Ord 219 Regulating Motor Vehicles and TrafficCITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 219
(Codified as Ordinance No.1101)
AN ORDINANCE REGULATING MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
SECTION 1 DEFINTIONS
Subdivision 1. Terms. For the purposes of this ordinance, the terms
defined shall have the meanings ascribed to them.
(1) Authorized emergency vehicle. "Authorized emergency ified vehicaccordile" means
any of the following vehi
cles when equipped and ident
law: (a) A vehicle of a fire department; (b) a publie officer for police
cly owned police
vehicle or a privately owned vehicle used by a polic
work under agreement, express or implied, with the local authority to
which he is responsible; (c) a vehicle of a licensed land emergency
ambulance service, whether publicly or privately owned; (d) an emergency
vehicle of a municipal department or a public service corporation,
approved by the commissioner of public safety or the chief of police of a
volunteer rescue squad operating pursuant to Laws
municipality; (e) any vo ehicle designated as an authorized emergency
1959, Chapter 53; (f) a v ssioner of ubreservationtoftlife vehicle upon a finding by the commi e or
designation of that vehicle is necessary to t
property or to the execution of emergency governmental functions.
(2) Bicycle. "Bicycle" means every device propelled solely by human power
upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels except scooters
and similar devices . and including any device generally recognized as a
bicycle though equipped with two front or rear wheels.
(3) Bus. "Bus" means every motor vehicle designed for carrying more than
and used for the transportation of persons, and every motor
ten passengers
vehicle other than a taxicab designed and use d for the transportation of
persons for compensation.
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(4) Business District. "Business ditrct" means thsareaof the City
designated on the City's offcial oning map as "B" Districts.
(5) Crosswalk. "Crosswalk" means any portion of a roadway distinctly
b
indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the
surface.
(6) Controlled access highway. "Controlled access highway" means every
highway, street, or roadway in respect to which the right of been acceacquired ss of the
owners or occupants of abutting lands and other persons has
and to which the owners or occupants of thetsamelexdCeptnat s have no legal right of access to or from such points
only and in such manner as may be determined by the City.
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(7) Custom service vehicles. "Custom service vehicles" means all vehicles
used as well-drilling machine, wood-sawing machine, cement mixer, rock
crusher, road grader, ditch digger, or elevating grader, refuse hauling
truck, paving roller, portable generators, welders and air compressors
mounted on trailers and capable of being towed, motor graders,
caterpillars, and similar service equipment.
(8) Driver. "Driver means every person who drives or is in actual
physical control of a vehicle.
(9) Farm tractor. "Farm tractorif means every motor vehicle designed and
used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows, mowing-machines, and
other implements of husbandry.
(10) Gross weight. "Gross weight" means the unloaded weight of a vehicle
or the unloaded weight of a truck-tractor and semi-trailer combination,
plus the weight of the load.
(11) Industrial District. "Industrial district" means those areas of the
City designated on the City's official zoning map as "I" district.
(12) Laned highway. "Laned highway" means a highway the roadway of which
is divided into two or more clearly marked lanes for vehicular traffic.
(13) Motor vehicle. "Motor vehicle" means every vehicle which is self-
propelled and every vehicle which is propelled by electric power obtained
from overhead trolley wires. Motor vehicle does not include a vehicle
moved.solely by human power.
(14) Motor Vehicle Parts. "Motor
accessory, attachment, or piece of
connection with a motor vehicle.
vehicle parts" means any part,
equipment commonly used on or in
(15) Motorcycle. "Motorcycle" means every motor vehicle having a seat or
saddle for the use of the.rider and designed to travel on not more than
three wheels in contact with the ground, including motor scooters and
bicycles with motor attached, other than those vehicles defined as
motorized bicycles in subdivision 15, but excluding a tractor.
(16) Motorized bicycle. "Motorized bicycle" means a bicycle with fully
operatable Pedals which may be propelled by human power or a motor, or by
both, with a motor of a capacity.of less than 50 cubic centimeters piston
displacement, a maximum of two brake horsepower, which is capable of a
maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on a flat surface with
not more than one percent grade in any direction when the motor is
engaged.
(17) Official traffic control devices. "Official traffic control devices"
means all signs, signals, markings, and devices not inconsistent with this
section placed or erected by authority of a public body or official having
jurisdiction, for the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
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(18) One-way roadway. "One-way roadway" means a street or roadway
designated and sign-posted for one-way traffic and on which all vehicles
are required to move in one indicated direction.
