MN HF2127

Defines "vulnerable road user" to include pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycle riders, and others on roadways or shoulders, including those performing emergency services, traffic control, or maintenance work.

Creates enhanced criminal penalties for traffic violations causing harm to vulnerable road users: gross misdemeanor for substantial or great bodily harm; felony with up to 2 years imprisonment or $4,000 fine for deaths caused by subdivision 2 violations; felony with up to 5 years imprisonment or $10,000 fine for deaths caused by subdivision 1 violations.

Requires courts to impose minimum penalties including at least 30 percent of maximum authorized fine, at least 100 hours of community work service, and mandatory driver improvement course attendance upon conviction.

Allows courts to reduce minimum fines to not less than $100 for defendants qualifying for public defender services or demonstrating indigency or undue hardship.

Adds gross misdemeanor conviction under the new vulnerable road user penalty statute as grounds for immediate driver's license revocation for a minimum of six months; effective August 1, 2014.