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

§ 71.18 OWNER RESPONSIBILITY.

   It shall be unlawful for the owner of a snowmobile to permit the snowmobile to be operated contrary to the provisions of this subchapter.

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

§ 71.19 LEAVING SNOWMOBILE UNATTENDED.

   Every person leaving a snowmobile in a public place shall lock the ignition, remove the key and take the same with him or her.

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

§ 71.20 CHASING ANIMALS FORBIDDEN.

   It shall be unlawful to intentionally drive, chase, run over or kill any animal, wild or domestic, with a snowmobile.

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