1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to natural resources; modernizing statutes related to the registration,
1.3 transfer, and operation of snowmobiles; amending Minnesota Statutes 2022,
1.4 sections 84.788, subdivision 5; 84.82, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision;
1.5 84.821, subdivision 2; 84.84; 84.86, subdivision 1; 84.87, subdivision 1; repealing
1.6 Minnesota Rules, parts 6100.5000, subparts 3, 4, 5; 6100.5700, subpart 4.
1.7BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.8 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.788, subdivision 5, is amended to read:
1.9 Subd. 5.Report of ownership transfers; fee.(a) Application for transfer of ownership
1.10of an off-highway motorcycle registered under this section must be made to the commissioner
1.11within 15 days of the date of transfer.
1.12 (b) An application for transfer must be executed by the registered current owner and the
1.13purchaser using a bill of sale that includes the vehicle serial number.
1.14 (c) The purchaser is subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.774 if the purchaser
1.15fails to apply for transfer of ownership as provided under this subdivision.
1.16 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.82, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
1.17 Subd. 2.Application, issuance, issuing fee.(a) Application for registration or
1.18reregistration shall be made to the commissioner or an authorized deputy registrar of motor
1.19vehicles in a format prescribed by the commissioner and shall state the legal name and
1.20address of every owner of the snowmobile.
1.21 (b) A person who purchases a snowmobile from a retail dealer shall make application
1.22for registration to the dealer at the point of sale. The dealer shall issue a dealer temporary
1Sec. 2.
REVISOR CKM/HL 23-0064112/12/22
State of Minnesota
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. F. No. 609
NINETY-THIRD SESSION
Authored by Hansen, R.,01/19/2023
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy 2.121-day registration permit to each purchaser who applies to the dealer for registration. The
2.2temporary permit must contain the dealer's identification number and phone number. Each
2.3retail dealer shall submit completed registration and fees to the deputy registrar at least once
2.4a week. No fee may be charged by a dealer to a purchaser for providing the temporary
2.5permit.
2.6 (c) Upon receipt of the application and the appropriate fee, the commissioner or deputy
2.7registrar shall issue to the applicant, or provide to the dealer, an assigned registration number
2.8or a commissioner or deputy registrar temporary 21-day permit. The registration number
2.9must be printed on a registration decal issued by the commissioner or a deputy registrar.
2.10Once issued, the registration number decal must be affixed to the snowmobile in a clearly
2.11visible and permanent manner for enforcement purposes as the commissioner of natural
2.12resources shall prescribe according to subdivision 3b. A dealer subject to paragraph (b)
2.13shall provide the registration materials or temporary permit to the purchaser within the
2.14temporary 21-day permit period. The registration is not valid unless signed by at least one
2.15owner.
2.16 (d) Each deputy registrar of motor vehicles acting pursuant to section 168.33 shall also
2.17be a deputy registrar of snowmobiles. The commissioner of natural resources in agreement
2.18with the commissioner of public safety may prescribe the accounting and procedural
2.19requirements necessary to ensure efficient handling of registrations and registration fees.
2.20Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with these accounting and procedural requirements.
2.21 (e) In addition to other fees prescribed by law, an issuing fee of $4.50 is charged for
2.22each snowmobile registration renewal, duplicate or replacement registration card, and
2.23replacement decal, and an issuing fee of $7 is charged for each snowmobile registration and
2.24registration transfer issued by:
2.25 (1) a registrar or a deputy registrar and must be deposited in the manner provided in
2.26section 168.33, subdivision 2; or
2.27 (2) the commissioner and must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the
2.28snowmobile trails and enforcement account in the natural resources fund.
2.29 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.82, is amended by adding a subdivision to
2.30read:
2.31 Subd. 3b.Display of registration decal.(a) A person must not operate a snowmobile
2.32in the state or allow another to operate the person's snowmobile in the state unless the
2Sec. 3.
REVISOR CKM/HL 23-0064112/12/22 3.1snowmobile has its unexpired registration decal affixed to each side of the snowmobile and
3.2the decals are legible.
