GENERALLY

§ 71.01 PURPOSE AND INTENT.

   (A)   The purpose of this subchapter is to provide reasonable regulations for the use of special and recreational motor vehicles on public property and, in conformance with private property, in the city.

   (B)   This subchapter is not intended to allow what the Minnesota Statutes prohibit or to prohibit what the Minnesota Statutes expressly allow. This subchapter is intended to ensure the public safety and to prevent a public nuisance.

(Ord. 366, passed 2-18-2014; Ord. 366, passed 9-7-2021)

§ 71.02 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   COMMISSIONER. The Commissioner of Natural Resources acting directly or through his or her authorized agent.

   COUNCIL. The City Council of the City of Aitkin.

   OPERATION. To ride in or on, and control the operation of a snowmobile.

   OPERATOR. Every person who operates, or is in actual physical control of, a snowmobile.

   PUBLIC PROPERTY. Property that may be used for all of the public, subject to reasonable regulations by a governmental body. PUBLIC PROPERTY includes, but is not limited to, city parks, city parking lots and public school parking lots and grounds.

   RECREATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLE. Any self-propelled vehicle and any vehicle propelled or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle used for recreational purposes including, but not limited to trail bike, off-highway motorcycle, as defined by M.S. § 84.787, subd. 7, as it may be amended from time to time, or other all-terrain vehicle as defined by M.S. §§ 84.90 and 84.92, subd. 8 through 10 as it may be amended from time to time, or motorized go-carts, hovercraft, or motor vehicle licensed for highway operation, which is being used for off-road recreational purposes, but not including motorized golf carts, personal electric mobility devices, motorized foot scooters, neighborhood electric vehicles, medium-speed electric vehicles, or mini-trucks.

   ROADWAY. That portion of a street or highway improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.

   SNOWMOBILE. A self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners.

   STREET, HIGHWAY or ALLEY. The entire width between boundary lines of any way or place when any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for the purpose of vehicular traffic.

(Ord. 366, passed 2-18-2014; Ord. 367, passed 2-18-2014; Ord. 366, passed 9-7-2021; Ord. 367, passed 9-27-2021)

SNOWMOBILES

§ 71.15 LIMITATIONS OF OPERATIONS.

   Snowmobiles may be operated only in the following locations within the city:

   (A)   On the operator's property subject to the provisions of this subchapter;

   (B)   On privately owned property if the operator has permission from the property owner; or, on privately owned property if the property owner has posted a clearly visible notice indicating “Snowmobiles Allowed” or words substantially similar; and

   (C)   On city streets only when the operation is necessary to gain access to designated snowmobile trails, private property, to conduct commerce, or areas which, by Minnesota Statutes, may be used by snowmobiles provided that:

      (1)   The use of any street is as a means of traveling in as direct a route as practicable to a destination for the use of snowmobile.

      (2)   The operator uses the most right-hand lane available for traffic or as close as practicable to the edge of the roadway, except when overtaking and passing another vehicle stopped in that lane or proceeding in the same direction.

      (3)   The operator not exceeds the posted speed limit.

      (4)   If on public property, use is allowed only if clearly posted with signs designating the area or specific areas as snowmobile operating areas or trails.

(Ord. 367, passed 2-18-2014; Ord. 367, passed 9-27-2021) Penalty, see § 71.99