In response to recent complaints, the Crookston Police Department would like to remind the citizens and visitors operating snowmobiles in Crookston to abide by the laws of the State, the City ordinances, to be safe, and be respectful of others property.
The main points of operating a snowmobile in Crookston that tend to generate the most complaints include excessive speed, operating on private property, especially the yards of homeowners, causing damage to other’s property and not abiding by all the traffic rules, especially at intersections.
The following is taken, in part, from the Crookston City Code. Please see this chapter for the full details of operating recreational vehicles, including snowmobiles.
71.17 Additional Operating Regulations for Snowmobiles
71.17.A It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile upon the roadway, shoulder or inside bank or slope of any State of County Highway within the City limits of Crookston. Operation in the ditch or on the outside bank within the right-of-way of any State or County Highway within the City of Crookston except interstate highways or freeways is permitted in conformance with State law unless the roadway directly abuts a public sidewalk or walkway or property used for private purposes. It is unlawful for any person to operate a snowmobile on the roadway of any local street except for travel directly to and from the City limits, a gas station and the place where it is principally garaged/stored and then only on the right-hand side of such street or highway and in the same direction as the local traffic on the nearest lane of the roadway adjacent thereto. Operation must be in conformance to all applicable state and local traffic laws.
71.17.B A snowmobile may make a direct crossing of a street or highway except for an interstate highway or freeway, provided:
1. The crossing is made at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the direction of the street or highway and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing.
2. The snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before crossing the shoulder or main traveled way of the highway.
3. The driver yields the right of way to all oncoming traffic which constitutes an immediate hazard.
4. In crossing a divided street or highway, the crossing is made only at an intersection of such street or highway with another public street or highway.
5. If the crossing is made between the hours of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise or in conditions of reduced visibility, only if both front and rear lights are on.