.(19) Owner. "Owner" means a person who holds the legal title of a
vehicle, or in the event a vehicle is the subject of an agreement for the
conditional sale or lease thereof with the right of purchase upon
performance of the conditions stated in the agreement and with an
immediate right of possession vested in the conditional vendee or lessee,
or in the event a mortgagor of a vehicle is entitled to possession, then
such conditional vendee or lessee or mortgagor shall be deemed the owner
for the purpose of this Ordinance.
(20) Pedestrian. "Pedestrian" means any person afoot.
(21) Police officer. "Police officer" means every officer authorized to
direct or regulate traffic or to make arrests for violations of traffic
regulations.
(22) Private road or driveway. "Private road or driveway" means every way
or place in private ownership and used for vehicular travel by the owner
and those having express or implied permission from the owner, but not by
other persons.
(23) Residential District. "Residential district" means those areas of
the City designated on the City's official zoning map as "R" districts.
(24) Right of way. "Right of way" means the privilege of the immediate
use of street or highway.
(25) Road tractor. "Road tractor" means every motor vehicle designed and
used for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to carry any
load thereon either independently or any part of the weight of a vehicle
or load so drawn.
(26) Roadway. "Roadway" means that portion of a highway improved,
designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the
sidewalk or shoulder even though such sidewalk or shoulder is used by
persons riding bicycles or other human powered vehicles. In the event a
highway includes two or more separate roadways the term "roadway" as used
herein shall refer to any such roadway separately but not to all such
roadways collectively.
(27) Safety zone. "Safety zone" means the area or space officially set
apart within a roadway for the exclusive use of pedestrians and which is
protected or is so marked or indicated by adequate signs as to be plainly
visible at all times set apart as a safety zone.
(28) School bus. "School bus" means every motor vehicle owned by a
public or governmental agency and operated for the transportation of
children to or from school or privately owned and operated for
compensation for the transportation of children to or from school.
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(29) Semi-trailer. "Semi-trailer" means every vehicle without motive
power designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a
motor vehicle and so constructed that . some part of its weight and that of
its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.
(30) Service vehicle. "Service vehicle" means a motor vehi-cle owned and
operated by a person, firm or corporation engaged in a business which
includes the repairing or servicing of vehicles. The term also includes
snow removal and road maintenance equipment not operated by or under
contract to the state or governmental subdivision.
(31) Sidewalk. "Sidewalk" means that portion of a street between the curb
lines, or the lateral lines of a roadway, and the adjacent property lines
intended for the use of pedestrians.
(32) Stand or standing. "Stand or standing" means the halting of a
vehicle, whether occupied or not, otherwise than temporarily for the
purpose of and while actually engaged in receiving or discharging
passengers.
(33) Stop. "Stop" means complete cessation from movement.
(34) Stopping. "Stopping" means any halting even momentarily of a
vehicle, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict
with other traffic or in complaince with the directions of a police
officer or traffic control sign or signal.
(35) Street or highway. "Street or highway" means the entire width
between boundary lines of any way or place when any part thereof is open
to the use of the public, as a matter of right, for the purposes of
vehicular traffic.
(36) Through street. "Through street" means every street or portion
thereof at the entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting
streets is required by law to stop before entering or crossing the same
and when stop signs are erected as provided in this ordinance.
(37) Traffic. "Traffic" means pedestrians, ridden or herded animals,
vehicles or other conveyances, either singly or together, while using any
street or highway.for purposes of travel.
(38) Traffic control signal. "Traffic control signal" means any device,
whether manually, electrically or mechanically operated, by which traffic
is alternately directed to stop and permitted to proceed.
(39) Trailer. "Trailer" means every vehicle without motive power
designed for carrying persons or property and for being drawn by a motor
vehicle and so constructed that no part of its weight rests upon the
towing vehicle.
(40) Truck. "Truck" means every motor vehicle designed, used or
maintained primarily for the transportation of property.
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(41) Truck-tractor. "Truck-tractor" means every motor vehicle designed
and used primarily for drawing other vehicles and not so constructed as to
carry a load other than a part of the weight of the vehicle and load so
drawn.
(42) Vehicle. "Vehicle" means every device in, upon or by which any
person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway
(excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks).
