Subd. 1. Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
A. SNOWMOBILE. A self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice or a natural terrain steered by wheels, skis or runners.
B. OPERATE. To ride in or on and control the operation of a snowmobile.
C. OPERATOR. Every person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile.
Subd. 2. Operation.
A. Operation on streets and roadways. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile upon any street, roadway or alley, except within the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. to drive from the owner’s residence or place where the snowmobile is stored to the nearest city limits or to the nearest area authorized for the operation of snowmobiles (by public authority pursuant to Subpar. B of this subdivision) by the shortest and most direct route or by returning to the owner’s place of residence or place where the snowmobile is stored by the shortest and most direct route. Persons may operate a snowmobile after 10:30 p.m. only by special permit granted by the Chief of Police for special events. It is unlawful at any time to operate a snowmobile on the boulevards, sidewalks, driveways or shoulders or other areas of the dedicated, but unimproved portion of the public right-of-way, except to drive to and from the owner’s residence or place where the snowmobile is stored to the nearest public street.
B. Operation in parks and other public grounds. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile in any public park or in other public grounds owned by the city within the territorial limits of the city. The Council or the Board having direct supervision and control over any public park or public grounds may, by written resolution duly adopted, authorize the operation of snowmobiles in a specified area or areas of any public park or public grounds in accordance with rules and regulations set forth in the written resolution. No authorization to operate snowmobiles in any public park or public grounds shall be effective until posted in the area authorized for the operation. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile in any public park or in any other public grounds owned by the city or under the control of its Boards between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m., except in Todd Park where the Board may designate longer hours of operation.
C. Operation generally. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile in the city in the following unsafe or harassing ways:
1. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all the surrounding circumstances; (Operation of a snowmobile at a speed greater than ten mph on any public street or alley shall be prima facie evidence that the speed is unreasonable and improper under this provision.)
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. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or habit-forming drugs;
4. Without a lighted head or tail light when required for safety; or
5. In any tree nursery or planting in a manner which damages or destroys growing stock.
D. Minors.
1. Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, no person under 14 years of age shall operate a snowmobile on any public street, roadway or alley or other public area where the operation of snowmobiles is permitted by this section.
2. A person 14 years of age or older, but less than 18 years of age may operate the snowmobile on the areas permitted by this section only if he or she has, in his or her immediate possession, a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by the Commissioner of Conservation of the state. It is unlawful for the owner of a snowmobile to permit a snowmobile to be operated contrary to the provisions of this section.
E. It is unlawful for the operator of any snowmobile to tow any person, vehicle or thing on any public street, roadway or alley in the city.
F. When operating a snowmobile on a public street, the operator shall insofar as practicable operate the snowmobile as near as practicable to the right curb line, except in preparation for making a left turn.
G. The driver of a snowmobile shall yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard.
H. No person shall operate a snowmobile within the right-of-way of any street or alley between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, or in conditions of reduced visibility, except when both front and rear lights are on. Snowmobiles are required to have the equipment as may be required by M.S. Chapter 84, as it may be amended from time to time.
I. All the provisions of M.S. Chapter 169, as it may be amended from time to time, shall apply to the operation of snowmobiles upon the streets and highways, except for those which by their nature have no application.
(`80 Code, § 8.20) Penalty, see § 1.99