(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this section is to provide reasonable regulations for the use of specialized vehicles on public property within the city. This section is not intended to allow what the Minnesota Statutes prohibit or to prohibit what the Minnesota Statues expressly allow. It is intended to ensure the public safety and prevent a public nuisance.
(B) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DRIVER. The person driving and having physical control over the utility-terrain vehicle or mini-truck.
MINI-TRUCK. As defined in M.S. § 169.011, Subd. 40(a), as may be amended from time to time, a motor vehicle that has 4 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 49 C.F.R. §§ 571.101 to 571.404, and successor requirements.
UTILITY-TERRAIN VEHICLE. A motorized flotation-tired vehicle with at least 3 but no more than 6 low pressure tires that has an engine displacement of less than 960 cubic centimeters and total dry weight of less than 1800 pounds and side-by-side seating.
(C) Operation. Utility-terrain vehicles may only be used for business or commercial purposes.
(D) Conditions of operation.
(1) A driver shall be at least 18 years of age.
(2) Utility terrain vehicles shall display the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in M.S. § 169.045, as it may be amended from time to time, when operated on designated roadways.
(3) Utility-terrain vehicles and mini-trucks shall be equipped with a rearview mirror to provide the driver with adequate vision from behind as required by M.S. § 169.70, as it may be amended from time to time.
(4) Every person operating a utility-terrain vehicle or a mini-truck on designated roadways has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver or any other vehicle under provisions of M.S. Chapter 169, as it may be amended from time to time, except when these provisions cannot reasonably be applied to utility-terrain vehicles or mini-trucks and except as otherwise specifically provided in M.S. § 169.045, Subd. 7, as it may be amended from time to time.
(5) The number of occupants on the utility-terrain vehicle or mini-truck shall not exceed the design occupant load.
(6) No operation of a utility-terrain vehicle and mini-truck shall be allowed on private property without the consent of the owner, or on any city sidewalk, trail or park.
(7) A mini-truck may be operated on roadways within the city if it is equipped with all of the following:
(a) At least 2 headlamps;
(b) At least 2 tail lamps;
(c) Front and rear turn signal lamps;
(d) An exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either (a) an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or (b) an interior rearview mirror;
(e) A windshield;
(f) A seat belt for the driver and front passenger; and
(g) A parking brake.
(E) Violation; penalty. Any person who operates a utility-terrain vehicle or a mini-truck within the city in violation of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
(Ord. 48, 4th Series, passed 1-22-2013; Am. Ord. 159, 4th Series, passed 7-17-2023)