Subd. 1. Definitions. The following terms, as used in this section, shall have the meanings stated.
A. The terms "deadman throttle" or "safety throttle" means a device which, when pressure is removed from the engine accelerator or throttle, causes the motor to be disengaged from the driving mechanism.
B. The term "operate" means to ride in or on and control the operation of a snowmobile.
C. The term "operator" means every person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile.
D. The term "owner" means a person, other than a lien holder having the property in or title to a snowmobile entitled to the use or possession thereof.
E. The term "snowmobile" means a self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners.
Subd. 2. Scope of Application. Notwithstanding provisions of this chapter 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 chapter, not relating to matters herein stated, apply as equally to snowmobiles as other vehicles.
Subd. 3. Operation. Except as otherwise herein permitted, it is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile not licensed as a motor vehicle as follows.
A. 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;
B. On a public sidewalk provided for pedestrian travel;
C. On boulevards within any public right-of-way;
D. On private property of another without specific permission of the owner or person in control of the property;
E. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all surrounding circumstances;
F. 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;
G. 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 the 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;
H. So as to tow any person or thing except through use of a rigid towbar attached to the rear of the snowmobile;
I. At any place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as defined in M.S. § 169A.120, as amended from time to time, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference;
J. Within 100 feet of any pedestrian, fishers, skating rink or sliding area where the operation would conflict with the use or endanger other persons or property; and
K. In Alexander Ramsey City Park.
Subd. 4. Special Orders. In addition to the regulations provided in Subd. 3. above, it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile on any public place where prohibited by order of the city. The areas shall be appropriately sign-posted before the order shall become effective.
Subd. 5. Direct 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. The driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard;
D. 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
E. 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.
Subd. 6. 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.
Subd. 7. Persons Under 18.
A. It is unlawful for any person under the age of 14 years to operate a snowmobile on streets, in city parks or other public land, or the roadway surface of highways, or make a direct crossing of a trunk, county state-aid or county highway as the operator of a snowmobile. A person 14 years of age or older, but less than 18 years of age, may operate a snowmobile as permitted under this section, only if he or she has in his or her possession, a safety certificate issued by the Commissioner, as provided by M.S. § 84.872, as amended from time to time.
B. It is unlawful for the owner of a snowmobile to permit the snowmobile to be operated contrary to the provisions of this subdivision.
C. No person under the age of 18 shall operate or ride a snowmobile in this state without wearing protective headgear that complies with standards established by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
Subd. 8. Equipment. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile any place within the city unless it is equipped with the following:
A. Standard mufflers which are properly attached and which reduce the noise of operation of the motor to the minimum necessary for operation. No person shall use a muffler cut-out, by-pass, straight pipe or similar device on a snowmobile;
B. Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the snowmobile under any condition of operation;
C. A safety or so-called "deadman" throttle in operating condition;
D. When operated between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or at a time of reduced visibility, at least one clear lamp attached to the front, with sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance 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 snowmobile operator. It shall also 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 the hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions; and
E. Reflective material at least 16 inches on each side, forward of the handlebars or steering device of a snowmobile and at the highest practical point on any towed object, as to reflect light at a 90-degree angle.
Subd. 9. 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.
Subd. 10. 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.
Subd. 11. Animals. It is unlawful to intentionally drive, chase, run over or kill any animal with a snowmobile.
Subd. 12. 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:
A. Operate a snowmobile in willful or wanton disregard of the signal;
B. Interfere with or endanger the law enforcement officer or any other person or vehicle; or
C. Increase his or her speed or attempt to flee or elude the officer.
Subd. 13. Certain Statutes Adopted. M.S. §§ 84.81 through 84.911, inclusive, as amended from time to time, together with rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, are hereby adopted by reference, incorporated herein, and made a part hereof, except as otherwise provided herein.