Section 1 strikes the requirement that the Commissioner of Natural Resources prescribe seasons for off-highway vehicle use on state forest lands.

Section 2 provides an option of dual registration for an off-highway motorcycle.  It may be registered with both the Departments of Natural Resources and Public Safety as a motorcycle.  A dual-registered off-highway motorcycle must be equipped as required by Minnesota Statutes, chapter 169 for a motorcycle, including mirrors, headlight, taillight, and horn.  An applicant for registration of an off-highway motorcycle as a motorcycle must provide an inspection form completed by a police officer.

Section 3 modifies the definition of “all-terrain vehicle” and “vehicle” in the natural resources chapter, and exempts certain vehicles from the definition, including golf carts, mini trucks, dune buggies, and others.

Section 4 adds to the definition of “class 1 all-terrain vehicle” in the natural resources chapter, the requirement of a manufacturer’s published width of no more than 50 inches and a straddled seat.

Section 5 modifies the definition of “class 2 all-terrain vehicle” in the natural resources chapter to add the requirement of a manufacturer’s published width of no more than 68 inches.

Section 6 clarifies passenger limitations on all-terrain vehicles and adds authorization for a person aged 12 to 17 to operate a class 1 all-terrain vehicle carrying only one passenger, and the passenger must be the operator’s parent or legal guardian.

Section 7 defines “motor vehicle” in the vehicle registration chapter to include an off-highway motorcycle modified to meet chapter 169 vehicle requirements.

Section 8 makes a technical change, deleting references to vehicle registration in the statute governing applications for certificates of title.

Section 9 amends the section of law concerning local authorities allowing operation of certain vehicles on local roads by permit.  The section is made applicable to any all-terrain vehicle, not only a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle.  The definition of “all-terrain vehicle” is stricken, and the definition in the Department of Natural Resources chapter is cross-referenced (section 3 of this bill).

Section 10 extends the validity of a local permit to operate certain vehicles on local roads from one to three years and makes the section applicable to any all-terrain vehicle, not only a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle.

Section 11 modifies the prohibition against operation of motorized golf-carts and all-terrain vehicles after sunset, to exempt properly equipped vehicles.  The section allows the local road authority to allow operation in inclement weather in emergency situations.

Section 12 makes a provision concerning special vehicles crossing intersecting highways applicable to any all-terrain vehicle, not only a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle.

Section 13 makes a provision concerning application of traffic laws to operation of certain vehicles applicable to any all-terrain vehicle, not only a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle.

Section 14 provides that driver’s licensing laws do not apply to permitted drivers of any all-terrain vehicle, not only a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle.

Section 15 modifies a liability insurance provision to apply to any all-terrain vehicle, not only a four-wheel all-terrain vehicle.

BB/KB:rer