3.3 (b) The registration decal must be affixed:
3.4 (1) for snowmobiles made after June 30, 1972, in the areas provided by the manufacturer
3.5under section 84.821, subdivision 2; and
3.6 (2) for all other snowmobiles, on each side of the cowling on the upper half of the
3.7snowmobile.
3.8 (c) When any previously affixed registration decal is destroyed or lost, a duplicate must
3.9be affixed in the same manner as provided in paragraph (b).
3.10 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.821, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
3.11 Subd. 2.Area for registration number.All snowmobiles made after June 30, 1972,
3.12and sold in Minnesota, shall be designed and made to provide an area on which to affix the
3.13registration number decal. This area shall be at a location and of dimensions prescribed by
3.14rule of the commissioner. A clear area must be provided on each side of the cowling with
3.15a minimum size of 3-1/2 square inches and at least 12 inches from the ground when the
3.16machine is resting on a hard surface.
3.17 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.84, is amended to read:
3.18 84.84 TRANSFER OR TERMINATION OF SNOWMOBILE OWNERSHIP.
3.19 (a) Within 15 days after the transfer of ownership, or any part thereof, other than a
3.20security interest, or the destruction or abandonment of any snowmobile, written notice of
3.21the transfer or destruction or abandonment shall be given to the commissioner in such form
3.22as the commissioner shall prescribe.
3.23 (b) An application for transfer must be executed by the registered current owner and the
3.24purchaser using a bill of sale that includes the vehicle serial number.
3.25 (c) The purchaser is subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.88 if the purchaser
3.26fails to apply for transfer of ownership as provided under this subdivision. Every owner or
3.27part owner of a snowmobile shall, upon failure to give notice of destruction or abandonment,
3.28be subject to the penalties imposed by section 84.88.
3Sec. 5.
REVISOR CKM/HL 23-0064112/12/22 4.1 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.86, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
4.2 Subdivision 1.Required rules, fees, and reports.(a) With a view of achieving maximum
4.3use of snowmobiles consistent with protection of the environment the commissioner of
4.4natural resources shall adopt rules in the manner provided by chapter 14, for the following
4.5purposes:
4.6 (1) registration of snowmobiles and display of registration numbers.;
4.7 (2) use of snowmobiles insofar as game and fish resources are affected.;
4.8 (3) use of snowmobiles on public lands and waters, or on grant-in-aid trails.;
4.9 (4) uniform signs to be used by the state, counties, and cities, which are necessary or
4.10desirable to control, direct, or regulate the operation and use of snowmobiles.;
4.11 (5) specifications relating to snowmobile mufflers.; and
4.12 (6) a comprehensive snowmobile information and safety education and training program,
4.13including that includes but is not limited to the preparation and dissemination of preparing
4.14and disseminating snowmobile information and safety advice to the public, the training of
4.15snowmobile operators, and the issuance of issuing snowmobile safety certificates to
4.16snowmobile operators who successfully complete the snowmobile safety education and
4.17training course.
4.18 (b) For the purpose of administering such the program under paragraph (a), clause (6),
4.19and to defray expenses of training and certifying snowmobile operators, the commissioner
4.20shall collect a fee from each person who receives the youth or adult training. The
4.21commissioner shall collect a fee, to include a $1 issuing fee for licensing agents, for issuing
4.22a duplicate snowmobile safety certificate. The commissioner shall establish both fees in a
4.23manner that neither significantly overrecovers nor underrecovers costs, including overhead
4.24costs, involved in providing the services. The fees are not subject to the rulemaking provisions
4.25of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply. The fees may be established by the
4.26commissioner notwithstanding section 16A.1283. The fees, except for the issuing fee for
4.27licensing agents under this subdivision, shall be deposited in the snowmobile trails and
4.28enforcement account in the natural resources fund and the amount thereof, except for the
4.29electronic licensing system commission established by the commissioner under section
4.3084.027, subdivision 15, and issuing fees collected by the commissioner, is appropriated
4.31annually to the Enforcement Division of the Department of Natural Resources for the
4.32administration of such administering the programs. In addition to the fee established by the
4.33commissioner, instructors may charge each person any fee paid by the instructor for the
4Sec. 6.