(43) Wrecker. "Wrecker means a motor vehicle having a gross vehicle
weight of 8,000 pounds or more, equipped with a crane and winch and
further equipped to control the movement of the towed vehicle.
SECTION 2 STATE HIGHWAY TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT
The regulatory provisions of Minnesota Statutes 1973, Chapter 169, known
as the Highway Traffic Regulation Act, as amended by Laws of 1982, is
hereby adopted as a traffic ordinance regulating the use of highways,
streets and alleys within the-City of Mendota Heights and are hereby
incorporated in and made a part of this ordinance as completely as if set
forth herein.
SECTION 3 SCOPE OF ORDINANCE
3.1 Unless otherwise declared by Chapter 169 with respect to particular
offenses, it is a petty misdemeanor for any person to perform any
act forbidden or fail to perform any act required by this
Ordinance, except a violation which is committed in a manner or
under circumstances so as to endanger or be likely to endanger any
person or property.
3.2 No person shall willfully fail or refuse to comply with any lawful
order or direction of any peace officer invested by law with the
authority to direct, control or regulate traffic.
SECTION 4 STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
4.1 General Provisions
4.1(1)Any vehicle parked at any time on any public street in any part of
the City of Mendota Heights shall be parked with the right-hand side
parallel to the edge of the paved or improved road and not more than
one foot from the edge of the paved or improved road, leaving at
least four feet between parked vehicles except where marks or signs
in the street indicate that cars shall be parked at an angle.
4.1(2) It is unlawful for any person to remove, erase or otherwise
obliterate any mark or sign placed upon a tire or other part of a
vehicle by a police officer for the purpose of measuring the length
of time such vehicle has been parked.
4.2 Unattended Vehicles
4.2(1) No person shall leave a motor vehicle unattended on any road,
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street or highway in the city with the engine running.
4.2(2) No person shall leave a motor vehicle parked unattended in the City
on a street, road or highway, in any parking area, or in any public
or private driveway, with the key in the ignition or the ignition
unlocked.
4.2(3) Whenever any police officer shall find any such motor vehicle
standing in violation of the foregoing provision, such police
officer is authorized and directed to remove the keys from such
vehicle and retain the same until called for by the owner of said
motor vehicle.
4.3 Passage,Interference
No automobile or other vehicle shall occupy any road or street in
the city so as to interfere with or interrupt the passage of other
cars or vehicles.
4.4 Places Prohibited Generally
No person shall stop, stand or park a motor vehicle, except when necessary
to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions
of a police officer or traffic-control device, in any of the following
places:
4.4(1) On or blocking a sidewalk, bikeway or pedestrian-way or blocking a
driveway, bikeway or pedestrian-way entrance.
4.4(2) In front of a public or private driveway;
4.4(3) Within an intersection;
4.4(4) Within ten (10) feet of a fire hydrant, fire department sprinkler
connection or fire department standpipe connection;
4.4(5) On a crosswalk;
4.4(6) Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk at an
intersection;
4.4(7) Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon,
stop sign, or traffic-control signal located at the side of a
street, roadway or highway; between a safety zone and the adjacent
curb or within thirty (30) feet of points on the curb immediately
opposite the ends of a safety zone unless a different length is
indicated by signs or markings;
4.4(8) Within fifty (50) feet of the nearest rail of a
railroad crossing;
4.4(9) Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire
station and on the side street opposite the entrance to any fire
station within seventy-five (75) feet of said entrance when
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properly sign-posted;
4.4(10)Alongside or opposite any street, roadway or highway excavation or
obstruction when such stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct
traffic;
4.4(11)On the street, roadway or highway side of any vehicle
stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;
4.4(12)Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a street, roadway
or highway or within a highway tunnel, except as otherwise provided
by ordinance;
4.4(13)At any place where official signs prohibit parking.
4.5 Handicapped Parking.
4.5(1) No person shall park a motor vehicle in a parking space designated
and reserved for the physically handicapped, on either private or
public property, unless:
4.5(1) a. That person is physically handicapped in a manner rendering it
difficult and burdensome for such person to walk or such person
is operating the vehicle under the direction of such a
physically handicapped person; and
4.5(1) b. The vehicle visibly bears or contains the certificate or
insignia issued to physically handicapped persons by the
Minnesota Department of Public Safety pursuant to Minnesota
Statute Chapter 169.345, Subd. 2.
4.5(2) Notice of such designation of handicapped parking spaces shall be
given by the posting of appropriate signs.
