per day of violation.