Chapter 10.12
SNOWMOBILES
Sections:
10.12.020 Unlawful operations.
10.12.040 Authorized operations--Road rules.
10.12.010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated in this section, unless the context clearly requires that another meaning be intended:
A. "Operator" means every person who operates or is in actual physical control of the operation of a snowmobile.
B. "Owner" means every person defined in this chapter, other than a lienholder or other person having a security interest only, holding record of title to a snowmobile, and entitled to the use or possession thereof.
C. "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, corporation and any other body or group of persons, whether incorporated or not, and regardless of the degree of formal organization.
D. "Roadway" means only those portions of the town streets and alleys designated, or ordinarily used for travel or parking of motor vehicles. It is intended that the definition of roadway be in accordance with MCA Section 23-2-601, 1979, which authorizes a municipality to enact an ordinance allowing the operation of snowmobiles upon the streets of a municipality.
E. "Snowmobile" means any self-propelled, track-driven, vehicle designed primarily for travel on snow or ice or natural terrain, which may be steered by wheels, skis, or runners, and which is not otherwise registered or licensed under the laws of the state. (Ord. 62 §1, 1973)
10.12.020 Unlawful operations.
It is a violation of this chapter for any person to do any act forbidden or fail to perform any act required in this chapter. It is unlawful for any person to drive or operate any snowmobile in any one or more of the following manners:
A. At a rate of speed greater than provided by law for motor vehicles;
B. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics or habit forming drugs;
C. In a careless or reckless manner so as to endanger the person or property of another, or to cause injury or damage to either;
D. Without a lighted head and tail light which shall be lighted at all times during such operation;
E. Without a suitable braking device which may be operated by either hand or foot;
F. Operating a snowmobile, or permitting such operation, by any person who by reason of physical or mental disability is incapable of operating the snowmobile as required for safety under the prevailing circumstances;
G. Operate a snowmobile upon the streets of the town as authorized by this chapter without a license to drive a motor vehicle, in his possession, as required by the laws of the state;
H. Except as provided in this section, every snowmobile must be equipped at all times with noise-suppression devices, including an exhaust muffler in good working order and in constant operation. A snowmobile may not be modified by any person in any manner that will amplify or otherwise increase total noise emissions to a level greater than that emitted by the snowmobile as originally constructed, regardless of date of manufacture.
1. Every person who operates a snowmobile in the town manufactured after June 30, 1972, but prior to June 30, 1975, shall maintain the machine in such a manner that it will not exceed a sound level limitation of eighty-two dbA measured at fifty feet.
2. A snowmobile manufactured after June 30, 1975, except snowmobiles designated for competition purposes only, may not be sold or offered for sale unless that ma chine has been certified by the manufacturer as being able to conform to a sound level limitation of not more than seventy-eight dbA measured at fifty feet. Every person who operates a snowmobile in the town manufactured after June 30, 1975, shall maintain the machine in such a manner that it will not exceed a sound level limitation of seventy-eight dbA measured at fifty feet.
3. This section does not apply to organized races or similar competitive events held on:
a. Private lands or waters with the permission of the owner, lessee or custodian of the land or waters; or
b. Public lands or waters with the consent of the public agency having the authority to grant consent.
I. The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 186, 1996; Ord. 62 §2, 1973)
10.12.030 Registration.
The owner of a snowmobile shall register such vehicle in accordance with the applicable laws of the state, and shall further comply with all provisions of the state laws concerning snowmobiles. (Ord. 62 §3, 1973)
10.12.040 Authorized operations--Road rules.
A. Operation of snowmobiles is authorized upon the the roadways of the town. Every person operating a snowmobile upon a roadway shall ride as near to the right hand side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction. Persons riding snowmobiles upon a roadway shall not ride more than single file.
B. A snowmobile may make a direct crossing of a street or highway, where such crossing is necessary to get to another authorized area of operation. Such crossings shall be made at an angle of approximately ninety degrees to the direction of the highway, at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing. The snowmobile shall make a complete stop before entering upon any part of the highway or road, and the operator shall yield the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic.
C. A full stop at any and all stop signs will be made by the operator of snowmobiles.
D. The operator of a snowmobile emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on the sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the roadway.
E. Snowmobiles will not be operated on private property without the permission of the owner, and at no time shall they be operated on sidewalks or posted areas.
F. No person riding upon any snowmobile shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon the street or roadway.
G. No person shall park a snowmobile upon a street other than upon the roadway against the curb or upon the sidewalk in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic. (Ord. 66, 1974; Ord. 62 §4, 1973)