§ 73.01 DEFINITIONS.

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

   OPERATOR. A person who operates or is in actual control of a snowmobile.

   OWNER. A person, other than a lien holder, having the property or title to any snowmobile entitled to the use or possession thereof.

   PERSON. An individual, partnership, corporation, and any body of persons, whether incorporated or not.

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

(Prior Code, § 73.01) (Ord. 214, passed 1-8-2001)

§ 73.02 PURPOSE AND INTENT.

   The purpose of this chapter is to provide reasonable regulations for the use of snowmobiles on public and private property in the city.

(Prior Code, § 73.02) (Ord. 214, passed 1-8-2001)

§ 73.03 HOURS AND PLACE OF OPERATION.

   (A)   No person shall operate a snowmobile on any street, roadway, or public thoroughfare within the city between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

   (B)   No snowmobile shall be operated within the city except for the purpose of traveling from the location where the snowmobile is normally stored to the city limits or from the city limits to where the snowmobile is normally stored. The most direct route shall be used when leaving or entering the city.

(Prior Code, § 73.03) (Ord. 214, passed 1-8-2001) Penalty, see § 73.99

§ 73.04 OPERATION GENERALLY.

   It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile within city limits in the following ways:

   (A)   At a speed greater than 15 mph;

   (B)   On the portion of any public highway, street, road, alley, or trail used for motor vehicle travel, except that a snowmobile may operate upon the most right hand lane of a municipal street or alley;

   (C)   With any metal traction devices;

   (D)   On a sidewalk or boulevard, except that a direct crossing may be made in the same manner as provided for the direct crossing of a city street;

   (E)   At any place or at any time while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics, or habit forming drugs;

   (F)   At any place and at any time in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property or to cause injury or damage thereto;

   (G)   On public school grounds, park property, playgrounds, and recreational areas without express permission to do so by proper public authority;

   (H)   So as to tow any person or thing on a public street or highway except through the use of a rigid tow-bar attached to the rear of the snowmobile; and/or

   (I)   In a manner that simulates a race or temporary race or negligent manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property.

(Prior Code, § 73.04) (Ord. 214, passed 1-8-2001) Penalty, see § 10.99

§ 73.05 STREET AND HIGHWAY CROSSINGS.

   A snowmobile may make a direct crossing of a street or highway, except an interstate highway or freeway, provided:

   (A)   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;

   (B)   The snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way;

   (C)   No snowmobile shall enter any intersection without yielding the right-of-way to any vehicles or pedestrians at the intersection as to constitute an immediate hazard; and

   (D)   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, the crossing may be made only if both front and rear lights are on.

(Prior Code, § 73.05) (Ord. 214, passed 1-8-2001)

§ 73.06 CERTAIN STATE STATUTES ADOPTED.

   M.S. §§ 84.81 through 84.91 inclusive, as amended, and regulations promulgated thereunder are adopted by reference, incorporated herein, and made part hereof.

(Prior Code, § 73.06) (Ord. 214, passed 1-8-2001)

§ 73.07 MINIMUM EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.

   It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile not licensed for use when operating within the city limits unless it is equipped with:

   (A)   A standard muffler which is properly attached and which reduces the noise of operation of the motor to the minimum necessary for operation. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, straight pipes, or similar device on any vehicle motor(s);

   (B)   Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle motor;

   (C)   A safety or so-called “deadman” throttle in operating conditions; and

   (D)   When operated between the hours of one half hour after sunset to one half hour before sunrise or at times of reduced visibility, at least one clear lamp attached to the front with sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles of at least 100 feet ahead during the hours of darkness and under normal atmospheric conditions. The head lamp shall be so aimed that glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of an oncoming vehicle operator. It shall be equipped with at least one red tail lamp having a minimum candlepower of sufficient intensity to exhibit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear during hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions.

(Prior Code, § 73.07) (Ord. 214, passed 1-8-2001) Penalty, see § 10.99