REVISOR CKM/HL 23-0064112/12/22 5.1person's online training course and up to the established fee amount for class materials and
5.2expenses. The commissioner shall cooperate with private organizations and associations,
5.3private and public corporations, and local governmental units in furtherance of the program
5.4established under this paragraph (a), clause (6). School districts may cooperate with the
5.5commissioner and volunteer instructors to provide space for the classroom portion of the
5.6training. The commissioner shall consult with the commissioner of public safety in regard
5.7to training program subject matter and performance testing that leads to the certification of
5.8snowmobile operators.
5.9 (7) (c) The operator of any snowmobile involved in an accident resulting in injury
5.10requiring medical attention or hospitalization to or death of any person or total damage to
5.11an extent of $500 or more, shall forward a written report of the accident to the commissioner
5.12on such a form as prescribed by the commissioner shall prescribe. If the operator is killed
5.13or is unable to file a report due to incapacitation, any peace officer investigating the accident
5.14shall file the accident report within ten business days.
5.15 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2022, section 84.87, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
5.16 Subdivision 1.Operation on streets and highways.(a) No person shall operate a
5.17snowmobile upon the roadway, shoulder, or inside bank or slope of any trunk, county
5.18state-aid, or county highway in this state and, in the case of a divided trunk or county
5.19highway, on the right-of-way between the opposing lanes of traffic, except as provided in
5.20sections 84.81 to 84.90. No person shall operate a snowmobile within the right-of-way of
5.21any trunk, county state-aid, or county highway between the hours of one-half hour after
5.22sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, except on the right-hand side of such right-of-way
5.23and in the same direction as the highway traffic on the nearest lane of the roadway adjacent
5.24thereto. No snowmobile shall be operated at any time within the right-of-way of any interstate
5.25highway or freeway within this state.
5.26 (b) Notwithstanding any provision of paragraph (a) to the contrary:
5.27 (1) under conditions prescribed by the commissioner of transportation, the commissioner
5.28of transportation may allow two-way operation of snowmobiles on either side of the trunk
5.29highway right-of-way where the commissioner of transportation determines that two-way
5.30operation will not endanger users of the trunk highway or riders of the snowmobiles using
5.31the trail;
5.32 (2) under conditions prescribed by a local road authority as defined in section 160.02,
5.33subdivision 25, the road authority may allow two-way operation of snowmobiles on either
5.34side of the right-of-way of a street or highway under the road authority's jurisdiction, where
5Sec. 7.
REVISOR CKM/HL 23-0064112/12/22 6.1the road authority determines that two-way operation will not endanger users of the street
6.2or highway or riders of the snowmobiles using the trail;
6.3 (3) the commissioner of transportation under clause (1) and the local road authority
6.4under clause (2) shall notify the commissioner of natural resources and the local law
6.5enforcement agencies responsible for the streets or highways of the locations of two-way
6.6snowmobile trails authorized under this paragraph; and
6.7 (4) two-way snowmobile trails authorized under this paragraph shall be posted for
6.8two-way operation at the authorized locations.
6.9 (c) A snowmobile may make a direct crossing of a street or highway at any hour of the
6.10day provided:
6.11 (1) the crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the
6.12highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing;
6.13 (2) the snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main
6.14traveled way of the highway;
6.15 (3) the driver yields the right-of-way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an
6.16immediate hazard;
6.17 (4) in crossing a divided highway, the crossing is made only at an intersection of such
6.18highway with another public street or highway or at a safe location approved by the road
6.19authority;
6.20 (5) if the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half
6.21hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights
6.22are on; and
6.23 (6) a snowmobile may be operated upon a bridge, other than a bridge that is part of the
6.24main traveled lanes of an interstate highway, when required for the purpose of avoiding
6.25obstructions to travel when no other method of avoidance is possible; provided the
6.26snowmobile is operated in the extreme right-hand lane, the entrance to the roadway is made
6.27within 100 feet of the bridge and the crossing is made without undue delay.
