CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-04
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CITY CODE, CHAPTER SEVEN REGARDING SNOWMOBILES AND ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS ORDAINS:
Section 1. City Code, Section 701.12 entitled “Snowmobiles and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s)” is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced as follows:
701.12 SNOWMOBILES AND ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLES (ATVs)
Subdivision 1. Snowmobile Traffic Control and Regulations.
(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this subdivision, 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 section 701.12 to the contrary, this subdivision shall apply to control of traffic and regulation of snowmobiles.
(C) Operation. Except as permitted in this subdivision, it is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile 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 miles per hour;
(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 Minnesota Statutes, Section 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 subdivision, only if he or she has in his or her immediate possession a safety certificate issued by the Commissioner, as provided by Minnesota Statutes, Section 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.
Subdivision 2. Special Vehicles: Motorized Golf Carts, Utility Task Vehicles, Class 1 All-Terrain Vehicles, and Mini-Trucks.
(A) Purpose and intent. The purpose of this subdivision is to provide reasonable regulations for the use of special and recreational motor vehicles on public and, in conformance with private property, in the city. This subdivision is not intended to allow what the Minnesota Statutes prohibit or to prohibit what the Minnesota Statutes expressly allow. It is intended to ensure public safety and prevent a public nuisance.
(B) For the purpose of this subdivision, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE OR ATV. As defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 84.92, subdivision 8, a motorized vehicle with: (1) not less than three, but not more than six low pressure or non-pneumatic tires; (2) a total dry weight of 2,000 pounds or less; and (3) a total width from outside of tire rim to outside of tire rim that is 65 inches or less. All-terrain vehicle does not include an electric-assisted bicycle as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 169.011, subdivision 27, golf cart, mini-truck, dune buggy, or go-cart or a vehicle designed and used specifically for lawn maintenance, agriculture, logging, or mining purposes. All-terrain vehicle does include a class 1 all-terrain vehicle and class 2 all-terrain vehicle as defined by Minnesota Statutes, Section 84.92, subdivisions 9 and 10.
DRIVER. The person driving and having physical control over the motorized golf cart, utility task vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or mini-truck and being the licensee.
MOTORIZED GOLF CART. Any passenger conveyance being driven with four wheels with four low-pressure tires that is limited in engine displacement of less than 800 cubic centimeters and total dry weight less than 800 pounds.
UTILITY TASK VEHICLE. As defined by Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.045, subdivision 1 (3), a side-by-side, four-wheel drive, off-road vehicle that has four wheels, is propelled by an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 1,200 cubic centimeters or less, and has a total dry weight of 1,800 but less than 2,600 pounds.
MINI-TRUCK. As defined in Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.011, subdivision 40(a), a motor vehicle that has four wheels; is propelled by an electric motor with a rated power of 7,500 watts or less or an internal combustion engine with a piston displacement capacity of 660 cubic centimeters or less; has a total dry weight of 900 to 2,200 pounds; contains an enclosed cabin and a seat for the vehicle operator; commonly resembles a pickup truck or van, including a cargo area or bed located at the rear of the vehicle; and was not originally manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle safety standards required of motor vehicles in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, sections 571.101 to 571.404, and successor requirements. A mini-truck does not include: a neighborhood electric vehicle or a medium-speed electric vehicle; or a motor vehicle that meets or exceeds the regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations, title 49, section 571.500, as it may be amended from time to time.
SPECIAL VEHICLES. Motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and mini-trucks.
(C) No person shall operate any special vehicles on streets, alleys, sidewalks or other public property without obtaining a permit as provided herein.
(1) Every application for a permit shall be made on a form supplied by the city and shall contain all of the following information:
(a) The name and address of the applicant.
(b) The nature of the applicant’s physical handicap, if any.
(c) Model name, make, and year and vehicle serial number of the motorized golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, or mini-truck.
(d) Current driver’s license.
(e) Current insurance information.
(f) Other information as the city may require.
(2) The permit fee shall be as set forth in the annual fee schedule.
(3) Permits shall be granted for a period of three (3) years and will expire December 31st of the third year.
(4) No permit shall be granted or renewed unless the following conditions are met:
(a) The applicant must demonstrate that they currently hold a valid driver’s license.
(b) The applicant must provide evidence of insurance in compliance with the provisions of Minnesota Statutes concerning insurance coverage for the golf cart, utility task vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or mini-truck.
(c) The applicant has not had their driver’s license revoked as the result of criminal proceedings.
(5) Motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and mini-trucks are permitted to operate only on city streets, not state or federal highways, except to cross at intersections.
(6) Motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles, and all-terrain vehicles and mini-trucks operated between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or at a time of reduced visibility, must have at least two clear lamps attached to the front, with sufficient intensity to reveal persons and vehicles at a distance of at least 200 feet ahead during the hours of darkness and under normal atmospheric conditions. Such head lamps shall be so aimed that glaring rays are not projected into the eyes of an oncoming vehicle. It shall also be equipped with at least two red tail lamps 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.
(7) Motorized golf carts shall display the slow-moving vehicle emblem provided for in Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.045, as it may be amended from time to time, when operated on designated roadways.
(8) Motorized golf carts, utility task vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and mini-trucks shall be equipped with a rear-view mirror to provide the driver with adequate vision from behind as required by Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.70.
(9) The operator of a motorized golf cart, a utility task vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or a mini-truck may cross any street or highway intersecting a designated roadway.
