Chapter 11.68
SNOWMOBILES
Sections:
11.68.020 Registration required.
11.68.040 Snowmobile operation restricted.
11.68.050 Designated right-of-way.
11.68.060 Penalty for violation.
11.68.010 Defined.
“Snow vehicle” and “snowmobile” shall be used interchangeably and mean a vehicle propelled by mechanical power, supported in part by skis, belts, or cleats, and primarily designed to travel over ice or snow. [Ord. 621 § 5, 1996; Ord. 352 § 5, 1975; prior code § 63.75.010.]
11.68.020 Registration required.
All snow machines and operators must comply with state and borough registration. Borough registration is required and will be valid for three years or until change of ownership. Registration fee will be $5.00 to cover cost of the decals. The registered owner is responsible for the following provisions:
A. Must obtain the registration decals provided by the City and Borough of Wrangell that are of a light reflective material and large enough to be seen at a distance of at least 100 feet.
B. Numbered decals must be affixed on both sides of the cowling of the machine, or to a reflective flag prior to use. [Ord. 910 § 26, 2015; Ord. 621 § 6, 1996; Ord. 352 § 5, 1976; prior code § 63.75.020.]
11.68.030 Required equipment.
A. The borough adopts and incorporates into its traffic code the following snow vehicle basic equipment requirements:
1. Brakes adequate to control the movement of and to stop and hold the vehicle under normal conditions of operation;
2. At least one headlamp so aimed and of sufficient intensity to reveal persons and objects at a distance of at least 100 feet ahead during hours of darkness under normal atmospheric conditions;
3. A working taillight and brake light;
4. A throttle which, when released by the hand, will return the engine speed to idle;
5. An exhaust muffler in good working order.
B. Additional requirements may be adopted in the rules and regulations. [Ord. 910 § 26, 2015; Ord. 352 § 5, 1976; prior code § 63.75.030.]
11.68.040 Snowmobile operation restricted.
In addition to restricted areas of operation which may be prescribed from time to time by the state pertaining to snowmobile usage:
A. Snow machines shall not be operated:
1. Anywhere in the borough without adequate snow cover;
2. In a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the safety of any person or property of any other person;
3. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor, narcotics or drugs;
4. To intentionally drive, chase, run over or kill any animal;
5. Within 100 feet of any school or hospital, unless traveling directly to or from it;
6. On or within 100 feet of any skating area or ice rink;
7. On the outdoor shooting range, borough playground, Volunteer Park ball fields, or Little League ball fields;
8. Within 75 feet of designated sledding areas. “Designated sledding area” is the entire south end of the multi-purpose field/running track. Snow machines shall not be operated 75 feet from top of the slope or 75 feet from bottom of the slope. Access for snow machines to the nondesignated sledding area of the multi-purpose field/running track is provided on Second Street and Sales Street.
B. Snow machines may be operated upon the streets and alleys of the borough, except areas from, and including, Front Street to the waterfront (Zimovia Straits), and if so operated:
1. Are limited to traveling from one place to another on the most reasonable direct route possible and no person shall use the streets for recreational purposes;
2. Shall be driven on the extreme right, in single file, and in accordance with all motor vehicle regulations;
3. Shall not pass any other moving vehicle while going in the same direction upon borough streets;
4. Shall yield right-of-way to all other motor vehicles. [Ord. 910 § 26, 2015; Ord. 621 § 7, 1996; Ord. 352 § 5, 1976; prior code § 63.75.040.]
11.68.050 Designated right-of-way.
A. Unless prohibited by the state or WMC 11.68.040, the operation of snowmobiles on borough rights-of-way shall be restricted to those rights-of-way designated by the borough assembly from time to time by resolution.
B. The operation of snowmobiles on certain streets and rights-of-way within the borough shall be regulated by the adoption of resolutions. [Ord. 352 § 5, 1976; prior code §§ 63.75.050, 63.75.060.]
11.68.060 Penalty for violation.
Any person violating any provision of this chapter is guilty of an infraction and shall be punished by the fine established in the WMC 1.20.050 fine schedule if the offense is listed in that fine schedule or by a fine of up to $500.00 if the offense is not listed in the WMC 1.20.050 fine schedule. [Ord. 910 § 27, 2015.]