4.5(3) In any prosecution charging a violation of the above provisions,
proof of the identity of the registered owner of the particular
vehicle described in the citation or complaint at the time of the
violation shall create a prima facie presumption that the
individual was the person who parked such vehicle at the point
where the violation occurred.
4.5(4) A violation of this section shall constitute a petty misdemeanor.
Vehicles in violation may be removed, impounded and kept in custody
under the direction of the Chief of Police.
4.6 Consent for Private Parking
No person shall park or leave a motor vehicle standing upon the
private property of another person without first receiving consent
of the owner of such property.
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4.7 Special Parking.Areas
Special parking areas may be designated by the City Council from
time to time by resolution for truck parking or for taxicab parking
and when so designated, no other vehicles may stand, stop, or park
in such areas.
4.8 Parking in Privately and Publicly Owned Parking Lots
And Parking Areas
4.8(1) Maximum Speed and Manner of Operating Motor Vehicles
Generally
4.8(1) a. No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any parking lot or
parking area in the City, whether privately or publicly owned,
at a speed greater than is safe and reasonable under the
conditions of traffic then existing therein, and in no event
shall any such vehicle be operated in excess of a speed of 15
miles per hour.
4.8(1) b. All operation and driving of motor vehicles on such parking lots
or parking areas shall be done in a careful manner so that no
sudden starting or erratic movement of such vehicle is
deliberatly engaged in by the driver.
4.8(1) c. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle
upon such parking lot or parking areas in any manner that would
constitute careless driving if done on a public street.
4.8(1) d. No person shall engage in any drag racing or exhibition driving
on any such parking lot or parking area.
4.8(2) Parking Uniformity
Parking of vehicles on such parking lots or parking areas shall
conform to the markings of stalls or positions for parking which
are designated on the surface of the parking area and no vehicles
shall be parked or allowed to stand in any area of such parking lot
or parking area which has been designated or is used as a fire lane
or a lane for moving traffic so that such parking will interfere
with fire prevention or firefighting or with the movement of
traffic therein.
4.8(3) Traffic Control Signs
4.8(3) a. The Police Department of the City may post signs at any entrance
to a parking lot from a public street which shall designate one-
way traffic for entrance and exit and the driver of any vehicle
entering or leaving such lot shall comply with any signs so
posted.
4.8(3) b. Where a privately or publicly owned parking lot or area in the
City has traffic-control signs within said lot or area
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indicating traffic direction, speed, yield or stop, the driver
of any vehicle upon such lot or parking area shall comply with
any such signs. .
4.8(4) Notice of Collision
In the event that any person who drives a motor vehicle upon such
parking lot or parking area becomes involved in a collision between
the vehicle he is driving and any other vehicle or vehicles parking
upon said lot or area, such driver shall leave a notice upon each
unattended vehicle with which he has collided, giving his name,
address and license number. Failure on the part of any person to
comply with this paragraph shall constitute a violation of this
ordinance.
4.9 REMOVAL OF VEHICLE BY-POLICE
4.9(1) When any police officer of the City finds a vehicle standing upon a
street, roadway or highway in violation of any of the provisions of
this ordinance, such officer is hereby authorized to move such
vehicle or require the driver or other person in charge of the
vehicle to move said vehicle to a position not in violation of any
section of this ordinance.
4.9(2) Any vehicle, wherever found, whether on public or private property,
in violation of this ordinance or other ordinances of the City or
the laws of the state is hereby declared to be a nuisance. Any
police officer of the City may require the driver or other person
in charge of the vehicle to move said vehicle to a position not in
violation of any section of this ordinance or said vehicle may be
removed, under the direction or at the request of a police officer,
to any public or private garage or parking area until claimed by
the owner thereof as hereafter provided.
4.9(3) Any vehicle found upon the streets of the City in such a damaged
condition or state of disrepair that it cannot be driven and which,
in the opinion of a police officer, constitutes an obstruction of
the.street, may be removed and impounded by the police department
to a place of storage; provided, that if the owner or operator has
requested, such vehicle may be towed to the owner's own garage
or any other garage.
4.10 RECOVERY OF STORED VEHICLE
4.10(1) As soon as practicable after the removal of said vehicle parked in
violation of the provisions of this ordinance., the City Police
Department shall notify, in writing, the person known to be the
owner of such vehicle by the registration thereof, of the following
facts:
4.10(1) a. A general description of the vehicle together
with the license number;
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4.10(1) b. The approximate time and the reason for removal
and the place to which removed.
