(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DEADMAN THROTTLE or SAFETY THROTTLE. A device which, when pressure is removed from the engine accelerator or throttle, causes the motor to be disengaged from the driving mechanism.
OPERATE. 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.
OWNER. A person, other than a lien holder having the property in or title to a snowmobile entitled to the use or possession thereof.
SNOWMOBILE. A self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners.
(B) Scope of application. Notwithstanding provisions of this section to the contrary, this section shall apply to control of traffic and regulation of that certain class of vehicles falling within the definition of snowmobiles as to matters set forth herein. All provisions of this section, not relating to matters herein stated, apply as equally to snowmobiles as other vehicles.
(C) Operation. Except as otherwise herein permitted, it is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile not licensed as a motor vehicle as follows:
(1) On the portion of any right-of-way of any public highway, street, road, trail or alley used for motor vehicle travel, except upon the most right-hand lane of a street or alley and may in passing or making a left-hand turn, operate on other lanes which are used for vehicle traffic in the same direction. A snowmobile may also be operated upon the ditch bottom or the outside bank of trunk, county state-aid and county highways where the highways are so configured within the corporate limits;
(2) On a public sidewalk provided for pedestrian travel;
(3) On boulevards within any public right-of-way;
(4) On private property of another without specific permission of the owner or person in control of the property;
(5) At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all surrounding circumstances;
(6) At any place in a careless, reckless or negligent manner or heedlessly in disregard of the rights or safety of others, or in a manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger or cause injury or damage to any person or property;
(7) During the hours from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. of any day, closer than 100 feet to any dwelling which is usually occupied by one or more persons; provided, however, that snowmobile operation shall be permitted during hours when traveling directly to or from the residence of the operator and the nearest city limits line at a rate of speed not in excess of 15 mph;
(8) So as to tow any person or thing except through use of a rigid towbar attached to the rear of the snowmobile;
(9) At any place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as defined in M.S. § 169.121, as it may be amended from time to time, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; or
(10) Within 100 feet of any pedestrian, fisherman, skating rink or sliding area where the operation would conflict with the use or endanger other persons or property.
(D) Special orders. In addition to the regulations provided in division (C) above, it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile on any public place where prohibited by order of the city. The City Manager shall have the power, by written order, to prohibit the operation whenever in his or her discretion the same would be likely to produce damage to property or endanger the safety or repose of other persons. Those areas shall be appropriately sign-posted before the order shall become effective.
(E) Direct crossings. A snowmobile may make a direct crossing of a street or highway, except an interstate highway or freeway, provided:
(1) The crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the street or highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;
(2) The snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way;
(3) The driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard;
(4) In crossing a divided street or highway, the crossing is made only at an intersection of the street or highway with another public street or highway; and
(5) If the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.
(F) Yielding the right-of-way. It is unlawful for any person operating a snowmobile to enter any intersection without yielding the right-of-way to any vehicles or pedestrians at the intersection, or so close to the intersection as to constitute an immediate hazard.
(G) Locking vehicles. It is unlawful for any person to leave a snowmobile on a public place unless he or she shall lock the ignition, remove the key and take the same with him or her.
(H) Emergencies. Notwithstanding the prohibition of operating a snowmobile upon a roadway to the contrary, a snowmobile may be operated on a public thoroughfare in an emergency during the period of time when, at locations where, snow upon the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.
(I) Animals. It is unlawful to intentionally drive, chase, run over or kill any animal with a snowmobile.
(J) Signal from officer to stop. It is unlawful for a snowmobile operator, after having received a visible or audible signal from any law enforcement officer to come to a stop, to: operate a snowmobile in willful or wanton disregard of the signal; interfere with or endanger the law enforcement officer or any other person or vehicle; or increase his or her speed or attempt to flee or elude the officer.
(K) Certain statutes adopted. M.S. §§ 84.81 through 84.90, as it may be amended from time to time, inclusive, as amended in 1980, together with rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, are hereby adopted by reference, incorporated herein, and made a part hereof, except as otherwise provided herein.
(2003 Code, § 7.35) Penalty, see § 10.99