Liability limitation of a motor vehicle operator for harm caused to a pedestrian injured while illegally blocking a roadway

SF 702 limits a motor vehicle operator's civil liability if a pedestrian is injured while illegally blocking a roadway. The bill states pedestrians obstructing roads (violating laws like Minn. Stat. § 609.74) cannot sue drivers for injuries resulting from the driver's use of force to retreat or escape, *only* if the driver reasonably believed they or passengers were in immediate danger of death or serious harm. This applies to causes of action accruing on or after August 1, 2025. The bill directly affects pedestrians who illegally block roadways and drivers involved in such incidents.