(10) Every person operating a motorized golf cart, a utility task vehicle, an all-terrain vehicle, or a mini-truck under permit on designated roadways has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169, as it may be amended from time to time, except when these provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts or mini-trucks and except as otherwise specifically provided in Minnesota Statutes, Section 169.045, subdivision 7, as it may be amended from time to time.
(11) City Administration may suspend or revoke a permit granted hereunder upon a finding that the holder thereof has violated any of the provisions of this subdivision or Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169, as it may be amended from time to time, or if there is evidence that the permit holder cannot safely operate the motorized golf cart, utility task vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or mini-truck on the designated roadways.
(12) The number of occupants on the golf cart, utility task vehicle, all-terrain vehicle, or mini-truck may not exceed the design occupant load.
(13) No special vehicle may be operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles per hour.
(14) All permits shall be issued for a specific special use vehicle. The current special use vehicle registration numbers and decal must be displayed on a plate not less than four inches high and 7-1/2 inches wide, which is clearly visible on the back of the vehicle, at least 12 inches from the ground. The current city-issued permit tag/sticker must be displayed in the upper-left section of the plate. The plate, registration numbers, and registration tag/sticker must be maintained in a clear and legible condition. The permit sticker must remain affixed at all times while the vehicle is operated on public streets.
(C) Authorized city staff may operate city owned motorized golf carts and mini-trucks without obtaining a permit within the city on city streets, sidewalks, trails, rights-of-way, and public property when conducting city business.
(D) Mini-truck equipment requirements. A mini-truck may be operated under permit on designated roadways if it is equipped with all of the following:
(a) At least two headlamps.
(b) At least two tail lamps.
(c) Front and rear turn-signal lamps.
(d) An exterior mirror mounted on the driver’s side of the vehicle and either an exterior mirror mounted on the passenger’s side of the vehicle or an interior mirror.
(e) A windshield.
(f) A seat belt for the driver and front passenger.
(g) A parking brake.
Subdivision 3. Operation of Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices.
(A) ELECTRIC PERSONAL ASSISTIVE MOBILITY DEVICE means a self-balancing device with two non-tandem wheels, designed to transport not more than one person, and operated by an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to 15 miles per hour.
(B) Except as otherwise provided by law, a person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device has the rights and responsibilities of a pedestrian.
(C) Operation.
(1) An electric personal assistive mobility device may be operated on a bicycle path.
(2) No person may operate an electric personal assistive mobility device on a roadway, sidewalk, or bicycle path at a rate of speed that is not reasonable and prudent under the conditions. Every person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a roadway, sidewalk, or bicycle path is responsible for becoming and remaining aware of the actual and potential hazards then existing on the roadway or sidewalk and must use due care in operating the device.
(3) An electric personal assistive mobility device may be operated on a roadway only under the following circumstances:
(a) While making a direct crossing of a roadway in a marked or unmarked crosswalk.
(b) Where no sidewalk is available.
(c) Where a sidewalk is so obstructed as to prevent safe use.
(d) When so directed by a traffic control device or by a peace officer.
(e) Temporarily in order to gain access to a motor vehicle.
(4) An electric personal assistive mobility device may not be operated at any time on a roadway with a speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour except to make a direct crossing of the roadway in a marked crosswalk.
(5) An electric personal assistive mobility device may not be operated at any time while carrying more than one person.
(6) Designated exclusive city streets. The City Council may, by resolution, designate exclusive city streets within its jurisdiction where the operation of electric personal assistive mobility devices is not permitted, provided that any street so designated has a speed limit of more than 30 miles per hour.
(7) A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a sidewalk must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians at all times. A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device on a bicycle path must yield the right-of-way to bicycles at all times.
(8) An electric personal assistive mobility device may not be operated unless the device bears reflectorized material on the front, back, and wheels, visible at night from 600 feet when illuminated by the lower beams of headlamps of a motor vehicle.
Subdivision 4. Motorized Foot Scooters.
(A) MOTORIZED FOOT SCOOTER means a device with handlebars designed to be stood or sat upon by the operator, and powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device with or without human propulsion, and that has no more than two 12-inch or smaller diameter wheels and has an engine or motor that is capable of a maximum speed of 15 miles per hour on a flat surface with not more than 1 percent grade in any direction when the motor is engaged. An electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorized bicycle, an electric-assisted bicycle, or a motorcycle is not a motorized foot scooter.
(B) Every person operating a motorized foot scooter shall have all rights and duties applicable to the operator of a bicycle, except in respect to those provisions relating expressly to motorized foot scooters and in respect to those provisions of law that by their nature cannot reasonably be applied to motorized foot scooters.
(C) No person may operate a motorized foot scooter that is carrying any person other than the operator.
(D) No person under the age of 12 years may operate a motorized foot scooter.
(E) No person under the age of 18 years may operate a motorized foot scooter without wearing properly fitted and fastened protective headgear that complies with standards established by the commissioner of Public Safety.
(F) A motorized foot scooter must be equipped with a headlight and a taillight that comply with standards established by the commissioner of Public Safety if the vehicle is operated under conditions when vehicle lights are required by law.
(G) A person operating a motorized foot scooter on a roadway shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, except in the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
(2) When preparing for a left turn, in which case the operator shall stop and dismount at the right-hand curb or right edge of the roadway, and shall complete the turn by crossing the roadway on foot, subject to restrictions placed by law on pedestrians.
(3) When reasonably necessary to avoid impediments or conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow lanes.
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect following its adoption and publication in accordance with law.
Adopted by the City Council of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota on this 30th day of June, 2026.
CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS
ATTEST: Danielle Harthun, City Clerk
BY: Brent E. Frazier, Mayor
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