4.10(2)Before any vehicle so removed and stored shall be reclaimed, the
owner or other claimant shall satisfactorily identify himself and
establish his right, title or interest to said vehicle and the
right to possession thereof and shall further pay all costs or
charges in connection with the removal and storage of such vehicle
and notice thereof.
The payment of such charges shall not relieve the owner or other
person responsible for such violation from the payment of any fine
or penalty for violations of the provisions of this or any other
applicable ordinance of the City or laws of the state. It shall be
unlawful for any person to reclaim the vehicle so removed and
stored without first paying all of the said costs, charges or
penalties.
4.11 Vehicles on Parkways, in Parks or Upon Public Grounds
4.11(1) The operator, driver, owner or person in charge of any vehicle
used or driven over or upon the streets and roads of the City
must observe all of the following regulations upon all parkways
and within the limits of all parks and upon any publicly owned
grounds in the city.
4.11(1) a. No vehicle shall be left standing or parked except in
designated parking spaces, and vehicles must be parked so
that an unobstructed view into the interior of the vehicle
may be had at all times, and no curtains, papers or coverings
of any kind shall cover or conceal the front, rear, or side
windows of any parked vehicle.
4.11(1) b. No vehicle shall be left standing or parked upon any foot
path or in any area in which parking is restricted.
4.11(1) c. No person shall be in any park, and no person shall remain in
or leave any vehicle in any park,.or upon any parkway or
public grounds between the hours of eleven o'clock p.m. and
six o'clock a.m. of the following morning. Nothing in this
section shall apply to persons traveling upon established
driveways of parks, or upon parkways.
4.12 Junk Cars
4.12(1) Definition.
"Junk car" means any motor vehicle which: a) for a period of
thirty (30) days or more is not in operable condition, or (b) for
a period of thirty (30) days or more is partially dismantled, or
(c) is used for sale of parts or as a source of repair or
replacement parts for other vehicles, or (d) is kept for
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scrapping, dismantling, or salvage of any kind, or (e) for a
period of thirty (30) days or more is not properly licensed for
operation within the State of Minnesota.
4.12(2) Parking and Storage
No person shall park, keep, place, or store or permit the parking
or storage of a junk car on a public street or alley, or on any
private lands or premises which he owns, occupies, or controls
unless it shall be within a building on such private premises.
4.12(3) Repair, Service or Maintaining
No person shall service, repair, replace parts or do maintenance
work on a junk car on a public street nor on any private lands or
premises unless it shall be within a building on such private
premises.
4.12(4) Provisions of Other Ordinances
Nothing herein contained shall in any way be deemed to permit the
keeping, storing, or parking of junk cars or the servicing,
repairing, replacing of parts on, or maintenance of junk cars in
violation of the provisions of the City Zoning Ordinance, as
amended, or of any other ordinance of the City of Mendota Heights.
4.13 Truck and Custom.Service Vehicle Parking
4.13(1) It is unlawful to park a semi-trailer upon any street, City-owned
parking lot, or other public property.
4.13(2) It is unlawful to park a semi-trailer, truck-tractor, or a
combination thereof, or any custom service vehicle as defined by
this ordinance, or any truck -J"in excess of 9,000 pounds gross
vehicle weight within an area zoned as a residential district
except for the purpose of loading or unloading the same if such
vehicle is in the process of making a delivery.
4.14 Parking During.Snowfall
4.14(1) No person shall allow any vehicle to park or stand upon any street
or road in the City for more than thirty (30) minutes during the
time intervening between a snowfall of two inches or more and the
plowing or removal thereof.
4.14(2) Any vehicle stopped, parked, abandoned or otherwise unattended in
violation of this section is hereby declared to be an obstruction
of City streets and shall be declared to be a nuisance.
4.14(3) In the event any vehicle is stopped, parked, abandoned or
otherwise left unattended in violation of the provisions of this
section, any police officer of the City or the City Public Works
Superintendent is hereby authorized to remove or cause to be
removed any such vehicle and to have such vehicle towed or
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otherwise removed to any public or private garage or parking area
and stored in such garage or parking area until claimed by the
owner as provided in Section 4.10 of this Ordinance.
