A. Regulation. The use and operation of SNOWMOBILES and ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES or ATVs, within the city limits is hereby regulated as set forth in this part.
B. State Snowmobile And all-Terrain Vehicle Laws And Statutes Adopted.
1. The state snowmobile laws, M.S. §§ 84.81 through 84.915, as they may be amended from time to time; the game laws relating to the use of snowmobiles, M.S. §§ 100.26 and 100.29, as they may be amended from time to time; and Minn. Rules Parts 6100.5000 to 6100.5800, as they may be amended from time to time, are hereby adopted and made part of this chapter by reference.
2. The state all-terrain vehicle laws, M.S. §§ 84.92 through 84.929, as they may be amended from time to time; the game laws relating to the use of all-terrain vehicles, M.S. §§ 100.26 and 100.29, as they may be amended from time to time; and Minn. Rules Parts 6100.5000 to 6100.5800, as they may be amended from time to time, are hereby adopted and made part of this chapter by reference.
C. Prohibited Operation.
1. It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile or ATV upon a roadway in the city, except to travel from the owner’s residence or place the snowmobile or ATV is generally stored, in a direct route and crossing to and from a place of destination, provided the place of destination is a place that the snowmobile may be lawfully operated.
2. A direct crossing shall only be made as follows:
a. The crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing.
b. The snowmobile or ATV is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway.
c. The driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard.
d. In crossing a divided highway, the crossing is made only at an intersection of the highway with another public street.
e. The front and rear lights must be illuminated.
3. Notwithstanding the prohibition of operating a snowmobile or ATV upon a roadway to the contrary, the operation is hereby permitted in an emergency, during the period of time when and at locations where snow upon the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.
D. Additional Prohibited Operations.
1. It shall be unlawful and punishable for any person to operate a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle within the city limits in violation of the following restrictions:
a. On private property without the permission or consent of the owner or occupant;
b. On the boulevard of any public street;
c. On a sidewalk, except that a direct crossing may be made in the same manner as provided for direct crossing of a city street;
d. At a rate of speed in excess of 10 miles per hour;
e. Other than single file on a roadway, if two or more are being driven in a group;
f. With metal traction devices on a roadway;
g. Other than at the extreme right-hand side of a roadway along the curb;
h. On publicly owned land, including school land, park property, playgrounds, and cemeteries;
i. Within 100 feet of any church property, nursing home, hospital, skating rink or sliding area, or in any other area where the operation would conflict or interfere with normal use of the property or would endanger persons or property;
j. To tow any person or object except through use of a rigid tow bar attached to the rear of the snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle;
k. To intentionally drive, chase, run over, or kill any animal with a snowmobile or all-terrain vehicle;
l. To operate an ATV on a public street without a valid driver’s license, except as permitted herein this chapter.
2. It is unlawful for the owner of a snowmobile or an ATV to permit the snowmobile or ATV to be operated contrary to the provisions of this section.
E. Hours Of Operation. It is unlawful to operate a snowmobile or ATV within the city from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., except in an emergency.
F. Required Equipment.
1. For the purpose of this chapter, the following definition shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SAFETY OR DEADMAN THROTTLE: | A device which, when pressure is removed from the engine accelerator or throttle, causes the motor to be disengaged from the driving mechanism. |
2. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile or ATV unless it is equipped with the following:
a. At all times and weather conditions, 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 under normal atmospheric conditions) and at least one red tail lamp (having a minimum candle power of sufficient intensity to exhibit a red light plainly visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear during hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions).
b. Reflective materials at least 16 square inches on each side, forward of the handlebars, or steering device of a snowmobile or ATV, and at the highest practical point on any towed object, so as to reflect light at a 90 degree angle.
c. Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the snowmobile or ATV under any condition of operation.
d. Any sled, trailer, or other device being towed must be equipped with reflective materials as required by laws and regulations of the State of Minnesota.
e. 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, bypass, straight pipe, or similar device on a snowmobile or ATV motor.
f. A safety or so-called deadman throttle in operating condition.
G. Unattended Snowmobile Or ATV. Every person leaving a snowmobile or ATV unattended shall lock the ignition and remove the key from the ignition and take the keys with them.
H. Minimum Age Of Operator. The operator shall comply with state laws regarding age of operator requirements for snowmobiles and ATVs. (Ord. 184, 6-8-2021)