Mobility & Curb Rules in Saint Paul, MN

If you live in Saint Paul or are thinking about moving there, mobility & curb rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Saint Paul has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of mobility & curb rules, and some of them might surprise you.

TNC Pickup Zones

Under Sec. 373.15(b) of the Legislative Code, Uber and Lyft drivers licensed in Saint Paul may not pick up or drop off riders on designated taxicab stands, in no-stopping or no-standing zones, or in any other area the city code or state law restricts.

Key details: Governing section: Sec. 373.15(b). Barred pickup locations: taxicab stands, no-stop/no-standing zones. Street hail pickups: prohibited: app-only dispatch. Enforcing office: DSI licensing official. Revoked-license reapplication bar: 5 years.

The licensing official can impose fines, license conditions, suspension, denial or revocation against a TNC licensee for a driver's pickup-zone violation under Sec. 373.18(a), with each day of a continuing violation potentially charged separately. A revoked or denied TNC license carries a five-year reapplication bar under Sec. 373.18(c).

Shared E-Scooter Rules

Any company that wants to put rental scooters or e-bikes on Saint Paul streets first needs a city contract. Legislative Code Sec. 141.02 bars operating a 'shared transportation system' on the public right-of-way or park property without council-approved authorization naming the exact devices covered, and violators risk having devices impounded.

Key details: Contract required before operating: Sec. 141.02(a). Devices need GPS-style tracking: Sec. 141.03(c). Attaching devices to bike racks banned: Sec. 141.09. Owner notice window after impound: 72 hours, Sec. 141.10(b). Unclaimed device sale after: 60 days, Sec. 141.10(d).

Sec. 141.10 lets any traffic officer or authorized city employee impound a shared device immediately if it is improperly attached, left unattended and blocking traffic or infrastructure, part of an unauthorized system, or otherwise violates the contract or chapter. The city must notify an identifiable owner within 72 hours (excluding weekends and city holidays), and every impounded device is charged an impound fee set to cover enforcement and storage costs. A device unclaimed for at least 60 days may be sold at public auction after reasonable notice.

The Bottom Line

Saint Paul's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Saint Paul is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Saint Paul's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.