4.15 Vehicle Repair on Street
It is unlawful for any person to service, repair, assemble or
dismantle any vehicle parked upon a street, or attempt to do so,
except to service such vehicle with gasoline or oil or to provide
emergency repairs thereon, but in no event for more than six (6)
hours.
SECTION 5 SNOWMOBILES
5.1 Definitions
5.1(1)Snowmobile. Snowmobile means a self-propelled vehicle designed for
travel on snow or ice or on a natural terrain steered by wheels,
skis, or runners.
5.1(2)Owner. Owner means a person, other than a lien holder, having the
property in or title to a snowmobile or entitled to the use or
possession thereof.
5.1(3)Operator. Operator means every person who operates or
is in actual physical control of a snowmobile.
5.1(4)Operate. Operate means to ride in or on and control
the operation of a'snowmobile.
5.1(5)Register. Register means the act of assigning a
registration number to a snowmobile.
5.1(6)Roadway. Roadway means that portion of a street, highway or road
which is improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular
travel.
5.2 State Regulations Adopted
Minnesota Statutes 1969, sections 84.81 through 84.88, as amended by
Laws of 1980 are hereby adopted as snowmobile regulations of the
city and made a part of this section by reference as if fully set
forth herein.
5.3 Snowmobile Registration
Except as herein provided, no person shall operate any snowmobile
within the City of Mendota Heights, except on the private property
of the owner of the snowmobile, unless such snowmobile has been
registered in accordance with the Laws of the State of Minnesota.
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5.4 Exceptions
No registration hereunder shall be required for the following
described snowmobiles:
5.4(1)Snowmobiles owned and used by the United States,
any state, county or municipality.
5.4(2) Snowmobiles registered in a country other than the
United States temporarily used within this state.
5.4(3) Snowmobiles covered by a valid license of another state and which
have been within this state for not more than thirty (30)
consecutive days.
5.5 Operation
Except as herein provided, no person shall operate a snowmobile
within the City of Mendota Heights except upon private property with
the written permission of the owner of such private property.
5.6 Operation, Exceptions
5.6(1)A snowmobile may be operated upon a public street or highway in an
emergency during the period of time when, and at locations where,
snow upon the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.
5.6(2)A snowmobile may be operated at anytime, anywhere, within the City
of Mendota Heights under emergency circumstances by any police
officer or duly authorized official, agent, or employee of the City.
5.7 Operation Generally
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or
operate any snowmobile in the following unsafe or harassing ways:
5.7(1) At a rate of speed greater than reasonable or proper
under all the surrounding circumstances;
5.7(2) In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the
operator or the person or property of another or to cause injury or
damage thereto.
5.7(3) While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or
narcotics or habit forming drugs.
5.7(4) Without a lighted head and tail light after sunset and
before sunrise or when otherwise required for safety.
5.7(5) To leave or allow a snowmobile to be or remain
unattended on public property.
OR]!
5.7(6) To operate a snowmobile 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.
5.7(7) To operate a snowmobile within
skating rink or sliding area,
operation would conflict with
property.
5.8 Required Equipment
one hundred (100) feet of any
or in any other area where the
use or endanger other persons or
All snowmobiles shall have the following equipment:
5.8(1) Standard mufflers which are properly attached and which reduce the
noise of operation of the machine to the minimum noise necessary
for operating the machine and no person shall use a muffler cut-
out, by-pass, or similar device on said machine.
5.8(2) A head light and tail light if the snowmobile is
operated after dark.
5.8(3) Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to
stop and hold a snowmobile.
5.8(4) A safety or deadman throttle which automatically cuts the fuel
supply to the engine whenever the operator releases pressure on
the throttle.
5.9 Liability
A person registered as owner of a snowmobile may be fined not to
exceed three hundred dollars if a snowmobile bearing his
registration number is operated contrary to the provisions of this
section. The registered owner may not be so fined if (a) the
snowmobile was reported as stolen to a law enforcement agency at the
time of the alleged unlawful act, or if (b) the registered owner
demonstrates that the snowmobile either was stolen or was not in use
at the time of the alleged unlawful act, or if (c) the registered
owner furnished to law enforcement officers, upon request, the
identity of the person in actual physical control of the snowmobile
at the time of such violation. The provisions of this section do
not apply to any person who rents or leases a snowmobile if such
person keeps a record of the name and address of the person or
persons renting or leasing such snowmobile, the registration number
thereof, the departure date and time and expected time of return
thereof. Such record shall be preserved for at least six months and
shall be prima facie evidence that the person named therein was the
operator thereof at the time it was operated contrary to this
section. The provisions of this section do not prohibit or limit
the prosecution of a snowmobile operator for violating any
provisions of this section.
