(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE (OHV). Includes all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs) and off-road vehicles (ORVs).
OWNER. A person, other than a lien holder, having the property in or title to a snowmobile or OHV entitled to the use or possession thereof.
OPERATE. To ride in or on and control the operation of a snowmobile or OHV.
OPERATOR. Every person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile or OHV.
RIGHT-OF-WAY. The entire strip of land traversed by a highway or street in which the public owns the fee or an easement for roadway purposes.
SNOWMOBILE. A self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice or natural terrain steered by wheels, skis or runners.
STREET. Any public roadway including streets, highways and alleys.
(Prior Code, § 1330.01)
(B) Incorporation of state law by reference. It is the intent of this section to supplement M.S. §§ 84.81 through 84.915, as they may be amended from time to time, with respect to the operation of snowmobiles; M.S. §§ 84.771 through 84.781, as they may be amended from time to time, with respect to the operation of off-highway vehicles (OHVs); M.S. §§ 84.787 through 84.795, as they may be amended from time to time, with respect to the operation of off-highway motorcycles (OHMs); M.S. §§ 84.797 through 84.8045, as they may be amended from time to time, with respect to the operation of off-road vehicles (ORVs); and M.S. §§ 84.92 through 84.928, as they may be amended from time to time, with respect to the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). These statutes are incorporated by reference.
(Prior Code, § 1330.02)
(C) Operation.
(1) Operation on streets.
(a) A person may not operate a snowmobile or OHV upon private property without prior permission of the property owner.
(b) When operating a snowmobile or OHV upon a street, the operation must be at the extreme right of the street as near to the curb or shoulder thereof as practical under the circumstances.
(c) A snowmobile or OHV may not pull any type of sled, toboggan, skis or other mechanical attachment, or person, except when attached to the snowmobile or OHV by a solid tongue or similar attachment.
(d) A snowmobile or OHV may not be operated within the city unless it is equipped with at least one head lamp and one tail lamp and with brakes that conform to the standards prescribed by rule of the Commissioner of Transportation.
(e) When two or more snowmobiles or OHVs are operated together or as a group, the snowmobile or OHV must stay in single file while operating upon any street.
(f) A snowmobile or OHV may not be operated upon a sidewalk.
(g) The driver of a snowmobile or OHV must yield the right-of-way to on-coming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard.
(2) General rules. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile or OHV
in the following unsafe or harassing ways:
(a) At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all the surrounding circumstances and in no event at a speed greater than 20 mph;
(b) In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or property of another or to cause injury or damage thereto;
(c) While under the influence of intoxicating drugs or alcohol;
(d) Without a lighted head and tail light when required for safety and registration numbers as required by law;
(e) In a public park, public or private school playground, or hospital zone (that area within one block of a hospital or nursing home), except on designated trails;
(f) Within the principal Business District of the city; except that, the operation will be permitted in an emergency during the period of time when snow upon the roadway or other traveled way renders travel by automobile impractical;
(g) A snowmobile or OHV may not be operated upon any portion of Lions Hill or Spring Park Cemetery;
(h) A snowmobile or OHV may not be operated within the city while carrying more than two persons, exclusive of passengers seated on a pulled sleigh or similar type trailing device; and
(i) A snowmobile or OHV may not be operated inside the city limits between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.; except that, occasional operation upon a public street between those hours is permitted when the operator is proceeding directly to the operator’s home.
(3) Special provisions. The City Council may authorize variances for special events.
(Prior Code, § 1330.03) (Ord. 20200219-01, passed 2-19-2020) Penalty, see § 10.99