6.28 (d) No snowmobile shall be operated upon a public street or highway unless it is equipped
6.29with at least one headlamp, one tail lamp, each of minimum candlepower as prescribed by
6.30rules of the commissioner, reflector material of a minimum area of 16 square inches mounted
6.31on each side forward of the handle bars, and with brakes each of which shall conform to
6.32standards prescribed by rule of the commissioner pursuant to the authority vested in the
6Sec. 7.
REVISOR CKM/HL 23-0064112/12/22 7.1commissioner by section 84.86, and each of which shall be subject to approval of the
7.2commissioner of public safety.
7.3 (e) A snowmobile may be operated upon a public street or highway other than as provided
7.4by paragraph (c) in an emergency during the period of time when and at locations where
7.5snow upon the roadway renders travel by automobile impractical.
7.6 (f) All provisions of chapters 169 and 169A shall apply to the operation of snowmobiles
7.7upon streets and highways, except for those relating to required equipment, and except those
7.8which by their nature have no application. Section 169.09 applies to the operation of
7.9snowmobiles anywhere in the state or on the ice of any boundary water of the state.
7.10 (g) Any sled, trailer, or other device being towed by a snowmobile must be equipped
7.11with reflective materials as required by rule of the commissioner.
7.12 Sec. 8. REGISTRATION DECAL FORMAT TRANSITION.
7.13 Separately displaying registration numbers is not required when a larger-format
7.14registration decal as provided under Minnesota Statutes, section 84.82, subdivision 2, is
7.15displayed according to Minnesota Statutes, section 84.82, subdivision 3b. Snowmobiles
7.16displaying valid but older, smaller-format registration decals must display the separate
7.17registration numbers. Persons may obtain duplicate registration decals in the new, larger
7.18format, when available, without being required to display the separate registration numbers.
7.19 Sec. 9. REPEALER.
7.20 Minnesota Rules, parts 6100.5000, subparts 3, 4, and 5; and 6100.5700, subpart 4, are
7.21repealed.
7Sec. 9.
REVISOR CKM/HL 23-0064112/12/22 6100.5000SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION AND DISPLAY OF NUMBERS.
Subp. 3.Affixation of number.The registration number of the snowmobile, shown
on the registration certificate, shall be affixed to the snowmobile and maintained in a clear,
legible manner. On all machines made after June 30, 1972, and sold in Minnesota, such
registration number shall be affixed in the space provided therefor in accordance with part
6100.5700, subpart 4. On all other machines it shall be affixed on each side of the cowling
on the upper half of the machine, as follows.
[ Image Not Shown ]
Subp. 4.Description of decal or number; lost or destroyed number or decal.All
letters and numbers shall be of a color which will contrast with the surface to which applied,
and shall be at least three inches high and three-eighths inch stroke. When any previously
affixed registration number or decal is destroyed or lost, a duplicate shall be affixed in the
manner shown above. The registration number shall remain the same if renewed by July 1
following the expiration date.
Subp. 5.General prohibition.No person shall operate or transport, and no person
shall permit the operation of, a snowmobile within this state which does not have its
registration number and unexpired decal affixed in the form and manner required by this
part, unless the owner is exempted from the registration requirements of this state by
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.82.
6100.5700REQUIRED EQUIPMENT.
Subp. 4.Snowmobile registration number affixation.All snowmobiles made after
June 30, 1972, and sold in Minnesota, shall be designed and made to provide an area on
which to affix the snowmobile registration number at the following location and of the
following dimensions:
A.A clear area shall be provided on each side of the cowling or pan with the
minimum size of 3-1/2 inches vertical by 11 inches horizontal.
B.It shall be a minimum of 12 inches from the ground when the machine is resting
on a hard surface.
1R
APPENDIX
Repealed Minnesota Rules: 23-00641