SECTION 6 RECREATIONAL MOTOR VEHICLES
6.1 Definition.
Recreational motor vehicle means any motor vehicle designed for,
used or capable of use for sport, amusement or recreation, whether
or not eligible to be licensed for use upon streets, and highways,
including, but not limited to motor bikes, motor scooters, trail
bikes, mini bikes, motorcycles, go-karts, hovercraft, snowmobiles
converted to use with wheels, all-terrain vehicles or dunebuggies,
but excluding motor vehicles designed for commercial, industrial or
agricultural use and snowmobiles propelled by tracks.
6.2 Operation of Recreational Motor Vehicles
It shall be unlawful to operate a recreational motor vehicle within
the City:
6.2(1) Upon private property without the written permission of the owner
or person entitled to possession thereof; subject, however, to the
following:
This restriction shall not apply to motor vehicles registered under
Minnesota Statutes, Chpater 168, when operated by a driver licensed
under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 171 upon private driveways,
roadways, lanes, ways or parking lots where the operation of
licensed motor vehicles is not expressly prohibited by posted
notice.
6.2(2) Upon any school grounds, public park, playground, recreational
area, golf course, or other public property.
6.2(3) Upon any public sidewalk, bikeway, walkway or boulevard.
6.2(4) Upon the right-of-way of any public street or highway unless:
6.2(4) a. The recreational motor vehicle is licensed under Minnesota
Statutes, Chapter 168, and
6.2(4) b. The operator is licensed under Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 171,
and
6.2(4) c. The vehicle is operated upon the improved portion of the right-
of-way.
6.3 Movement of Unlicensed Recreational Motor Vehicles
No unlicensed recreational motor vehicle may be moved along or
across a street or highway with a person seated thereon, whether or
not the engine is operating. Such vehicles may be moved along or
across a street or highway by pushing, and only when doing so
creates no hazard to moving vehicular traffic on the street or
highway.
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6.4 Recreational Vehicle Noise Limits
Recreational motor vehicles shall meet the noise limits established
for motorcycles by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 169.
SECTION 7. RECREATIONAL CAMPING VEHICLE PARKING
7.1 Definition.
The term "recreational camping vehicle" means any of the following:
7.1(1) Camping Trailer. Camping trailer means a folding structure,
mounted on wheels and designed for travel, recreation and vacation
uses.
7.1(2) Motor Home. Motor home means a motor vehicle designed,
constructed, or used to provide movable living quarters for
recreational use.
7.1(3) Pick-up Coach. Pick-up coach means a structure designed to be
mounted on a truck chassis for use as a temporary dwelling for
travel, recreation and vacation.
7.1(4) Travel Trailer. Travel trailer means a vehicular, portable
structure built on a chassis, designed to be used as a temporary
dwelling for travel, recreational, and vacation uses, permanently
identified "Travel Trailer" by the manufacturer of the trailer.
7.2 General Provisions
It shall be unlawful for any person to leave or park a recreational
camping vehicle on or within the limits of any street or right-of-
way for a continuous period in excess of twenty-four (24) hours
without the written permission of the Chief of Police.
SECTION 8. COORDINATION OF PROVISIONS
8.1 Where a provision of any other ordinance of the City conflicts with
the provisions of this Ordinance, the provisions of this Ordinance
shall prevail.
SECTION 9. PENALTY
9.1 Any person violating any provisions of this Ordinance may be guilty
of a misdemeanor and upon conviction may be punished by a fine of
not more than seven hundred dollars ($700.00) or imprisoned for not
more than ninety (90) days or both, plus the cost of prosecution in
any case.
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SECTION 10. EFFECT OF ORDINANCE
This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its
publication according to law.
Enacted and ordained by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights
this 5th day of November , 1985.
ATTEST:
Vathleen M. Swanson
City Clerk
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
By (;eot Robert G.
Lockwood
Mayor
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SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 219
CODIFIED AS ORDINANCE NO. 1101, AN ORDINANCE REGULATING
MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC IN THE CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS,
DAKOTA COUNTY, MINNESOTA, ADOPTED NOVEMBER 5, 1985
THE FOLLOWING IS A SUMMARY OF THE ABOVE REFERENCED ORDINANCE. A
PRINTED COPY OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
BY ANY PERSON DURING REGULAR OFFICE HOURS AT THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK.
