§ 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

§ 71.16 OPERATION GENERALLY.

   (A)   No person under 14 years of age shall make a direct crossing of a trunk, county state aid, or county highway as the operator of a snowmobile, or operate a snowmobile upon a street or highway within a municipality.

   (B)   A person 14 years of age or older, but less than 18 years of age, may make a direct crossing of a trunk, county state aid, or county highway only if he or she has in his or her immediate possession a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by the Commissioner.

   (C)   No person under the age of 14 years shall operate a snowmobile on any public land or water under jurisdiction of the Commissioner unless accompanied by one of the following listed persons on the same or an accompanying snowmobile: his or her parent; legal guardian; or other person 18 years of age or older. However, a person 12 years of age or older may operate a snowmobile on public lands or waters under the jurisdiction of the Commission if he or she has in his or her immediate possession a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by the Commissioner.

   (D)   It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile in the following unsafe or harassing ways:

      (1)   At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all the surrounding circumstances;

      (2)   In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage thereto;

      (3)   In a manner so as to create a loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs annoys or interferes with the peace and quiet of other persons;

      (4)   On any sidewalk, bike path, walking trail, Central City Park, or within 200 feet of the ice skating rinks in the city park, unless these areas are posted for authorized use.

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

§ 71.17 EQUIPMENT.

   It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile any place within the limits of the city unless it is equipped with the following:

   (A)   Standard mufflers which are properly attached and in constant operation and which reduce the noise of operation of the motor to the minimum necessary for operation.

   (B)   No person shall use a muffler cutout by-pass, straight pipe or similar device on snowmobile motors and the exhaust system shall not emit or produce a sharp popping or cracking sound.

   (C)   Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the snowmobile under any conditions of operation.

   (D)   At least one clear lamp attached to the front, with sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead during the hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions. The head lamp shall be so aimed that glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of oncoming vehicle operators.

   (E)   At least one red tail lamp having a minimum candle power of sufficient intensity to exhibit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear during the hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions.

   (F)   The equipment specified in (D) and (E) above is to be in operating condition when the vehicle is operated between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or at times of reduced visibility.

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