8.03 - Recreational Motor Vehicles (Including Snowmobilies)
98.03
Section 8.03: Recreational Motor Vehicles
(Including Snowmobiles)
Subdivision 1. Definitions
For the purposes of this Section, the terms defined shall have the meanings given
them.
A. Motorized Bicycle: A bicycle with fully operable pedals which may be
propelled by human power or a motor, or by both, with a motor of a capacity
of less than fifty (50) cubic centimeters piston displacement, and a maximum
of two break horsepower, which is capable of a maximum speed of not more
than thirty (30) miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than one
percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged.
B. All-Terrain Vehicle or ATV: Trail bikes, amphibious vehicles and similar
devices, other than snowmobiles, used at least partially for travel on natural
terrain, but not "special mobile equipment" as defined in M.S.A. 168.011,
Subdivision 22, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
C. Snowmobile: A self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice or
natural terrain steered by wheels, skis or runners.
D. Recreational Motor Vehicle: Any self-propelled vehicle and any vehicle
propelled or drawn by a self-propelled vehicle used for recreational purposes,
including but not limited to a motorized bicycle, all-terrain vehicle,
snowmobile, hovercraft, or motor vehicle licensed for highway operation
which is being used for off-road recreational purposes.
E. Owners: A person, other than a lien holder, having a property interest in, or
title to, a recreational motor vehicle, who is entitled to the use or possession
thereof.
F. Operate: To ride in or on and have control of a recreational motor vehicle.
G. Operators: The person who operates or is in actual physical control of a
recreational motor vehicle.
Subdivision 2. Recreational Motor Vehicle Operating Restrictions
It is unlawful for any person to operate a recreational motor vehicle as follows:
A. On a public sidewalk or walkway provided or used for pedestrian travel.
B. On private property of another without lawful authority or permission of the
owner or occupant.
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C. On any lands owned or occupied by a public body or on frozen waters,
including, but not limited to, school grounds, park property, playgrounds,
recreational areas, private roads, platted but unimproved roads, utility
easements, public trails and golf courses.
D. While the operator is under the influence of liquor or narcotics, or habit-
forming drugs.
E. At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper under all of the
surrounding circumstances.
F. In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the person or
property of another or cause injury or damage thereto.
G. Towing any person or thing on a public street or highway except through the
use of a rigid tow bar attached to the rear of an automobile.
H. At a speed greater than ten (10) miles per hour when within one hundred
(100) feet of any lakeshore, except in channels, or of a fisherman, ice house,
skating rink, or sliding area, nor where the operation would conflict with the
lawful use of property or would endanger other persons or property.
1. In a manner so as to create a loud, unnecessary or unusual noise which
disturbs, annoys or interferes with the peace and quiet of other persons.
J. Chasing, running over, or killing any animal, wild or domestic.
K. During the hours between one-half (1/2) hour after sunset of one (1) day
and one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise of the day next following, except that
during such hours a motorized bicycle, if otherwise lawfully operated, may be
operated on a public street.
Subdivision 3. Owner Responsibility
A. It is unlawful for the owner of any recreational motor vehicle to permit its
operation on private property without permission of the owner or occupant,
on City property without the permission of the Council, or on other public
property without permission of the body in charge thereof. For purposes of
this Section, the owner shall be conclusively presumed to have given such
permission unless the recreational motor vehicle so operated shall have been
reported stolen to a law enforcement agency.
B. Every person leaving a recreational motor vehicle in a public place shall lock
the ignition, remove the key and take the same with him.
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Subdivision 4. Additional Snowmobile Operating Regulations
A. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile upon the roadway,
shoulder or inside bank or slope of any street or highway. Operation in the
ditch or on the outside bank within the right-of-way of any street or highway
except interstate highways or freeways is permitted in conformance with
State law and the City Code, unless the roadway directly abuts a public
sidewalk or walkway or property used for private purposes. Between the
hours of one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before
sunrise, any operation may only be on the right-hand side of such street or
highway and in the same direction as the highway traffic on the nearest lane
of the roadway adjacent thereto.
B. 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 ninety (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 of the highway.
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.
5. If the crossing is made between the hours of one-half (1/2) hour after
sunset to one-half (1/2) hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced
visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.
C. No snowmobile shall enter any uncontrolled intersection without making a
complete stop. The operator shall then yield the right-of-way to any vehicles
or pedestrians which constitute an immediate hazard.
D. Notwithstanding any prohibition in this Section, a snowmobile may be
operated on a public thoroughfare in an emergency during the period of time
when, and at locations where, snow upon the roadway renders travel by
automobile impractical.
E. No person under fourteen (14) years of age shall operate on streets or
highways or make a direct crossing of a street or highway as the operator of
a snowmobile. A person fourteen (14) years of age or older, but less than
eighteen (18) years of age, may operate a snowmobile on streets or
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highways as permitted under this Section and make a direct crossing thereof
only if such person has in immediate possession a valid snowmobile safety
certificate issued by the Commissioner of Conservation as provided by
Minnesota Statutes 1969, Section 84.86. It is unlawful for the owner of a
snowmobile to permit the snowmobile to be operated contrary to the
provisions of this subparagraph.
Subdivision 5. Snowmobile Equipment
It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile unless it is equipped with the
following:
A. Standard mufflers which are properly attached and in constant operation,
and which reduce the noise of operation of the motor to the minimum
necessary for operation. Mufflers shall comply with Regulation CONS. 55
which is hereby adopted by reference as it existed on September 1, 1970. No
person shall use a muffler cut-out, by-pass, straight pipe or similar device on
a snowmobile motor, and the exhaust system shall not emit or produce a
sharp popping or crackling sound.
B. Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the
snowmobile under any conditions of the operation.
C. A safety or so-called "deadpan" throttle in operating condition, so that when
pressure is removed from the accelerator or throttle, the motor is disengaged
from the driving track.
D. At least one clear lamp attached to the front, with sufficient intensity to
reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least one hundred (100) feet
ahead during the hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions.
Such head lamp shall be so aimed that glaring rays are not projected into the
eyes of an oncoming vehicle operator. It shall also be equipped with 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 five hundred (500) feet to
the rear during the hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions.
The equipment to be in operating condition when the vehicle is operated
between the hours of one-half (1/2) hour after sunset to one-half (1/2) hour
before sunrise or at times of reduced visibility.
E. Reflective material at least sixteen (16) inches on each side, forward of the
handlebars, so as to reflect or beam light at a ninety (90) degree angle.
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