(A) Intent. The city intends to permit the operation of mini trucks, or utility task vehicles on designated roadways or portions thereof under the jurisdiction of the city, and under the powers granted to the city pursuant to M.S. § 169.045. Authorization to operate these vehicles is by permit only.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this subchapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SPECIAL VEHICLES.
(a) MINI TRUCK. Defined by M.S. § 169.011, subd. 40a, and means a motor vehicle that has four wheels; is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of 7,500 watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 660 cubic centimeters or less; has a total dry weight of 900 to 2,200 pounds; contains an enclosed cabin and a seat for the vehicle operator; commonly resembles a pickup truck or van, including a cargo area or bed located at the rear of the vehicle; and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards required of motor vehicles in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, §§ 571.101 to 571.404 and successor requirements. A mini truck does not include:
1. A neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle; or
2. A motor vehicle that meets or exceeds the regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49,§ 571.500, and successor requirement.
(b) UTILITY TASK VEHICLE. Defined by M.S. § 169.011, subd. 40a, and means a side-by-side four-wheel drive off-road vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 1,200 cubic centimeters or less, and has a total dry weight of 1,800 but less than 2,600 pounds.
STREETS. Any street, highway, avenue, alley, or other public right-of-way within the jurisdiction of the city, including the entire right-of-way.
(C) Special vehicle use on streets. The city authorizes the operation of mini trucks and utility task vehicles on all streets in the city as defined in this section. Operation of these vehicles is a privilege which may be revoked at any time if there is evidence that an operator cannot safely operate the vehicle. Special vehicles shall be authorized to operate in the following manner:
(1) Issuance of a documented permit required. The city may grant and issue a permit document to the owner of a special vehicle for a period not to exceed three years, and which may be renewed. There shall be at the time of filling out the application a permit fee as set by resolution of the City Council, as adopted from time to time. No permit is valid unless it is contained within the special vehicle when it is being operated; and
(2) Issuance of a documented permit not required. The city does not prohibit the operation of a special vehicle during its use for a commercial or business purpose. Operating a special vehicle for this limited purpose does not require a permit application, fee or documented permit.
(D) Crossing intersecting highways. The operator, under permit for a mini truck or utility task vehicle may cross any street or highway intersecting a designated roadway.
(E) Application of traffic laws. Every person operating a mini truck or utility task vehicles under permit on designated streets has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other automobile or passenger vehicle under state or federal law or regulation except:
(1) Where specifically exempted by state law;
(2) Those provisions of law or regulation that cannot reasonably be applied to a mini truck or utility task vehicle; or
(3) As otherwise provided in division (F) below.
(F) Required equipment on mini trucks. Notwithstanding M.S. §§ 169.48 to 169.68, or any other law, a mini truck may be operated under permit on designated roadways if it is equipped with:
(1) At least two head lamps;
(2) At least two tail lamps;
(3) Front and rear turn signal lamps;
(4) An exterior mirror mounted on the driver's side of the vehicle, and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger's side of the vehicle or an interior mirror;
(5) A windshield;
(6) A seat belt for the driver and front passenger;
(7) A parking brake; and
(8) Roll-over equipment.
(G) Insurance. Proof of insurance meeting state requirements for passenger automobiles is required to receive a permit.
(H) Times of operation. Mini trucks and utility task vehicles may only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset, unless equipped with original equipment headlights, tail lights, and rear-facing brake lights. They shall not be operated in inclement weather, except during emergency conditions, or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient visibility to clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet.
(I) Special events. In conjunction with a special event permit issued by the city, any provision within this section may be waived and the City Council may permit the operation of any special vehicle allowed under state law.
(Ord. 408, passed 2-20-14)