(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DEADMAN THROTTLE or SAFETY THROTTLE. A device which, when pressure is removed from the engine accelerator or throttle, causes the motor to be disengaged from the driving mechanism.
NATURAL TERRAIN. Areas other than roadways or driveways (private or public), parking lots and other areas the surface of which has been intentionally modified for motor vehicle operation thereon.
OPERATE. To ride in or on and control the operation of a snowmobile.
OPERATOR. Every person who operates or is in actual physical control of a snowmobile.
OWNER. A person, other than a lien holder having the property in or title to a snowmobile entitled to the use or possession thereof.
SNOWMOBILE. A self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners.
(B) 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.
(C) Operation. Except as otherwise herein permitted, it is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile, not licensed as required by state statute, as follows:
(1) 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 such highways are so configured within the corporate limits;
(2) On a public sidewalk provided for pedestrian travel;
(3) On boulevards within any public right-of-way;
(4) On private property of another without specific permission of the owner or person in control of said property;
(5) At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all surrounding circumstances, but in no event to exceed 15 mph;
(6) 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;
(7) Closer than 100 feet to any dwelling which is usually occupied by one or more persons, except when operated on a continuous line of travel to or from the place where the snowmobile is normally kept or stored, to areas where snowmobiling is authorized;
(8) So as to tow any person or thing, except through use of a rigid towbar attached to the rear of the snowmobile;
(9) At any place while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as defined in M.S. § 84.91, as it may be amended from time to time, is hereby adopted and incorporated as part of this code of ordinances as fully as if set out at length herein; or
(10) Within 100 feet of any pedestrian, fisherman, skating rink, or sliding area where the operation would conflict with the use or endanger other persons or property.
(D) Special orders. In addition to the regulations provided in division (C) above, it is unlawful to operate a snowmobile on any public place where prohibited by order of the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police shall have the power, by written order, to prohibit such operation whenever in his or her discretion, the same would be likely to produce damage to property or endanger the safety or repose of other persons. Such areas shall be appropriately sign-posted before such order shall become effective.
(E) Direct crossings. A snowmobile may make a direct crossing of a street or highway, except an interstate highway or freeway, provided:
(1) 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;
(2) The snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way;
(3) The driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard;
(4) In crossing a divided street or highway, the crossing is made only at an intersection of such street or highway with another public street or highway; or
(5) 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.
(F) 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.
(G) Persons under 18.
(1) It is unlawful for any persons 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 immediate possession a safety certificate issued by the Commissioner, as provided by M.S. § 84.872, as it may be amended from time to time.
(2) It is unlawful for the owner of a snowmobile to permit the snowmobile to be operated contrary to the provisions of this division (G).
(H) Equipment. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile any place within the city unless it is equipped with the following:
(1) 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;
(2) Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the snowmobile under any condition of operation;
(3) A safety or so-called “deadman” throttle in operating condition;
(4) 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. Such 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; or
(5) Reflective material at least 16 square 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.
(I) 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 or her.
(J) 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.
(K) Animals. It is unlawful to intentionally drive, chase, run over, or kill any animal with a snowmobile or ATV.
(L) Signal from officer to stop. It is unlawful for a snowmobile operator or ATV operator, after having received a visual or audible signal from any law enforcement officer, to come to a stop, to:
(1) Operate a snowmobile in willful or wanton disregard of such signal;
(2) Interfere with or endanger the law enforcement officer or any other person or vehicle; or
(3) Increase his or her speed or attempt to flee or elude the officer.
(M) Headgear required. When operating a snowmobile, it is unlawful for any operator and any passenger to fail to wear protective headgear which complies with standards established by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
(N) Certain statutes adopted. M.S. §§ 84.81 through 84.91, as they may be amended from time to time, together with rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, are hereby adopted and incorporated as part of this code of ordinances as fully as if set out at length herein, except as otherwise provided herein.
(2006 Code, § 8.30) (Ord. 159, 3rd Series, passed 2-8-2005; Ord. 203, 3rd Series, passed 2-9-2016) Penalty, see § 70.99