(Roseville,
Minn.) - Due to recent snowfall, the Minnesota Department
of Transportation (Mn/DOT) reminds snowmobilers of safety
laws, rules and regulations regarding snowmobile travel
along state and county highways.
Snowmobilers
are advised to use common sense and behave courteously while
snowmobiling. In general, snowmobile drivers are advised
to not exceed a maximum speed limit of 50 miles per hour
or the roadway's posted speed limit, whichever is lower.
In addition, snowmobiles cannot be operated upon the driving
surface, shoulder, or inside slope of the ditch on any state
or county roadway. Snowmobilers may use the outside slope
(back slope) farthest from the roadway. Signs and drainage
structures on the highway shoulders and in the ditch bottoms
present hazards to snowmobilers that may not be visible
under the snow.
Areas
with tree seedlings, wildflower or shrub plantings, or areas
recently landscaped or sodded/seeded due to recent road
construction projects or beautification efforts should be
avoided.
- No snowmobile can be operated at any time, within the
right-of-way or median area of any interstate highway.
- Snowmobile travel is not allowed in the median (center
right of way area) of any four-lane divided highway. Snowmobilers
are strongly advised to keep safety their top priority,
especially when in the vicinity of state highways. Local
ordinances may be more restrictive then state ordinances
and snowmobilers are always advised to be aware of ordinances
enforced in the areas in which they travel.
-
Snowmobilers may cross a roadway when it is done at a 90-degree
angle; the snowmobile is brought to a complete stop before
crossing; and yields the right of way to all oncoming traffic.
In the case of a divided highway, crossing is permitted
at an intersection with another public road or at a constructed
crossover area within the highway itself. Snowmobilers should
slow down and use extreme caution when crossing over driveway
entrances.
- Headlights and taillights must be on during hours of darkness.
Between one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before
sunrise, no person shall operate a snowmobile within the
right-of-way of a highway except on the right-hand side,
and in the same direction as the traffic on the nearest
driving lane of the roadway. This regulation does not apply
during daylight hours.
Too
Fast. Too Close. Too Late.
See
ORANGE.