The Ordinance contains numerous rules regulating traffic in the
City of Mendota Heights and the use of motor vehicles in the City.
It incorporates the laws enacted by the State of Minnesota regu-
lating highway traffic, and applies those laws to the use of
highway streets and alleys within the City of Mendota Heights.
The Ordinance includes provisions on parking vehicles in general,
leaving vehicles unattended, parking vehicles so as to block the
passage of other vehicles, prohibiting parking in certain areas
(such as, for example, on sidewalks, in front of driveways, in
intersections, in front of fire hydrants, and etc.) handicapped
parking rules, parking on private property, operating motor vehi-
cles within private and public parking lots (for example, the
Ordinance imposes a speed limit of 15 mph in all public and pri-
vate parking lots, requires careful driving, and prohibits drag
racing in parking lots), parking within marked parking slots,
allowing the City to post traffic control signs at any entrance to
or exit from a parking lot, and requires any driver who becomes
involved in a collision between his vehicle and a parked vehicle
to leave a notice with the unattended vehicle of his name, address
and license number. The Ordinance also gives the Police Depart-
ment the authority to remove any vehicle which is found by the
Police Department standing upon a street, roadway or highway in
violation of the Ordinance, and to remove any vehicle which con-
stitutes a nuisance or which is found upon the streets of the City
in a damaged condition or a state of disrepair. The Ordinance
also contains provisions for the impounding and storage of such
vehicles, and the recovery of such vehicles by the owner from the
City. The Ordinance imposes restrictions on operating and parking
vehicles on parkways, in parks or upon public ground, and upon
parking, storing, repairing, servicing or maintaining a "junk
car", which is defined to be a motor vehicle which is not licensed
or not operable or is partially dismantled for a period of thirty
(30) days or more, or which is used as a source of replacement
parts. The Ordinance also prohibits the parking of semi trailers
upon streets, City owned parking lots, or other public property,
and prohibits parking trucks of certain sizes in residential
districts of the City. The Ordinance also prohibits parking
vehicles on a public street for more than thirty (30) minutes
during the time between a snowfall of two inches or more and the
plowing or removal of the snow, and grants the City authority to
remove vehicles which violate said provision. The Ordinance also
prohibits repairing vehicles in the street, except in emergency
circumstances. The Ordinance further adopts certain provisions of
Minnesota State Law regulating snowmobiles within the City, and
generally requires registration of snowmobiles. The Ordinance
prohibits operation of snowmobiles on private property within the
City, except with the written permission of the landowner, and the
Ordinance only allows snowmobiles to be operated upon public
streets in an emergency during the period of time when snow upon
the highway renders automobile travel impracticable. The Ordi-
nance imposes additional restrictions on the operation of snowmo-
biles within the City (such as, for example, prohibiting operating
at an unreasonable rate of speed, in a careless, reckless or
negligent manner, while under the influence of intoxicating li-
t quors or drugs, without a headlight after sunset, and etc.). The
Ordinance also requires all snowmobiles to have standard mufflers,
head lights, tail lights, adequate brakes and a deadman throttle.
The Ordinance for the allows a fine of not more than $300 to be
imposed on any owner of a snowmobile if his or her snowmobile is
operated contrary to the provisions of the Ordinance. The Ordi-
nance also imposes restrictions on the operation of recreational
motor vehicles (which are defined to include but not be limited
motor bikes, motor scooters, trail bikes, mini bikes, go-carts,
hover craft, all-terrian vehicles, dune buggies, and snowmobiles
converted to use with wheels). Finally, the Ordinance prohibits
parking recreational camping vehicles (i.e. motor homes, camping
trailers, pickup coaches, and travel trailers) on any street
within the limits of the City for a continuous period in excess of
twenty-four (24) hours.
Finally, the Ordinance provides that any person who violates any
provision of the Ordinance may be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon
conviction may be punished by a fine of not more than seven hun-
dred dollars ($700.00) or imprisoned for not more than ninety (90)
days, or both, plus the cost of prosecution.
Adopted by the City Council of the City of Mendota Heights this
5th day of November, 1985.
CITY OF MENDOTA HEIGHTS
Kathleen M. Swanson
City Clerk