Ask a Trooper

By Andy Schmidt | The Daily Journal

Published Saturday, July 5, 2008

Question: I read your article about golf carts and roadways. How about side-by-side four-wheelers? A salesman at WXYZ Sports in ABCD, Minn., said we could drive it in town with proper turn signals, registration and insurance. True or False?

Answer: We will take a longer look into this area and feel free to take it to the dealer. I hope you do not mind that I left out the names of the dealer and town.

This is covered by statute 169.045 and I will not quote the entire statute here. Subdivision 1 states "The governing body of any county, home rule charter or statutory city, or town may by ordinance authorize the operation of motorized golf carts, or four-wheel all-terrain vehicles, on designated roadways or portions thereof under its jurisdiction.

“Authorization to operate a motorized golf cart or four-wheel all-terrain vehicle is by permit only.

“For purposes of this section, a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle is a motorized flotation-tired vehicle with four low-pressure tires that is limited in engine displacement of less than 800 cubic centimeters and total dry weight less than 600 pounds."

According to subdivision 2, insurance is required and "Permits may be granted for a period of not to exceed one year, and may be annually re-newed.

“A permit may be revoked at any time if there is evidence that the permittee cannot safely operate the motorized golf cart or four-wheel all-terrain vehicle on the designated roadways.

“The ordinance may require, as a condition to obtaining a permit, that the applicant submit a certificate signed by a physician that the applicant is able to safely operate a motorized golf cart or four-wheel all-terrain vehicle on the roadways designated."

Subdivision 3 states "Motorized golf carts and four-wheel all-terrain vehicles may only be operated on designated roadways from sunrise to sunset. They shall not be operated in inclement weather or when visibility is impaired by weather, smoke, fog or other conditions, or at any time when there is insufficient light to clearly see persons and vehicles on the roadway at a distance of 500 feet."

Subdivision 4 requires the use of the slow moving emblem while subdivision 5 allows the operator to cross streets that intersect with the designated street.

Subdivision 6 states "Every person operating a motorized golf cart or four-wheel all-terrain vehicle under permit on designated roadways has all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under the provisions of this chapter, except when those provisions cannot reasonably be applied to motorized golf carts or four-wheel all-terrain vehicles and except as otherwise specifically provided in subdivision 7."

Subdivision 7 states that the laws pertaining to drivers licenses "are not applicable to persons operating motorized golf carts or four-wheel all-terrain vehicles under permit on designated roadways pursuant to this section. Except for the requirements of section 169.70, the provisions of this chapter relating to equipment on vehicles is not applicable to motorized golf carts or four-wheel all-terrain vehicles operating, under permit, on designated roadways."

Statute 169.70 requires a rear view mirror be on the golf cart or four-wheel ATV.

OK now for the short version translation from Trooper Andy. The engine size of your four-wheel ATV must be less than 800 cc and the weight must be less than 600 pounds.

Check your owner's manual but I believe you will notice the side by side (larger) ATV's are over 600 lbs. The vehicles must be insured but I do not see where it says they need signal lights, however make sure you have a rear view mirror.

I do not see any requirement for a driver's license in this law.

As for registration of ATV's statute 84.922 sb 1 states "Unless exempted in subdivision 1a, a person may not operate and an owner may not give permission for another to operate an all-terrain vehicle within the state unless the vehicle has been registered with the commissioner of natural resources, or is exempt from registration.

Subd. 1a. Exemptions. All-terrain vehicles exempt from registration are:

(1) vehicles owned and used by the United States, the state, another state, or a political subdivision;

(2) vehicles registered in another state or country that have not been in this state for more than 30 consecutive days;

(3) vehicles used exclusively in organized track racing events; and

(4) vehicles that are 25 years old or older and were originally produced as a separate identifiable make by a manufacturer."

Here are some simple tasks to help you avoid being in a crash: turn on your lights; drive sober; stop talking on the cell phone; slow down; and because not every driver out there is as careful as you, buckle up.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws in Minnesota send your questions to Trp. Andy Schmidt, Minnesota State Patrol at 1000 Highway 10 West, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501-2205. Or reach me at, andrew.schmidt@state.mn.us.