Please note that the below
information is pending the City draft of the new ordinance. While
the below information is believed to be accurate, the City Ordinance
should be reviewed when it is released.

Chapter 3-A RECREATIONAL VEHICLES ARTICLE A. SNOWMOBILES SECTION:
6-3A-1: Regulation of Snowmobiles, State Laws Adopted 6-3A-2: Snowmobile Operation Restricted 6-3A-3: Responsibility of Owner 6-3A-4: Exceptions to Provisions 6-3A-5: Violation
6-3A-1: REGULATION OF SNOWMOBILES, STATE LAW ADOPTED

1. The use and operation of certain vehicles, commonly called “snowmobiles”, within the City limits of the City is hereby regulated as set forth in this article.
2. The Minnesota Snowmobile Laws, Minnesota Statues, Sections 84.81 through 84.89, as amended, are hereby adopted and made part of this Article as if fully set forth herein.
3. Notwithstanding any provisions of this Article, the Savage Park Board shall have the authority to regulate events or programs conducted on public property in which snowmobiles are used. The City Council, after having considered recommendations of the Park Board, shall have the authority to designate city park areas as it shall deem available for such use.
4. For the purpose of this Article a “designated snowmobile trail” is one that is maintained by a snowmobile club recognized by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
5. For the purposes of this Article, “direct snowmobile trail access” is defined as the most direct route from a starting point to or from the closest designated snowmobile trail.
6. For the purpose of this Article, a “snowmobile” is defined as a self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice steered by skis or runners.

1. Unlawful Operations: It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile within the City limits of the City in violation of the following restrictions:

1. Between the hours of eleven o’clock (11:00) P.M. and seven o’clock (7:00) A.M. every day.
2. On any land not his own, except where otherwise allowed by law, without the written or oral permission of the owner, occupant or lessee of such lands.
3. No snowmobile may be operated within 300 feet of a residence at a speed greater than fifteen miles per hour (15 mph) unless the snowmobile is operated on a designated snowmobile trail.
4. Within public right-of-way at a speed in excess of 15 miles per hour.
5. At any place in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger or be likely to endanger, any person or property of another, or to cause injury or damage thereto.
6. On any sidewalks or bituminous trails in the City provided for pedestrian travel, except those sidewalks and bituminous trails that are located on a designated snowmobile trail.
7. On any school property within one hundred feet (100’) of any building, sliding, skating or other athletic areas during the period of one hour before through one hour after normal school hours.
8. Within one hundred feet (100’) of any fisherman, skating rink area or sliding area, or any other area where the operation would conflict with the use of, or endanger other persons or property.
9. In a cemetery.
10. No snowmobile may be operated on a designated snowmobile trail at a speed of greater than twenty-five miles per hour (25 mph) or the posted speed limit, whichever is less.
11. No snowmobile may be operated on a designated snowmobile trail when the trail has been marked as closed.
12. No snowmobile may be operated in the City except
    1. While loading or unloading a snowmobile from a trailer or other similar form of transport.
    2. While performing maintenance and repair of a snowmobile within three hundred feet (300 ft.) of the registered owner’s place of residence
    3. For direct snowmobile trail access to or from the closest designated snowmobile trail, or
    4. On a designated snowmobile trail

1. Keys in Ignition, Motor Running; Towing: It shall be unlawful for any person to leave or allow any snowmobile to be remain unattended while the motor is running, or with keys to start said snowmobile in the ignition switch; and no snowmobile shall tow any person, or thing on any public street or highway rights of way, except through the use of a rigid tow bar attached to the rear of the snowmobile.
2. Operation at Intersections: No snowmobile shall enter any uncontrolled intersection without making a complete stop and then the operator shall yield right of way to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection, or so close to the intersection as to constitute an immediate hazard. No snowmobile shall be operated at any uncontrolled intersection in violation of such controls as may there be established and without conforming to the laws and regulations in effect at such controlled intersections regulating vehicular and pedestrian movement therein.

1. The limitations of this Article shall not apply in the case of emergency when any street, road or highway, to reach a given location within the City, is impassable by other motor vehicles.
2. The prohibition set forth in Section 6-3A-2, Subsections 3, 6 and 12 shall not apply to snowmobile with a motor size of one hundred thirty (130) cubic centimeter cylinder displacement or less (“children’s snowmobiles”).

Copyright © by Savage Sno-Pacers All Right Reserved.

Published on: 2005-12-15 (770 reads)