SF 3195

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; modifying requirements for youth operation
of all-terrain vehicles; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.9256,
subdivision 1.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 84.9256, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Prohibitions on youthful operators.

(a) Except for operation on
public road rights-of-way that is permitted under section 84.928, a driver's license issued
by the state or another state is required to operate an all-terrain vehicle along or on a
public road right-of-way.

(b) A person under 12 years of age shall not:

(1) make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way;

(2) operate an all-terrain vehicle on a public road right-of-way in the state; or

(3) operate an all-terrain vehicle on public lands or waters, except as provided in
paragraph (f).

(c) Except for public road rights-of-way of interstate highways, a person 12 years
of age but less than 16 years may make a direct crossing of a public road right-of-way
of a trunk, county state-aid, or county highway or operate on public lands and waters new text begin or
state or grant-in-aid trails new text end , only if that person possesses a valid all-terrain vehicle safety
certificate issued by the commissioner and is accompanied on another all-terrain vehicle
by a person 18 years of age or older who holds a valid driver's license.

(d) To be issued an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate, a person at least 12 years
old, but less than 16 years old, must:

(1) successfully complete the safety education and training program under section
84.925, subdivision 1, including a riding component; and

(2) be able to properly reach and control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs
while sitting upright on the seat of the all-terrain vehicle.

(e) A person at least 11 years of age may take the safety education and training
program and may receive an all-terrain vehicle safety certificate under paragraph (d), but
the certificate is not valid until the person reaches age 12.

(f) A person at least ten years of age but under 12 years of age may operate an
all-terrain vehicle with an engine capacity up to 90cc on public lands or waters if
accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

(g) A person under 15 years of age shall not operate a class 2 all-terrain vehicle.

new text begin (h) A person under the age of 16 may not operate an all-terrain vehicle on public
lands or waters or on state or grant-in-aid trails if the person cannot properly reach and
control the handle bars and reach the foot pegs while sitting upright on the seat of the
all-terrain vehicle.
new text end