A. Definitions:
ARTERIAL SNOWMOBILE ROUTE: A route which allows for the operation of a snowmobile from a place of storage to a designated trail system or area outside the city limits.
OPERATE: To ride on, or be in control of the operation of a snowmobile.
OPERATOR: A person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile.
OWNER: A person other than the lienholder having a property interest in, or title to the snowmobile and who is entitled to the use or possession of the snowmobile.
SNOWMOBILE: A self-propelled track driven vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners.
B. Equipment:
1. No person shall operate a snowmobile any place within the limits of the city unless it is equipped as follows:
a. Front and rear lights as required by state statute will be in operation whenever a snowmobile is operated on public property.
b. Standard muffler(s) shall be properly attached and in proper working order. No person shall use a muffler cutout, bypass, straight pipe, or similar device on a snowmobile motor.
c. Is equipped with brakes which provide adequate control to the movement of and to stop and hold the snowmobile under any condition of operation.
d. Must be currently registered through the Minnesota department of natural resources.
e. No person shall operate a snowmobile in the city without wearing a helmet meeting the specifications set forth in section 74600.0300 of Minnesota rules.
C. Areas Of Operation:
1. No snowmobile may be operated on:
a. Public sidewalks or along any public sidewalk or make a crossing of a public sidewalk except such places where a driveway or a crossing has been provided by law.
b. City streets or alleys.
c. Boulevards within public right of way.
d. Private property of another without the express permission of the landowner.
e. Any trails, walk paths, or bike paths.
f. Within a city park.
g. All school property.
h. Within ponding basins.
i. Any temporary or permanent flood control structure.
j. All city property unless specified otherwise in this chapter.
k. Within fifty feet (50') of any fisherman, pedestrian, skating rink, sliding area, or area where the operation would conflict with use or endanger persons or property.
2. Snowmobiles may be operated in the following areas:
a. In the ditches of state highways and county roads in the manner allowed by state law.
b. On private property with the express permission of the owner.
c. On city of Moorhead property under a designated activity sponsored by the responsible city department.
d. On designated snowmobile trail access and service areas as designated by state and county snowmobile routes.
e. Red River is permitted but not recommended.
f. On city of Moorhead designated arterial pathways approved by the Moorhead city council.
g. On a public street directly adjacent to a point of storage for the specific purpose of loading and unloading from a trailer.
D. Unlawful Acts:
1. Anyone operating a snowmobile within the city shall adhere to the following:
a. No snowmobile shall be operated in the city between the hours of ten o'clock (10:00) P.M. and seven o'clock (7:00) A.M., with the exception of state of Minnesota designated trails.
b. No person shall operate a snowmobile in a manner as to create a loud or unnecessary or unusual noise which disturbs, annoys, or interferes with the peace and quiet of others.
c. No snowmobile shall be operated in excess of twenty (20) miles per hour on approved public property or roadways, or at a speed greater than reasonable or proper under surrounding conditions.
d. No person under the age of fourteen (14) shall operate a snowmobile on public property in the city.
e. No person between the ages of fourteen (14) and eighteen (18) shall operate a snowmobile in the city on public property without a valid snowmobile safety certificate issued by the commissioner of conservation of the state of Minnesota in their possession.
f. Every person operating a snowmobile on a street shall come to a complete stop before entering any intersection or crossing any roadway, and shall yield right of way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard.
g. No person shall operate a snowmobile at any place in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner or heedlessly in disregard for the rights and safety of others or in a manner as to endanger, or likely to endanger, or cause injury or damage to any person or property.
h. No person operating a snowmobile shall tow any person or thing on a public roadway except through the use of a rigid tow bar attached to the rear of the snowmobile.
i. Snowmobiles will operate in a single file when traveling in groups of two (2) or more.
j. It is unlawful for any person who is the owner or in lawful control of a snowmobile to permit the snowmobile to be operated contrary to the provisions of this chapter.
E. Exemptions:
1. Emergency Operation: Notwithstanding any prohibitions in this chapter, a snowmobile may be operated contrary to regulations prescribed in this section only in a police designated emergency or by any recognized government employees involved in performing essential services for the city, or by any on duty law enforcement officers in accordance with the performance of their duties.
2. Arterial Snowmobile Routes: The city council by resolution may dedicate arterial snowmobile routes which allow operation of snowmobiles from a place of storage to a designated trailhead or area outside the city limits.
F. Penalty:
1. Any person convicted of violating any provision of this chapter shall be penalized in accordance with the provisions of section 1-4-2 of this code. (Ord. 2014-21, 10-27-2014)